How Much Does College Admissions Consulting Really Cost?
At Stiphany Consulting, one of the most common early questions we hear from prospective families is: “How much does this kind of support actually cost?”
It’s a fair—and important—question. Educational consulting can be a significant investment, and families deserve clarity about what they’re paying for and what kind of value they’ll receive in return.
Let’s break it down.
📊 Typical Pricing Models
Educational consultants generally price their services in one of three ways:
Hourly Rates
Rates typically range from $200 to $600 per hour, depending on the counselor’s experience, credentials, and geographic market.
Best for families seeking guidance on specific tasks like essay editing or building a college list.
Flat-Rate Packages
These are often $5,000 to $15,000+ for full-cycle college admissions support.
Packages usually include comprehensive services: list development, essay coaching, application strategy, financial aid advising, interview prep, and project management tools.
Hybrid Models
Some consultants offer a base package with the option to add hourly services as needed.
At Stiphany Consulting, we offer both comprehensive packages and à la carte options—because different families have different needs, and we believe in meeting people where they are.
🎯 What Are You Paying For?
College consulting isn’t just about getting into college—it’s about approaching the process with intention, organization, and strategic insight. Here's what that can include:
A thoughtfully curated college list (based on data and values)
Timeline planning and deadline tracking
Deep-dive essay development and editing
Application review and strategy for each school
Financial aid and scholarship support
Interview coaching
Project or extracurricular advising
And perhaps most importantly: a trusted, calming guide in the midst of a high-stakes, high-emotion process
You’re not just hiring a tutor or editor. You’re bringing in a seasoned expert to help your family make one of the biggest decisions of your student’s life—with clarity and confidence.
🧩 Factors That Influence Cost
Experience & Background: Consultants with admissions office experience (like former Directors or Deans) often charge more—and with good reason. They’ve sat on the other side of the table.
Level of Customization: Some services use pre-set templates or content banks. Others (like ours) build everything from scratch, tailored to your child’s goals and voice.
Student Grade Level: Starting early (e.g., 9th or 10th grade) often involves broader guidance like course selection, summer planning, and extracurricular development—requiring a longer engagement.
💬 Is It Worth It?
If you’re considering a private counselor, it’s fair to ask: What am I really getting out of this?
Here’s what we hear most from our clients:
“You brought calm to a chaotic process.”
“We couldn’t have done this without your strategy and structure.”
“You helped my child present their best self—not a version of who they thought colleges wanted.”
College admissions is a high-stakes journey. You can certainly go it alone—but having a trusted guide can make the process more manageable, less stressful, and more aligned with your family’s values and goals.
🧭 Final Thought
Educational consulting is an investment—in your child’s growth, your family’s peace of mind, and a future that feels like the right fit.
At Stiphany Consulting, we’re proud to offer thoughtful, ethical, and deeply personalized guidance. If you're curious about what support might look like for your student, we’d love to connect.
📞 Let’s talk
Book a consultation at www.stiphanyconsulting.com or email meg@stiphanyconsulting.com to learn more about our packages and pricing.
