Adjunct Faculty in the Higher Education Workforce
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| Title: | Adjunct Faculty in the Higher Education Workforce |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Brielle Johnson, Melissa Fuesting, College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) |
| Source: | College and University Professional Association for Human Resources. 2026. |
| Availability: | College and University Professional Association for Human Resources. 1811 Commons Point Drive, Knoxville, TN 37932. Tel: 877-287-2474; Fax: 865-637-7674; e-mail: research@cupahr.org; Web site: http://www.cupahr.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 25 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Adjunct Faculty, College Faculty, Private Colleges, Public Colleges, Institutional Characteristics, Intellectual Disciplines, Teacher Salaries, School Policy, Faculty Workload, Teacher Characteristics, Disproportionate Representation |
| Abstract: | Across U.S. colleges and universities, there are more than 650,000 adjunct faculty. Adjunct faculty are hired by institutions to teach specific courses and are paid on a course-by-course basis. This low pay is especially notable considering the education level of adjuncts, as many colleges and universities require an advanced degree for these positions. In addition to low pay, adjuncts are seldom offered retirement savings plans by their college or university, and they are typically ineligible to receive healthcare benefits from their institution. Due to the critical role played by adjuncts in post-secondary education as well as the noted vulnerabilities associated with these positions, it is important to better understand this part of the higher ed workforce. This report provides a deep dive on adjunct faculty, outlining the state of the adjunct workforce and identifying opportunities for increased support for this critical sector of higher ed employees. The findings from the current report contribute to a growing body of research on the conditions of adjunct faculty employment in higher education. |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED678593 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Across U.S. colleges and universities, there are more than 650,000 adjunct faculty. Adjunct faculty are hired by institutions to teach specific courses and are paid on a course-by-course basis. This low pay is especially notable considering the education level of adjuncts, as many colleges and universities require an advanced degree for these positions. In addition to low pay, adjuncts are seldom offered retirement savings plans by their college or university, and they are typically ineligible to receive healthcare benefits from their institution. Due to the critical role played by adjuncts in post-secondary education as well as the noted vulnerabilities associated with these positions, it is important to better understand this part of the higher ed workforce. This report provides a deep dive on adjunct faculty, outlining the state of the adjunct workforce and identifying opportunities for increased support for this critical sector of higher ed employees. The findings from the current report contribute to a growing body of research on the conditions of adjunct faculty employment in higher education. |
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