The Cost of College Planning: What's the National Average Price?

Based on the research results we've found online, here's an overview of the average prices for college planners or counselors:

1. According to a 2018 survey mentioned in the results, the mean college counseling fees across the nation ranged from $850 to $10,000, with average prices falling in the $4,000-$6,000 range.

2. For hourly rates, college counselors typically charge between $100 to $300 per hour, though this can sometimes be higher depending on the counselor's experience and qualifications.

3. Many college counselors offer package deals that provide comprehensive support throughout the entire application process. These packages can range from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000.

4. At Triangle Financial Strategies, we offer more affordable options. For example, we offer flat fee options that cover you through the completion of the freshman year of college. So, if you hire us in the freshman year of high school, that’s five years of service paid as a flat fee and no billable hours to worry about. Our packages range from $1,995 - $2,995, about half the cost of the lowest end of the national average price.

5. It's important to note that fees can vary widely based on factors such as the counselor's qualifications, experience, location, reputation, and the range of services offered.

6. Some counselors also offer a la carte services or flat fees for specific tasks like essay review or interview preparation, which can be less expensive than full packages.

While these figures give a general idea of the cost range, it's clear that there's significant variation in pricing across the industry. The national average seems to fall somewhere in the $4,000-$6,000 range for comprehensive services, but prices can be both lower and significantly higher depending on the specific counselor or company.

If you would like to know what your financial aid package might look like at the schools you're considering BEFORE you apply and what strategies you can take advantage of to help increase the chances of enrollment at your child's dream school, and make paying for college more easily affordable without hurting your retirement, schedule a free consultation.

FYI, if after the free consultation, you decide to purchase one of our packages, we're offering a 10% discount until the end of the year. Just mention this blog post to redeem that price.