The development of big data concepts and technology can not only effectively improve management efficiency but also promote the realization of personalized management. Based on the concept of big data and the management concepts advocated by scientific management theory, goal management theory, and human-oriented management theory, the survey materials were analyzed and organized to understand the current situation of student management in higher education institutions in terms of study management, internship management, merit management, life management, mental health management, and employment management. Combined with the background of big data, we found that there are problems in student management in higher education institutions, such as incomplete information collection, subjective decision-making, low efficiency of resource utilization, delayed management feedback, and lack of personalized management. Therefore, using the concept of big data to promote the optimization of student management in higher education institutions will be the future development trend.