Washington University's Wrighton among 61 at private institutions making more than $1 million. : Washington University Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton, who is stepping down in 2019, is among university leaders who earn more than $1 million a year. Here he delivers remarks during a Dec. 3, 2016 university event. (Photo by Sid Hastings) As tuition continues to rise and the U.S. student debt crisis intensifies, some private college presidents are bringing home more money than ever. Sixty-one of them, to be exact, are being paid more than $1 million.