Mike Walden

Jun 5, 2017

Economic Perspective: The Net Return From College Majors

A recent study ranked college majors when taking the pay a student will earn upon graduation and combining it with the costs of that major. Mike Walden unpacks the study results. 

May 26, 2017

You Decide: Can Urban and Rural Areas Get Along?

The urban-rural divide in North Carolina also extends deep into public policy. The the economic winds are currently blowing in favor of urban regions, but could a a rural renaissance come? 

May 22, 2017

Economic Perspective: Territorial Versus Global Business Taxation

One of the elements of the unveiled tax plan is moving from taxing business revenues on a global business to taxing them on a territorial basis. What does this mean and why should the average person care?” 

May 15, 2017

Economic Perspective: The Staying Power of Tobacco

Consumer preferences and restrictions on smoking have combined to reduce tobacco use in recent years. Does this mean tobacco has become unprofitable? 

May 12, 2017

You Decide: What Divides Us On Taxes?

Changing the tax code always creates discussion and debate. NC State economist Mike Walden presents three key categories of disagreement to help you decide what arguments make the most sense for inclusion in any new tax package. 

May 8, 2017

Economic Perspective: College Completion Rates

Graduation happens at the end of every school year. How do factors like transferring universities or being a part-time student affect tracking graduation numbers? NC State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

May 1, 2017

Economic Perspective: Employment In Small and Big Businesses

It's generally accepted that small businesses generate much of the new jobs in our economy, but that hasn't been the case since the Great Recession. NC State University economist Mike Walden lays out some of the factors. 

Apr 28, 2017

You Decide: What Determines County Jobless Rates?

In any given month in North Carolina the unemployment rate varies greatly among our 100 counties. What’s behind this big difference and what,if anything, can be done about the disparity? 

Apr 24, 2017

Economic Perspective: Higher Housing Costs in Cities

The cost of housing in cities seems to constantly be housing. What, if anything, can be done about the rising home and rent prices? 

Apr 17, 2017

Economic Perspective: Aging and Spending

It's a fact that we are an aging society. What does that mean for spending in the economy as habits change over time? NC State University economist Mike Walden looks at those changes and their implications.