Yes this is very common and stupid. Heck your age also might be a factor. I worked at a state University and to get anywhere close to what private employers we

Yes this is very common and stupid. Heck your age also might be a factor. I worked at a state University and to get anywhere close to what private employers we offering me upon graduation ( I worked at the university full time while studying) it would have required a Ph.D. to reach that bracket (or equivalent work experience with this conversion 1 year uni == 2 years work experience). This is with the benefits (10% directly into my 403b, no contributions needed) and health package.