Should professors be paid more?

GAGANDEEP KAUR
GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ADITYA HIREMATH
STAFF WRITER

3/24/2025

Alma College’s foundation is arguably its professors, as they give students the academic assistance, expertise and mentoring necessary for success. However, their pay does not fairly represent the great weight they bear; many Alma professors’ average pay ranges from $63,000 to $92,000,  

I feel they should be making more given the increasing expectations imposed on them resulting from current faculty shortages and rising duties. This is about fairness, how work is distributed and appreciating what they bring to the table, not only about the numbers on a paycheck.  

Some departments have less faculty members, hence some professors have to manage more courses, counsel more students and spend more time on administrative and extracurricular tasks. Unlike at larger colleges, Alma’s faculty members sometimes combine research and instruction with other jobs as student mentors, club advisers and academic program managers.  
 
In certain departments, the shortage of faculty has really put a lot of pressure on the professors. For instance, a single professor has to take on several courses, guide students and oversee the curriculum all on their own, without any extra help from other faculty members. 

Being a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, this institution is set up to give education top priority and allocate funds back into its faculty and student body. But financial records highlight a major problem: only two of the college’s top earners are professors.  
 
A nonprofit organization should guarantee fair distribution of resources to assist in the fundamental goal of education. At Alma, however, professors are sometimes paid less than administrative personnel or other high-earning workers.  

“If a professor is handling more classes or additional activities, like recruitment or running programs, they should be compensated fairly. Seniority should also be reflected in their salary,” said Emily Patzkowsky (‘25). 

Faculty cuts have simply made the situation worse: class sizes rise as fewer professors on staff lower the quality of instruction and complicate students’ access to personalized attention. Professors are mentors guiding students through academic and career obstacles, not only teachers. But the extra effort they commit usually does not result in suitable pay raises.

Beyond their teaching obligations, many Alma College faculty members conduct research, advise students and organize extracurricular events. This extra work immediately improves Alma’s educational quality and supports students in succeeding in graduate programs and professions.  

“Professors go above and beyond, especially with recent staff cuttings. They are teaching more classes and spreading their time even thinner. They create research opportunities and experiences that help students succeed. They should be compensated for the time and effort they invest in students,” said Isabell Bryans (‘27). 

Alma College takes great satisfaction in providing its students with a solid, customized education. However, they have to make fair pay to their academics a priority if it is to keep providing top-notch education. Alternatively, it runs the danger of losing committed teachers who are vital in determining the course of their pupils.  
 
I think the college must value its professors, and paying them more is about respect, appreciation and guaranteeing that students get the greatest education available, not only about money.