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Arizona State University

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Good place, low pay - Anonymous employee Arizona State University Employee Review

3.0
Sep 4, 2019
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Benefits are pretty good if you don't factor in the mandatory 11% you must contribute to the retirement system. With the right employees, the place is phenomenal to work at, but I suspect that's the case at most organizations...it's the people who make up 80% of the experience.

Cons

Generally speaking, you'll be underpaid compared to the private market. As a state institution, this isn't unexpected, but given how much money the school brings in, the HOW much less is pretty staggering. You also have to account for the 11% state retirement you have to participate in (or mandatory 401(k), which reduces your take home further. From my experience and everything I've heard from others who worked in the ASU system for a long time, you will NOT get merit raises. At best, you'll get COLA increases. If you want a raise, you'll need to move to another position within the university. For all its talk of sustainability, the university is pretty much against the concept of remote or telecommuting. While it's partly up to your manager, it's not something the university overall seems to endorse. You'll pay to park, perhaps a LOT depending on where you work and where you need/want to park. There are some less expensive lots available, but you'll be walking a considerable distance.

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5.0
Jun 30, 2026
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Pros

Good research environment and great teachers

Cons

Long hours working on research

2.0
Jun 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Competitive pay for some positions, some great colleagues.

Cons

The "culture" in some non academic departments is incredibly toxic. Employees often see others as competitors and some will try to throw others under the bus to avoid being in trouble from senior leaders. It is slow to get any work done if you need upper admin approval and often time work that you have created and completed is thrown away and never looked at again. Personalities of some administrators is very fake and friendly, when they will cut you with no regard or thoughts. The senior administrators of ASU act in a cult like manner and tightly control many goals, works, etc. You will most often have little to no freedom to accomplish the goals that you know would be best for your department because you spend an inordinate amount of time on projects deemed important to senior leaders, that have little to no impact but padding a report for someone in Fulton. Culture is extremely toxic in many areas, and senior leaders refuse to listen to those serving and trying to provide feedback. There is heavy turnover in many areas, while adminstrators turn a blind eye to it and chalk it up to "normal" turnover. Many mid level managers end up sick, stressed, seeking new employment, or taking FMLA to try to deal with the stress and trauma. You will have little opportunity for advancement unless you move departments regularly, or by hunkering down to be a lackey. Routinely expect last minute requirements and expectations, budget cuts without notice, and little to no professional development or support. Depending on the area you may also deal with difficult students/parents who are not held accountable for their actions.

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