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.

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.

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

1
Complete training in Motivational Interviewing
2
Create a simple coaching plan template with goals and weekly check ins
3
Build a resource map of tutoring, advising, financial aid, and mental health services
4
Practice using a student tracking tool to document sessions and outcomes
5
Run a short workshop on time management or study planning
6
Track a few success metrics such as appointment attendance and term to term persistence
7
Seek supervision or mentoring focused on boundaries and high need student cases