The landscape of higher education staffing is undergoing significant transformations, as highlighted in the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) April 2025 report, The Non-Exempt Higher Education Staff Workforce: Trends in Composition, Size, and Pay Equity. This comprehensive study delves into the evolving composition, size, and pay equity of non-exempt staff within U.S. colleges and universities from the 2016–17 to 2023–24 academic years.
The Higher Education Inquirer has been reporting on the College Meltdown since 2016, tracking the unraveling of institutional stability across much of U.S. higher education. Our coverage has especially focused on declining college enrollment at for-profit colleges, community colleges, small state universities, and private colleges and universities—sectors hit hardest by demographic shifts, rising costs, and growing public skepticism about the value of a college degree. The CUPA-HR report adds another layer to this narrative, highlighting how the backbone of campus operations—non-exempt staff—are being affected.
Declining Workforce Numbers
The report reveals a troubling trend: the non-exempt staff workforce has steadily declined over the past seven years. Full-time non-exempt positions dropped by 9%, while part-time roles fell by 8%. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this decline, with full-time jobs shrinking by 3.3% and part-time roles plummeting by 17.2%.
Composition of the Workforce
Despite the shrinking workforce, non-exempt staff still made up 28% of the higher education labor force in 2023–24. This is significantly lower than in the overall U.S. economy, where non-exempt positions represent more than half of all jobs. These roles—custodians, electricians, administrative assistants, and dining hall workers—are essential to day-to-day campus functions.
Pay Equity Disparities
CUPA-HR also highlights ongoing inequities in compensation. Women and people of color remain underrepresented in the highest-paying non-exempt roles and often earn less than White male colleagues doing similar work. Pay disparities are especially pronounced for women over the age of 42 and for professionals of color at wealthier institutions—institutions that tend to employ more diverse staff, but pay them less.
Institutional Implications
These findings raise urgent questions about sustainability, morale, and service quality on campuses already under strain. As colleges confront declining enrollments, shrinking budgets, and demands for greater equity and accountability, the erosion of the non-exempt workforce risks compounding the challenges. Institutions must consider robust equity audits, fair compensation practices, and inclusive hiring and retention strategies.
Conclusion
CUPA-HR’s April 2025 study is a stark reminder that the College Meltdown is not only about enrollment and finances, but also about the people who keep campuses running. The non-exempt staff, often invisible in strategic planning discussions, are central to the student experience and institutional mission. Their declining numbers and ongoing inequities reflect deeper systemic problems that higher education leaders can no longer afford to ignore.
For more insights, visit the full report: The Non-Exempt Higher Education Staff Workforce: Trends in Composition, Size, and Pay Equity.
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