Academic dean vs student dean

The differences between academic deans and student deans can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an academic dean and a student dean. Additionally, an academic dean has an average salary of $94,053, which is higher than the $59,497 average annual salary of a student dean.

The top three skills for an academic dean include curriculum development, professional development and student services. The most important skills for a student dean are behavior issues, staff development, and crisis intervention.

Academic dean vs student dean overview

	Academic Dean	Student Dean
Yearly salary	$94,053	$59,497
Hourly rate	$45.22	$28.60
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	3,190	10,422
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	6	6

What does an academic dean do?

Academic deans take a vital role in the development and advancement of education in a college or university. The dean may have different functions depending on the university, but mostly, academic deans focus on creating new strategies in providing education for students. It is the responsibility of the academic dean to ensure that the faculty conducts all educational practices. The academic dean also manages all faculty members' activities and works with drafting the university's curriculum.

What does a student dean do?

A Student Dean is focused on responding to students' needs at a college or university. They plan and direct university activities related to student services and campus life.

Academic dean vs student dean salary

Academic deans and student deans have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Academic Dean	Student Dean
Average salary	$94,053	$59,497
Salary range	Between $57,000 And $153,000	Between $32,000 And $109,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	New York	New York
Best paying company	DCP Holdings Inc	Dawson School
Best paying industry	Education	Education

Differences between academic dean and student dean education

There are a few differences between an academic dean and a student dean in terms of educational background:

	Academic Dean	Student Dean
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Business	Educational Leadership
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Academic dean vs student dean demographics

Here are the differences between academic deans' and student deans' demographics:

	Academic Dean	Student Dean
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 45.0% Female, 55.0%	Male, 61.2% Female, 38.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 4.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 4.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between academic dean and student dean duties and responsibilities

Academic dean example responsibilities.

Produce, manage and evaluate all budgetary and programmatic aspects of a comprehensive career service program for students and alumni.
Work cooperatively with other offices and student groups in the implementation of various campus-wide multicultural activities and other major events.
Create individualized educational plans for students desiring to study in English speaking countries.
Coordinate several courses which involve development of the departmental syllabus and managing development of the departmental final.

Student dean example responsibilities.

Implement recruitment efforts with local schools and colleges.
Assist with tours of various HBCU and non-HBCU colleges and universities.
Foster a positive school culture through oversight of social activities including talent shows, prep rallies and community meetings.
Provide comprehensive oversight and direction.
Foster positive campus climate for very diverse student population.
Work cooperatively with other administrators to promote student success and a positive campus climate.

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Academic dean vs student dean skills

Common academic dean skills

Curriculum Development, 10%
Professional Development, 7%
Student Services, 5%
Student Learning, 5%
Academic Affairs, 5%
Program Directors, 4%

Common student dean skills

Behavior Issues, 9%
Staff Development, 7%
Crisis Intervention, 6%
Student Achievement, 5%
Progress Monitoring, 5%
Student Services, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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