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Student advisor vs academic coordinator

The differences between student advisors and academic coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an academic coordinator has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $41,418 average annual salary of a student advisor.

The top three skills for a student advisor include customer service, student services and international student. The most important skills for an academic coordinator are academic support, professional development, and curriculum development.

Student advisor vs academic coordinator overview

Student AdvisorAcademic Coordinator
Yearly salary$41,418$49,842
Hourly rate$19.91$23.96
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs56,49234,679
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a student advisor do?

A student advisor is responsible for supporting the students' personal growth and development by guiding them on their learning processes and educational goals. Student advisors provide regular counseling for the students to analyze their career aspirations, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and strategize learning plans to address those difficulties. They also coordinate with the students' parents and guardians to report the students' progress and determine appropriate scholastic solutions. A student advisor must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially when handling students' different needs and concerns.

What does an academic coordinator do?

An academic coordinator is primarily in charge of spearheading and overseeing the development of curriculums in public and private learning institutions. They may also participate in the creation of effective teaching materials and programs in adherence to the educational standards. Moreover, an academic coordinator manages the teaching staff, monitoring their progress, and making recommendations for improvements. Above all, an academic coordinator enforces the institution's policies and regulations to ensure a safe and efficient learning environment for the students.

Student advisor vs academic coordinator salary

Student advisors and academic coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Student AdvisorAcademic Coordinator
Average salary$41,418$49,842
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $53,000Between $34,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSanta Cruz, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutCalifornia
Best paying companyThe American Musical and Dramatic AcademyPace University
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between student advisor and academic coordinator education

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

Student AdvisorAcademic Coordinator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Student advisor vs academic coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between student advisors' and academic coordinators' demographics:

Student AdvisorAcademic Coordinator
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 38.2% Female, 61.8%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 student advisor and academic coordinator duties and responsibilities

Student advisor example responsibilities.

  • Plan events, manage email and marketing advertisements via Facebook, answer phone calls.
  • Lead efforts facilitate recruitment and educational benefits for new and current student veterans at VCU.
  • Manage UAFS's F-1/J-1 student visa SEVIS compliance as DSO/ARO, ensuring all documentation is in order prior to students arriving.
  • Run training sessions and tutorials for students and faculty for the various services and programs offer by WestLaw.
  • Help veterans and/or their families with the G.I.
  • Specialize educator for students requiring RTI, IEP and gift services.
  • Show more

Academic coordinator example responsibilities.

  • Utilize Salesforce to manage advertising programs for business owners.
  • Tutor students in biology, chemistry, and math courses
  • Develop mathematics curriculum design to support students with low state test scores.
  • Utilize educational & customer service technologies such as Salesforce, PeopleSoft, & DMS.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations consisting of screen shots with directions and step-by-step written instructions on how to web register for courses.
  • Prepare PowerPoint presentations for management and employee meetings.
  • Show more

Student advisor vs academic coordinator skills

Common student advisor skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Student Services, 7%
  • International Student, 6%
  • Support Services, 5%
  • Financial Aid, 5%
  • Professional Development, 4%
Common academic coordinator skills
  • Academic Support, 14%
  • Professional Development, 8%
  • Curriculum Development, 6%
  • Academic Programs, 6%
  • Student Athletes, 5%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 5%

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