Enrollment specialists enroll students in schools and other educational facilities. Their responsibilities include student administration, co-ordination, and research as well as directing, planning, and conducting educational activities at universities, community colleges, post-secondary institutions, junior colleges, high schools, and elementary schools. Some enrollment specialists focus on adult education or career counseling, thereby helping students enter the job market.
Sample job description
An enrollment specialist is needed at [Your Company Name]! Candidates will be required to assist and help those that are applying for courses, training, or education at our facility. The ideal candidate will be required to understand the policies and training programs well enough to give quality advice and counseling to potential applicants, as well as convert these applicants to our system and product if they voice doubt. The enrollment specialist will be required to know the special requirements of candidates who enroll in the system. Our ideal employee will be outgoing, as this position requires good communication skills, with great problem-solving skills, and the ability to work closely with applicants. The candidate will also be responsible for collecting, imputing, and updating the data of relevant applicants.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Answer questions, handle issues, and provide detailed information to students on school requirements, processes, and policies
- Collect data to qualify candidates for programs, services, or courses
- Ensure applications are completed correctly, with the required supporting materials
- Enter, update, and review records
- Provide guidance and recommendations to current and prospective students
- Process enrollments and withdrawals
- Assist with billing and payment processing
- Conduct information sessions
- Participate in school activities
- Promote the school in the community by participating in meetings or events, and building relationships
- Administer, plan, and control budgets, produce financial reports, and maintain their records
- Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and terminate supporting staff
- Assess and collect tuition fees
Education and experience
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in administration or counseling, and at least one year of prior experience in the field. Most schools also require counseling experience.
Required skills and qualifications
- Excellent communication and written skills
- Expertise in customer service
- Knowledge and experience in the education system
- Strong organizational, time-management, and multitasking abilities
- Keen attention to detail
- Excellent administrative skills
- Robust computer and database skills
Preferred qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience working with students
- Familiar with common software, like Google Suite and Microsoft Office
- Bilingual, Spanish preferred
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for an enrollment specialist is $38,500 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $38,300 | $51,800 |
| Los Angeles, California | $43,200 | $58,450 |
| Denver, Colorado | $36,000 | $48,700 |
| Washington, DC | $43,850 | $59,350 |
| Miami, Florida | $35,850 | $48,500 |
| Orlando, Florida | $33,050 | $44,700 |
| Tampa, Florida | $33,400 | $45,150 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $35,000 | $47,350 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $40,250 | $54,450 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $43,500 | $58,900 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $34,700 | $46,950 |
| New York City, New York | $45,800 | $62,000 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $37,300 | $50,450 |
| Dallas, Texas | $36,350 | $49,150 |
| Houston, Texas | $36,000 | $48,700 |
| Seattle, Washington | $41,900 | $56,650 |
| National Average | $32,750 | $44,300 |
Typical work environment
Enrollment specialists typically work closely with applicants of courses, programs, or services in order to assist those applicants in the enrollment process. These specialists are required to know the policies and procedures well enough to give advice and troubleshoot problems for clients, students, or customers. Enrollment specialists are oftentimes full-time and work in an office, school, or clinic environment. Enrollment specialists are required to have a good understanding of communication skills and techniques in order to resolve any issues or problems which may arise, as well as convince and educate clients. These specialists may also be required to collect, categorize and input data on relevant clients. The industry in which an enrollment specialist will work varies from education to insurance, healthcare, and social services. This position oftentimes requires a degree, and relevant certifications can be helpful.
Typical hours
Most enrollment specialists in the education sector work regular weekday office hours from 9 AM to 5 PM in an office setting.
Available certifications
If a company is looking for an enrollment specialist, they may want one of the following certifications. Keep in mind a certification is not required for this position, but depending on the location and employer these certifications may prove useful or be required:
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS). The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist certificate provides the certified with training and ensures that a basic understanding of data, billing, and coding is acquired. This certificate may come in handy for an enrollment specialist.
- Certified Enrollment Specialist (CES). One of the chief certifications for this position, the Certified Enrollment Specialist will learn the basic and advanced techniques used by an enrollment specialist. This is a professionally recognized credential that can provide immense benefit to an enrollment specialist.
- Provider Enrollment Specialist Certificate. The Provider Enrollment Specialist Certificate provides training for an enrollment specialist, specifically designed for the medical field. Although this certificate can be useful in any enrollment specialist position, it is uniquely designed to provide the most benefit and accuracy in the medical field.
Career path
The path to becoming an enrollment specialist starts with earning a bachelor’s degree in either administration or counseling, preferably following by a master’s degree. As for work experience, employers require at least one year of experience in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some states also require job candidates to have experience as a teacher.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 13-1151
| 2020 Employment | 328,700 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 64,200 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 11% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 35,500 increase |
Position trends
Rising student enrollment in schools should increase demand for Enrollment Specialists and School Counselors. The market for career counseling should also increase in universities as a growing number of campuses open on-site career centers to help students develop skills and prepare for the transition to the workforce. Enrollment specialists also will be needed to assist those who change careers, help laid-off workers find employment, and support military personnel transition into the civilian job market.
Sample interview questions
- Why do you want to work as an enrollment specialist? What about this position appeals to you?
- A motivated applicant wants to join a position but is either not eligible or not qualified. How do you break this news to them?
- Please describe your previous experience, if any, in the enrollment specialist industry.
- Do you have any relevant degree or certification for this position?
- What is your experience with Microsoft Office and Word?
- How would you deal with any boring or repetitive instances of this job?
- What software are you most familiar with?
- In your own words, how would you describe what an enrollment specialist does?
- What is your favorite part of this job?
