**Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi Addresses Salary Issues in Open Letter**
*March 8, 2025 — University Park, PA*
In a surprising and unprecedented move, Penn State University President Neeli Bendapudi has released an open letter addressing recent salary concerns, particularly regarding the compensation of Head Coach James Franklin. The letter comes in response to growing discussions about the salary disparities within the athletic department and broader concerns about fairness in pay across the university system.
**An Open Letter to the Penn State Community**
The open letter, which was sent to all faculty, staff, and students on campus, provides a comprehensive look into the university’s approach to faculty and staff compensation. In her statement, President Bendapudi outlined the university’s commitment to addressing salary equity, acknowledging the challenges that have emerged in recent months surrounding the pay structure of key personnel in the athletics department, including Franklin, who has been at the helm of Penn State’s football team since 2014.
“Today, we stand at a crossroads. The discussion of salary equity is vital, not just in the context of Penn State’s athletics program, but across the entire university,” Bendapudi wrote. “We have heard the concerns raised by both the Penn State community and the public regarding the compensation for some of our highest-profile individuals, including Head Coach James Franklin.”
The letter emphasized that the university is in the process of reviewing the current pay scale for top earners, with an eye toward ensuring fairness and consistency throughout the institution. Bendapudi also expressed her intention to prioritize open communication and transparency with all stakeholders as part of the ongoing effort to address these issues.
**James Franklin’s Salary and the Changing Landscape of College Sports**
The announcement concerning Franklin’s salary was particularly notable, as the football coach’s compensation has been a subject of increasing scrutiny. As of 2025, Franklin’s salary is reported to be one of the highest in college football, with some reports estimating his base salary at over $8 million annually. This has led to concerns about the disparities between what athletes and coaches are paid compared to the rest of the university’s staff.
Bendapudi acknowledged the growing tension over this issue, noting that “the compensation for our athletics programs, including coaches like Franklin, does not exist in a vacuum.” She revealed that the university would be launching an external review of all athletic department salaries to determine whether current pay structures align with the university’s values of equity and inclusion.
“We understand that salary disparity is not just a topic for discussion in athletics,” she continued. “It is part of a larger conversation about the broader financial framework of our institution. We are committed to examining these issues with transparency and a focus on fairness.”
**Moving Forward: A New Era of Transparency and Collaboration**
Bendapudi also made a commitment to work closely with the university’s Board of Trustees, faculty representatives, and key administrators to explore solutions for better pay equity. She noted that any potential adjustments to Franklin’s salary or other compensation structures would be considered carefully in collaboration with the athletics department and other university leaders.
In conclusion, President Bendapudi’s letter stressed the importance of unity and collaboration in navigating these issues. “Our goal is to ensure that Penn State continues to thrive as an institution of excellence, both in academics and athletics. We will move forward together to create a more equitable and just environment for everyone.”
**What’s Next?**
In the coming weeks, the university is expected to announce the formation of a task force to conduct the external review, as well as a timeline for addressing the recommendations. For now, the Penn State community will be waiting to see how these changes impact both the compensation structure and the broader culture at the university.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.