REGENTS REPORT

Faculty Salaries: A Key Tool for Recruiting and Retaining Quality Instructors

Recruiting and retaining quality faculty members is a constant challenge facing universities throughout the nation, and the competition for "the best and the brightest" in higher education instruction has become more intense in recent years. One of the primary tools for research and retention is compensation, particularly salary. Recently, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) released its annual annual salary of colleges and universities. How does South Dakota compare with peer institutions and with national average with respect to faculty salaries? The following information prompts the question of how well our university system is positioned to attract and hold on to instructional talent.

Faculty Salaries--Where Does South Dakota Stand? How Do We Compare?

According to the 1995-96 AAUP survey, full professors at the University of South Dakota earn an 
average of $50,600, 27.5% below the national average for full professors at public doctoral institutions,
and 4.5% below the average for professors at Montana State University (another doctoral institution in 
the region).

SOURCES: AAUP, Chronicle of Higher Education, 4/12/96

The survey also found that professors at public comprehensive universities earn an average of $58,520 nationwide. Professors at SDSU earn an average of $46,200, 21.1% below the national average. The average salary for NSU professors is $45,900, which is 21.6% below the national average. SDSMT professors earn an average of $50,600, 13.6% below the national average. At North Dakota State University (another comprehensive institution in the region), professors earn an average of $49,400, 15.6% below the national average.

SOURCES: AAUP, Chronicle of Higher Education, 4/12/96

Nationwide, professors at public baccalaureate institutions earn an average of $52,480. The average salary for professors at BHSU is $42,900, 18.3% lower than the national average. The average salary for professors at DSU is $47,400, 9.7% below the national average. However, the average salary for professors at Southwest State University in Minnesota is $54,700, 4.2% above the national average. Similarly, the average salary for professors at Moorhead State University in Minnesota is $53,300, 1.5% above the national average.

SOURCES: AAUP, Chronicle of Higher Educaton, 4/12/96

To maintain and enhance quality instruction, the state's universities must have adequate tools for recruiting and retaining quality faculty. The preceding data pose the question of whether or not South Dakota is in a competitive position with respect to faculty salaries.