The University of Iowa was rated "exceptional" in five categories in a survey of junior faculty members at 127 colleges by the Harvard-based collaborative. Iowa does have faculty-friendly policies, including an automatic one-year extension of the tenure clock when a new baby is born or adopted. But Thomas W. Rice, Iowa's associate provost, says the appeal of Iowa City—with its relaxed pace, highly regarded schools, and excellent medical care—may explain the high marks as much as anything else.

"You're happier with your employer if you're happy with the place you live," he says. "We're lucky that way."

-The Chronicle of Higher Education
July 24, 2011