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College Planning Consultant information

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$10

$49

$118

How much do college planning consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for college planning consultant in the United States is $49.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a college planning consultant do?

A College Planning Consultant helps students and their families navigate the complex process of applying to colleges. They provide guidance on selecting schools, preparing application materials, writing essays, and meeting deadlines. Consultants may also assist with financial aid applications, scholarship searches, and interview preparation. Their goal is to help students find colleges that fit their academic, financial, and personal needs while increasing their chances of admission.

What are some common challenges college planning consultants face when working with students and families, and how can these be addressed?

College Planning Consultants often encounter challenges such as managing differing expectations between students and their families, navigating rapidly changing admissions requirements, and ensuring students meet application deadlines. To address these, consultants foster open communication, provide up-to-date information about colleges, and develop structured timelines to keep students on track. Building trust and maintaining a collaborative approach with both students and parents are key to overcoming these challenges and supporting each family’s unique goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a college planning consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Planning Consultant, you need expertise in academic advising, admissions processes, and financial aid, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or a related field. Familiarity with college application platforms (like Common App), standardized testing requirements, and student information systems is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to motivate and guide students set top consultants apart. These competencies are vital to helping students navigate complex application processes and achieve their higher education goals.

What is the difference between College Planning Consultant vs College Admissions Counselor?

AspectCollege Planning ConsultantCollege Admissions Counselor
CredentialsCertifications in college planning, financial aid, or counselingDegree in education, counseling, or related field; sometimes certifications in admissions
Work EnvironmentPrivate consulting firms, independent practice, online platformsHigh school or college campus, admissions offices, college fairs
Employer & IndustryEducational consulting firms, independent consultants, financial advisory firmsHigh schools, colleges, universities, college admissions offices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding college planning services, financial aid guidanceAssistance with college application process, campus visits, admissions strategies

While both roles assist students with college-related decisions, College Planning Consultants focus on comprehensive planning, financial aid, and application strategies often outside the college environment. College Admissions Counselors primarily work within educational institutions, guiding students through the admissions process directly on campus or in school settings.

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What job categories do people searching College Planning Consultant jobs look for?

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College Planning Consultant jobs near you
Infographic showing various College Planning Consultant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,425 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

College Counselor

Hello College

Chicago, IL • Remote

$65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

College Counselor Job Description

About HelloCollege

At HelloCollege, we help families navigate all aspects of college planning from start to acceptance.  Our program consists of one-on-one virtual counseling sessions, interactive group workshops, online e-learning, and other educational resources.  Our goal is to help students get into their top-choice college, reduce the costs of college, and graduate on time with a job in their major.  Our role is to reduce the stress of students and parents by properly preparing and guiding students through college planning.


About the College Counselor Role

As a HelloCollege College Counselor, you will be responsible for guiding a caseload of students and families through the HelloCollege program. You will strive to ensure every student completes the program and accomplishes their college planning goals while also helping the company grow.  This is a mid-level position for an experienced professional. The College Counselor will report to the Director of Counseling.


What Success Looks Like 

  • Manage a caseload of up to 150 students according to HelloCollege program blueprint and counselor service level agreements including meeting cadence and support response times
  • Maintain expert knowledge of high school curricula, extracurricular and leadership choices, summer program applications, and standardized test planning to make recommendations regarding admissions strategies.
  • Maintain 95% healthy contact rating, 95% retention rate
  • Contribute to efforts to drive referrals, testimonials and online reviews
  • Conduct formal consulting sessions with students on a bi-monthly basis, chronicling and sharing with relevant stakeholders notes and action items
  • Maintain reasonable levels of communication with students and families outside of formal sessions through various channels (e.g. email, etc.)
  • Assists in overseeing partnerships with schools and organizations
  • Creates positive and lasting relationships with families
  • Diligently track all communication and keep client files updated in CRM
  • Facilitate and lead up to four online workshops/month based on your areas of subject matter expertise
  • Maintain knowledge of higher education and college planning trends
  • Actively participate in team meetings, knowledge sharing, shadowing and mentoring of other team members
  • Be an active leader in developing a positive company culture and promote company growth


What Skills And Experience Needed 

  • Master’s degree or College Counseling certification required
  • Experience with highly selective college counseling, college admissions, school counseling, or student advising is required
  • Highly knowledgeable about selective, highly selective, and ivy level US colleges and universities
  • Ability to connect with students and parents from diverse academic, ethnic/racial, and financial backgrounds
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with diverse stakeholders
  • Strong case management skills: ability to juggle multiple priorities, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks appropriately
  • Proficient technology skills (required) using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) & Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides), and able to quickly learn how to use new programs/systems
  • Public speaking and event facilitation experience is expected




Additional Skills That Set You Apart

  • An outgoing personality with great energy and excellent virtual presence
  • A passion for helping students achieve better outcomes
  • Highly motivated and results-driven with a track record of meeting and exceeding goals
  • Experience working with students with learning differences
  • Average schedule is 12-8:30pm (CST)
  • Applicants in CST, MST, and PST time zones preferred
  • Workload varies by season, with busy season April-December
  • Salary range starting at $65,000


HelloCollege Benefits

  • Health/Dental/Vision
  • Employer Paid Short-term and long-term disability insurance 
  • 401k
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Dedicated professional development days to visit and research colleges
  • Coverage for professional memberships (ex. NACAC)
  • Bonus incentives for referrals, reviews
  • Opportunity to earn extra income by conducting college planning consultations with prospective families