Academic Success Coach

Career Guide

An Academic Success Coach helps students build the habits, skills, and plans needed to stay on track academically. The role combines one to one coaching, progress monitoring, and coordination with campus services to improve retention, grades, and graduation outcomes.

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Key Responsibilities

Meet with students to set goals and create academic plans
Coach students on time management and study routines
Monitor grades, attendance, and course progress
Identify barriers to success and connect students to support services
Teach learning strategies such as note taking and test preparation
Support students in using tutoring, advising, and accessibility resources
Communicate with faculty and staff to coordinate student support
Document coaching sessions and student progress in tracking systems
Run workshops on academic skills and student success topics
Support first year transition and academic probation recovery plans

Top Skills for Success

Coaching

Active Listening

Empathy

Goal Setting

Time Management Coaching

Study Skills Instruction

Motivational Interviewing

Student Outreach

Case Management

Data Tracking

Written Communication

Conflict De escalation

Cultural Competence

Boundary Setting

Collaboration

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Student Success Manager

Academic Advising Manager

Retention Specialist

Program Coordinator

Director of Student Success

Transition Opportunities

Academic Advisor

Career Coach

Learning Specialist

Admissions Counselor

Student Support Services Coordinator

Academic Program Manager

Higher Education Operations Analyst

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Motivational InterviewingData ReportingCrisis ResponseStudent Information System UseWorkshop FacilitationDisability Support Knowledge

Development SuggestionsBuild strength in structured coaching methods, basic reporting, and referral practices. Practice running short skills workshops and learn the main student support processes used at your institution.

Market Intelligence Report

Academic Success Coach is part of the Higher Education category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$38,000 to $50,000

Mid Level$50,000 to $65,000

Senior Level$65,000 to $85,000

Growth Trend

Stable demand. Hiring is strongest at colleges focused on retention, online learning programs, and student success initiatives.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Arizona State UniversityUniversity of Central FloridaWestern Governors UniversitySouthern New Hampshire UniversityUniversity of PhoenixCity University of New YorkCalifornia State University systemPurdue University GlobalGuilford Technical Community CollegeMiami Dade College

Industry Sectors

Colleges and UniversitiesCommunity CollegesOnline Higher Education ProvidersK 12 District Support ProgramsNonprofit Education ProgramsEducation Technology CompaniesWorkforce Development Programs

Recommended Next Steps

Complete training in Motivational Interviewing

Create a simple coaching plan template with goals and weekly check ins

Build a resource map of tutoring, advising, financial aid, and mental health services

Practice using a student tracking tool to document sessions and outcomes

Run a short workshop on time management or study planning

Track a few success metrics such as appointment attendance and term to term persistence

Seek supervision or mentoring focused on boundaries and high need student cases