The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) released its annual report on faculty salaries recently. The data is interesting because it places faculty compensation in relation to other colleges and universities from across the country.

So where does Gustavus place?

According to the AAUP’s ranking system, it seems that Gustavus ranks in the top 40% of institutions in most categories. However, looking at the raw data in comparison to other Minnesota schools, it looks like Gustavus in the median in terms of salary, and a little behind in terms of total compensation. At an average salary of $64,200 for all ranks of instructors, Gustavus pays more than nine other schools (low — Northwestern College at $54,500) and less than nine others (high — Carleton College at $93,800). At an average total compensation of $85,100 for all ranks, Gustavus pays more than six other schools (low — College of St. Scholastica and Minneapolis College of Art & Design, both at $71,000) and less than 12 other schools (high — University of Minnesota-Twin Cities at $127,600).

So what does all of this mean? Is Gustavus less competitive than some of our peer schools, such as Carleton, St. Olaf and Macalester, all of whom pay substantially more? How do Gustavus students, administrators and faculty feel about this? I don’t know, but I am hoping to find out before the end of the school year.