Have questions about this report? Ask the author(s).
Principal Research Economist, L. William Seidman Research Institute
Director, Office of the University Economist; Director, Center for Competitiveness and Prosperity Research; Professor of Economics
Summarizes the three ways that universities contribute to the local economy: as an economic base industry, as an institution of higher education, and as a research institution. Higher incomes of individuals and the community as a whole, higher-quality jobs, enhanced economic development, and improvements in prosperity and quality of life are all associated with the presence of universities in the community.
Principal Research Economist, L. William Seidman Research Institute
After completing his undergraduate degree in economics at Wake Forest University, Kent received his Ph.D. in economics from Rice University in 1979. He was an assistant professor at ASU from 1978 to 1983. After leaving the university for seven years, during which he worked in the research department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, he returned to ASU to teach in 1991. He joined ASU’s L. William Seidman Research Institute in 1999.
Director, Office of the University Economist; Director, Center for Competitiveness and Prosperity Research; Professor of Economics
Dennis received a B.A. in economics and mathematics from Grand Valley State University, a M.S. in economics from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in economics from Michigan State University in 1978. He has served on the faculty of the Department of Economics at ASU since 1979, as director of ASU’s L. William Seidman Research Institute (2004-24), and as the director of the Office of the University Economist since 2005.
Related reports
The Impact of ASU Graduates Employed in Arizona in 2023
An update to the November 2023 paper that presented data through 2022, estimates are presented of the number of ASU graduates working in Arizona, as well as their average wage, aggregate wages, and tax payments. Estimates are made for each year from 2012 through 2023.
Government Finance in Arizona, with a Focus on Education
Examines Arizona state government finance over time; compares Arizona to the nation and to other states on combined state and local government finance. Investigates public education finance and educational outcomes. Considers public-sector needs and suggests ways to boost revenue.
The Economic Impact of Arizona State University, Fiscal Year 2024
Assesses the total (direct, indirect and induced) contribution of Arizona State University and its employees, students, and visitors in fiscal year 2024 on the state economy as follows: gross product of $6.1 billion, labor income of $3.8 billion, and employment of 55,688.