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Major · Education

Higher Education/Higher Education Administration

A program that focuses on the principles and practice of administration in four-year colleges, universities and higher education systems, the study of higher education as an object of applied research, and which may prepare individuals to function as administrators in such settings. Includes instruction in higher education economics and finance; policy and planning studies; curriculum; faculty and labor relations; higher education law; college student services; research on higher education; institutional research; marketing and promotion; and issues of evaluation, accountability and philosophy.

Schools offering
4
Annual completions
18
Typical degree level
Associate's + Bachelor's
Median earnings (5yr)
$50k

About this major

A program that focuses on the principles and practice of administration in four-year colleges, universities and higher education systems, the study of higher education as an object of applied research, and which may prepare individuals to function as administrators in such settings. Includes instruction in higher education economics and finance; policy and planning studies; curriculum; faculty and labor relations; higher education law; college student services; research on higher education; institutional research; marketing and promotion; and issues of evaluation, accountability and philosophy.

Examples of specialized tracks: Higher Education Policy.

Section 3 · Careers

Where this major leads

Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.

Occupation Median wage Job growth Typical education
Education administrators, postsecondary $104k +1.7% Master's degree
Education administrators, all other $89k +2.5% Bachelor's degree
Section 4 · Earnings

Earnings at a glance

Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.

Median 5-year earnings

$50k

Section 6 · Where to study

Top colleges for Higher Education/Higher Education Administration

Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.

College Location Assoc. Bach. Total
Lansing Community College Lansing, MI 15 0 15
New Mexico State University-Main Campus Las Cruces, NM 0 3 3
Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC 0 0 0
Capella University Minneapolis, MN 0 0 0
Section 9 · Frequently asked

Common questions

What can I do with a Higher Education/Higher Education Administration degree?
Graduates commonly pursue careers such as Education administrators, postsecondary, Education administrators, all other.
Is a Higher Education/Higher Education Administration associate's enough, or do I need a bachelor's?
Both credentials exist. The associate's is typically faster and cheaper; the bachelor's unlocks higher-earning roles. See our earnings table above.
How many colleges offer Higher Education/Higher Education Administration?
4 colleges offered this major in the most recent IPEDS year, graduating about 18 students a year combined.