Personnel Compensation and Benefits in Funded Research

Many grant proposals request compensation for one or more people involved in the project. In most cases, fringe benefits will be included. A multi-year proposal should include estimated yearly increases.

The information below should be used as a general guide; however, it is a good idea to check faculty compensation figures with associate provost Trish St. Leger (315-228-7224) and support and technical staff compensation with Human Resources (315-228-7411).

A. Faculty

Salaries

When the identity of the person to be paid by the grant is known, use exact salary figures. Otherwise, use an appropriate estimate, checking with Trish St. Leger (7224) to make sure the estimate corresponds to Colgate's existing salary structure.
To calculate faculty salaries for the academic year, normally use 1/5 of the academic year salary per course release, keeping in mind that July 1 is the date of annual salary increases.
To calculate faculty salaries for summer work, normally use 2/9 (= two months) of the academic year salary, keeping in mind that July 1 is the date of annual salary increases.
Estimate annual salary increases at 2.5%.

Fringe Benefits

Calculate faculty fringe benefits at 32% of salary.
For summer salary only, faculty may opt to forego retirement contributions and calculate fringe benefits at 10% of salary to cover legally required FICA and Medicare.
If the agency does not allow fringe benefits to be paid from the grant, see the Faculty Handbook (section III.L.2.a) for information about life and medical insurance premiums during grant-supported leaves of absence.
If faculty from other institutions will be paid through the grant, contact the grants office at grantsoffice@colgate.edu to help determine the correct rate and which institution will be responsible for fringe benefits.

B. Administrative, Support, and Technical Staff

If the identity of the person to be funded by the grant is known, use exact salary figures. Otherwise, use an appropriate estimate for salary. Check your figures with Human Resources (315-228-7411). Use the following percentages for fringe benefits:

32% of salary for administrative employees, support and technical employees, and interns
10% of salary for persons working 1040 hours or less per year.

C. Students

Summer Research (Externally funded)

Student research assistants typically conduct research for 8 to 10 weeks:

Wage: 2024 - $632/week ($15.80/hour x 40 hours); 2025 - $652/week ($16.30/hour x 40 hours); 2026 - $672/week ($16.80/hour x 40 hours); 2027 - $692/week ($17.30/hour x 40 hours); 2028 - $712/week ($17.80/hour x 40 hours).
Fringe benefits: 10% of wages.

Academic-Year Research

The Office of Human Resources is responsible for all on-campus student employment during the academic year. Student wage rates are set according to the requirements of the position and the number of years the student has held that particular position at Colgate. No merit pay can be offered, and no fringe benefits may be charged for academic-year student work. For current rates, see the Student Employment Handbook.