According to a report released yesterday by the Chronicle of Higher Education, President Jay Gogue is one of the highest paid college presidents in the country.

Last year, Gogue made over $725,000 in total compensation, making him the highest paid among Alabama college presidents and 12th nationally.

The president of the University of Alabama, as well as his counterpart at UAB, each earned approximately $604,000 last year, tying them for 24th nationally.

A spokeswoman for the university points out that part of Gogue's earnings are deferred payments, which he will receive only if he stays at Auburn for more than five years. This brings his actual salary last year to $450,000.

The average total earnings for college presidents last year was $461,000.