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Student Affairs Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Student Affairs information

See Indiana salary details

$45.2K

$96.6K

$190.3K

How much do student affairs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for student affairs in Indiana is $96,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $101,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a student affairs professional?

Student Affairs professionals are staff members at educational institutions who support students outside of the classroom. They focus on student development, well-being, and engagement by overseeing programs and services such as housing, student organizations, counseling, and career services. Their goal is to enhance the overall student experience and help students succeed academically, personally, and professionally. Student Affairs professionals often collaborate with faculty, administration, and community partners to create a supportive campus environment.

What are some common challenges faced by student affairs professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Student Affairs often encounter challenges such as juggling multiple responsibilities, managing crises, and supporting a diverse student population with varying needs. To address these, strong organizational skills, effective communication, and ongoing professional development are essential. Collaboration with campus partners and utilizing available resources can also help manage workload and provide holistic support to students. Building strong relationships within the campus community fosters a supportive environment for both students and staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student affairs professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Student Affairs professional, you typically need a background in higher education administration, counseling, or a related field, often supported by a master's degree. Familiarity with student information systems, event management software, and compliance with regulations like FERPA is important. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and problem-solving abilities help professionals connect with diverse student populations and resolve issues effectively. These skills ensure a supportive campus environment, promote student engagement, and foster student success.

What is the difference between Student Affairs vs Academic Advisor?

AspectStudent AffairsAcademic Advisor
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree often required; advanced degrees preferredBachelor’s degree typically required; some roles may prefer master’s
Work EnvironmentCampus offices, student centers, residence hallsAcademic departments, advising offices, online platforms
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universities focus on student developmentEducational institutions focus on course planning and student progress
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles supporting student life and developmentCompared for roles guiding students academically

Student Affairs professionals focus on student development, engagement, and campus life, working in various student services. Academic Advisors primarily assist students with course selection, academic planning, and degree progress. While both roles support student success, Student Affairs has a broader scope including extracurricular activities, while Academic Advisors concentrate on academic pathways.

How to get into student affairs?

To pursue a career in student affairs, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a related field, with many roles preferring a master's degree such as an M.Ed. or student affairs administration. Relevant skills include communication, leadership, and problem-solving, and experience through internships or student leadership positions can be beneficial. Professional certifications or attending workshops can also enhance qualifications for advancement in the field.

What is the role of student affairs?

Student affairs professionals support students' academic, personal, and social development by providing services such as counseling, student activities, housing, and career guidance. They work within educational institutions to create a positive campus environment and often collaborate with faculty and administration to enhance student success.

What are the most commonly searched types of Student Affairs jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Student Affairs jobs in Indiana are:

Infographic showing various Student Affairs job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,563 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Student Affairs Specialist: Programs and Engagement

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

$36K - $41K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Student Affairs Specialist: Programs and Engagement
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Programs and Engagement, the Student Affairs Specialist, Programs and Engagement, will be responsible for planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating large-scale programs both with the Purdue Student Union Board for West Lafayette and Indianapolis, in addition to other Registered Student Organization events as seen fit by the Assistant Director and Director of Student Activities and Organizations. This position will work directly with students to assist with training in leadership development, programming skills, policy development, budget development and marketing. This person will help supervise major campus events, including safety and security, crowd control and compliance with contractual obligations and University policies. They will serve as on-site event supervisor and provide supervision of student volunteers, while representing the Student Activities and Organizations Office administratively. This person will cultivate and manage University-community partnerships, faculty partnerships and alumni networks that enrich campus programming both in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. As a specialist, this staff member will assist in the review all Activity Planning Forms and serve in an on-call rotation to provide consult to student organizations while planning events. Evening and weekend hours required.
What We're Looking For:
  • Bachelor's degree in College Student Personnel, Business Administration, Human Resources, education, or related field.
  • 1 - 2 years of professional experience in a Student Affairs related field.
  • Two years of a graduate assistantship in a college union or a student activities program, or related field, equals one professional year.
  • Strong skills in decision making, communication, interpersonal and intercultural relations.
  • Ability to coach and lead others, strategic thinking, and drive for results.
  • Ability to supervise of volunteers and work with diverse student populations.
  • A clear understanding of student development theories, co-curricular development, learning outcomes and ability to collaborate.
  • Ability to relate well to students, develop rapport, trust, and work within a shared decision-making model with the students.
  • Quick learner with attention to details.
  • Ability to collaborate and relate to people of all ages and backgrounds.
  • Must represent the university with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy at all levels.
  • This position requires the ability to work evenings and weekend hours as business need dictates.

What is helpful:
  • Master's degree in higher education.
  • Experience coordinating or participating in student groups.
  • Experience managing volunteers, students, or staff, as well as large scale/high risk programs.

Additional Information:
  • To learn more about Purdue's benefits summary
  • https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/employeebenefits/benefits_enrollment/pdf/summaries/2023/Benefits-summary-Admin-Op-2023.pdf
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan

Who We Are at Purdue University:
When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we've been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation.
EOE: Purdue University is an EO/EA University

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