William R. Brody of Johns Hopkins University came in fourth with a salary of $ 645,710. Brody's overall compensation grew by over $100,000 last year due to a larger benefits package.

Dennis O'Shea, a Johns Hopkins spokesperson, justified Brody's increase in salary in terms of the president's increasing responsibilities.

"In the last few years, we've had changes in governing...resulting in more responsibility for the president," he said.

Indeed, officials at many universities argued that the amount of work shouldered by the university president should commands handsome compensation.

"I think that high presidential salaries are quite fair," said Harvard University spokesperson Joe Wrinn. "It's a complicated job...similar to operating a large institution or corporation, not just a school."

Rudenstine's salary, however, has not increased significantly in several years. Since 1993, Rudenstine's salary has increased by an average of 1.05 percent each year, compared to a 20 percent increase in Rodin's salary just within the last academic year.

"I just don't believe people in my position should be paid four or five hundred thousand dollars," Rudenstine told The Crimson last year.