| Aspect | Student Success | Academic Advisor |
|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's degree often in education, counseling, or related fields | Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or related fields; sometimes a master's |
| Work Environment | Higher education institutions, student support centers | Colleges and universities, academic departments |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Universities, colleges, student services | Academic departments, student services offices |
| Common Search & Comparison | Student Success | Academic Advisor |
Student Success professionals focus on overall student retention, engagement, and holistic support, often working across departments. Academic Advisors primarily guide students on course selection, degree planning, and academic policies. While both roles support student achievement, Student Success roles have a broader scope, emphasizing retention strategies and campus engagement, whereas Academic Advisors concentrate on academic planning and advising.