Ohio’s public university salaries swelled in past decade

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Payroll for the 14 Ohio public universities grew by nearly $1.4 billion over the past decade, with salaries for vice presidents, deans and lower-level administrators swelling during that time, according to a newspaper analysis.

Experts say the payroll increase of more than 40 percent – or 12 percent when adjusted for inflation – over that period has contributed to inflated tuition and taxpayer expense, according to the Dayton Daily News in a story published Wednesday.

The largest increase came in institutional support, or administrative jobs, which grew 25 percent with inflation. Instructional payroll and benefits also increased, though by a more modest 11 percent.

Higher education experts say bloat extends beyond the upper ranks. Other nonteaching posts also have ballooned, from employees who provide student services and maintain IT systems to those in charge of a growing network of campus buildings.