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Tucson is home to The University of Arizona -- one of the nation's top public research institutions and one of Southern Arizona's largest employers. Established in 1885 as the first university in Arizona and the state's only land grant institution, the UA embraces its threefold mission of excellence in teaching, research, and public service.
A leader in research, the UA has programs in optics, planetary science, and hydrology that are recognized as the best in the world. The National Science Foundation ranks the UA No. 15 among all public research institutions, spending $530 million in 2008.
In 2007 the National Science Foundation ranked The University of Arizona as America’s No. 1 university for research expenditures in the physical sciences. This research strength translates into opportunities for students in fields as diverse as astronomy, anthropology, and business entrepreneurship. It also creates job opportunities, support for local businesses, and new technology, products, and services.
The UA attracts thousands of visitors to Tucson each year and overall creates a $2.8 billion economic impact on the state. In 2008, UA-related economic activity generated $6.70 for every $1 received from the state. In FY2008, UA's overall statewide economic impact resulted in:
- 46,458 jobs
- $1.9 billion in earnings
- $113.8M in city, county and state revenues
More than 300 degree programs are offered in 19 colleges on three campuses. The UA attracts more than 27,000 undergraduate students and nearly 7,000 graduate students, who come to Tucson from every state and 124 countries. It is one of only 62 members of the Association of American Universities, a prestigious organization that recognizes universities with exceptionally strong research and academic programs.
Research and Innovation
Researchers and scientists at The University of Arizona partner with industry so that innovative ideas become thriving enterprises.
Some recent achievements of UA researchers:
- The Phoenix Mars Lander Mission was operated for NASA by the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona in partnership with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Lockeed Martin, and the Canadian Space Agency. Launched in August 2007, it was NASA's first "Scout Program."
- Launched the optics industry in Arizona, including dozens of spin-offs such as DMetrix, inventors of an innovative lens system and recent winner of the Governor's Innovator of the Year award for start-up companies.
- Created a new technology to grow hydroponic tomatoes which helped build Eurofresh into the largest greenhouse operation in North America.
- Continually promoted innovation in medicine -- developing new drugs to treat cancer, new systems to diagnose disease earlier and new devices such as the first FDA-approved total artificial heart.
Read more UA Highlights.
Contact TREO
For more information about doing business in the Tucson region, contact our Business Development team at 520-243-1900 or 866-600-0331, or by clicking here.
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