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Academic adviser vs academic counselor

The differences between academic advisers and academic counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an academic counselor has an average salary of $47,454, which is higher than the $46,729 average annual salary of an academic adviser.

The top three skills for an academic adviser include customer service, student services and financial aid. The most important skills for an academic counselor are financial aid, academic support, and student services.

Academic adviser vs academic counselor overview

Academic AdviserAcademic Counselor
Yearly salary$46,729$47,454
Hourly rate$22.47$22.81
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs23,20839,084
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does an academic adviser do?

An academic adviser is responsible for managing the students' educational goals and future career aspirations by encouraging them to join scholastic activities, conducting one-on-one discussions to identify their challenges and areas of improvement, and developing educational plans to address possible difficulties. Academic advisers also monitor the students' interests and abilities for a career setting, track the students' progress, and create engaging activities to observe the students' personal and social behavior. An academic adviser must have excellent communication skills and extensive knowledge of teaching principles and disciplines to handle different personalities.

What does an academic counselor do?

In high schools and universities, an academic counselor specializes in providing counseling and consultations to students, focusing on their educational and career growth. They typically meet with students to discuss their short and long term goals and help by providing them with insights and information or referring them to other services and resources. Moreover, an academic counselor must assist students by addressing their issues and concerns, giving them emotional support and academic advice, and helping them navigate through various procedures.

Academic adviser vs academic counselor salary

Academic advisers and academic counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Academic AdviserAcademic Counselor
Average salary$46,729$47,454
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $62,000Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsVirginia
Best paying companyNew York Film AcademyCalifornia College of the Arts
Best paying industryGovernmentNon Profits

Differences between academic adviser and academic counselor education

There are a few differences between an academic adviser and an academic counselor in terms of educational background:

Academic AdviserAcademic Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorPsychologyBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Academic adviser vs academic counselor demographics

Here are the differences between academic advisers' and academic counselors' demographics:

Academic AdviserAcademic Counselor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 35.3% Female, 64.7%Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between academic adviser and academic counselor duties and responsibilities

Academic adviser example responsibilities.

  • Coach and mentore students in determining optimal course of study to achieve specific career performance goals and certifications.
  • Interpret student records such as transcripts and IEP's.
  • Collect and analyze data for behaviors and IEP objectives.
  • Direct a team of four ESL teachers, implement school policies, teaching schedules, and activities clubs.
  • Organize all freshman and parent oreintation programs, assist in the freshman experience class, advise all undeclare students.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations used for curriculum development.
  • Show more

Academic counselor example responsibilities.

  • Utilize Salesforce to manage advertising programs for business owners.
  • Remain non-denominational, open, flexible and ecumenical in service to patients while also providing additional resources from local spiritual communities.
  • Test PeopleSoft upgrades and provide suggestions.
  • Tutor introductory biology, chemistry, psychology and remedial mathematics.
  • Guide older students in navigating PeopleSoft application to access portal for online registrations.
  • Navigate the college process through the CUNY, SUNY, and common application.
  • Show more

Academic adviser vs academic counselor skills

Common academic adviser skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Student Services, 8%
  • Financial Aid, 7%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Support Services, 5%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 5%
Common academic counselor skills
  • Financial Aid, 9%
  • Academic Support, 8%
  • Student Services, 8%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Student Athletes, 5%
  • Academic Advisement, 5%

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