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Public universities
University of California, University of Michigan, Texas A&M University
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Education administrators in postsecondary schools keep academic programs, student support, budgets, and campus rules working together. The job is defined by constant tradeoffs: helping students and faculty while also answering to accreditation standards, enrollment pressures, and tight finances.
Also known as Academic DeanAssociate DeanAssistant DeanDean of Academic AffairsDirector of Academic Affairs
Median Salary
$103,960
Mean $124,450
U.S. Workforce
~176K
15.1K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+1.7%
226.6K to 230.5K
Entry Education
Master's degree
+ Less than 5 years experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Education Administrators, Postsecondary sits in the Education category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~176K workers, with a median annual pay of $103,960 and roughly 15.1K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to grow from 226.6 K in 2024 to 230.5K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with Master's degree in higher education administration, educational leadership, or a related field, and employers typically expect less than 5 years of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Student Services Coordinator and can progress toward Senior Dean / Associate Vice Provost. High-value skills usually include Banner, PeopleSoft & Student Information Systems, Excel, Budgeting & Financial Reporting, and Canvas, Blackboard & Learning Management Systems, paired with soft skills such as Critical thinking, Reading comprehension, and Active listening.
Core Responsibilities
- Meet with students to help them choose classes, stay on track for graduation, and think through next steps after college.
- Review learning results and adjust tests, surveys, or other checks to see whether academic programs are working.
- Write and update campus policies and operating procedures based on data, campus needs, and outside requirements.
- Build budgets, track spending, keep financial records, and prepare reports for department leaders.
Keep exploring: more Education careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Meet with students to help them choose classes, stay on track for graduation, and think through next steps after college.
02 Review learning results and adjust tests, surveys, or other checks to see whether academic programs are working.
03 Write and update campus policies and operating procedures based on data, campus needs, and outside requirements.
04 Build budgets, track spending, keep financial records, and prepare reports for department leaders.
05 Hire, train, supervise, and if needed let go of faculty or staff in the department.
06 Represent the institution in committee meetings, community events, and accreditation reviews.
Industries That Hire
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Private nonprofit colleges
Harvard University, Stanford University, Duke University
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Community colleges
Miami Dade College, Houston Community College, Santa Monica College
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Online universities and continuing education
Southern New Hampshire University, Western Governors University, University of Phoenix
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Research universities and graduate schools
Johns Hopkins University, MIT, Northwestern University
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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Pay is strong for the education sector, with a mean annual wage of $124,450 and a median of $103,960.
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There are about 15.1 thousand annual openings, so people do move into and out of these jobs regularly.
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The work is varied: one week may focus on students, the next on budgets, policies, staffing, or accreditation.
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The role gives real influence over how a college runs, not just one narrow office function.
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BLS lists no on-the-job training, so experienced campus employees can sometimes step into the role without a long apprenticeship.
Challenges
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Growth is only 1.7% from 2024 to 2034, so the field is not expanding quickly.
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The bar for entry is high: the typical starting credential is a master's degree, and 37.24% of workers have doctorates.
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Campus budgets and enrollment numbers can swing, which can lead to hiring freezes, program cuts, or reorganizations.
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Changes often move slowly because decisions may need committee review, faculty input, and accreditation approval.
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Busy periods like registration, budget season, and accreditation visits can mean nights, weekends, and a lot of pressure.
Career Progression
Student Services Coordinator
0-3 years
$45K-$60K
Handles scheduling, student questions, records, and day-to-day office support while learning how the campus works.
Assistant Director
3-6 years
$61K-$82K
Runs a program area, helps supervise staff, and takes on more responsibility for policy, planning, and problem-solving.
Postsecondary Education Administrator THIS ROLE
6-12 years
$83K-$118K
Oversees budgets, staff, policies, and student or academic services, often balancing competing priorities from several groups.
Senior Dean / Associate Vice Provost
12+ years
$119K-$165K
Leads a larger unit, sets strategy, manages higher-stakes budgets, and represents the institution in major decisions.
Education Paths
Master's degree in higher education administration, educational leadership, or a related field
The most common entry point, held by 47.94% of workers in this role.
Doctoral degree or post-doctoral training
A common route for senior leadership and research-heavy campuses, held by 37.24% of workers with a doctoral degree and 7.2% with post-doctoral training.
Bachelor's degree with extensive campus experience
A smaller route in, held by 7.62% of workers, usually followed by years of higher education experience and often a graduate degree later.
Graduate certificate in higher education administration or student affairs
A practical alternative for current campus employees who want to move into administration without starting over on a full degree.
Key Skills
Technical
Banner, PeopleSoft & Student Information Systems 80%
Excel, Budgeting & Financial Reporting 78%
Canvas, Blackboard & Learning Management Systems 77%
Accreditation, Compliance & Document Management Systems 76%
Tableau, SurveyMonkey & Institutional Research Dashboards 75%
Soft Skills
Critical thinkingReading comprehensionActive listeningInstructingSpeakingWriting Job Outlook and Trends
+1.7%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
15.1K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 226.6K to 230.5 K over the next decade, representing 1.7% growth. Around 15.1 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Limited. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.