Are we paying university presidents too much?

• Position: Trends and Transitions - Brief Article

As tuition in public colleges and universities rises, so do the salaries of university presidents. This has caused many to scratch their heads and wonder if that money is really worth it. The number of presidents at public universities earning $500,000 or more has doubled this past year. Mary Sue Coleman, president of the University of Michigan, is paid the highest, earning $677,500 in pay and benefits for 2003-2004, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Universities contend that they have to compete to get the top candidates...