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College Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Butler College Prep-College Counselor About Noble Noble is Chicago's highest-performing and largest network of public charter schools. Our 17 campuses and 1,680 employees currently serve 12,000 ...

The College Admissions Counselor's primary role is to provide comprehensive academic and college advising retail services to students with diverse interests and abilities. College Counselors for The ...

College Counselor (Full-Time Remote US)

$39K - $51K/yr

Collegewise is hiring college counselors across multiple tracks - and we're looking for people who are excited not just about the job, but about finding the right fit within it. If you're passionate ...

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College Counselor information

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How much do college counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for college counselor in the United States is $64,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is needed to become a college counselor?

To become a college counselor, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in education, psychology, or a related field, along with experience working with students or in academic advising. Many roles also require a master's degree in school counseling or a related area and relevant certifications or licensure, depending on the region. Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of college admission processes are essential for success in this role.

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 cities are hiring for College Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most College Counselor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of College Counselor jobs?

The most popular types of College Counselor jobs are:

What states have the most College Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for College Counselor jobs include:

Infographic showing various College Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,006 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

College Counselor - IDEA Cincinnati Region (Future Vacancy)

IDEA Public Schools

Cincinnati, OH

$61K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


IDEA Public Schools rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

411th of 629 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Description

This job posting is not for any specific role that is currently open. Instead, applying to this posting allows IDEA to gather your information and assess your fit and move quickly once our team identifies an available opportunity for the 2026-2027 Academic Year with an intended start in July 2026. Please continue to monitor our Career Site and apply to any current vacancies that match your interests.
Role Mission: As a member of the College Counseling Team, the College Counselor executes the graduation plan and college enrollment for all students at their assigned campus. In this capacity, College Counselors deploy initiatives to educate students about college education and help students navigate the college research, admissions, and enrollment process. This leader will work in a fast paced, rapidly expanding entrepreneurial environment, in pursuit of college matriculation goals.
 
This role will require up to approximately 25% travel annually. Typically, this will look like travel for districtwide events and occasional monthly travel to schools and professional development opportunities. 
 
What We Offer
 
Compensation: 
Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $61,000 and $72,000, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on team performance and goal attainment.
 
Other Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children. Some of the special benefits we offer at IDEA include:
 
  • Paid Family Leave: Eligible staff may receive up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on their tenure with the organization and caregiver designation.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Staff members may apply for up to​ 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year subject to manager discretion and budget availability.
  • Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions within a year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services available at no cost.
 
Other benefits include dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. IDEA may offer a relocation allowance to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.
 
What You Bring -- Competencies
 
Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
  • Experience: At least 2 years of teaching experience in K-12 or higher education, preferred; 1+ years of college access experience, required
  • Certificate: Valid Counseling certificate preferred
 
Knowledge and Skills:
  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to adjust and adapt to a multitude of situations in the school environment
  • Experience in college admissions is preferable
  • Ability to build solid student and family relationships
  • Strong command of the English language both verbal and written
What You’ll Do -- Accountabilities
 
Matriculation and College Acceptance
  • 100% of graduates matriculate to a College/University
  • 25% of graduating students matriculate to a Tier I/Tier II College/University
  • 15% of graduating students matriculate to a Tier I College/University
 
Student Achievement
  • 100% of 9th-12th graders On Track to Graduate (OTG)
  • 21 average ACT score for 12th graders by end of 12th grade
 
Responsibilities:
  • Execute college enrollment campaigns (quality applications campaign, financial aid campaign, matriculation campaign) for the campus
  • Advise and motivate students towards college enrollment, Tier 1, and Tier 2 college matriculation, improving ACT scores and OTG rates
  • Support with the school’s master schedule, schedule all students, and audit transcripts for appropriate course placement
  • Initiate and oversee initiatives that improve the quality of student applicants and, in turn, the quality of college admissions and college enrollments
  • Report progress towards goals to regional and campus leadership and advise on schoolwide pivots necessary to deliver results
  • Analyze data dashboards, resources, and communications to meet benchmarked results
  • Enforce procedures that both meet college readiness compliance requirements and create transformational practices that improve college completion rates
  • Support RTTC teachers in planning college field lessons and ACT prep lessons
  • Design college-going culture initiatives with students and families based on trust, understanding, and respect for their community
  • Participate in professional development from national and external stakeholders
We look for Team and Family who embody the following values and characteristics: 
  • Believes and is committed to our mission and being an agent of change: that all students are capable of getting to and through college  
  • Has demonstrated effective outcomes and results, and wants to be held accountable for them 
  • Has a propensity for action, willing to make mistakes by doing in order to learn and improve quickly 
  • Works with urgency and purpose to drive student outcomes 
  • Thrives in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment; is comfortable with ambiguity and change 
  • Seeks and responds well to feedback, which is shared often and freely across all levels of the organization 
  • Works through silos and forges strong cross-departmental relationships in order to achieve outcomes 
  • We believe in education as a profession and hold ourselves to high level of conduct, professionalism and behaviors as models for our colleagues and students 
 
About IDEA Public Schools 
 
At IDEA Public Schools, we believe each and every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to a multi-state network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools.   
 
IDEA Public Schools boasts national rankings on The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report’s top high schools lists. IDEA serves over 80,000 college-bound students in 143 schools across Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Ohio, and is on-track to maintain its legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college.    
 
When you choose to work at IDEA, you are part of our IDEA Team and Family. You will work alongside team members who set and reach ambitious goals every day, are excited to continue to grow with IDEA, and work relentlessly to make college for all a reality.
 
Staff Culture and Belonging
 
At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here!
 
To Apply
 
Please submit your application online through Jobvite. It’s in your best interest to apply as soon as possible.

What IDEA Public Schools employees say

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IDEA Public Schools logo

About IDEA Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At IDEA Public Schools, we believe each and every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to a multi-state network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools. IDEA Public Schools boasts national rankings on The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report's top high schools lists. IDEA serves over 80,000 college-bound students in 143 schools across Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Ohio, and is on-track to maintain its legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college. When you choose to work at IDEA, you are part of our IDEA Team and Family. You will work alongside team members who set and reach ambitious goals every day, are excited to continue to grow with IDEA, and work relentlessly to make college for all a reality.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Weslaco, TX, US

Year founded

1998