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College Access Advisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR New York, NY Who We Are and What We Believe: Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree-aspiring ...

COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR Dayton, OH Who We Are and What We Believe: Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree-aspiring ...

COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR Boston, MA Who We Are and What We Believe: Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree-aspiring ...

COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR Chicago, IL Who We Are and What We Believe: Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree-aspiring ...

COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR Detroit, MI Who We Are and What We Believe: Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree-aspiring ...

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College Access Advisor information

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$25

$45

How much do college access advisor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for college access advisor in the United States is $25.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between College Access Advisor vs College Counselor?

AspectCollege Access AdvisorCollege Counselor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in education, counseling, or related fieldsBachelor's degree, often with counseling certification or licensure
Work EnvironmentHigh schools, community organizations, college access programsHigh schools, colleges, private practices
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, non-profits focused on college accessHigh schools, colleges, private counseling firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in college prep and accessGuidance on college selection and application process

While both roles support students' higher education goals, College Access Advisors primarily focus on increasing college access and preparation, often working with underserved populations. College Counselors typically provide comprehensive college guidance, including application support and career planning. The roles overlap but differ mainly in scope and focus area.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a College Access Advisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Access Advisor, you need a solid understanding of college admissions processes, financial aid options, and academic planning, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, application platforms like Common App, and FAFSA tools is typically required. Excellent interpersonal communication, cultural competence, and organizational skills help advisors build trust and effectively guide diverse students. These skills are crucial for empowering students to navigate complex pathways toward higher education and achieve their academic goals.

What are College Access Advisors?

College Access Advisors are professionals who help students navigate the process of preparing for, applying to, and enrolling in college. They provide guidance on college selection, financial aid, scholarships, application requirements, and standardized testing. Their goal is to support students—especially those from underrepresented or first-generation backgrounds—in accessing higher education opportunities. College Access Advisors often work in high schools, community organizations, or nonprofit programs. They play a crucial role in increasing college enrollment and success rates.

What are some common challenges College Access Advisors face when supporting students through the college application process?

College Access Advisors often encounter challenges such as addressing the diverse needs of students from various backgrounds, helping students navigate complex financial aid applications, and ensuring students meet critical deadlines. Advisors must also balance a high caseload while providing personalized support, and they frequently coordinate with families, high school counselors, and college admissions offices. Staying updated on changing admission requirements and scholarship opportunities is key to effectively guiding students toward college success.
More about College Access Advisor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of College Access Advisor jobs? The most popular types of College Access Advisor jobs are:
What states have the most College Access Advisor jobs? States with the most job openings for College Access Advisor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching College Access Advisor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for College Access Advisor jobs are:
Infographic showing various College Access Advisor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,941 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR

COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR

Bottom Line

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

$54K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR

New York, NY

Who We Are and What We Believe:

Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree-aspiring students of color from under-resourced communities as they get into college, graduate, and go far in life. We achieve this mission by providing one-on-one guidance during the college application process through college graduation and the successful launch of their careers.

Our vision is to dramatically transform urban communities by producing thousands of new career-ready college graduates.

When you join Bottom Line, you will find a rewarding, fast-paced, results-oriented environment. We build strong relationships with our students and with each other. We take our work seriously, and we know that a focus on data and metrics is integral to our continued success. Experts in our fields, we are driven by our mission and extremely proud of the work we do.

What You Will Do:

Reporting to the Program Director, the primary focus of the College Access Advisor is on effectively serving a caseload of college aspiring high school seniors using the Bottom Line LEAD (Lists, Essays, Applications, Decisions) Model. The College Access Advisor helps students identify college options, write application essays, submit applications, complete financial aid and application requirements, analyze acceptances and award packages, and make a responsible college choice. Advisors are also active participants in efforts to recruit and onboard each new cohort of students. The College Access Advisor tracks and records student progress in our database using both quantitative and qualitative data. Advisors are expected to build advising skills and learn the Bottom Line program model and expectations for supporting a caseload of students, with an opportunity for a performance-based promotion to Senior Advisor after their first full year as an Advisor. Training and professional development in the Advisor role is focused on the Bottom Line curriculum and student services, as well as Bottom Line Foundations.

Direct Student Support - 70%

  • Provide one-on-one guidance to a caseload of 60 - 65 high school seniors
    1. College Lists
      • Coach each student towards a college list that meets Access Program standards, is individualized to that student, and is in line with admissions and affordability data
      • Adjust admissions chances based on changes to student academic profile throughout the year
    2. Essays
      • Help each student brainstorm, revise, and finalize college essays by utilizing both in person and remote support tools
    3. Applications
      • Design individualized service plans to ensure each student submits complete, high-quality college applications by institutional priority deadlines
      • Support students in identifying and completing missing/additional application materials throughout the Winter and Spring
    4. Financial Aid/Decision Making
      • Guide students (in person or remotely) to submit FAFSA and/or CSS Profile by institutional priority deadlines
      • Identify and support students selected for federal income and/or citizenship verification
      • Identify students eligible for a variety of scholarships
      • Explain financial aid award data to each student, and coach them to make a financially responsible college decision
      • Support students with submitting a deposit to a college by May 1st
  • Maintain ongoing communication with all students on caseload
    1. Lead 60-minute meetings for 15 - 20 students per week at the Bottom Line office, a high school campus, or other off-site locations throughout the region
    2. Respond to all student text/calls/emails within 2 business days
    3. Develop individualized communication plans to ensure students remain engaged with the program and meet deadlines
  • Help students resolve general obstacles that come up throughout the school year by coaching them on self-advocacy and resourcefulness skills

Caseload & Data Management – 20%

  • Track and record student progress in our database, using both quantitative and qualitative measures
    1. Enter data into the database within 3 business days of a student interaction or status change
    2. Maintain accurate student contact information in the student database
    3. Enter and update data for students applying to Bottom Line and/or transitioning into the Success Program
  • Manage a caseload of 60 - 65 high school students, including, but not limited to:
    1. Schedule all student meetings on a weekly, or as needed, basis
    2. Manage time and calendar to meet minimum number of meetings per week and minimum number of meetings per student per year
    3. Align meetings to student process, ensuring adequate progress is being made and driving towards individual student deadlines
    4. Ensure all students adhere to individual and institutional deadlines

Student Recruitment - 5%

  • Build understanding and excitement about Bottom Line with prospective students via group presentations, workshops, and tabling events; support students in filling out the online application
  • Support a caseload of applicants through the Bottom Line application process by processing student applications, making phone calls, and answering questions about the process and the program
  • Onboard students into the Access program via phone calls, group events, and scheduling 1:1 meetings

Program & Organizational Support - 5%

  • Support the Development team by attending events, networking with guests / supporters, and providing event logistics as needed
  • Support planning and staff of Access Program events, including but not limited to, student workshops and the core program events
  • Additional program support as assigned by supervisor
  • Represent the Bottom Line brand in a positive light, and take actions to increase brand awareness throughout the community

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without advanced notice.

Work Schedule:

***We operate under an in-person first, hybrid program approach which includes a combination of in-person and virtual work. There will be periods during the year when remote work is more feasible, with in-person work ranging from 30-90%.***

College Access Advisors are non-exempt, overtime eligible staff and work an 8.5 hour shift, including a daily ½ hour unpaid meal/rest break to comply with FLSA. There will be times throughout the year when an advisor will be expected to work additional hours and/or flex their schedule to meet our students' needs. This can include 8 AM starts to comply with the school day or 11:30 – 7:30 PM schedules to accommodate meeting with students afterschool.

Expected Travel:

Up to 50%, local travel

This role involves travel, commuting to locations readily accessible to students. In-person services may happen at the Bottom Line office, a high school campus, or other off-site locations throughout the region.

Who Should Apply:

If you meet the qualifications below, you should apply.

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
  • Work authorization
  • 1+ years of related work experience
  • Excellent writing and editing skills
  • Experience developing trusting relationships with students
  • Valid driver’s license, with access to a car strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated commitment to Bottom Line’s mission, vision, and core values
  • Demonstrated proficiency and/or growth potential in Bottom Line's seven core competencies: Relationships, Results, Communication, Inclusiveness, Talent Development, Agility, and Planning
  • The ability to make a minimum of a two-year commitment

Preferred:

  • Fluency in language other than English a plus

How To Apply/Application Deadline:

All applications must be submitted via Bottom Line’s Career Page.

Please share your resume and cover letter.


Please note: This is an evergreen job posting intended to build a pipeline of qualified candidates for future opportunities. While there may not be an immediate opening at the time of application, submissions will be reviewed and considered as positions become available.


Compensation:

$54,700

Benefits:

Learn about our benefits here.