ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Student Retention Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PrideStaff

Student Retention Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site

$25/hr

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent related field experience. * 2-3 years of experience in academic advising, student services, counseling, or school enrollment/retention ...

Oakmont Education

Retention Specialist

Middletown, OH · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description Job Purpose The Retention Specialist will have a building-wide focus ... Manage students building-wide, with identified retention outcomes; * Facilitate and implement a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsStudent Retention Specialist Jobs

Student Retention Specialist information

See salary details

$22K

$61.4K

$85.5K

How much do student retention specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for student retention specialist in the United States is $61,368.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Student Retention Specialist typically needs a background in education, counseling, or student services, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with student information systems (SIS), data analysis tools, and CRM platforms is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and problem-solving abilities help build rapport with students and address their unique challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying at-risk students, fostering engagement, and implementing effective strategies to improve student persistence and success.

How does a student retention specialist typically collaborate with faculty and support staff to enhance student success?

Student Retention Specialists work closely with faculty, academic advisors, and support staff to identify students who may be at risk of dropping out or struggling academically. They often participate in regular meetings, share insights from student data, and coordinate interventions such as tutoring, counseling, or mentorship programs. Effective collaboration ensures that at-risk students receive timely and comprehensive support, creating a network of resources that addresses academic, financial, and personal challenges. This teamwork is essential for fostering a supportive learning environment and improving overall retention rates.

What is the difference between Student Retention Specialist vs Academic Advisor?

AspectStudent Retention SpecialistAcademic Advisor
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or related fieldUsually requires a bachelor's degree; some roles prefer a master's in education or counseling
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in student services offices, focusing on retention programs and outreachWorks directly with students to plan academic paths and course selection
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in colleges and universities aiming to improve student persistenceFound in educational institutions, focusing on student academic success

While both roles support student success, the Student Retention Specialist focuses on reducing dropout rates through outreach and retention programs, whereas the Academic Advisor guides students academically to ensure they meet their educational goals.

What does a student retention specialist do?

A Student Retention Specialist is responsible for supporting students to help them stay enrolled and succeed in their educational programs. They identify students who may be at risk of dropping out and work with them to address academic, personal, or financial challenges. These specialists often coordinate resources, provide counseling, and develop initiatives to improve student engagement and completion rates. Their work plays a vital role in helping institutions maintain high retention and graduation rates.
More about Student Retention Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Student Retention Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Student Retention Specialist job openings:
What states have the most Student Retention Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Student Retention Specialist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Student Retention Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Student Retention Specialist jobs are:
Student Retention Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Retention Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,368 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Student Retention Specialist

New Haven Public Schools

New Haven, CT • On-site

$36K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

TITLE: Student Retention Specialist
QUALIFICATIONS: Associate and or Bachelor's degree preferred, high school diploma or equivalent; and experience working with high risk youth and adults; knowledge of adolescent development.The ideal candidate has experience in supporting students with career, college, and post-secondary planning.  Daily responsibilities include student outreach, community involvement, administrative tasks to support overall school operations.
JOB GOALS: Advises and assists students in better decision making strategies to influence college & career readiness based on the improvement of academics, attendance, and social emotional health.
REPORTS TO: Principal or his/her designee
EMPLOYMENT: By contractual agreement between the New Haven Board of Education and the Paraprofessionals' bargaining unit.
SALARY GROUP: II (10 month), Local 3429 
$36,344 
To view Medical Benefit information, click here: https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/human-resources/medical-benefits












PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Works closely with students, outreach service providers, other staff and faculty to assist students.
  • Develops and implements both intervention and retention plans to ensure student success.
  • Knowledgeable about matters related to school and District programs.
  • Identifies students whose behaviors indicate a lack of academic progress.
  • Develops and implements an early alert system by working collaboratively with staff to provide timely feedback about student(s) academic progress.
  • Develops and monitors student action plans aligned with short-term and long-term educational, post-secondary, and career objectives.
  • Provides academic and personal guidance/advising and referral services to students.
  • Refers students for academic skills assistance, including tutoring, counseling, and/or career guidance.
  • Assists in the coordination and implementation of orientation and reorientation activities for newly enrolled and returning students.
  • Assists administration in carrying out activities that support the mission of the school and New Haven Public Schools.
  • Provides assistance, as requested, concerning school activities to school administrative staff.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the principal or his/her designee 


Apply