Student dean vs finance aid director

The differences between student deans and finance aid directors 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 finance aid director. Additionally, a student dean has an average salary of $59,497, which is higher than the $58,644 average annual salary of a finance aid director.

The top three skills for a student dean include behavior issues, staff development and crisis intervention. The most important skills for a finance aid director are financial aid programs, title iv, and state regulations.

Student dean vs finance aid director overview

	Student Dean	Finance Aid Director
Yearly salary	$59,497	$58,644
Hourly rate	$28.60	$28.19
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	10,422	98,523
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
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 finance aid director do?

A finance aid director oversees finance aid officers that deal with student loans, fees, scholarship grants, insurance, and other loans. They organize cash flow for all funds available. They analyze applications, grant scholarships and loans to students, and provide information on benefits and restrictions included with financial aid. They also help students resolve loan defaults or underpayments. They must have good communication skills to facilitate talks between students and universities.

Student dean vs finance aid director salary

Student deans and finance aid directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Student Dean	Finance Aid Director
Average salary	$59,497	$58,644
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $109,000	Between $37,000 And $92,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	New York	New Jersey
Best paying company	Dawson School	Commonwealth
Best paying industry	Education	Education

Differences between student dean and finance aid director education

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

	Student Dean	Finance Aid Director
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common major	Educational Leadership	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Student dean vs finance aid director demographics

Here are the differences between student deans' and finance aid directors' demographics:

	Student Dean	Finance Aid Director
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 61.2% Female, 38.8%	Male, 30.9% Female, 69.1%
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, 11.4% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 4.4% White, 65.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between student dean and finance aid director 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.

Finance aid director example responsibilities.

Manage cash flow for all funds including, FFEL, PELL, FSEOG, alternative loans, and cash.
Manage a majority of payroll ensuring that there are accurate accruals and necessary deductions.
Review and determine outcome of all financial aid appeals.
Assist students, parents, and staff with navigating the financial aid process, by providing guidance with the FAFSA.
Resolve student appeals and special circumstance requests.
Maintain Pell grant accounts from application processing to monthly reconciliation.

Student dean vs finance aid director skills

Common student dean skills

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

Common finance aid director skills

Financial Aid Programs, 9%
Title IV, 8%
State Regulations, 5%
Enrollment Management, 5%
Student Loans, 4%
Federal Regulations, 4%

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Student Dean
Student Dean vs Finance Aid Director

Updated January 8, 2025

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