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Assistant principal vs student dean

The differences between assistant principals and student deans can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an assistant principal, becoming a student dean takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an assistant principal has an average salary of $73,607, which is higher than the $59,497 average annual salary of a student dean.

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

Assistant principal vs student dean overview

Assistant PrincipalStudent Dean
Yearly salary$73,607$59,497
Hourly rate$35.39$28.60
Growth rate5%7%
Number of jobs42,18610,422
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4747
Years of experience46

What does an assistant principal do?

An assistant principal is responsible for carrying out administrative support tasks in a school or similar establishment. Most of the duties involve producing reports and evaluations, attending meetings, overseeing daily school operations, monitoring classes and faculty performances, implementing school policies and regulations, and coordinating with the principal, school board, and other members of the institution. Furthermore, an assistant principal participates in devising plans and strategies to improve the school curriculum and organize various activities that will help students develop their skills and potential.

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.

Assistant principal vs student dean salary

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

Assistant PrincipalStudent Dean
Average salary$73,607$59,497
Salary rangeBetween $57,000 And $94,000Between $32,000 And $109,000
Highest paying CityRedwood City, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateOregonNew York
Best paying companyPace UniversityDawson School
Best paying industryGovernmentEducation

Differences between assistant principal and student dean education

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

Assistant PrincipalStudent Dean
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorEducational LeadershipEducational Leadership
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Assistant principal vs student dean demographics

Here are the differences between assistant principals' and student deans' demographics:

Assistant PrincipalStudent Dean
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 47.4% Female, 52.6%Male, 61.2% Female, 38.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.2% Asian, 4.2% White, 64.7% 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 Percentage16%16%

Differences between assistant principal and student dean duties and responsibilities

Assistant principal example responsibilities.

  • Lead the NCA steering committee to assist with the school improvement process.
  • Create and manage projects that are research base to improve student success in the areas of mathematics for ESL students.
  • Manage special education department budget, student programming and IEP accommodations.
  • Conduct CSE and annual review meetings.
  • Plan, control, and direct the overall activities for students in grade Pre-K - 8th grade.
  • Coordinate RtI interventions and implementation at secondary level.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Assistant principal vs student dean skills

Common assistant principal skills
  • Classroom Management, 8%
  • Curriculum Development, 8%
  • Professional Development, 7%
  • Instructional Program, 5%
  • Math, 4%
  • Student Achievement, 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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