NORMAL - No college president in the Twin Cities is anywhere near the $1 million salary range seen at some of the nation's top private universities, local campus officials said.

A record 23 presidents of private colleges and universities received more than $1 million in total compensation in fiscal 2008, according to an analysis of the most recently available data published Monday by the Chronicle of Higher Education. A record one in four in the study of 419 colleges' mandatory IRS filings made at least $500,000.

The latest survey does not include presidential salaries at public universities, which have been rising in recent years but are generally lower than at top private institutions. Last year, just one public university president, Ohio State's Gordon Gee, earned more than $1 million.

"Those are very atypical salaries," said Matt Kurz, vice president for public relations at Illinois Wesleyan University.

"Our president wasn't on that list and wouldn't be anywhere near that," said Kurz, who declined to state the compensation figures for Dick Wilson.

Illinois State University President Al Bowman earned $360,000 in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.

In addition to his salary, he received $20,000 for deferred salary plan for retirement, a residence, a vehicle and a membership in the Bloomington County Club.

ISU doesn't estimate the value of the residence, vehicle and membership.

"They are not specific to one president, but are offered to all presidents," said university spokesman Jay Groves said Monday.

He won't be gaining any ground on the higher salaries this year. Bowman declared no salary increase this year for staff, including himself.

Heartland Community College President Jon Astroth earned $187,490 in compensation for the same period along with a $750 monthly vehicle allowance, said college spokeswoman Janet Hill-Getz.

Astroth, who has served 18 years in office, is one of the most senior of 48 Illinois community college presidents. He is set to retire this year.

"Most university presidents have 24/7 jobs. They earn their money in many ways," Kurz said.