How Many Applicants Apply for a Typical Professor Position at a University?

The number of applicants for a typical professor position at a university varies widely depending on several factors. These factors include the field of study, the university's reputation, and the location. On average, a professor position might attract anywhere from 50 to over 200 applicants.

Factors Affecting the Number of Applicants

Highly competitive fields or prestigious institutions can attract even more applicants, sometimes exceeding 300. Conversely, in less popular fields or at institutions with lower visibility, the number of applicants may be significantly lower. This underscores the competitiveness of the academic job market, often requiring candidates to face a large pool of applicants for each position.

Experiences in Different Disciplines

A professional with extensive experience in the biological sciences notes that the number of applicants can be highly dependent on the specific requirements of the position. "Tigger applicants"—those who apply for almost any job regardless of qualifications—are always present, but the real competition comes from candidates who meet the specific criteria. The experience of this professional spans various institutions, from top-tier universities to smaller undergraduate institutions.

At top-tier institutions, the pool of applicants is often relatively small because most potential candidates recognize their chances are low. Similarly, at smaller research institutions in remote locations, the number of poorly-matching candidates is larger, but the actual number of applicants may still be high. The intermediate positions, however, can be extremely competitive, attracting as many as 100 applicants, many of whom may have varying qualifications that meet the job description.

Discipline-Specific Variations

The number of applicants also varies widely depending on the discipline. In literature, for instance, a single tenured-track position on the East Coast teaching American literature received over 400 applicants in the late 1980s. More typical, however, one can see 40 to 100 applicants. Take the example of a small liberal arts college in the American South, where 40 applicants applied for a position teaching Irish literature, which is closer to the usual number.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of applicants for a typical professor position at a university is influenced by the level of competition, the specific requirements of the position, and the reputation and location of the institution. Factors such as the field of study play a crucial role in determining the number of applicants. Understanding these factors can help educators and administrators prepare for the recruitment process more effectively.