Midwestern University Drives Economic Growth Across Illinois and Arizona with $1.2 Billion Impact

University operations, research, and healthcare services support thousands of jobs and businesses in DuPage and Maricopa Counties

  • AZ - Glendale
  • IL - Downers Grove
The Glendale and Downers Grove Campuses of Midwestern University.

Midwestern University remains a key driver of economic growth and healthcare education across its Illinois and Arizona campuses, contributing a combined $1.2 billion to local economies during 2023–24, according to a study by the consulting firm Applied Economics. The University’s operations, vendor purchases, and spending by employees, students, and visitors support thousands of jobs and businesses in both DuPage and Maricopa Counties.

“Midwestern University is proud to make a significant impact on the economy, healthcare, and education in DuPage County, Maricopa County, and beyond,” said Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University. “It is wonderful to see how our students, faculty, and staff contribute to the local community in multiple ways - economically and through volunteerism and service, research, and exceptional patient care. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to advancing healthcare education and serving the people of Illinois and Arizona.”

On the Downers Grove Campus, Midwestern University contributed $439 million to the local economy. Major highlights include $61.6 million spent on equipment, services, and supplies, supporting 148 jobs and $14.2 million in local labor income. Student spending totaled $131.6 million, sustaining 1,040 jobs, and University employees added $86.7 million annually to local payrolls, while their spending contributed an additional $55 million. Campus visitors added $8 million to the regional economy.

On the Glendale Campus, the University’s economic contribution reached $767 million. Of this, $75.9 million was spent on equipment, services, and supplies, supporting 455 jobs and generating $36.3 million in local labor income. Student spending amounted to $172.5 million, generating $41.2 million in labor income, while employees contributed $173.7 million in consumer spending. Visitors to the campus - including prospective students and event attendees - added $9.6 million to the local economy.

Midwestern University plays a critical role in advancing scientific research across both campuses. In Illinois, faculty and students received $2.4 million in research grants for 2023–24 to support pioneering healthcare studies. In Arizona, the University secured $2.9 million in research funding, marking a $1 million increase over the past five years. These investments support groundbreaking research in medical treatments, diagnostics, and evidence-based practices.

The University also directly serves its communities through . The Downers Grove Campus operates the six-story Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic, which serves over 67,000 patients annually. Services include the Dental Institute, Family Medicine Clinic, Eye Institute, Physical Therapy Institute, and Speech-Language Institute. In Arizona, the University’s five community clinics - the Multispecialty Clinic, Dental Institute, Eye Institute, Animal Health Institute, and Therapy Institute - provide essential healthcare to nearly 140,000 human and animal patients per year.

Looking ahead, Midwestern University has $555.8 million in planned construction projects across both campuses - $286.1 million in Illinois and $269.7 million in Arizona - expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate continued economic growth.

With a strong commitment to education, research, and community service, Midwestern University continues to shape the future of healthcare while strengthening the workforce and economies of both Illinois and Arizona.

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