Postsecondary Education Administrator

About This Role

Postsecondary education administrators manage core functions at colleges, universities, and community colleges, often working in areas such as academic affairs, student services, admissions, or the registrar's office. They typically spend the morning reviewing enrollment data, accreditation reports, and policy updates, then make decisions about course scheduling, faculty workload, or which programs to expand or adjust based on student demand and budget constraints. Administrators may meet with department chairs, deans, and student-services staff to align academic calendars, advising policies, or support services that help students stay on track to graduate. They also participate in budget planning, review proposals for new programs, and ensure institutional practices comply with accreditation standards and federal regulations. In student-facing roles, they advise students on academic pathways, resolve conflicts around credits or prerequisites, and coordinate events such as orientations, graduation ceremonies, or recruitment fairs. This role suits people who are organized, comfortable working with data and policy, and able to balance the needs of students, faculty, and institutional leadership. The work is rewarding when graduation rates improve, new programs attract more learners, or policies positively impact student success, but it can be challenging due to political sensitivities, tight budgets, and the need to mediate competing priorities across campus.

A Day in the Life

• 8:00 AM – Review overnight emails and enrollment data: Check messages from deans, staff, and students, then look at recent enrollment reports, waitlists, and course-capacity numbers to identify any immediate issues.
• 9:00 AM – Meet with department chairs or deans: Discuss course scheduling, faculty assignments, and upcoming term planning, adjusting sections if certain classes are over-enrolled or under-enrolled.
• 10:30 AM – Work on accreditation or policy documents: Draft or revise sections of an accreditation self-study, update academic policies, or prepare materials for a committee review of graduation requirements.
• 12:00 PM – Lunch and student-advising consultation: Meet briefly with an academic advisor or student affairs colleague to discuss complex student cases, such as transfer credits, probation, or graduation holds.
• 1:00 PM – Review budget and program-proposal requests: Analyze budget data for academic departments, then review proposals for new programs or course changes, weighing costs, staffing needs, and expected enrollment.
• 3:00 PM – Participate in a committee meeting: Join a curriculum, academic standards, or student-success committee to vote on policy changes, new courses, or institutional initiatives that affect multiple departments.
• 4:30 PM – Respond to student and parent inquiries: Address emails and calls from students and families about graduation status, transfer credit decisions, or academic appeals, often drafting formal decision letters.
• 6:00 PM – Plan for the next day and pending events: Update the calendar for upcoming meetings, committee deadlines, and campus events, then prepare any briefing materials needed for the next day's leadership sessions.

Tools & Technologies

• Word Processing: Google Docs, Microsoft Word
• Analytics & Science: SAS, Desmos, GeoGebra
• Spreadsheets: Microsoft Excel
• Office Suites: Microsoft Office
• Email: Microsoft Outlook
• Presentations: Microsoft PowerPoint

Pay

Median Salary: $72K
Salary Range: Most professionals earn between $51K and $96K (10th percentile: $39K; 25th: $51K; 75th: $96K; 90th: $126K).

Highest Paying States: California ($86K), New York ($83K), Louisiana ($81K), Alaska ($80K), Rhode Island ($79K).
Lowest Paying States: Hawaii ($50K), Iowa ($55K), Illinois ($60K), Mississippi ($61K), Ohio ($61K).

Certifications, Training & Memberships

• State Principal or School Administrator License (Postsecondary focus where applicable) – State Department of Education Certification. Often required or highly valued for leadership roles in higher education administration, demonstrating completion of an approved program plus supervised experience.
• Education Specialist (EdS) in Higher Education Administration – Accredited university. Post-master's program that deepens skills in academic leadership, finance, policy, and student affairs specific to colleges and universities.
• Certified Professional in Education Administration (CPEA) – National Association of Elementary School Principals. Advanced credential for education administrators emphasizing leadership, budgeting, personnel management, and instructional improvement.
• Certified Administrator of Educational Management (CAEM) – American Association of School Administrators. Focuses on school-level management, including strategic planning, finance, law, and human resources relevant to postsecondary leaders.
• Enrollment Management and Student Success Certificate – Various universities. Covers strategies for recruiting, retaining, and supporting students from enrollment through graduation, including data-driven decision-making.
• American Council on Education Membership – Offers resources, advocacy, and networking for leaders at colleges and universities across the United States.

Work Environment

• Remote Work: Hybrid (Remote + Office)
• Work Setting: Traditional office / indoor
• Physical Activity: Mostly sedentary
• Social Interaction: Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
• Schedule: Extended hours common

Your Skills & Attributes

• Reading Comprehension: Strong Match
• Active Listening: Strong Match
• Learning Strategies: Strong Match
• Active Learning: Strong Match
• Monitoring: Good Match

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Postsecondary Education Administrator a good career?
Postsecondary Education Administrator can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $72K and job outlook is stable (4% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.

What degree do you need to become a Postsecondary Education Administrator?
The typical education requirement for a Postsecondary Education Administrator is a Master's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.

How long does it take to become a Postsecondary Education Administrator?
Becoming a Postsecondary Education Administrator typically requires about 6 years of higher education (including a bachelor's degree). Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.

What is the work-life balance like for a Postsecondary Education Administrator?
The work-life balance for a Postsecondary Education Administrator is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.

What is the job outlook for Postsecondary Education Administrator?
The job outlook for Postsecondary Education Administrator is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 4% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.