Can Professors Afford the American Dream?

It’s no secret that the cost of living has risen markedly in recent years as inflation has soared. Faculty members, whose bumps in pay have not always kept up with these broader increases in cost, have also felt the squeeze. The peculiar nature of faculty careers can also play a role. Those fortunate enough to land a tenured position might find themselves rooted in place for decades as economic forces buffet them. And for those off the tenure track, pay often falls well below a livable wage. The Chronicle wondered: Is the American dream still alive for faculty members?