The work of student affairs administrators is focused on one, fundamental concept: higher education extends far beyond classroom learning.
These post-secondary professionals understand that a successful student experience depends on a rich learning environment, which can only be achieved when wellness, development, diversity, and support are considered.
Student affairs administrators are committed to the promotion of diversity and inclusion, the support of students at all stages of their learning experience, and the removal of barriers to student success. Their overarching goal, according to NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, is to help students “begin a lifetime journey of growth and self-exploration.”
Student affairs administrators consider all aspects of the student experience:
- Housing
- Student enrollment/admissions
- Health and wellness
- Safety
- Financial aid
- Mental health and wellness
- Extracurricular activities
- Campus clubs
- Campus resources
- Career preparation
- Service learning
- Alumni relations
They also consider all types of students:
- Traditional students
- Adult students
- Graduate students
- Part-time students
- Commuting students
- Minority students
- LGBTQ students
- Students with disabilities
- Veteran students
- Disadvantaged students
The Work of Student Affairs Administrators: What They Do and Where They Do It
With the goal of improving the student experience, student affairs administrators are tasked with overseeing the development and implementation of programs, policies, and services related to everything from academics to enrollment.
An array of topics exist within each of these areas. For example, student affairs administrators focused on student health may implement and oversee policies, procedures, programs, and initiatives aimed at issues such as sexual violence, alcohol abuse, campus health clinics, mental health resources, and athletics. Given the broad range of issues within student affairs, it is common for student affairs administrators to focus their work on a specific area, such as housing, campus programs, athletic events, or career services.
Typical job duties for these professionals include:
- Advising students
- Communicating with parents and families
- Designing and implementing programs and activities
- Overseeing conflict resolution
- Assessing and evaluating current policies and procedures
Student affairs administrators work in every type of post-secondary institution, including colleges and universities, trade schools, research universities, and for-profit institutions. Just a few of the job titles for these professionals include:
- Student housing director
- Financial aid administrator
- Student services administrator
- Admissions specialist
- Academic affairs coordinators
- Academic support services administrator
How to Become a Student Affairs Administrators
Most entry and mid-level student affairs administrators hold a bachelor’s degree. While a specific undergraduate degree usually isn’t a requirement in this field, many professionals hold a bachelor’s degree in the human services field (e.g. counseling, psychology, social work).
Deans and other higher level professionals in student affairs usually hold a master’s degree (MA, MS, MEd) in student affairs administration, postsecondary education administration, higher education/student affairs, or a similar field.
Some of the courses found in these programs include:
- Student Development Theory
- Counseling in Student Affairs
- Historical Foundations of Higher Education
- Financial Management in Student Affairs
- Ethical and Practical Issues
- Trends and Issues in Higher Education
- Higher Education Administration
Salaries for Student Affairs Administrators
According to May 2021 statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for Education Administrators, Postsecondary is $96,910, with the top 10% earning an average salary of $190,770.
- 25th percentile: $74,730
- 50th percentile: $96,910
- 75th percentile: $128,020
- 90th percentile: $190,770
Student Affairs Administrators earned the highest mean salaries in the following states:
- New York: $159,800
- New Jersey: $145,920
- Delaware: $138,150
- Washington: $136,570
- Rhode Island: $130,650
The top-paying metropolitan areas for Student Affairs Administrators, according to mean salary, were:
- Corvallis, OR: $178,570
- Augusta (also includes Richmond County), GA-SC: $165,940
- Syracuse, NY: $164,660
- Charlottesville, VA: $163,400
- Auburn (also includes Opelika), AL: $158,890
Professional Resources for Student Affairs Administrators
While no professional certification opportunities exist for student affairs administrators, this profession is supported through strong professional associations, such as:
- Association of College and University Housing Officers – International
- NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
- American College Personnel Association – ACPA
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Education Administrators, Postsecondary reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2023.