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College Counselor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Loras College seeks a dynamic, creative, and collaborative professional to serve as an Academic Counselor in the Lynch Learning Center. The Academic Counselor is a 10-month, titled faculty position ...

Loras College seeks a dynamic, creative, and collaborative professional to serve as an Academic Counselor in the Lynch Learning Center. The Academic Counselor is a 10-month, titled faculty position ...

Loras College seeks a dynamic, creative, and collaborative professional to serve as an Academic Counselor in the Lynch Learning Center. The Academic Counselor is a 10-month, titled faculty position ...

Loras College seeks a dynamic, creative, and collaborative professional to serve as an Academic Counselor in the Lynch Learning Center. The Academic Counselor is a 10-month, titled faculty position ...

Financial Aid Counselor

Dubuque, IA

$36.80K - $48.60K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY As a member of the Loras College Enrollment Management Division, the financial aid counselor coordinates financial aid information and processing. The counselor is knowledgeable and ...

Financial Aid Counselor

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$36.80K - $48.60K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY As a member of the Loras College Enrollment Management Division, the financial aid counselor coordinates financial aid information and processing. The counselor is knowledgeable and ...

Financial Aid Counselor

Dubuque, IA

$36.80K - $48.60K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY As a member of the Loras College Enrollment Management Division, the financial aid counselor coordinates financial aid information and processing. The counselor is knowledgeable and ...

Financial Aid Counselor

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$36.80K - $48.60K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY As a member of the Loras College Enrollment Management Division, the financial aid counselor coordinates financial aid information and processing. The counselor is knowledgeable and ...

Loras College seeks a dynamic, creative, and collaborative professional to serve as an Academic Counselor in the Lynch Learning Center. The Academic Counselor is a 10-month, titled faculty position ...

Financial Aid Counselor

Dubuque, IA

$36.80K - $48.60K/yr

Financial Aid Counselor Loras College 1 Positions ID: 5.6.26 Posted On 05/06/2026 Job Overview POSITION SUMMARY As a member of the Loras College Enrollment Management Division, the financial aid ...

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College Counselor information

See Iowa salary details

$23.5K

$60.1K

$104.3K

How much do college counselor jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for college counselor in Iowa is $60,119.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,200.00 and $68,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do College Counselors Do?

A college counselor helps students figure out their goals and plans for higher education. Job duties include educating students about programs of study and scholarships, working with students to identify their goals, and recommending next steps for students to accomplish their educational and career plans. A college counselor may work for a high school to advise graduating seniors about their post-secondary options, or for a university to help students map out their course of study and future career paths.

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

To thrive as a College Counselor, you need a solid understanding of college admissions processes, academic planning, and counseling theories, often supported by a master's degree in counseling or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, college search databases (like Naviance), and standardized test platforms is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and guide diverse students effectively. These competencies ensure that students receive personalized, informed support as they navigate critical academic and career decisions.

What are some common challenges College Counselors face when supporting diverse student populations?

College Counselors often work with students from a wide variety of backgrounds, each with unique academic, financial, and personal needs. Navigating these differences requires cultural sensitivity, up-to-date knowledge of college admissions trends, and strong communication skills. Counselors must also address challenges such as limited resources, balancing caseloads, and ensuring all students receive personalized guidance. Building relationships and advocating for students are crucial to overcoming these obstacles and helping each individual achieve their educational goals.

What does a college counselor do?

A college counselor helps students navigate the college admissions process by providing guidance on selecting colleges, preparing applications, writing essays, and meeting deadlines. They also assist with identifying scholarships and financial aid opportunities. College counselors support students in making informed decisions about their post-secondary education and help alleviate the stress associated with the application process.

What is the difference between College Counselor vs School Counselor?

AspectCollege CounselorSchool Counselor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often a master's in counseling or education; certifications vary by stateBachelor's degree, often a master's in school counseling; state certification required
Work EnvironmentHigh schools, colleges, private counseling centersElementary, middle, or high schools
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, college admissions officesSchool districts, K-12 education systems
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in college admissions and advisingSupporting student well-being and academic success

While both roles involve guiding students, College Counselors focus on college admissions and career planning, often working with high school or college students. School Counselors provide broader support, including academic advising, mental health, and social-emotional development across K-12 levels. The choice depends on the specific educational setting and student needs.

What are popular job titles related to College Counselor jobs in Iowa? For College Counselor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for College Counselor jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most College Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various College Counselor job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 7% Summer. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $60,119 per year, or $28.9 per hour.
College & Career Transition Counselor

College & Career Transition Counselor

North Iowa Area Community College

Mason City, IA • On-site

$39.14K - $47.03K/yr

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

COLLEGE& CAREER TRANSITION COUNSELOR
CATEGORY/LEVEL: PSS/7, 11-month position
BASICFUNCTION: Responsiblefor providing direct services to students, parents/families, and school staffacross local school districts and North Iowa Area Community College to supportcollege preparation and postsecondary success. Work collaboratively withhigh school staff, academic affairs, admissions, and others to foster andoptimize students' success, and collaborate with school counselors,administrators, and teachers to align work-based learning opportunities. Successfulcandidate must demonstrate a focus on student success, be willing to travel, andwork a flexible schedule.
START DATE: ASAP
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Starting salary of $39,142 to $47,025based on experience. Benefits package includes Blue Cross/Blue Shield majormedical health insurance; eye care, dental, life and disability insurance; paidvacation and sick leave; a choice of IPERS or TIAA retirement plans, and avariety of additional optional benefits.
REQUIREDQUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree required. Excellent verbal and writtencommunication skills, ability to work with people at all levels, both internaland external to the institution, and excellent time management andorganizational skills also required.
PREFERREDQUALIFICATIONS: Experience in secondary and/or postsecondary educationsettings, experience in programs serving low income, minority, ELL students andfamilies, and an understanding of the community college mission and a provendedication to its students preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
• Assist students, individually or in groups, with developing academic, college, and career goals and plans.
• Collaborate with school counselors, administrators, and teachers to support academic success, career exploration, goal setting, leadership development, college planning, and campus visits for students.
• Responsible for case management including tracking, proactive communication, follow-up with students, faculty, and other resources to increase students' success.
• Provide students with information regarding application, educational offerings, financial aid, assessment testing and course placement, and related policies and processes.
• Assist students with course selection, creation of academic plans, registration process, and facilitating the transfer of students to college/universities.
• Collaborate with academics, learning support services, and student success teams including admissions, advising, financial aid, student activities, housing, and registration.
• Assist with summer programs, college orientation sessions, and other recruitment or enrollment events.
• Collect and analyze student data and confer with school and college staff to identify and refer students in need of more intensive academic support like tutoring, extended learning, and counseling.
• Assist districts and students with college prep course selection, enrollment in concurrent courses, tracking credits needed for graduation, and progress towards student goals.
• Conduct parent/family outreach and education activities to strengthen family/school partnerships and facilitate college selection and financial planning.
• Support a smooth transition from 12th grade to postsecondary education for students and families.
• Connect students and families with community and higher education resources to support success in school and facilitate planning for postsecondary education.
• Serve as a resource for school staff, students, parents/families, and community members.
• Teach SDV-199, WBL courses, and other freshman seminars and/or direct workshops for students.
• Obtain credentials, as necessary, to meet the position's requirements and those necessary for instructional purposes.
• Report outcomes to Admissions team and administration.
• Complete assigned projects with minimum supervision ensuring all deadlines are met.
• Represent NIACC positively at high schools, promotional events, and in the community.
• Establish positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and other key influencers.
• Attend division and institutional meetings. Participate in professional development activities at the College and within state and regional organizations.
• Work across Student Development, specifically collaboration, support, and cross training with the Enrollment Specialist and Academic Advising team, as needed for enrollment growth.
• Maintain strong organizational skills, demonstrate reliability, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Fulfill other responsibilities as needed or assigned.
Perform in a manner which strengthens the coordination and cooperation of all organizational components of the College, including opportunities for student recruitment.
NIACC Core Principles: All employees are expected to adhere to all NIACC policies and procedures. NIACC administration, faculty, and staff value a positive working environment and an environment of mutual respect; therefore, all employees are to maintain a positive attitude and respect for others when working with all NIACC departments, employees, students, partners, and the public.
Applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. NIACC is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
06/2025