See salary rankings for leaders of Big Ten universities

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
  

SOURCES: Chicago Tribune, The Daily Illini

9. University of Iowa

• President Sally K. Mason
  
• $493,272 in base salary
  
• Total compensation is near $650,000. Mason earns a $150,000 annual deferred compensation package.
  

SOURCES: University of Iowa salary database, The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

10. Purdue University

• Leader: Outgoing President France Cordova (current Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels to take over in 2013)
  
• $475,997 base salary
  
• Daniels' agreed-to benefit package includes unspecified retirement contributions, use of a car, cost-free living at Westwood House. Daniels has asked for a performance-based contract.
  

SOURCES: Journal and Courier (Lafayette, Ind.), Chronicle of Higher Education

11. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Chancellor Harvey Perlman
  
• $341,053 base pay
  

SOURCE: Kearney Hub

Northwestern University (private)

• President Morton Schapiro
  
• $1,255,653 in 2010 (no publicly available records)