Post job

Student success counselor vs academic counselor

The differences between student success counselors and academic counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an academic counselor has an average salary of $47,454, which is higher than the $42,838 average annual salary of a student success counselor.

The top three skills for a student success counselor include social work, professional development and financial aid. The most important skills for an academic counselor are financial aid, academic support, and student services.

Student success counselor vs academic counselor overview

Student Success CounselorAcademic Counselor
Yearly salary$42,838$47,454
Hourly rate$20.60$22.81
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs46,46639,084
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a student success counselor do?

A student success counselor provides academic and career advice to students, typically in high school. They conduct interviews with students to identify and establish their educational goals, developing strategies to attain them. Their responsibilities also include performing research and analysis to find programs and services that fit the students' needs, liaising with internal and external parties, answering student inquiries and concerns, and monitoring the progress of all operations. Moreover, a student success counselor must build positive relationships with students, encouraging them to reach their goals.

What does an academic counselor do?

In high schools and universities, an academic counselor specializes in providing counseling and consultations to students, focusing on their educational and career growth. They typically meet with students to discuss their short and long term goals and help by providing them with insights and information or referring them to other services and resources. Moreover, an academic counselor must assist students by addressing their issues and concerns, giving them emotional support and academic advice, and helping them navigate through various procedures.

Student success counselor vs academic counselor salary

Student success counselors and academic counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Student Success CounselorAcademic Counselor
Average salary$42,838$47,454
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $60,000Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsVirginia
Best paying companyKern Community College DistrictCalifornia College of the Arts
Best paying industryEducationNon Profits

Differences between student success counselor and academic counselor education

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

Student Success CounselorAcademic Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorPsychologyBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Student success counselor vs academic counselor demographics

Here are the differences between student success counselors' and academic counselors' demographics:

Student Success CounselorAcademic Counselor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 32.2% Female, 67.8%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 success counselor and academic counselor duties and responsibilities

Student success counselor example responsibilities.

  • Organize civic reflection discussions, manage tutoring schedules, tutor during mathematics workshops, and mentore for student success.
  • Utilize Salesforce to manage advertising programs for business owners.
  • Instruct GED classes on math and English classes.
  • Obtain CPR training and license.
  • Tutor in English, mathematics and social studies.
  • Skil in FAFSA, scholarships and grant writing.
  • Show more

Academic counselor example responsibilities.

  • Utilize Salesforce to manage advertising programs for business owners.
  • Remain non-denominational, open, flexible and ecumenical in service to patients while also providing additional resources from local spiritual communities.
  • Test PeopleSoft upgrades and provide suggestions.
  • Tutor introductory biology, chemistry, psychology and remedial mathematics.
  • Guide older students in navigating PeopleSoft application to access portal for online registrations.
  • Navigate the college process through the CUNY, SUNY, and common application.
  • Show more

Student success counselor vs academic counselor skills

Common student success counselor skills
  • Social Work, 15%
  • Professional Development, 10%
  • Financial Aid, 9%
  • Phone Calls, 9%
  • Student Services, 8%
  • Persistence, 5%
Common academic counselor skills
  • Financial Aid, 9%
  • Academic Support, 8%
  • Student Services, 8%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Student Athletes, 5%
  • Academic Advisement, 5%

Browse community and social services jobs