Every survey has limitations in methodology, and the conclusions we draw must consider these. Our sample is relatively small and only includes SU alumni/ae that have graduated 1969 and later, so we would not claim that these numbers are true for the whole profession. We have 514 responses; this doubles the total number of responses from previous years. The increase in responses may be as a result of the mailed invitation to alumni/ae and/or the use of the private web site. All data was collected through a web-based survey conducted September 18, 2001 - November 9, 2001.

How to use the site:
This site offers the results in 2 ways: 1) easy-to-read reports and 2) links to details. Using the bar at the left, you can click on the report of interest. From that page, you can click on "view data tables" if you want to see the specific details. "Top" moves you to the top of that particular report; to get to the next report, click "< back" to the home page.

Most reports will begin with a simple graph, chart, or table describing one aspect of the population that responded. For example, Report 1 begins with a graph showing the percentage of responses from each graduation year. Some reports will then go on to "cross" that information with salary, gender, location, or size of firm. Each report offers an example that clarifies how to read the report.

Regarding the terms ‘Mean’ and ‘Median’:
Mean is the average of all salaries in the group and it can be pulled up or down by an extremely high or low salary. The Median tells you the salary that is in the middle of the group. In other words, approximately half of the responders make more; half make less. Using the Mean and Median together will give you a more accurate look at salary for your graduation year, considering this sample size. In some tables, we are also providing the minimum and maximum numbers. The "n" is the total number of actual responses, allowing for omissions and answers we could not interpret.

A piece of advice for using this report:
Find yourself in each of the many tables/reports in order to get the WHOLE picture. Just seeing the median salary for your year is not enough info ---- pull out all of the numbers related to you to get balanced information. Without having details about your years of experience, responsibilities, degree, overtime policy, and benefits offered, it is not easy to answer the question: "What's the average salary for Boston?" This survey will allow you to compare your compensation in terms of several individual attributes.

Confidentiality:
In order to protect confidentiality, we are only reporting information when 4 or more alumni/ae responded from the same year and/or the same location. For some reports, we had to group responses by year of graduation (in ranges of 5 years) to protect confidentiality. If you have any questions about the results or the methodology, please contact Connie Caldwell, director of career services, by e-mail at cbcaldwe@syr.edu or by phone at 315-443-4937. Our plan is to conduct the survey annually. Your comments will improve the report for next year. Please be in touch!

Many thanks to Katryn Hansen, assistant dean, as well as the folks at the Center for Support of Teaching and Learning, Judy O’Brien, Joe Viscomi, and Julie Hall for significant contributions to this project.