The Evolving Landscape of Assistant Professor Salaries at Monmouth University
Monmouth University, a distinguished private comprehensive institution nestled along New Jersey’s northern coastline, is recognized for its innovative academic programs, accomplished faculty, and nationally ranked Division I athletics. The university fosters a unique student experience characterized by small class sizes for individualized attention and immersive learning opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom. This dynamic environment is designed to empower students, encouraging active participation in their education and comprehensive preparation for life after graduation. Strategically located approximately one hour from both New York City and Philadelphia, Monmouth University is situated within a vibrant cultural hub rich in history, the arts, technology, and entrepreneurship, offering a wealth of experiences accessible just beyond the campus gates. The university's commitment to its students is underscored by its educational philosophy, with faculty playing a pivotal role in delivering what has been described as a "rare debt-free college" education, according to Inside Higher Ed.
Understanding Faculty Compensation at Monmouth University
The discussion surrounding faculty salaries at Monmouth University, particularly for assistant professors, is a multifaceted issue that involves economic realities, institutional priorities, and the perceived value of academic contributions. Recent data indicates that the average faculty salary at Monmouth University for the 2025 academic year is projected to be $93,592 across all academic ranks. This figure represents a notable increase from previous years, with an overall faculty salary growth of 12.59% from $81,808 to $93,592.
When examining specific academic ranks, the data reveals a tiered structure. The average salary for Professors at Monmouth is $126,610, for Associate Professors it stands at $101,422, and for Assistant Professors, the average salary is $88,175. Instructors earn an average of $59,936, and Lecturers, $74,933. These figures provide a snapshot of the compensation landscape within the university.
Comparative Salary Analysis: Monmouth University in Context
To fully appreciate the context of assistant professor salaries at Monmouth University, it is essential to compare them with national averages and those of similar institutions. Nationally, the average faculty salary at four-year colleges is $73,709. In New Jersey, the average salary at four-year colleges is $76,063. Monmouth University's overall average faculty salary of $93,592 surpasses both these benchmarks. The university is classified as a Master's College by the Carnegie Classification, and its average faculty salary is slightly higher than the national average for Master's Colleges ($81,896).
However, when compared to similar private institutions, such as Princeton University and Stevens Institute of Technology, Monmouth's average faculty salary of $112,936 is lower. This disparity raises questions about how Monmouth's compensation packages align with those of its peer institutions. Further granular comparisons reveal that while Monmouth's full professors earn $1,402 more than those at Rider University, a peer institution, the salaries for instructors at Monmouth are notably lower than at other universities. For instance, William Patterson University instructors typically receive an annual salary of $57,353, whereas Monmouth University's instructor salary averages $46,323. Seton Hall University, another private institution, pays its instructors an average of $64,647. Based on statistics from The Chronicle of Higher Education, Monmouth University ranked last among 18 universities/colleges for instructor salaries.
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The Faculty Perspective: A Call for Fair Compensation
The faculty of Monmouth University have voiced concerns regarding their compensation, particularly in light of the rising cost of living and the value they bring to the institution. A collective statement from the faculty in support of the FAMCO Bargaining Team's salary proposal highlights that faculty have, in essence, experienced a pay cut over the last contract due to salaries not keeping pace with inflation. The current salaries are described as insufficient to afford living in the surrounding counties, making it difficult for faculty to manage expenses such as middle-class housing, decent healthcare, childcare, eldercare, and retirement savings.
Faculty members, who possess advanced professional training and degrees and dedicate themselves to providing stellar educations, argue that they deserve a salary that enables a healthy life for themselves and their families. They emphasize that students choose Monmouth University for the quality of education provided by its faculty, and that faculty-student interaction is the core of the university's educational mission. The faculty's perspective is that while administrative and non-faculty staff are important, the faculty are the primary economic engine of the university, as their teaching and expertise directly drive student enrollment and retention.
Financial Health and Investment Priorities
Monmouth University's financial standing is a critical element in the discussion of faculty salaries. The university documented an overall revenue of $200,430,546 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014. Independent financial analysis from the AAUP, based on Monmouth University data, indicates that the institution possesses solid reserves for its size. The university has demonstrated financial flexibility by retiring a mortgage early and incurring a $1.6 million expense to switch athletic conferences. This financial capacity has led some to question the university's spending priorities, particularly concerning the allocation of tuition revenue, which saw a 4.25% increase for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Concerns have been raised that faculty compensation does not constitute a majority of the university's expenses, nor even a majority of overall compensation. While the Form 990 tax return for the 2013-2014 period shows significant expenses for "salaries, other compensation, employee benefits" totaling $100,150,588 for 3,276 employees, no traditional professor was listed as a "key employee" or "highest compensated employee." Instead, the form highlighted ten employees, predominantly Vice Presidents, with annual salaries ranging from $216,936 to $625,113. This disparity fuels the argument that the university's financial resources are not being prioritized towards faculty compensation in a manner that reflects their crucial role.
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