The below message was sent to faculty and staff on May 20, 2025.
Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,
At the end of April, the Board of Trustees reviewed and approved the College’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. I’m writing today to provide an overview of that budget and share important information about this year’s salary raise pool for College faculty and staff.
While we start from a strong financial base, Bryn Mawr's financial outlook, like those of most higher education institutions, is impacted significantly by external forces that shape revenue streams (money coming in) and expenditures (money going out). Current fluctuations in economic policies at the state and federal levels may reduce external research and project funding, impact endowment performance, and influence enrollment trends, as students and families reassess the affordability of higher education. Other policy changes at the federal level, such as an increase in excise (endowment) tax, and/or reductions in federal student aid, may further strain institutional budgets. In an environment of considerable financial and policy uncertainty, we need to remain agile so that we can adapt to external pressures.  
Budget Overview
Bryn Mawr, like its peers, aims to balance its operating budget so our revenues are equal to our expenditures. The total approved budget of $154.4M for FY 2026 supports not only investment in our people, but also strategic investments across our campus in areas such as:
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Academic programs and instructional support
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Student services
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Facilities and operational infrastructure
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Technology enhancements
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Strategic reserves and contingencies
We developed this budget with a focus on long-term financial sustainability while honoring the vital role that faculty and staff play in fulfilling the College’s mission.
Investment in Our People
Investment in the people who individually and collectively contribute to making our community thrive continues to be a top priority for the College. That commitment is reflected in the allocation of almost $2.8 million in additional funding dedicated to staff and faculty compensation and benefits in the approved budget.
As in years past, staff and faculty compensation costs represent the largest single line-item increase in our annual budget, comprising 61% of our total budget. This continued investment underscores how deeply we value your contributions and your impact on our students’ success.
Compensation Improvements
Our budget for FY 2026 includes a compensation raise pool of 3%.
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The 3% budget allocation creates a faculty salary pool for annual increases, promotions in rank, and full Professorial Merit for continuing faculty (tenure track, tenured, continuing non-tenure track, and athletics). Faculty increases are effective on the employment anniversary date.
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All eligible staff members will receive a 3% salary increase on the anniversary date of their employment, beginning on or after June 1, 2025.
Minimum hourly rate adjustments: Additional resources are allocated to increase the minimum hourly rate for staff, supporting equity and competitiveness.
Performance and Market-Based Adjustments: The budget also includes funds for individual salary adjustments based on job performance and market comparisons. Staff receiving these increases will be notified individually as the changes take effect.
We will also expand our employee benefits for the upcoming benefits year to include a separate vision plan and a buy-up dental plan (that will include lifetime orthodontia benefits).
As mentioned in an earlier email, the College has hired , a human resource consulting firm, to lead us in an assessment of our faculty and staff compensation programs. This may result in additional changes in compensation for staff and faculty in future years.
If you have questions about the budget or how salary increases will be implemented, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Michael Chaplinski or Candace Baer. We will also hold a Budget Town Hall for staff later in the summer to walk through details and answer any questions and will discuss at the faculty meeting and/or hold a Faculty Town Hall in September.
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Samir Datta
Vice President for Finance & Administration | Chief Financial & Administrative Officer
Finance & Administration
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101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
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