The University of Wisconsin-Madison recently approved to pay its next chancellor up to $522,000 a year, which would move the university from near-lowest to the middle of the pack among what other Big Ten public institutions pay their leaders.

Below is a list of what schools pay their highest officials, along with perks, when applicable. Northwestern University is private.

1. Ohio State University

  • President E. Gordon Gee
  • $834,530.04 base pay in 2011-2012 (Approved next year at nearly $860,000)
  • $1,992,221 in total compensation (next year will be $2.15 million, an increase in line with faculty and staff raises)
  • Has also expensed a number of pricey perks, such as tailgating events, parties at the president’s mansion, and limo travel.

SOURCES: Columbus DataCenter, Dayton Daily News, Chronicle of Higher Education

2. University of Minnesota

  • President Eric Kaler
  • $610,000 base salary beginning in 2011
  • $50,000 in retirement funds annually

SOURCE: Minnesota Public Radio

3. University of Michigan

  • President Mary Sue Coleman
  • $585.782.89 base pay in 2011-2012
  • Coleman's total compensation package, however, exceeds $910,700. In addition to $175,000 in deferred compensation, a $100,000 yearly retention bonus and more than $50,000 in annual retirement pay; Coleman also gets the use of a car and U-M president’s house.

SOURCES: University of Michigan salary database, AnnArbor.com

4. Indiana University

  • President Michael McRobbie
  • $533,120 base salary
  • $625,000 with bonuses

SOURCES: Indianapolis Business Journal, Chronicle of Higher Education

5. University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Leader: Ongoing search
  • Up to $522,000 base salary (current Interim Chancellor David Ward makes $437,000 and would not be affected by approved increase)
  • Perks include the use of a car, mandatory cost-free living in Olin House, health and retirement packages comparable to UW employees. The chancellor does not get a deferred compensation package that many other university presidents get because it's not allowed by state law.

SOURCE: University of Wisconsin System

6. Michigan State University

  • President Lou Anna K. Simon
  • $520,000 base pay in 2011-2012
  • She receives a car, country club membership, lifetime health care benefits for her and her husband, complimentary sporting event and performance tickets. No bonuses.

SOURCES: Michigan State University salary database, The State News

7. Penn State University

  • President Rodney Erickson
  • $515,000 base salary
  • Use of university car, standard benefits.

SOURCE: The Patriot-News (Harrisburg, Pa.)

8. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  • Chancellor Phyllis Wise (incoming chancellor)
  • $500,000 base pay
  • Standard benefits, eligible for $500,000 retention bonus after five years