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College Advisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

College Advisers assist students with their college searches, applications, financial aid, and enrollment. They also host presentations, workshops, and events focused on supporting postsecondary ...

AMERICAN LEARNING SYSTEMS JOB TITLE College Advisor DIVISION/ DEPARTMENT Upper School College Advising LOCATION Broward or Palm Beach Campus REPORTS TO Executive Director of Academic & College ...

The College of Arts & Sciences has an outstanding opportunity for College Advisor to join their team. About this Opportunity Reporting to the Senior Director of Academic Services, the Academic ...

The College of Arts & Sciences has an outstanding opportunity for College Advisor to join their team. About this Opportunity Reporting to the Senior Director of Academic Services, the Academic ...

Job Title AdviseTX College Advisor Agency Texas A&M University - San Antonio Department Community Partnerships & Campus Visits Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location San Antonio, Texas Job ...

AmeriCorps College Advising Time Type: Full time Compensation: $35,360.00-$44,035.88 Please note, starting salaries are based on factors including internal equity, relevant experience, and education.

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College Advisor information

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$29K

$51K

$71K

How much do college advisor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for college advisor in the United States is $51,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $59,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are college advisors?

College advisors are professionals who help students navigate the academic, social, and administrative aspects of college life. They provide guidance on course selection, degree requirements, and career planning, and often assist with personal or academic challenges. College advisors work closely with students to develop educational plans that align with their goals and ensure they meet graduation requirements. Their role is crucial in helping students make informed decisions and succeed in their college journey.

What is the difference between College Advisor vs School Counselor?

AspectCollege AdvisorSchool Counselor
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree; often a master’s in education or counseling; certifications varyBachelor’s degree; often a master’s in school counseling; state certification required
Work EnvironmentHigh schools, colleges, or private college prep organizationsElementary, middle, or high schools
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, college prep centers, private firmsPublic and private schools, educational districts
Primary FocusCollege admissions, career planning, scholarship guidanceStudent well-being, academic counseling, social-emotional support

While both roles support students' academic success, College Advisors primarily focus on college admissions and career planning, whereas School Counselors provide broader student support including mental health and academic counseling. The roles often overlap in high schools, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by College Advisors, and how can they effectively address them?

College Advisors often encounter challenges such as managing a large caseload of students with diverse backgrounds and needs, staying updated on changing academic policies, and balancing administrative tasks with one-on-one advising. To address these challenges, Advisors frequently utilize time management tools, maintain open communication with faculty and staff, and participate in ongoing professional development. Building strong relationships with students and collaborating closely with campus resources also helps Advisors provide tailored guidance and support.

What Is a College Advisor?

A college advisor, or academic advisor, works with students at a university to help them plan their education and earn their degree. As a college advisor, you advise students when choosing academic programs and completing school requirements with the ultimate goal of preparing them for their chosen career. You also offer advice to students who are still in the process of selecting a path of study. Other job duties may include meeting with professors to stay up-to-date about school programs and assisting students who want to enroll in a study abroad program or graduate school.

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

To thrive as a College Advisor, you need a solid understanding of higher education pathways, admissions processes, and degree requirements, often supported by a bachelor's degree in education or counseling. Familiarity with student information systems, career assessment tools, and financial aid platforms is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help advisors connect with and guide diverse students effectively. These competencies ensure students receive informed, individualized guidance to make successful academic and career decisions.
What cities are hiring for College Advisor jobs? Cities with the most College Advisor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of College Advisor jobs? The most popular types of College Advisor jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for College Advisor jobs? The top employers for College Advisor jobs are:
What states have the most College Advisor jobs? States with the most job openings for College Advisor jobs include:
Infographic showing various College Advisor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,030 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
College Advisor

$22/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


University Of Southern California rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

USC College Advising Corps (USC CAC) Advisers play a critical role in delivering high quality postsecondary advising to students within a high school setting. College Advisers assist students with their college searches, applications, financial aid, and enrollment. They also host presentations, workshops, and events focused on supporting postsecondary attainment. College Advisers carefully track student interactions and outcomes via our online student tracker to meet performance metrics and goals. As well, College Advisers are responsible for attending summer training, on-going professional development training, team meetings, and may be asked to work on other partnership projects. College Advisers report to the Program Director at USC and an on-site liaison at their assigned school.

College Advising is a full-time position (37.5 hours/week). The rate for this position is $22.00 per hour.

Please note that the adviser IS a USC employee, but will NOT work on the USC campus. The College Adviser's primary work location will be a local high school. The high school campus will be in the greater Los Angeles area. (Potential areas include: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Compton, Lynwood, Paramount and various cities in the San Gabriel Valley).

The College Adviser position is fixed-term and limited to two years. Continuation for the second year is conditional based on performance in the first year and funding availability.

Hiring Windows

Traditional (summer)

We begin reviewing resumes and scheduling interviews in February. We typically continue interviewing candidates through June. If offered a position, a candidate can expect a start date in July alongside several other new hires starting the same day.

Year-round While most advisers are hired at the beginning of summer, applications are reviewed, candidates interviewed and positions are filled throughout the year.

Overview

Launched in 2013, the University of Southern California College Advising Corps (USC CAC) has grown from serving 3 schools within one district to over 35 schools across ten districts in the greater Los Angeles area. This program is a partnership between the USC Pullias Center for Higher Education and the national College Advising Corps.

The USC Pullias Center for Higher Education is committed to improving access, affordability, and outcomes in higher education through research, policy engagement, and practice. The establishment of the USC CAC program reflects this commitment by expanding postsecondary advising services to high schools serving students who are first-generation and from low-income backgrounds.

Since 2013, USC CAC advisers have collectively provided college advising services to over 88,000 seniors. Our program partners with high schools where many students are first-generation college-bound and qualify for free and reduced lunch.

  • 89% of students are first-generation college-bound or from low-income backgrounds.

  • 74% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

College Advisers work within a local high school to build a positive and inclusive college going culture on campus for all students. Their responsibilities include:

  • Assist students with college searches, applications, applying for financial aid for Community Colleges, 4-year Universities, private colleges and trade schools.

  • Organize workshops, presentations, and events that encourage students and their families to consider post-secondary education.

  • Establish productive and strategic relationships with counselors, teachers and administrators within the partner school.

  • Assist in the efforts of other college adviser(s) within the service area.

  • Document all student interactions on daily basis to assist in the assessment and long-term sustainability of the program.

  • Prepare regular progress reports for USC program staff and school administration.

  • Participate in a 4-week paid training during the summer and ongoing professional development throughout the school year

  • Commit to one academic year (12 months) of service, with a preferred two-year commitment if mutually agreed upon by the program staff and the adviser.

Required Qualification:

  • Bachelor's degree (College seniors may apply before graduation for the following school year.)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Student program or services experience

  • Proven ability to organize and manage many tasks and projects simultaneously

  • Attention to detail and excellent quantitative and record-keeping skills

  • Flexibility, creativity, independence, accountability and passion

  • Experience working with diverse populations

  • Ability to speak Spanish, Armenian, or other languages is a plus but not required

Application Instructions:

Please upload the following documents in the Resume/CV section found on the second screen of the application.

  • Resume

  • Cover letter

If you have a question about your application, please email usccac@usc.edu.

The hourly rate for this position is $22.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree
Additional Education Requirements
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience:
1 year
Addtional Experience Requirements
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience
Minimum Skills:
Administrative experience.
Understanding of community outreach programs.
Familiarity with relevant programs and applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite).
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Preferred Education:
Bachelor's degree
Preferred Experience:
2 years
Preferred Skills:
Demonstrated experience interacting with diverse groups, exercising diplomacy, good judgment and discretion.
Familiarity with local community.
Demonstrated experience with office management communication software and tools (e.g., Google suite, Slack, Skype) and social media management. Fluency in one or more language in addition to English (e.g., Spanish, Korean).

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$143354.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880