Salaries at Principia

At Principia College, located in Elsah, Illinois, salary expectations for faculty and staff are generally determined by factors such as role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary between academic and administrative positions, with additional considerations for tenure status or specialized skills in certain disciplines. While Principia College does not publicly disclose detailed salary bands or specific compensation data, general trends in higher education institutions of similar size and mission can provide a rough benchmark. As a private liberal arts college with a focus on Christian Science values, compensation may also reflect the institution’s unique mission and funding structure.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is approximately $50,000–$60,000 USD per year, depending on experience and department. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on teaching evaluations and research contributions.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is around $60,000–$75,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty often see incremental raises tied to tenure and scholarly output.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically fall between $75,000–$90,000 USD per year. Seniority, leadership roles, and long-term service to the college can influence higher-end compensation.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Admissions Officer): Salaries generally range from $40,000–$55,000 USD annually, varying by department and level of responsibility.
• Department Chair: Compensation often ranges from $80,000–$100,000 USD per year, with additional stipends for administrative duties and oversight of academic programs.

Salary competitiveness at Principia College appears to align with similar small liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, though it may not match larger research universities or institutions in high-cost urban areas. Progression in compensation is often tied to performance reviews, tenure processes, and institutional budget constraints. As a private college, salaries are not typically benchmarked against public sector standards, and detailed data remains limited due to the absence of mandatory public disclosures. Employees and prospective hires are encouraged to negotiate based on industry standards and individual qualifications, while recognizing the college’s emphasis on community and mission-driven work over purely financial incentives.