<p>Hello parents. I am a curious student thinking about my future. I was wondering if anyone knew roughly how much an admissions officer at a postsecondary institution earns (private, public, ivy,etc.)? I thought it might be an interesting and rewarding job, considering how important they are to the make-up of their student body. Also, what's the typical path to the career from the undergraduate phase? I appreciate all your help!</p>
<p>Interesting, yes. Rewarding, probably not. Student service and admissions staffs are among the lowest paid professionals at a university.</p>
<p>from the 2002-2003 chronicle administrative salaries study:</p>
<p>
Student services All institutions Doctoral Master's Baccalaureate 2-year</p>
<p>Chief admissions officer $68,000 $85,841 $65,000 $66,800 $53,525
Associate director, admissions $46,329 $56,844 $43,740 $43,200 $44,256
</p>
<p>Considering the generous tuition remission at some institutions, it seems there is added opportunity despite a lower salary than one might find in the corporate world.</p>
<p>It would be, for me, the most boring job in the world. </p>
<p>As just a tiny part of my role as a department chair, I have to read about 100 student files for a PhD level admissions committee every spring. Sure the first five are interesting, and occasionally you hit one that is great reading, but really, when you hit 40, or 50, ugh...going over test-scores, the same sort of essays, letters of rec that all sound the same, the pages of transcripts....it gets incredible tedious. </p>
<p>I was not surprised to learn adcoms have a high turn over rate.</p>
<p>OP: Get in touch with your college's admission office. It's not uncommon for the offices to take student volunteers/interns/employees, either to form part of an admissions committee or to do other work around the office. If there are opportunities for student interviewers, it might also give you some good insight. Even tour guiding would be a foot in the door. I don't specifically suggest that any of this will set you up for a career in admissions...just that it might help you learn more about what goes on, if you really would find it interesting/rewarding, etc. </p>
<p>To add to what starbright mentioned, I've heard that another reason for adcoms' high turnover rate is the amount of travel that can be involved. Some admissions officers will literally spend a month or more (straight) on the road, giving presentations, etc. I've been told by multiple adcoms--all of whom took the job directly or not long after college--that it's a great, fun, and rewarding job to have for awhile while you're young, but not their preference for a lifelong career. I'm sure a lot depends on personality, lifestyle, the set-up of the particular office, and the exact job.</p>
<p>I've also thought for years that the position sounds like an interesting one. Good luck learning more :)</p>
<p>Keep in mind those figures reported were for the Dean and Asst. Dean of Admission. Most of the people working in the department are making far less money. Some are part-time and are receiving an hourly wage.</p>
<p>@ wharton4life</p>
<p>The average annual salary in student admissions and affairs is $30,000-$40,000. It is not a high-salary field, but the rewards and benefits are great, especially if you are a permanent employee and plan to take advantage of graduate programs and tuition reimbursements there. I wouldn't mind having such a job. I am still in my 20s and plan to go back to graduate school in a couple of years.</p>
<p>I know someone who did this recently at her alma mater - moved from tour guide to intern to admissions counselor. The head guys may be making what is quoted above, but the low rung folks aren't. Plus they are on the road constantly and once the "file reading" season starts they are working insane hours. Add the stress of having to fight for "your" kids over your work partner's favorites - it's not a job most people want for more than a year or two.<br>
It's a little bit like being an athletic coach - but instead of games won, yield is the deciding number. How did your area do as far as putting admitted kids on campus?
I'm glad to see that you want to go into this field - it's an interesting combination of skills that you can shift into the business world if you change your mind.</p>
<p>I'd love to do it as a part-time on campus job through school. I would die if it was my real job.</p>