Top 15 Highest Paid University Presidents in the U.S.

University presidents are among the most highly compensated leaders in education. Many of the highest paid university presidents in the U.S. earn multimillion-dollar salaries, rivaling executives in the corporate world. 

If you’ve ever wondered how much university presidents make, this guide breaks it down. We’ll list the top 15 highest paid university presidents, explore what their jobs involve, and explain how university presidents are chosen to lead some of the nation’s most powerful institutions.

• Who Are the Highest Paid University Presidents?
• How Much Do University Presidents Make?
• What Do University Presidents Do?
• How Are University Presidents Chosen?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Who Are the Highest Paid University Presidents?

The list below combines the most recent compensation data available for both private and public university presidents in the United States.

Data note: Figures for public universities come from 2024, as states release executive salary disclosures annually. Figures for private universities are from 2022, the most recent year available from IRS Form 990 filings. These reports often lag because they rely on tax data rather than direct state reporting.

Below are the top 15 highest paid university presidents in the U.S.:

1. Lee C. Bollinger

• University: Columbia University
• Total annual compensation: $4,954,315 (2022, private)

Lee C. Bollinger served as Columbia’s president from 2002 to 2023, one of the longest tenures in the Ivy League. He oversaw the creation of the $6.3 billion Manhattanville campus, home to Columbia Business School and new research centers.

Under his leadership, the university’s endowment more than doubled, and Columbia strengthened its global presence with new academic partnerships and programs abroad. His compensation reflects the culmination of two decades of institutional growth and long-term retention incentives.

2. Morton O. Schapiro

• University: Northwestern University
• Total annual compensation: $4,870,478 (2022, private)

Morton O. Schapiro led Northwestern from 2009 to 2022, focusing on academic access and diversity. During his presidency, the university completed the We Will campaign, which raised over $6.1 billion to fund research, scholarships, and faculty positions. 

He also prioritized improving student life and spearheaded major construction projects, including the Kellogg Global Hub and new residential halls. His pay includes deferred and retirement-related earnings from his final year.

3. Carol L. Folt

• University: University of Southern California (USC)
• Total annual compensation: $3,696,442 (2022, private)

Appointed in 2019, Carol L. Folt took charge of USC following a turbulent period of administrative controversies. She initiated sweeping governance reforms, implemented stronger ethics and oversight policies, and launched the USC Frontiers of Knowledge plan emphasizing research excellence. 

Under her leadership, USC expanded its health sciences footprint and strengthened financial aid to increase accessibility. Her compensation reflects the challenge of restoring institutional trust and overseeing large-scale modernization.

4. Nido R. Qubein

• University: High Point University
• Total annual compensation: $3,653,711 (2022, private)

Nido R. Qubein has been president since 2005 and is widely credited with transforming High Point University. During his tenure, enrollment quadrupled, and the campus underwent nearly $2 billion in new construction funded primarily through private donations. 

His business background and emphasis on branding turned High Point into a national model for rapid institutional growth. His compensation includes significant incentive-based components tied to fundraising and expansion goals.

5. Renu Khator

• University: University of Houston
• Total annual compensation: $3,168,955 (2024, public)

Renu Khator oversees the UH System, which includes four institutions, serves approximately 76,000 students, and has an annual budget of over $2 billion. Under her leadership, UH achieved Carnegie Tier One research status, tripled its number of National Academy faculty, and led a $1 billion campus construction program (including major stadiums, residence halls, and student center expansion).

In 2024, Khator reported that research expenditures rose to $279 million, with $126 million from federal funding, and that a $1 billion capital campaign is underway. She has also focused on improving four-year graduation rates and has overseen the launch of the university’s first College of Medicine.

6. Paula S. Wallace

• University: Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
• Total annual compensation: $2,710,704 (2022, private)

Paula S. Wallace co-founded SCAD in 1978 and has served as its president for over four decades, overseeing its transformation from a small art school into a globally recognized creative university. 

Under her leadership, SCAD expanded to multiple campuses in Savannah, Atlanta, and Lacoste, France, and launched the SCAD Museum of Art, which draws international acclaim. 

She has led major fundraising campaigns that financed extensive campus development and scholarships, while SCAD’s enrollment has grown to over 15,000 students from more than 100 countries. 

Her compensation reflects her long tenure and the institution’s remarkable growth in global reach, financial stability, and creative industry impact.

7. Victor J. Boschini Jr.

• University: Texas Christian University
• Total annual compensation: $2,528,650 (2022, private)

Victor J. Boschini Jr. served as president of Texas Christian University from 2003 to 2025, which makes him one of the longest-serving leaders in the university’s history. During his two-decade tenure, TCU’s endowment grew to more than $2 billion, and the campus underwent extensive expansion, including new residence halls, academic buildings, and athletic facilities. 

He oversaw multiple successful fundraising campaigns and strengthened TCU’s national reputation through a focus on academic excellence, community engagement, and athletics, including the football program’s rise to national prominence. His compensation includes deferred and incentive-based pay linked to fundraising milestones and long-term service.

8. E. Gordon Gee

• University: West Virginia University
• Total annual compensation: $2,006,180 (2024, public)

Gordon Gee is one of the most experienced figures in American higher education, having led six universities over a career spanning more than four decades, including Ohio State, Vanderbilt, Brown, and Colorado. 

Returning to West Virginia University in 2014, he oversaw major cost restructuring efforts to stabilize finances and protect academic programs amid statewide budget cuts. He also launched the Go Beyond campaign, which raised over $1 billion for scholarships, research, and facilities. 

His long track record of navigating large, complex institutions and maintaining donor confidence has made him one of the highest paid university presidents in the country.

9. Eli Capilouto

• University: University of Kentucky
• Total annual compensation: $1,830,986 (2024, public)

Eli Capilouto has led the University of Kentucky since 2011, overseeing more than $3 billion in capital projects that transformed the campus through new residence halls, research buildings, and healthcare facilities. 

He strengthened the university’s partnership with UK HealthCare, making it one of the largest academic health systems in the region. Under his leadership, UK set records in student retention and graduation rates, and launched the Kentucky Can fundraising campaign, which surpassed $2.1 billion in gifts and commitments in 2024.

His compensation reflects both performance-based incentives and the university’s strong institutional growth under his 13-year tenure.

10. Tedd L. Mitchell

• University: Texas Tech University System
• Total annual compensation: $1,691,604 (2024, public)

Tedd L. Mitchell has served as chancellor of the Texas Tech University System since 2018, overseeing four universities and a health sciences center across multiple campuses. 

Under his leadership, the system reached record enrollment of over 64,000 students and expanded research activity through strategic partnerships in agriculture, energy, and medicine.

He also guided the creation of new medical programs, including the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso School of Dentistry, and spearheaded initiatives to increase access for rural students.

His compensation reflects both his dual medical and administrative background and the complex, multi-institutional scope of the Texas Tech System.

11. James E. Ryan

• University: University of Virginia
• Total annual compensation: $1,688,304 (2024, public)

James E. Ryan has served as president of the University of Virginia since 2018. He launched the Great and Good strategic plan, focusing on community engagement, affordability, and research excellence. 

Under his leadership, UVA expanded financial aid through the AccessUVA program, maintained its top public university rankings, and committed to carbon neutrality by 2030.

His compensation reflects performance bonuses tied to long-term institutional goals in access and academic innovation.

12. Ted Carter

• University: Ohio State University
• Total annual compensation: $1,674,133 (2024, public)

Ted Carter, a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral and former superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, became president of Ohio State University in 2023 after serving as president of the University of Nebraska system. 

Known for his leadership in large, complex organizations, he has emphasized access, research growth, and workforce development partnerships. His compensation reflects his executive background and the scale of managing one of the nation’s largest university systems.

13. Neeli Bendapudi

• University: Pennsylvania State University
• Total annual compensation: $1,667,421 (2024, public)

Neeli Bendapudi became Penn State’s first female president in 2022 after previously leading the University of Louisville. She has focused on improving access, student affordability, and institutional transparency, while strengthening ties between Penn State’s 24 campuses. 

Her administration has launched initiatives to modernize operations and advance research collaboration across Pennsylvania. Her pay includes deferred compensation and benefits typical for top-tier public university executives.

14. Richard D. McCullough

• University: Florida State University
• Total annual compensation: $1,589,957 (2024, public)

Richard D. McCullough, a materials scientist and former Harvard vice provost for research, became Florida State University’s president in 2021. He has prioritized expanding FSU’s research enterprise, enhancing STEM programs, and growing partnerships with industry to support innovation in Florida’s economy. 

Under his leadership, FSU reached record enrollment and maintained its position among the top 20 public universities nationwide. His compensation reflects his success in strengthening the university’s research profile and national reputation.

15. Brian McCall

• University: Texas State University System
• Total annual compensation: $1,585,495 (2024, public)

Brian McCall has served as chancellor since 2010, overseeing seven member institutions across Texas. During his tenure, the system achieved record student enrollment and expanded infrastructure through several large-scale capital projects. 

A former Texas legislator, McCall has also worked to secure increased state support for higher education funding and research initiatives. His compensation reflects his long tenure and the administrative complexity of leading a multi-campus public university system.

How Much Do University Presidents Make?

The average university president’s salary in the U.S. varies significantly depending on the type of institution, its endowment size, and its geographic region. Based on the most recent data from official salary disclosures and IRS filings, most public university presidents earn between $700,000 and $1.8 million annually, while private university presidents typically earn between $1 million and $5 million.

Private institutions generally offer higher pay because they rely heavily on endowment income and donor funding rather than state appropriations. Presidents of major private universities such as Columbia, Northwestern, and USC earn multimillion-dollar compensation packages that include base salaries, retention bonuses, and deferred benefits tied to fundraising performance.

Public university presidents, meanwhile, often manage much larger systems with multiple campuses and statewide responsibilities. Their salaries tend to be lower in base pay but supplemented by housing allowances, performance incentives, and retirement contributions. 

Leaders such as Renu Khator of the University of Houston and E. Gordon Gee of West Virginia University represent the upper end of public-sector compensation, with total packages exceeding $1.5 million.

For a broader context, ZipRecruiter estimates that the average university president’s salary in New York is around $204,500 per year. Salaries in the state range from roughly $32,000 to $403,000 annually, with most falling between $125,800 (25th percentile) and $286,100 (75th percentile). The top 10% of university presidents reportedly earn about $353,900 per year.

This figure reflects smaller colleges and institutions nationwide, highlighting how executive compensation scales dramatically at large research universities compared to smaller private or regional colleges.

In short, the highest paid university presidents command compensation that reflects the scale, complexity, and fundraising power of the institutions they lead.

What Do University Presidents Do?

University presidents hold the highest executive position within their institutions. Their responsibilities extend far beyond academics, encompassing strategy, fundraising, finance, operations, and public representation. Because of the scale and complexity of their duties, presidents often receive compensation comparable to that of top executives in other sectors.

Leadership and administration

University presidents oversee nearly every operational and academic function of their institution. Their work blends strategic leadership with day-to-day management to keep large, complex organizations running smoothly.

Their main responsibilities include:

• Implementing policies approved by the board of trustees or regents
• Managing multi-billion-dollar budgets that fund academics, research, and operations
• Supervising senior administrators and faculty, ensuring effective governance across departments
• Maintaining accreditation standards and compliance with federal and state regulations
• Guiding academic priorities, such as launching new programs, approving research initiatives, and appointing deans or provosts

At large universities, these responsibilities often extend to overseeing multiple campuses or affiliated medical centers. Presidents are expected to maintain financial stability while advancing academic excellence, balancing innovation with responsible stewardship of institutional resources.

Strategic planning and fundraising

Beyond managing daily operations, university presidents drive the institution’s long-term direction. They set priorities that determine how a university grows, competes, and sustains itself financially over time.

Their strategic and financial duties typically include:

• Developing multi-year institutional plans that align with the university’s mission and projected enrollment goals
• Leading large-scale fundraising campaigns that bring in tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars from donors, alumni, and corporate partners
• Overseeing endowment management, often in coordination with investment committees and foundation boards
• Allocating resources strategically to support research expansion, scholarships, and capital construction projects
• Building partnerships with governments and private organizations to secure grants and collaborative funding

At most major universities, fundraising is a defining part of the president’s role. Their ability to attract major gifts can transform research capabilities, increase student aid, and strengthen the school’s national reputation.

Representing the university

A university president also serves as the public face of the institution, representing it to audiences ranging from local communities to global academic networks. Their influence extends far beyond campus leadership.

Their representative responsibilities often involve:

• Acting as the chief spokesperson in media, government, and alumni relations
• Cultivating relationships with legislators, corporate leaders, and foundations to advance institutional interests
• Engaging alumni and donors through public events, campaigns, and community initiatives
• Advocating for higher education funding and policy reform at the state and national levels
• Upholding the university’s reputation during times of transition, controversy, or public scrutiny

Through these roles, presidents help define how the institution is perceived by the public and make sure it remains respected, well-funded, and aligned with its values.

How Are University Presidents Chosen?

Selecting a university president is one of the most consequential decisions a governing board can make. The process is designed to identify a leader who can balance academic priorities, financial management, and external relations. While each institution has its own procedures, most follow a similar model that combines national searches, extensive vetting, and community input.

Modern searches also reflect a shift in expectations: universities now seek presidents who bring not only academic distinction but also fundraising success, organizational leadership, and public communication skills.

The search and selection process

Presidential searches typically begin with the formation of a search committee composed of trustees, faculty representatives, student leaders, alumni, and sometimes external consultants. This group works closely with the governing board to establish criteria for the ideal candidate.

Key steps in the process include:

• Defining institutional priorities such as strategic goals, diversity initiatives, or fundraising needs
• Hiring a national search firm to help identify and recruit qualified candidates from both academic and non-academic sectors
• Reviewing applications and conducting interviews with top candidates, often confidentially
• Holding campus visits or forums to gather feedback from the university community
• Submitting final recommendations to the board of trustees or regents, who make the formal appointment

Searches can take anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the size and governance structure of the institution. Interim presidents are often appointed during transitions to maintain operational stability.

Typical qualifications and experience

University presidents are expected to bring a combination of academic credibility, leadership experience, and financial acumen. While most come from academia, particularly from roles like provost, dean, or chancellor, a growing number have experience in government, nonprofit management, or the private sector.

Typical qualifications include:

• An earned doctorate or terminal degree, often in an academic or professional field
• Extensive leadership experience, typically at the dean, provost, or system-level executive rank
• A record of fundraising success and the ability to engage major donors and policymakers
• Strong communication and crisis management skills are essential for representing the institution publicly
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, increasingly prioritized in modern searches

According to the American Council on Education’s American College President Study (2023), the majority of presidents serve for about 6.5 years on average, and nearly 70% have previously held a senior academic leadership role before assuming the presidency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the highest paid university president in the U.S.?

According to the most recent official compensation data, Lee C. Bollinger of Columbia University is the highest paid university president in the United States, earning $4,954,315 in total annual compensation. His pay reflects more than two decades of leadership, during which he oversaw major initiatives such as Columbia’s $6.3 billion Manhattanville campus expansion and significant endowment growth.

2. How much do university presidents typically make?

Most public university presidents earn between $600,000 and $1.5 million annually, while private university presidents often make between $1 million and $5 million. These figures are based on official IRS Form 990 filings and state salary databases. For context, ZipRecruiter estimates that university presidents in New York earn an average of about $204,500 per year, with salaries generally ranging from $32,000 to $403,000 depending on the size and type of institution.

3. What are the main responsibilities of a university president?

University presidents are responsible for overseeing the academic, financial, and administrative operations of their institution. They manage large budgets, supervise senior administrators and faculty, and ensure that the university meets accreditation standards.

Their work also includes long-term planning, fundraising, and public representation. Because their decisions affect students, faculty, and community stakeholders, their roles demand both strategic leadership and extensive higher education experience.

4. How are university presidents selected or appointed?

University presidents are typically chosen by a board of trustees or regents following a national or international search. A search committee composed of trustees, faculty, alumni, and students helps identify qualified candidates.

These candidates are evaluated for their leadership record, academic credentials, and fundraising success before a final decision is made by the governing board. The process can take several months to a year, depending on the institution’s size and governance structure.

5. Why do some university presidents earn more than others?

Salary differences depend on multiple factors such as the university’s size, endowment, and reputation. Presidents at private universities or institutions with large endowments usually earn more because they are expected to manage complex operations and attract major donations. Long-serving presidents and those with proven success in fundraising, enrollment growth, or national rankings also tend to receive higher compensation packages.

Takeaways

The compensation of the highest paid university presidents offers insight into how leadership, institutional scale, and fundraising shape executive pay in higher education. Understanding these patterns can help you see how universities evaluate and reward leadership performance.

• The highest paid university presidents often lead major research universities with large endowments, global reputations, and thousands of employees. Their compensation reflects both their leadership in administration and their success in guiding billion-dollar universities through growth and transformation.
• Many of the highest paid university presidents have served for more than a decade, leading transformative initiatives such as capital campaigns, campus expansions, and academic restructuring. Longevity and results play a key role in determining total compensation.
• Fundraising success remains one of the biggest drivers of high compensation. Presidents who consistently attract large gifts, secure research funding, or boost endowment growth often earn multimillion-dollar packages, especially in the private sector.
• Public university presidents typically earn less than their private counterparts, but their roles often cover entire university systems. Even with smaller salaries, these leaders oversee operations on a massive scale that rivals major corporations.
• If you aspire to attend the schools led by the highest paid university presidents, you can strengthen your own academic and extracurricular profile with expert guidance. A college admissions consultant can help you understand what top-tier universities look for and give you a clear plan to stand out in the admissions process.