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Arizona State University

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Great place to work - but doesn't pay well. - Anonymous employee Arizona State University Employee Review

4.0
21 Dec 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Working at a University allows you to be surrounded by intelligent people invested in creating a better learning environment for students. Tuition waiver is included in benefits package (for the employee, spouse as well as dependents) so you can continually learn, take classes and earn your degree without worrying about loads of debt. The sense of pride and community that comes with working at a university is unparalleled and just downright fun.

Cons

The pay is low, and they do not generally give out annual raises. Considering most positions want you to have your master's degree and only start out paying 25K - 30K is ridiculous. In order to move up, you have to jump around from department to department, creeping up in pay each time. They put a 20% cap on salary increases - this means that if you enter as a Management Intern (making next to nothing) no matter what job you get next they cannot pay you more than 20% of what you're currently earning, even if the position is a significant increase in duties/responsibilities from the previous position. I feel that this is why employee bounce around from department to department often. Its the only way to continually increase your salary. Terrible pay structure!

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5.0
26 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Research oriented, learnt a lot.

Cons

Experience gained, depends on the research project and team.

2.0
29 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

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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