Student dean vs director of student affairs

The differences between student deans and directors of student affairs can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a student dean and a director of student affairs. Additionally, a director of student affairs has an average salary of $74,804, which is higher than the $59,497 average annual salary of a student dean.

The top three skills for a student dean include behavior issues, staff development and crisis intervention. The most important skills for a director of student affairs are student affairs, student services, and alumni.

Student dean vs director of student affairs overview

	Student Dean	Director Of Student Affairs
Yearly salary	$59,497	$74,804
Hourly rate	$28.60	$35.96
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	10,422	22,875
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	6	6

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.

What does a director of student affairs do?

A director of student affairs will oversee student clubs, manage student activities and budgetary information, and work with students to provide referrals for counseling and community services. Your duties typically include planning and arranging recreational, cultural, and social activities of different student groups, evaluating programs and providing recommendations for improvements, and scheduling events. As the student affairs director, it is your responsibility to organize and conduct an orientation program for new students and coordinate the publication of the student affairs calendar.

Student dean vs director of student affairs salary

Student deans and directors of student affairs have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Student Dean	Director Of Student Affairs
Average salary	$59,497	$74,804
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $109,000	Between $44,000 And $125,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	New York	California
Best paying company	Dawson School	Pacifi
Best paying industry	Education	Education

Differences between student dean and director of student affairs education

There are a few differences between a student dean and a director of student affairs in terms of educational background:

	Student Dean	Director Of Student Affairs
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common major	Educational Leadership	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Student dean vs director of student affairs demographics

Here are the differences between student deans' and directors of student affairs' demographics:

	Student Dean	Director Of Student Affairs
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 61.2% Female, 38.8%	Male, 48.2% Female, 51.8%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 4.4% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between student dean and director of student affairs duties and responsibilities

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.

Director of student affairs example responsibilities.

Provide resources and professional development opportunities to alumni to ensure engagement and a connection to Rasmussen.
Develop yearly FERPA training to increase knowledge and compliance with the law.
Develop CRM, print, website, and social media campaigns to enhance recruitment.
Open new culinary school from initial build-out to include initial program design and approval.
Direct campus through application process, site visits, and approval for institutional ABHES accreditation.
Coordinate events and catering services including divisional meetings, outings, student dinners, and other VPSA events.

Student dean vs director of student affairs skills

Common student dean skills

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

Common director of student affairs skills

Student Affairs, 16%
Student Services, 7%
Alumni, 7%
Professional Development, 6%
Financial Aid, 5%
Student Organizations, 5%

Student Dean vs. similar jobs

Student Dean related careers

Student Dean related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Executive Management Industry
Student Dean
Student Dean vs Director Of Student Affairs

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse executive management jobs