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College Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title College Admissions Consultant College Admissions Consultants offer personalized, one-on-one guidance to students and families throughout their high school years, helping them confidently ...

Support Early College High Schools (ECHS) in Northwest Indiana, by offering academic and student ... Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations ...

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College Consultant information

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$10

$41

$87

How much do college consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for college consultant in the United States is $41.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.33 and $49.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a college consultant?

A college consultant is a professional who helps students and their families navigate the college admissions process. They provide guidance on selecting suitable colleges, preparing application materials, writing essays, and meeting deadlines. College consultants may also offer advice on standardized testing, extracurricular activities, and interview preparation. Their goal is to help students present their best selves to colleges and find institutions that are a good academic and social fit.

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

To thrive as a College Consultant, you need in-depth knowledge of college admissions processes, strong research abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree, often with additional certifications in counseling or education. Familiarity with student information systems, application platforms like the Common App, and data analysis tools is crucial. Outstanding interpersonal skills, active listening, and the ability to motivate students set top consultants apart. These skills ensure personalized, effective guidance that maximizes students' chances of admission and success.

What is the difference between College Consultant vs College Counselor?

AspectCollege ConsultantCollege Counselor
CredentialsOften have backgrounds in education, college admissions, or consulting; certifications varyTypically licensed school counselors with counseling certifications
Work EnvironmentPrivate consulting firms, independent practices, or online platformsHigh schools, college campuses, or school counseling offices
Employer & Industry UsageServes students and families seeking college admissions guidanceWorks within educational institutions to support student well-being and college prep

While both roles assist students with college-related goals, College Consultants primarily focus on college selection, application strategies, and admissions coaching. College Counselors, on the other hand, provide broader academic and emotional support within schools, including college planning. Understanding these differences helps students and families choose the right professional for their needs.

How does a College Consultant typically collaborate with students and families throughout the application process?

A College Consultant works closely with both students and their families to guide them through each stage of the college application process. This includes developing a personalized college list, assisting with essay brainstorming and editing, preparing for interviews, and managing deadlines. Consultants often hold regular meetings, provide feedback on application materials, and act as a liaison to address concerns or questions from parents. The collaborative approach ensures that the student’s interests and strengths are highlighted while keeping the process organized and less stressful for all parties involved.
More about College Consultant jobs
What cities are hiring for College Consultant jobs? Cities with the most College Consultant job openings:
What states have the most College Consultant jobs? States with the most job openings for College Consultant jobs include:
Infographic showing various College Consultant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,430 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
College Admissions Consultant

$100/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Title
College Admissions Consultant
Job Description
College Admissions Consultants offer personalized, one-on-one guidance to students and families throughout their high school years, helping them confidently navigate the college application and admissions process. This role requires close collaboration with students to develop comprehensive admissions strategies that encompass both academic and extracurricular growth. The College Admissions Consultant will assist students in identifying colleges that align with their academic profiles, career aspirations, and personal preferences. Additionally, they provide expert support in crafting compelling application materials, including essays, resumes, and preparation for interviews.
As a College Admissions Consultant, you will:
  • Conduct individualized strategy sessions with students beginning in 9th grade to evaluate academic performance, extracurricular involvement, career aspirations, and personal goals, driving the creation of tailored college admissions strategies to position students for competitive applications.
  • Maintain consistent communication with students and parents to ensure alignment and clarity around college admissions goals and progress.
  • Conduct in-depth research and analysis for each student to develop a balanced college list, comprising reach, target, and likely schools that align with their academic interests, personal preferences, and family budget.
  • Assist students in brainstorming, outlining, and refining personal statements and supplemental essays to create compelling narratives.
  • Manage application timelines and provide detailed guidance to ensure students complete applications accurately, highlighting their achievements to stand out in the admissions process.
  • Provide expert guidance on course selection, standardized testing (SAT, ACT, etc.), and extracurricular activities that will enhance students' application profiles.
  • Review and optimize student resumes, ensuring they effectively showcase key strengths, experiences, and accomplishments.
  • Prepare students for college interviews by conducting mock interviews and providing constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Stay current on trends in college admissions, including evolving standards and application requirements, to provide the most relevant advice.

Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the department and the qualifications of the candidate:
  • Participate in webinars to connect with a wider audience of students and parents, enhancing Kaplan's visibility and establishing the company as a trusted source of information in college consulting.
  • Provide consulting services in curriculum development, counselor training, product strategy, and content creation, ensuring that educational offerings align with industry best practices and effectively meet the needs of students.

You are:
  • An Industry Expert. You bring 5+ years of professional college counseling experience, either at a company or as an independent consultant. You have expert knowledge of the college application process and love to nerd out on industry trends and college admission updates.
  • Enthusiastic. You can captivate any audience with your excitement and your expertise, making you a great communicator.
  • Resourceful. You're quick, clever, and solution-oriented. You can take information and run with it - you don't rely on a lot of direction. You're comfortable working online with students and learning new systems.
  • Self-Motivated. You're adept at working independently and can manage your time efficiently.
  • Passionate. When you work with students, it's clear that you're invested in their journey.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 5+ years of college counseling experience
  • Extensive knowledge of the college application process, including admissions requirements, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and academic planning
  • Strong communication, presentation, and meeting facilitation skills
  • Exceptional writing skills to communicate effectively with students and families and navigate the essay editing process
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple students and track their progress through the application cycle simultaneously

Preferred Requirements
  • Masters degree in counseling, higher education, or similar
  • Strong experience helping multiple students get accepted to highly selective schools
  • Experience working in college admissions, preferably at a highly selective institution
  • International admissions experience
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States

The salary rate for one-on-one advising starts at $100 an hour. Actual compensation for this role is determined by several factors including but not limited to job level, candidate's skills, experience, and education, among other factors determined by the business.
Location
Remote/Nationwide, USA
Additional Locations
Employee Type
Employee
Job Functional Area
Admissions
Business Unit
00073 Kaplan Grad
Diversity & Inclusion Statement:
Kaplan is committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace that values diversity, promotes equity, and integrates inclusivity into all aspects of our operations. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, nationality, or sex. We believe that diversity strengthens our organization, fuels innovation, and improves our ability to serve our students, customers, and communities. Learn more about our culture here.
Kaplan considers qualified applicants for employment even if applicants have an arrest or conviction in their background check records. Kaplan complies with related background check regulations, including but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. There are various positions where certain convictions may disqualify applicants, such as those positions requiring interaction with minors, financial records, or other sensitive and/or confidential information.
Kaplan is a drug-free workplace and complies with applicable laws.