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University admissions & private consulting
College Admissions Counselor
Reading a thousand applications, or charging families to write one.
Typical pay
$42k-$90k
How you get in
Bachelor's; master's for advancement
Outlook
Steady at universities; growing in private consulting
Admissions counselors recruit and evaluate applicants for colleges, or advise families privately. University roles involve heavy travel and enormous reading loads; independent consulting pays far more per hour and carries no institutional stability.
A day in the life
- 8:30aApplication reading — dozens per day in season
- 11:00aCampus information session and tour introduction
- 1:00pLunch
- 2:00pHigh school visits or virtual sessions
- 4:00pCommittee review and admit decisions
- 7:00pEvening college fair, six weeks straight in the fall
How to get in
University admissions officer
Duration
4 years
Cost
$40,000-$150,000
Credential
Bachelor's in any field
- Complete a bachelor's — many admissions officers are recent alumni
- Apply to admissions offices, which hire entry-level regularly
- Expect heavy fall travel and spring reading
- Advance to associate and assistant director roles
Independent educational consultant
Duration
3-8 years
Cost
$2,000-$15,000
Credential
IECA or HECA membership; admissions experience
- Build credibility through admissions or high school counseling work
- Join a professional association and follow its ethical standards
- Advise families directly on college selection and applications
- Hourly and package rates far exceed university salaries
High school counseling route
Duration
6-7 years
Cost
$20,000-$70,000
Credential
School counselor license
- Complete a school counseling master's and license
- Work as a high school counselor with a college advising focus
- Serve students who cannot afford private consultants
- Same expertise, entirely different population served
What people love
- · Meaningful influence at a pivotal moment
- · University benefits including tuition remission
- · Independent consulting pays very well
- · Entry with a bachelor's in any field
What wears people down
- · Fall travel season is relentless
- · Reading volume in season is punishing
- · Entry pay at universities is low
- · Enrollment pressure has intensified the job