Making a Difference
Midwestern University drives an economic, academic, and research engine that partners with the community, county, and state while fostering excellence and long-lasting alliances every step of the way.
As one of the most respected and dynamic healthcare universities in the country, Midwestern University is dedicated to making a difference in the future of healthcare and in the community in which the University resides. As always, enriching community partnerships and enhancing the relationships between corporate, legislative, and business partners is an integral piece of Midwestern’s long-held mission. Every day, Midwestern strives to be an important and meaningful component of the community.
Areas of Impact
Midwestern University’s Overall Economic Impact
Glendale and Maricopa County
Midwestern University is proud to partner with the City of Glendale as one of the region’s significant economic engines and as a leader in educating healthcare professionals. Recently, the University commissioned a comprehensive, independent analysis by Applied Economics, a specialized economics consulting firm, to determine its current and ongoing financial impact. The study revealed that Midwestern University has had a far-reaching effect on job creation, business development, personal income, tax revenues, and construction expenditures in the local economy. In addition to the University’s direct contribution of 711 full-time employees and $79.4 million in payroll, the spending impact of its students, employees, vendors, and campus visitors has provided a substantial boost to many businesses throughout the county, region, and state. Midwestern University’s economic impact will continue to have positive repercussions throughout many industry sectors.
$423.2 Million
Midwestern University had an economic impact of over $423.2 million on the Maricopa County economy in 2014.
2,000 Jobs-$85.7 Million in Payroll
Midwestern supported an estimated 2,000 jobs and $85.7 million in payroll at other local businesses supported by the university and clinics, their employees, students, and campus visitors.
$14.4 Million
Midwestern indirectly generated an estimated $14.4 million in state and local tax revenues.
$1 Million Generates $1.3 Million
For every $1 million of output or value of services provided by Midwestern University, an additional $1.3 million in economic activity is generated in Maricopa County.
$111.8 Million
The 3,146 students at Midwestern supported 1,000 jobs and created $38.9 million in personal income at local businesses in 2014. Total economic impact of $111.8 million.
Local Impact
Over $369 Million
Midwestern has invested over $369 million in Glendale since 1995 in the construction of 38 buildings on 156 acres for its Glendale Campus. Construction for current and planned projects over the next eight years will create an economic impact of $210.4 million in Maricopa County, supporting about 1,200 jobs and $70.1 million in personal income.
Affordable Local Healthcare
In addition to the 36,860-square-foot Multispecialty Clinic, the 100,000-square-foot Dental Institute, and the 33,300-square-foot Eye Institute, which offer affordable outpatient healthcare and comprehensive medical treatment options, a new 111,800-square-foot Companion Animal Clinic opened in 2014, which provides community veterinary care. Midwestern University Clinics serve over 23,000 patients annually
Vital Impressions
The service impact of a major university can be difficult to quantify because the real significance on the community is so great. At Midwestern University, improving the lives and health of others through service has always been a vital piece of the campus philosophy. Since its founding, Midwestern has made it a priority to help those in the community. “At Midwestern, service is not an elective course, but rather an integral part of the educational experience shared by students, faculty, and staff,” says Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and CEO of Midwestern University.
“Service to others is not considered secondary to our mission of educating outstanding healthcare professionals, but rather it is a key component of a student’s academic preparation.”
Midwestern sponsors countless community service projects throughout the year, including health fairs, a health lecture series, health awareness seminars in schools, medical care for the homeless, and physicals for high school athletes.
Despite their rigorous academic schedules, Midwestern students find time to donate thousands of hours to a wide range of service projects at agencies such as:
- American Diabetes Association
- American Red Cross
- Arizona Literacy and Learning Center
- Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
- Brain Injury Association of Arizona
- Desert Mission Food Bank
- Foundation for Blind Children
- Growth Improvement for Female Teens (GIFT)
- Habitat for Humanity of the West Valley
- HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center
- Maricopa Integrated Health Systems
- Ronald McDonald House
- St. Vincent de Paul
- UMOM New Day Centers
In addition, the following longstanding service projects reflect just some of the ways Midwestern students, faculty, and staff give back to the community every year:
Guatemala Mission: 50-100 volunteers; 4,000-6,000 served
American Diabetes Expo/Forum: 100 volunteers; 4,000-6,000 served
Team of Physicians for Students (TOPS) Physicals: 400 volunteers; 2,500-3,000 served
Cuts for Kids (donating hair for children with medical hair loss): 150 volunteers; $2,000 raised; 1,800 inches of hair donated
Super Sealant Saturday (free dental screenings, cleanings, and sealants for local kids): 100 volunteers, 200-300 children served
Since its founding in Illinois in 1900 and Arizona in 1995, Midwestern University has continued to thrive, expanding to meet the ever-changing needs of society. This enviable position has allowed Midwestern University to make a continuous impact in the healthcare professions. Consider Midwestern’s far-reaching influence in recent numbers:
- More than 15,600 admissions applications are received each year to fill just 1,120 student seats
- Over 290 full-time faculty actively teach, conduct research, and mentor their future colleagues
- Over 370 full-time professional staff are employed to support the academic mission of the University
- The University’s Glendale Campus boasts over 7,100 alumni who are working in leading hospitals, pharmacies, private practices, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and healthcare facilities throughout the nation
- Across both campuses, the university educates more than 6,000 students in 14 healthcare professions
- Our beautiful 156-acre campus in Glendale is located just 20 miles from downtown Phoenix
National Funding Supports Faculty Research and the Community at Large
Midwestern University faculty members conduct numerous research projects to help expand our scientific knowledge about health and medicine. These studies have earned financial support from agencies such as the Diabetes Research and Action Education Foundation, the Leakey Foundation, the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, American Physical Therapy Association, the American Optometric Foundation, and others. Midwestern University continues to fulfill its role in supporting faculty research efforts that benefit both the community at large and the future of healthcare.