What Does an Admissions Counselor Do?
An admissions counselor guides prospective students through the college application process, reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and representing the institution at recruitment events.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Academic Advisor, Academic Counselor, Career Counselor, College Counselor, Elementary School Counselor, Guidance Counselor, School Counselor, Student Services Coordinator.
Admissions Counselor Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of an admissions counselor include:
- Review and evaluate student applications for admission
- Conduct informational sessions and campus tours for prospective students
- Travel to high schools, college fairs, and community events for recruitment
- Advise prospective students and families on admissions requirements and procedures
- Manage a recruitment territory or applicant portfolio
- Interview applicants and make admission recommendations
- Present to groups about academic programs, campus life, and financial aid
- Maintain communication with applicants throughout the admission cycle
- Enter and manage applicant data in CRM and admissions systems
- Collaborate with financial aid, housing, and academic departments
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as an admissions counselor, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills
- Knowledge of higher education and the admissions process
- Sales and persuasion abilities for student recruitment
- Cultural competence for engaging diverse audiences
- Organizational skills for managing large applicant pools
- CRM and database management proficiency
- Willingness to travel frequently during recruitment seasons
- Written communication for correspondence and marketing materials
Education and Training
A bachelor's degree is required (any major). A master's degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field is preferred for advancement. Experience in admissions, student affairs, or education is beneficial.
Salary and Job Outlook
Average Salary: $38,000 - $55,000 per year
BLS projects employment of educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors to grow about 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 27,800 openings a year. Admissions counselors are employed by colleges, universities, and private schools. Career advancement paths include senior admissions counselor, assistant director of admissions, and director of enrollment management.
Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors.
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 98% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 96% are on the phone every day
- 96% use email every day
- 85% work indoors in a climate-controlled space every day
- 82% spend more than half the workday sitting
- 76% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 54% deal with rude or angry people at least once a week
Tools and Software Admissions Counselors Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy helping, teaching or caring for people as well as leading, persuading and making business decisions.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Reading Comprehension, Writing.
Knowledge areas used most: Customer and Personal Service, English Language, Therapy and Counseling, Education and Training, Psychology.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 5 of 5, which means extensive preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for an Admissions Counselor Job
- Academic cover letter sample
- Resume or CV: which to send
- How to describe your work experience
- Job interview tips
- Interview thank-you note
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 21-1012.00 (Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.