Administrative Bloat: Schools with the Most & Least Efficient Administrations
Top Five Schools with Most Administrative Bloat
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- American Film Institute
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Washington University in St. Louis
Top Five Schools with Least Administrative Bloat
- Rush University
- Antioch University
- New England Conservatory of Music
- Pasadena City College
- University of Tampa
What is Administrative Bloat?
Administrative bloat refers to the superfluous growth in the number and size of administrative staff and departments in colleges and universities. This growth can hurt both the organization and current or prospective students as operational costs increase and the college’s focus moves away from teaching and research. In this article, administrative bloat refers to the total number of full-time instructional staff divided by the total number of full-time non-instructional staff.
Back to TopWhy Does Administrative Bloat Matter?
Understanding and addressing administrative bloat involves analyzing organizational structures, budget allocations, and prioritizing the institution’s core academic mission. Some of the key concerns of administrative inefficiency include increased costs, mission drift, and bureaucratic inefficiency.
As more of the institution’s budget is allocated to salaries and benefits for administrative staff, tuition fees could increase, making education less affordable and accessible. Funds that could have been used for academic purposes, such as hiring faculty, improving facilities, or supporting research and student services, are instead spent on administrative salaries and benefits.
This allocation shift can cause a university’s focus to move away from education and research as the main missions, diluting academic standards and student success. This can result in larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, and diminished academic support services. These factors can culminate in student dissatisfaction and lower enrollment rates.
If an institution’s administration bloat continues unchecked, it can ultimately harm an institution’s reputation, making it less attractive to prospective students, faculty, and donors. This can have long-term negative effects on the institution’s growth and sustainability.
Additionally, as the number of administrative positions grow, decision-making processes can become convoluted, reducing the institution’s overall efficiency and responsiveness. This change impacts not only staff, but faculty members as well. If additional regulatory and compliance burdens are placed on faculty, their time and energy could be diverted away from teaching and research.
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Why Prospective Students Should Consider Administrative Efficiency
Prospective students should be cognizant of the negative impact of administrative bloat in their college search and look for schools with high administrative efficiency. An efficient administration impacts a student’s college experience in a number of ways:
Lower Tuition Fees
Increased administrative costs are often passed on to students in the form of higher tuition and fees, making obtaining a college degree less affordable and increasing student debt. Prospective students of schools with high administrative costs may also find that less financial aid and scholarship opportunities exist. However, with fewer administrative costs, universities with more efficient administrations are able to keep their tuition at a more reasonable rate and provide more financial aid to students.
Greater Academic Resources
Funds diverted to administrative salaries and infrastructure typically means that money is taken away from academic programs, scholarships, faculty hiring, and research opportunities. This has the potential to diminish the quality of education students will be receiving. However, schools that prioritize administrative efficiency can allocate more resources to academic programs, faculty, and research initiatives, leading to a richer educational experience.
Competitive Advantage
Colleges and universities with significant administrative costs may struggle to compete with leaner, more efficient schools that can offer lower tuition fees and better student support services. Additionally, administrative bloat can injure an institution’s reputation and negatively impact its rankings, influencing both current and prospective students’ perceptions and decisions. If schools are able to remain competitive in their educational and research endeavors, students will have a competitive advantage as they enter the workforce or pursue advanced degrees.
Increased Faculty Interaction
If university professors are weighed down with administrative tasks, they will have reduced time to spend on teaching, mentoring, and interacting with students. Additionally, they might have reduced research opportunities and office hours, creating more barriers between students and professors and decreasing students’ opportunities. Administrative efficiency provides faculty greater freedom in pursuing research and more time to engage with students.
Student Satisfaction and Success
Students at schools with efficient administration report higher satisfaction levels, which may in part be due to simpler administrative processes and better access to resources. Efficient administrations are also better equipped to lead students smoothly through their educational journey. This leads to higher graduation rate as well as reduced degree completion time. Additionally, efficient allocation of funds can improve campus facilities, provide access to current technologies, and increase efficacy of student services.
Long-Term Value
Colleges and universities that manage their resources well often have stronger alumni networks, creating valuable connections and opportunities for graduates. These institutions also typically have a better reputation, creating more opportunities and improving job prospects for students. Lastly, schools with efficient administrations are in a better position to ensure long-term stability for students as they are in a position to continue to improve academic quality.
Back to TopThe Benefits of a Lean College Administration
A lean college administration offers several benefits that enhance the overall functioning and quality of colleges and universities. Here are some key advantages:
Institution Responsiveness
A lean administration can adapt more quickly, ensuring that colleges and universities remains responsive to the needs of students and faculty.
Efficient Resource Allocation
When financial resources fall in line with a school’s mission, both students and faculty benefit and educational outcomes are enhanced.
Investment in Learning Facilities
Savings from administrative efficiencies can be invested in upgrading classrooms, labs, libraries, and technology, providing students with better learning environments.
Reduced Bureaucracy
Simplified administrative structures and fewer administrative positions allow students and faculty to better navigate institutional processes and fix issues quickly. Students are also able to receive quicker and more effective support from administrative offices.
Quality of Education
Colleges and universities with high administrative efficiency are better able to focus on education, research, and innovation, leading to high academic standards. These high standards can then lead to the retention of high-quality faculty members that can make significant contributions to the university’s research.
By focusing resources on core academic functions and reducing unnecessary administrative overhead, colleges and universities can better serve their students, faculty, and the broader community.
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10 Colleges with the Most Administrative Bloat
- #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
- #3 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Hampshire 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in New Hampshire
- #1 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #1 Best Online Master's in Web Design
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Game Design Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in New Hampshire
- #2 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #2 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
- #3 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #3 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in New Hampshire 2024
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs
- #3 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2025
- #4 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
- #4 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Vermont
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration
- #4 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #4 Best Online Six Sigma Certification
- #4 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
- #5 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
- #5 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #5 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #6 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #6 Best Online Master's in Economics
- #7 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's in Project Management
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #8 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
- #8 Best Online Master's in English
- #8 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
- #11 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #13 Best Online MBAs in Finance
- #13 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #13 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #17 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #19 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #20 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
- #23 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #24 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
- #25 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
- #2 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Finance Degree Programs 2024
- #6 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
- #8 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
- #18 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
41%
Student body
224K
Career Outlook for degree at Southern New Hampshire University
Cost of Degree: $15,380Expenses: $21,900Starting Salary: $50,200Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySNHU is a private university and is known for its hospitality, health, education, and business programs. It is one of the fastest growing universities in the United States and currently has 35,000 online students and 3,000 on-campus students pursuing a college degree. It has a 22 to 1 student to faculty ratio, while having a large percentage of administrative staff. The school’s administrative spending could contribute to the lack of research opportunities provided to students.
Southern New Hampshire University’s Online Degrees
BA in Digital Photography
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Fashion Merchandising And Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Game Art And Development
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Accounting
Degree Concentrations
- Forensic Accounting And Fraud Examination
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Accounting Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Human Resources Management
- International Business
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
- Nonprofit Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Project Management
- Public Administration
- Sports Management
- Management Information Systems
- Healthcare Administration
- Industrial Organizational Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Data Analytics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Finance
Degree Concentrations
- Financial Planning
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marketing
Degree Concentrations
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Operations Management
Degree Concentrations
- Logistics And Transportation
- Project Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Sport Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Technical Management Ii
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Information Systems
Degree Concentrations
- Data Validation And Decision Making
- Networking And Security
- Project Management
- Project Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Science
Degree Concentrations
- Data Analysis
- Information Security
- Project Management
- Software Engineering
- Project Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Game Programming And Development
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technologies
Degree Concentrations
- Business Management For It
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Project Management For It
- Software Development
- Business Management For It
- Project Management For It
- Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Information Technologies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Corrections
- Criminology
- Homeland Security And Counterterrorism
- Human Services And Advocacy
- Police Administration And Operations
- Substance Abuse
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Anthropology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
Degree Concentrations
- New Media
- Professional Writing
- Business Communication
- Public Relations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Creative Writing And English
Degree Concentrations
- Fiction
- Non-Fiction
- Poetry
- Screenwriting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English Language And Literature
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
Degree Concentrations
- American History
- European History
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Military History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Human Services
Degree Concentrations
- Child And Family Services
- Gerontology
- Substance Abuse
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
Degree Concentrations
- Community Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Community Health Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Health Information Management
- Patient Safety And Quality
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Addictions
- Applied Psychology
- Child And Adolescent Development
- Mental Health
- Social Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Environmental Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Geosciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Delaware
- #2 Best Online MBA in Operations Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #6 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #10 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
- #11 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Master's in Project Management
- #16 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #20 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #21 Best Online MBAs in Finance
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #23 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
68%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/29
Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Jefferson University
Cost of Degree: $44,200Expenses: $21,469Starting Salary: $99,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThomas Jefferson University is one of the top universities in Philadelphia, with a student population of slightly over 8,000 and great architecture, biochemistry, and accounting programs. While the school has a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, the tuition rates are close to $70,000. Tuition has continued to increase steadily over recent years as more administrative staff are added to the university’s team.
Thomas Jefferson University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Computer Forensics
- Crime and Criminal Behavior
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Probation and Parole
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Acquisition and Contract Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Health Services Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Joe Gibbs Performance Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Retail Management
- Social Media Marketing
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Management
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Student body
<1K
The American Film Institute is a nonprofit film school located in Los Angeles, California. The school reports having only 12 full-time faculty, while having slightly over 400 students. Additionally, tuition rates have been in the high $60,000’s for the past few years. While part of the reason for these high rates can be attributed to the location of the school, the large number of administrative staff at the school is a factor as well.
Tuition + fees
$17K
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Medical University of South Carolina
Cost of Degree: $16,947Starting Salary: $111,500The Medical University of South Carolina has consistently been ranked among the best medical schools in the United States and is known for its emphasis on research, innovation, and commitment to patient care. However, the school only has 211 instructional faculty, while having over 1,000 administrative staff. This leads to higher tuition rates for students as well as student reports of a convoluted bureaucratic structure.
- #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2024
- #13 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
- #2 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
- #2 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
94%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/34
Career Outlook for degree at Washington University in St. Louis
Cost of Degree: $60,590Expenses: $22,886Starting Salary: $87,900Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWashington University in St. Louis is a private university with around 8,000 students. The student to faculty ratio is 8 to 1, allowing for more student and faculty interaction. However, the school reported a total of 12,609 administrative staff in the 2023-2024 school year. This number directly impacts the exorbitant tuition rates of over $60,000.
Washington University in St. Louis’s Online Degrees
BS in Integrated Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Humanities
- Social Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #4 Best Universities in the World 2024 #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #8 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #8 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2024
- #2 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #2 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #2 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #8 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
- #9 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #3 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
- #6 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #9 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
- #11 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
4%
Graduation
95%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1555/35
Career Outlook for degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $57,986Expenses: $21,864Starting Salary: $153,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMIT is a private university that has made significant contributions to the fields of science and technology. The school boasts of an extremely low student to faculty ratio of 3 to 1. However, MIT has almost nine times the number of administrative faculty compared to faculty members. While the school still provides a large number of research opportunities to students, scholarship opportunities are limited and tuition continues to climb.
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Research Universities in Florida 2024
- #22 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Nursing Programs (PhDs)
- #1 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
- #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
- #4 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #6 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
- #7 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #13 Best Online Master's in Management
- #13 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #14 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Finance Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$57K
Acceptance
19%
Graduation
84%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/31
Career Outlook for degree at University of Miami
Cost of Degree: $57,194Expenses: $21,826Starting Salary: $72,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of Miami is a private research university in Florida and has been consistently ranked among the best universities in the United States. It is known for its finance, nursing, and psychology programs. The university has around 3,500 instructional faculty, but over 15,000 administrative staff. This discrepancy contributes to the high tuition rates of almost $90,000 as well as the lower-than-average graduation rates as compared to other top universities.
- #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
Other Rankings
- #12 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #15 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #15 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #23 Best Universities in the World 2024
- #25 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
- #1 Best Small Colleges in California 2024
- #3 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
- #4 Best Grad Schools California 2025
- #4 Best Colleges in California 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #5 Best Research Universities in California 2024
- #5 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #9 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
3%
Graduation
94%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $60,864Expenses: $22,734Starting Salary: $106,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryCalTech is a private research university in California with a focus on pure and applied sciences. The school’s student to faculty ratio is 3 to 1, but has eight times more administrative staff than instructional staff. This is at least one factor in the high tuition rates of around $90,000.
- #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
Other Rankings
- #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #11 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #13 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
- #14 Best Universities in the World 2024
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
- #8 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #8 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #9 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #9 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #9 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #1 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #1 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #2 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #3 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #3 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
- #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
- #6 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
- #9 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #10 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
- #10 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
96%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/34
Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $63,452Expenses: $22,286Starting Salary: $131,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university and is the fourth oldest institution of higher education in the United States. While the school has 4,783 instructional faculty, it has 39,859 total staff. This is close to 10,000 more staff than students. While these numbers have not hurt the research reputation of the university, tuition fees are close to $90,000 and have been climbing for the past few years.
- #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #1 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
- #1 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
- #1 Best Universities in the World 2024
- #1 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #2 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
- #1 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
- #1 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #7 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$57K
Acceptance
3%
Graduation
98%
Student body
39K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/35
Career Outlook for degree at Harvard University
Cost of Degree: $57,261Expenses: $26,277Starting Salary: $139,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryHarvard University is a private institution with excellent programs in the social sciences, biological sciences, mathematics, and more. The school has 2,400 instructional staff, while having over 7,000 administrative staff. This is almost 40% more administrative staff than Harvard used to have for the same number of students in the late 1990’s.
10 Colleges with the Least Administrative Bloat
Tuition + fees
$30K
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Rush University
Cost of Degree: $30,315Starting Salary: $125,000Rush University, located in Chicago, is one of the United States’ oldest and most prestigious institutions. While Rush’s medical arm has a high number of staff, the school itself has few administrators and a large number of teaching faculty. They also boast of a 8 to 1 student to faculty ratio and are able to keep their tuition rates relatively low at around $30,000.
- #3 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #10 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
Tuition + fees
$16K
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Antioch University
Cost of Degree: $16,350Starting Salary: $41,800Antioch University is a school that prides itself on empowering its students to stand up for justice and is consistently ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. Some of the school’s most popular degrees include psychology, biomedical science, and anthropology. The school has a student to faculty ratio of 2 to 1 while keeping their undergraduate tuition rates at slightly over $16,000. This is due, at least in part, to their administrative efficiency.
Tuition + fees
$56K
Acceptance
38%
Graduation
81%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at New England Conservatory of Music
Cost of Degree: $55,910Expenses: $21,960Starting Salary: $41,200Cost Recoup Time: 23 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe New England Conservatory of Music is an internationally recognized private music school that features programs involving music history, composition, performance, and entrepreneurship. The institution has a student to faculty ratio of 5 to 1 and is able to give a high number of scholarships to students because of the school’s budget allocation.
- #2 50 Best Community Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Community Colleges in California 2024
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
41%
Student body
31K
Career Outlook for degree at Pasadena City College
Cost of Degree: $1,172Starting Salary: $39,300Pasadena City College is a public community college in Pasadena, California. It is known for its liberal arts, biology, and business administration programs. 78% of its students receive scholarships or other forms of financial aid from the school, something that schools with high bloat are typically unable to do. Additionally, over half of their employees are instructional staff.
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
26%
Graduation
66%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Tampa
Cost of Degree: $32,218Expenses: $17,790Starting Salary: $55,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of Tampa is a private university known for its sports programs and academic excellence. Some of the school’s most popular degrees include finance, international business, and biology. While the student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1, the number of faculty members as opposed to administrative staff is quite high and contributes to the university’s ability to keep their tuition rates relatively stable in recent years.
- #22 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #4 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
Acceptance
16%
Graduation
100%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/30
The United States Air Force Academy is a United States service academy and one of the top universities in the country. Its goal is to educate cadets for service in the officer corps in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. The school has a student to faculty ratio of 7 to 1 with the majority of its employees being instructional staff.
- #25 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2024 #6 Best Colleges in New York 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
- #6 Best Grad Schools in New York 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in New York 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #7 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #24 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
- #3 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
49%
Graduation
78%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1410/31
Career Outlook for degree at Stony Brook University
Cost of Degree: $10,560Expenses: $19,958Starting Salary: $62,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryStony Brook University is a public research university located in New York and is known for its programs in psychology, mathematics, and the biological sciences. It has consistently been ranked among the best colleges in the United States and has become an internationally recognized research institution. It has 3,028 instructional faculty and slightly over 4,000 administrative staff. This ratio contributes to the university’s ability to focus on research and innovation.
Stony Brook University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 57
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Electrical Engineering
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
- #2 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in West Virginia 2024
- #2 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in West Virginia 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in West Virginia
- #4 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
- #7 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
- #8 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #13 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
- #15 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
- #16 Best RN to BSN Online
- #17 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
- #19 Best Online MBAs in Finance
- #21 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
- #22 Best Online Master's in Special Education
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
50%
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for degree at Marshall University
Cost of Degree: $8,604Expenses: $15,340Starting Salary: $41,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMarshall University is a public research university and has consistently been ranked for its high research activity. It is known for its marketing, education, and psychology programs. The school has 1,790 employees in total, with 823 of those being instructional faculty. This has allowed the school to keep their tuition rates low, at around $25,000 for in-state students and $36,000 for out-of-state students, while remaining a leader in research and innovation.
Marshall University’s Online Degrees
BA in General Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Geography
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Geography
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Writing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2024 #10 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
56%
Student body
22K
Career Outlook for degree at Queens College, City University of New York
Cost of Degree: $7,538Expenses: $22,814Starting Salary: $52,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryQueens College is a public university located on an 80-acre campus in New York. The college is known for its diversity, academic excellence, and affordability. The college reports have 19,568 instructional faculty and 33,099 administrative staff. This ratio allows the university to stay focused on providing students with a high quality education. Additionally, 83% of students receive some sort of financial aid, something the university is able to accomplish, in part, because of their administrative efficiency.
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
- #9 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
47%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Bridgeport
Cost of Degree: $35,760Expenses: $25,222Starting Salary: $47,100Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of Bridgeport is a private university known for focusing on innovation and producing career ready graduates. The institution is best known for its accounting, nursing, psychology and criminal justice programs. 99% of students receive some sort of financial aid from the university. Additionally, the university has been able to hold undergraduate tuition flat for the past few years at $35,000. The university’s commitment to being an administratively efficient school has played a large role in its ability to keep tuition costs low.
University of Bridgeport’s Online Degrees
BS in Professional Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
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Frequently Asked Questions on Administrative Bloat
What are institutions of higher education doing to manage or reduce administrative bloat?
Many colleges and universities are actively adopting several strategies to increase the efficiency of their administrations. These strategies include consolidating departments and eliminating redundancies, automating systems and utilizing online platforms, and implementing performance metrics for existing departments. These approaches allow schools to focus on their main goals of providing excellent academic programs and a variety of research opportunities to students.
What benefits, if any, do increased administrations provide to students?
While administrative bloat is harmful in many ways, there is also the potential for institutions to overcorrect and end up unable to provide comprehensive student services or the ability to perform crucial university functions. Some of the most common student services in institutions of higher education include career counseling, health and wellness services, enrollment and registration assistance, and other forms academic support. Additionally, for students who are interested in being a part of clubs or organizations, more administrators might aid in having diverse options to choose from. However, it is still imperative that schools are cognizant of their administrative spending.
To learn more about the potential benefits of an increased administration, read our article on overcoming administrative bloat.