Faculty Compensation

The university uses benchmark data from two leading faculty compensation surveys, representing 82 institutions defined as U of A peers – the CUPA-HR (College and University Professional Association for Human Resources) and OSU (Oklahoma State University) datasets. The university uses this data to compare compensation for faculty positions across each academic discipline and rank to peer institutions. This data is also used to establish market rates for faculty compensation.

The university last conducted a comprehensive market analysis in 2023 and 2024 and adjusted faculty compensation over a two-year period in 2024 and 2025. All appointed faculty positions at 50% or greater across campus are included in this analysis with the exception of faculty who hold administrative positions with titles of Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Vice Provost and Dean. The university will continually examine faculty compensation each year and, pending availability of funds, will make adjustments as necessary.

The last faculty compensation market analysis that was conducted in 2023 and 2024 resulted in the following:

• Compensation increases for academic rank promotions were adjusted based on market data. View the promotion increases that were effective July 1, 2024, and the further increases effective July 1, 2025.
• Market adjustments for faculty were made in two phases - July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. These market adjustments included a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase, and an additional market adjustment beyond the COLA was determined by how close the faculty member’s compensation was to the established market rate. View the chart below and example scenarios to see how the market adjustment for faculty was determined during the last compensation market analysis and how salary adjustments were made.

The university works to provide merit or cost-of-living adjustments each year as funding permits, pending approval from the Board of Trustees.

Academic rank promotions were adjusted in 2024 and 2025 and can be viewed here.

The fiscal year for the university is from July 1 to June 30. Promotions, merit pay increases and cost of living adjustments are implemented on July 1. As a result of the faculty compensation market analysis conducted in 2023 and 2024, faculty compensation was adjusted in two phases. Eligible faculty received a portion of their market adjustment on July 1, 2024 (or August 12, 2024, for 9-month faculty), and are scheduled to receive the second portion of their market adjustment on July 1, 2025 (or August 11, 2025).

In addition to competitive compensation, the university provides faculty with great benefits, including health insurance, retirement and more. The university implemented innovative programs to ensure our faculty are recognized for their achievements on a regional, national and international scale. The university also provides resources to enhance teaching, professional development opportunities, leadership programs, and mentorship to ensure faculty receive the resources they need to excel in their roles and achieve academic excellence. Learn more about the various programs available for faculty.

The Office of the Provost will communicate with deans, associate deans and other unit leaders regarding any review of faculty compensation. If you have any questions, please contact your department chair/head or Dean’s Office.