<p>While so many of us struggle to keep up with the cost of higher education, I thought this somewhat outdated chart interesting. It shows in 2011 dollars how much the top executives were paid for running their "elite" and well respected colleges and universities . . . at a time when Student Debt is exponentially increasing while trying to keep up with the costs of paying these administrators their salaries: <a href="http://chronicle.com/article/Executive-Compensation-at/143541/#id=table">http://chronicle.com/article/Executive-Compensation-at/143541/#id=table</a></p>
<p>And remember, these are not people creating new technologies, bringing entertainment to the masses, creating new Jobs, saving lives, protecting our borders. These are, for the most part, administrators doing the same thing that a principal of an elementary school might do, only with larger dollars involved.</p>
<p>Ok…so instead of bashing public school teachers, we are now going to take a hit at college presidents? </p>
<p>I’m sorry…but I do believe that they have very complicated jobs. Sure, they are paid a lot. But honestly, I don’t envy them the work they do. In most cases, I believe they are compensated fairly.</p>
<p>Similarly, there is no real difference between Mr. Hooper (rest his soul) and the CEO of Safeway, except for about $36 billion in annual sales. </p>
<p>Perhaps more college presidents could look to Kentucky.</p>
<p><a href=“College President Gives $90,000 Of His Salary To Lowest-Paid Employees On Campus | HuffPost College”>HuffPost - Breaking News, U.S. and World News | HuffPost;
<p>
</p>
<p>Yes, exactly like those elementary schools that run a hospital and medical school, law school, business school, research facilities, and have scores of thoudands of alumni to keep happy and have 4000+ horny boarding students that like to party on weekends. </p>
<p>Looking at this list, what leaps out at me is that the guy at Marist is grossly overpaid.</p>
<p>@letsbefrank, it seems that across several threads you are conducting an offensive against what you see as an upcoming effort on the part of colleges to part you from your dinners out, vacations, and so forth. Apparently you think that abstaining from some of those things to pay college costs is an imposition. That is certainly your right. We all have our priorities. You clearly have yours, and there is no reason to try to convince a group of strangers that you are justified. I suggest you save that for your kids. They may well agree with you.</p>
<p>Many complaints about college president compensation betray a misunderstanding of what presidents actually do. Their primary functions are fundraising and publicity, not day-to-day operations. The provost and deans run the institution.</p>
<p>
Hmmm, no. Lets be frank, that’s rather naive (nicest possible way I could put it).</p>
<p>“Many complaints about college president compensation betray a misunderstanding of what presidents actually do. Their primary functions are fundraising and publicity, not day-to-day operations. The provost and deans run the institution.”</p>
<p>And, it doesn’t even matter that they aren’t personally figuring out the schedule of who cleans which lab building when, or whether the school will offer anthropology 101 in the fall or spring, or who is going to negotiate the new contract with the foodservice provider. They’re overseeing it all. The buck stops with them on so many different dimensions.</p>
<p>Being the pres of a major research university is exceedingly complex, akin to being the CEO of a major company. I have no problem with them being well-compensated.</p>
<p>I was on a flight recently where I was flying first-class, and when I stood up to depart, it turned out that behind me was the president of S’s school and his wife. It was a short flight - Chicago to NYC - but knowing what his agenda would be like during his NYC trip, and how many different constituents he needed to please, I don’t begrudge his first-class status in the least. Should I?</p>
<p>If it offends you so grievously, then don’t send your money to that school. Simple.</p>
<p>"remember, these are not people creating new technologies, bringing entertainment to the masses, creating new Jobs, saving lives, protecting our borders. "</p>
<p>Really? You don’t think that helping to secure research funding – which is a good part of their role – creates jobs and lead to the development of new drugs, technologies, etc.? My alma mater makes millions off the patent of a particular pain medication – which wouldn’t have been developed if the administration hadn’t sought out research funding. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t care about securing research fund, raising money, yada yada. It is priceless for my kid to have a safe environment, best professors, state of the art equipments for her to pursue her academic interest, and to attract top employers to recruit on campus. I had a hard time providing that level of service for 2 kids, I couldn’t imagine doing it for 13K+ students. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Agree this is the function of the President at most well known schools.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Apparently the OP is a trial lawyer. </p>
<p>I find this ironic. Maybe it’s just me. At the very least, I would think the OP would know what it is like to be excoriated by the short-sighted and unimaginative. B-) </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>U think the POTUS doesn’t delegate duties, too?</p>
<p>Is it unjust to charge the less well off a lower rate of tuition or is it unjust to earn a lot of money? If you don’t like how much these presidents make, don’t send your kids these schools. The presidents of these schools are earning what the market will bear. These guys are working hard for their money and they too deserve to enjoy dinners out, nice vacations, and the occasional cruise to Alaska.</p>
<p>While I personally think the prices for college tuition are outrageous and I detest the variable tuition pricing scheme based on income, I have no resentment toward any of these presidents. Our family is simply opting out of paying a quarter of a million for an undergraduate degree. Of the schools our D is considering, the first one of hers to show up on the list is one of her safety schools (which should give her lots of merit money) and comes in at 41st in presidential compensation (Drexel U - 1.021MM). </p>
<p>I don’t get the vitriolic responses. I happen to believe the cost of higher education at these non-profit institutions, or many of them, is a national disgrace. Rather than tell me not to send my kids to these schools, perhaps the better question is why? But I get that most here have no issue with the outrageous compensations so many of these people feel entitled to receive for having to manage other professionals.</p>
<p>What you get is the sense that most folks don’t begrudge de facto CEOs of multibillion dollar enterprises compensation that still pales to similar organizations in the private sector. Do you limit your income to what a public defender earns? After all, your job isn’t much different – except that the PD probably works with a tougher client base than you do. </p>
<p>Well…let me be frank. If you don’t like the cost of any college…or what they pay their administration or faculty…you are free to vote with your feet. There is likely a community college close to your home where your kids can inexpensively complete their general education requirements. Then they can transfer to a four year public university to complete their degrees.</p>
<p>And if you REALLY don’t want to pay anything (and this totally sounds like the case from your other posts), just tell your kids to get jobs and work until they are 24. The they will be independent students, and your financials won’t be required on the financial aid forms. </p>