One Source Of College Costs: Administrators!
A friend sent me an article this week regarding some of College Advisor Julie’s comments about the rise in college administrators.
The article, linked to here, presents the following dramatic assertions:
1. Non-academic administrative positions at Universities have doubled in the last 25 years, without a proportionate increase in students served.
2. During that same time period, part-time and teaching-assistants (lower-cost labor) have increased from 1/3 to 1/2 of all teaching assignments at colleges and universities.
3. Inflation-adjusted tuition (meaning: real-term dollars) has doubled at private colleges and universities, and tripled at public colleges and universities in 25 years.
Ohio State has the Highest Paid Public University President
The article has a colorful quote from economist Richard Vedder, responding to the claim by university administrators that they are doing everything to cut costs:
“It’s a lie. It’s a lie. It’s a lie,” said Richard Vedder, an economist and director of the Center for College Affordability and Productivity.
“I wouldn’t buy a used car from a university president,” said Vedder. “They’ll say, ‘We’re making moves to cut costs,’ and mention something about energy-efficient lightbulbs, and ignore the new assistant to the assistant to the associate vice provost they just hired.”
That’s pretty mean, but also funny.
At this point I need to apologize to my close family members currently serving in university administration. Hey, at least you’re not a (ex-)banker!
- See more at: http://www.bankers-anonymous.com/blog/one-source-of-college-costs-administrators/#sthash.G38uxfDh.dpuf
Honest and Reflective Conversation about Finance © 2013 Bankers Anonymous. Sign-up for my newsletter so you ...
more