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College Advisor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

STARS College Advisor

Amherst, VA · On-site

$52K - $53K/yr

The STARS College Advisor is a full-time, fixed-term position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $52,895 to $53,000. The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors ...

Clients include high school students, their parents, and current college students. Advisors must be able to lead client meetings with confidence and possess strong interpersonal communication skills.

Clients include high school students, their parents, and current college students. Advisors must be able to lead client meetings with confidence and possess strong interpersonal communication skills.

GRASP has an opening for a part-time college financial aid advisor to work at Southern Gap High School during the school year. Advisors are assigned to a particular school 1-2 days per week during ...

www.grasp4va.org GRASP has an opening for a part-time college financial aid advisor to work at an assigned area high school(s) during the school year. Advisors are assigned to a particular school 1-2 ...

Academic Advisor

Hampton, VA · On-site

$47K - $50K/yr

The Academic Advisor works closely with all campus departments utilizing BSC's personalized ... Monitor program outcomes and requirements to ensure compliance with the Official College Catalog ...

College of Engineering Department: Mechanical Engineering Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Academic Advising / Support The Graduate Advisor is a member of a student support team that works ...

College of Engineering Department: Computer Science Location: Blacksburg, Virginia, Hybrid Categories: Academic Advising / Support We are seeking student-focused Academic Advisors to support ...

Academic Advisor

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$36K - $45K/yr

College of Engineering Department: Myers-Lawson School of Construction Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Academic Advising / Support The Myers-Lawson School of Construction (MLSoC) Academic ...

Honors Advisor

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Posting Details Posting Details Job Title Honors Advisor Department HONORS COLLEGE Position Number FP161A Location Norfolk, VA Job Summary 3 POSITIONS TO BE FILLED WITH THIS RECRUITMENT (FP161A ...

Career Advisor

Blacksburg, VA

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Academic Advising / Support, Other The Career Advisor reports to the Associate Director and serves as a member of a Career Development and College Relations Team. Team members will work together to ...

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College Advisor information

See Virginia salary details

$28.8K

$50.6K

$70.4K

How much do college advisor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for college advisor in Virginia is $50,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,600.00 and $58,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Do college advisors make a lot of money?

College advisors typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with advanced certifications, specialized knowledge, and working in larger institutions or urban areas.

What are the most commonly searched types of College Advisor jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of College Advisor jobs in Virginia are:

STARS College Advisor

Amherst College

Amherst, VA • On-site

$52K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Amherst College rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the STARS College Advisor position. The STARS College Advisor is a full-time, fixed-term position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $52,895 to $53,000.


The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.


The STARS College Advisor, within the Amherst College Office of Admission, will join a national network of college advisors supporting rural and small-town high school students through the college search and application process. In this role, the advisor will advise students through virtual meetings, deliver presentations on applying to college and financial aid, and conduct regular in-person site visits to assigned high schools. The advisor will build and maintain strong relationships with students, families, school counselors, community partners, and others involved in the recruitment and advising process. The position also contributes to special projects, which may include developing outreach and marketing materials, supporting program assessment, and monitoring related budgets.


The position is a one-year term, which may be renewed for up to two additional one-year terms. The position is eligible for participation in the College's hybrid work program. The role requires several weeks of annual outreach travel to assigned rural and small-town high schools, as well as occasional evening and weekend work.


Summary of Responsibilities:


  • Provides 1:1 college advising in a remote setting with assigned high schools
  • Travels to assigned high schools for in-person meetings with students.
  • Hosts virtual events with high schools to promote college-going, assist with application completion, provide essay support, and share information on applying for financial aid
  • Responds to students and partner high schools via phone and e-mail

Qualifications:


Required

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, high school officials, and more
  • Strong ability to articulate the value of a college education to diverse audiences with clarity, enthusiasm, and cultural awareness
  • Proficiency with technology and digital tools, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn new software and systems
  • Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to think independently while also contributing effectively as part of a collaborative, dynamic team
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and an understanding of how these values inform the work of college admission
  • Willingness and ability to travel several weeks per year and to work occasional evenings and weekends
  • Successful completion of required reference and background checks
  • An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check
  • Valid driver's license and successful completion of Five College Risk Management driver credentialing program.
    (See: https://www.fivecolleges.edu/riskmgmt/driver_credentialing)

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen.) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.


It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



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