Fourth Annual Survey
Great Colleges To Work For 2011
Meet 2011's Outstanding Colleges
- Table
- Map
In our fourth annual survey, 111 colleges were recognized. Learn more about the 12 recognition categories in which each was evaluated. Colleges marked with a 
are on the Honor Roll.
Recognition categories in which
this college performed well:
Honor Roll
These colleges are the best of the best. Those that make the Honor Roll are cited most often across all recognition categories, and grouped by enrollment size. (Small institutions have 2,999 or fewer students, medium ones have 3,000 to 9,999, and large ones have 10,000 or more.) Ten four-year colleges, and four two-year colleges, make the cut in each size.
- Large
- Medium
- Small
4-year Colleges
Development Programs
Chair Relationship
* Faculty Only
By Category
- Category profile and honorees
- Pick your priorities
Great Colleges achieve excellence in at least one of 12 categories, such as Work / Life Balance. They are rated by their faculty and staff, who agree or disagree with survey statements related to each category. (See our methodology for details.) Colleges are grouped as four-year or two-year institutions, and by enrollment size. Pull down the menu to see top performers and statistics.
Select a category
Collaborative Governance
Faculty members play significant roles in decisions related to academic programs. Employees agree with statements like "Faculty, administration, and staff are meaningfully involved in institutional planning."
Compensation and Benefits
Pay is fair, and there is overall satisfaction with benefits. Employees agree with statements like "This institution's benefits meet my needs."
Confidence in Senior Leadership
Leaders have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for the success of the college. Employees agree with statements like "Senior leadership provides a clear direction for this institution's future."
Diversity
The college makes a concerted effort to create a welcoming and fair environment for all employees. Employees agree with statements like "This institution has clear and effective procedures for dealing with discrimination."
Facilities, Workspace & Security
Facilities meet employees' needs, and the campus appearance is pleasing. Employees agree with statements like "The institution takes reasonable steps to provide a safe and secure environment for the campus."
Job Satisfaction
There is an overall sense that the job is meaningful to the employee and to the college. Employees agree with statements like "My job makes good use of my skills and abilities."
Professional/Career-Development Programs
Employees get the chance to develop skills and they understand their requirements for career advancement. They agree with statements like "Our orientation program prepares new faculty, administration, and staff to be effective."
Respect and Appreciation
Employees are regularly recognized for their contributions. Employees agree with statements like "Our recognition and awards programs are meaningful to me."
Supervisor or Department-Chair Relationship
Supervisors or chairs makes expectations clear and solicit ideas. Employees agree with statements like "I believe what I am told by my supervisor/department chair."
Teaching Environment
Faculty members say the institution recognizes innovative and high-quality teaching. They agree with statements like "Teaching is appropriately recognized in the evaluation and promotion process." (Faculty only.)
Tenure Clarity and Process
Requirements for tenure are clear. Employees agree with statements like "Promotions in my department are based on a person's ability." (Faculty at four-year institutions only.)
Work/Life Balance
College policies give employees the flexibility to manage their lives on the job and at home. Employees agree with statements like "My supervisor/department chair supports my efforts to balance my work and personal life."
Here's your opportunity to customize your own list of great colleges based on the categories most important to you. Slide categories towards the right with your mouse. As you select more, the number of colleges that meet those criteria will dwindle to fewer and fewer. Try it out!
Drop the categories you wish to select here
Colleges that meet criteria from your selected categories will display here
Large 4-year Colleges
Medium 4-year Colleges
Small 4-year Colleges
Large 2-year Colleges
Medium 2-year Colleges
Small 2-year Colleges
HONOR ROLLRecognized in these Great Colleges categories
Development Programs
Chair Relationship
* Faculty Only
Compare this college to others
Outstanding features
- On the 2014 Honor Roll.
Vital statistics
Staff size
- Administrators/exempt professionals:
- Full-time faculty:
- Adjunct/part-time faculty:
- Full-time non-exempt staff:
Average annual salaries
- Administrators:
- Exempt professionals:
- Full-time faculty:
- Adjunct/part-time faculty (per 3-credit course):
Voluntary turnover rates
- Faculty:
- Other staff:
View the current job openings.
The annual Great Colleges to Work For survey was administered and compiled by ModernThink LLC for The Chronicle. All survey-related content in this issue, including college presidents’ statements about what makes their institution a great place to work, was provided by ModernThink, which drew institutional data from the colleges and the U.S. Department of Education.