Skip to content
View All News & Stories

From Investment to Opportunity: What New Data Shows About Say Yes Syracuse

For more than a decade, Say Yes Syracuse has been helping local students take the next step after high school. New data shows just how much that support is paying off – not just for students, but for families and the entire community.

Since 2009, Say Yes Syracuse has helped make college more accessible by providing $15.7 million in scholarships and connecting students to an additional $207.7 million in external financial aid. That’s a significant investment in Syracuse’s future, and it’s making a real difference.

What This Means for Students

For many students, Say Yes is the bridge to college that might not have otherwise been possible. On average, students receive about $4,055 in scholarship support, helping reduce financial barriers and open doors to higher education.

And those doors lead to real economic impact.

A person with a bachelor’s degree earns about $66,600 a year, compared to Syracuse’s median per capita income of $28,393. That’s a 135% increase over the income level many students grow up with.

Even smaller steps in education make a difference. According to the US Census,:

  • Those without a diploma earn about $35,500
  • High school graduates earn about $41,800
  • Associate’s degree holders earn around $49,500

In other words, education matters—and access matters just as much.

What this Means for Syracuse

When students succeed, Syracuse benefits.

Higher earnings mean more stability for families, more spending in local businesses, and a stronger local economy overall. The difference is substantial: earning a bachelor’s degree can mean about $27,950 more per year, along with a 72% increase in earnings compared to lower levels of education.

And when you look at the bigger picture, the impact is even clearer. For every dollar invested in Say Yes Syracuse, the community sees an estimated 16x return.

Looking Ahead

These numbers tell an important story. When we invest in students, we’re investing in Syracuse itself.

Say Yes Syracuse is helping more young people stay on track, complete their education, and build better futures. And in doing so, we’re helping create a stronger, more equitable community for everyone.