E. Gordon Gee of Ohio State University really was the highest-paid public university president in the country for the 2007-08 school year, with a pay package worth nearly $1.4 million, according to a Chronicle of Higher Education survey released today.

"Public university presidents are really beginning to catch up with private research university presidents," said Jeffrey J. Selingo, editor of The Chronicle. "There's only a $100,000 difference between the median pay and benefits between the two."

Only three private-college leaders were paid more than Gee for 2006-07, the most recent academic year for which private-school data was available.

David J. Sargent, president of Suffolk University in Boston, was paid the most, with a total $2.8 million, followed by Henry S. Bienen, of Northwestern University outside Chicago, at $1.7 million, and Lee C. Bollinger, of Columbia University in New York, with $1.4 million.

Gee could rise in the ranks this academic year because of a new pay package approved by OSU trustees more than a week ago. Under the new terms, Gee stands to receive $1.6 million to $2 million, depending on whether he earns a full bonus.

Overall, compensation held steady for the leaders of the nation's private research universities but climbed about 6 percent at private schools that offer bachelor's and master's degrees, the annual survey says.

For public research universities, executive compensation increased 7.6 percent, to $427,400. That includes pay and benefits.

Fifteen presidents of public research universities took home at least $700,000 in 2007-2008, up from eight in last year's survey, and nearly one-third now earn more than $500,000.

The salary increases almost entirely reflect contracts signed before the economy turned sharply downward, and the boards that govern colleges argue that retaining top talent is even more critical during a crisis.

But the latest figures likely will attract more criticism this year because colleges and universities across the country are slashing budgets, with many laying off staff. And despite the troubled economy, public universities increased tuition 6.4 percent this fall, according to recent figures from the College Board.

" The Chronicle's study shows that the executive suite seems insulated from budget crunches," said U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, who has been the sharpest congressional critic of pay practices at colleges and other nonprofit groups. "In these hard economic times, apparently belt-tightening is for families and students, not university presidents."

Among the top 40 public and private research universities, three presidents, including Gee, are paid for serving on four corporate boards, Selingo said.

Gee serves on the boards for Grange Insurance, which he joined last month; Gaylord Entertainment of Nashville, Tenn.; Hasbro, in Pawtucket, R.I.; and Massey Energy of Richmond, Va.

Grange wouldn't release what Gee will be paid for his services, but last year, Gee was paid a total of $501,739 by Gaylord, Hasbro and Massey.

This is Gee's second stint as OSU president. He was paid $155,000 his first year at Ohio State in 1990.

During her last year as OSU president, Karen A. Holbrook was paid a base salary of $380,164 and a $250,000 bonus. She left in July 2007.

Last week, Gee said his salary is commensurate with his position as the nation's most experienced college president. He has led five schools during the past 28 years.

"I am the senior leader," he said.

Information from the Associated Press was included in this story.

epyle@dispatch.com