Existing studies examine the determinants of private university presidents' compensation, but ignore recent earnings differentials between public and private university presidents. This paper estimates that public university presidents earn approximately 50 percent less than comparable private university presidents. This salary discount is robust…

Over the past 25 years, wages at public universities have not grown as quickly as at private universities. Looks for evidence that lower wage growth has been offset by increases in other nonpecuniary benefits, but finds no evidence that this is the case. Rather, high-paying institutions also offer high levels of benefits, though the relationship…

Provides statistical evidence suggesting that U.S. college and university managers (presidents) pursue goals consistent with economic theory in the context of firm ownership. Managers' tenure differs according to firms' organizational structure. Public institutions' nontransferable property rights reduce incentives to detect managerial…

Examines earnings differentials across individual and institutional characteristics for college graduates, using national longitudinal data. Graduates from highly selective colleges and universities (and research universities) earn significantly more than graduates from less selective colleges or public institutions. Gender and racial returns vary…