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Admissions advisor vs program advisor

The differences between admissions advisors and program advisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a program advisor has an average salary of $55,656, which is higher than the $54,192 average annual salary of an admissions advisor.

The top three skills for an admissions advisor include customer service, admissions process and outbound calls. The most important skills for a program advisor are customer service, persistence, and intellectual disabilities.

Admissions advisor vs program advisor overview

Admissions AdvisorProgram Advisor
Yearly salary$54,192$55,656
Hourly rate$26.05$26.76
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs55,433109,307
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does an admissions advisor do?

The admissions advisor's work involves meeting with potential students and organizing recruitment events in the admissions offices of colleges and universities. Their tasks also include informing students and families about the application process, requirements for admission, financial aid, and enrollment steps. Moreover, they can answer frequently asked questions about the school to help potential students decide whether it is a good fit. In addition, they may also leave campus to help in promoting the school at college and university fairs.

What does a program advisor do?

A program advisor is in charge of overseeing programs from planning to execution, ensuring everything functions according to its goals and guidelines. Although their responsibilities depend on their line of work and industry of employment, it typically involves performing research and analysis to find new opportunities and determine ideal practices, gathering and analyzing client feedback, setting objectives, and developing strategies to carry out the purpose of every program, prioritizing optimal services. Moreover, a program advisor must monitor the progress of all operations, recommending solutions should any problems arise.

Admissions advisor vs program advisor salary

Admissions advisors and program advisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Admissions AdvisorProgram Advisor
Average salary$54,192$55,656
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $106,000Between $32,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CityMerced, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyTenet HealthcareApple
Best paying industryEducationTechnology

Differences between admissions advisor and program advisor education

There are a few differences between an admissions advisor and a program advisor in terms of educational background:

Admissions AdvisorProgram Advisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Admissions advisor vs program advisor demographics

Here are the differences between admissions advisors' and program advisors' demographics:

Admissions AdvisorProgram Advisor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 44.7% Female, 55.3%Male, 44.8% Female, 55.2%
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 admissions advisor and program advisor duties and responsibilities

Admissions advisor example responsibilities.

  • Manage warranty parts inventory levels for the DoD in Kuwait, Guam and Korea
  • Manage Facebook updates to market events, brand FLC and create a virtual community for students.
  • Manage the testing of all new students, verification of transferable credits, and review process for all new applicants.
  • Manage budget development and allocation, consistently maximizing student and NHS opportunities while minimizing costs.
  • Assist in bolstering student retention by providing unparallele service to make sure students are thoroughly satisfy with the complete AIU experience.
  • Serve on campus committees design to enhance the success and persistence of students.
  • Show more

Program advisor example responsibilities.

  • Study and implement marketing through Facebook and other various websites which generate sales leads.
  • Manage UAFS's F-1/J-1 student visa SEVIS compliance as DSO/ARO, ensuring all documentation is in order prior to students arriving.
  • Train office staff and first-year graduate assistant on proper usage of PeopleSoft software.
  • Determine eligibility for WIOA training funds (unemploy, under employed/food stamp program).
  • Interview and investigate applicants for WIOA services and gather information pertinent to their applications.
  • Help develop resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles for students at the college.
  • Show more

Admissions advisor vs program advisor skills

Common admissions advisor skills
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Admissions Process, 13%
  • Outbound Calls, 9%
  • Enrollment Process, 6%
  • Professional Work, 6%
  • Criminal Justice, 6%
Common program advisor skills
  • Customer Service, 29%
  • Persistence, 11%
  • Intellectual Disabilities, 8%
  • Veterans, 8%
  • Project Management, 5%
  • PowerPoint, 4%

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