New Study Debunks the “$40,000 Educational Consultant”

July 16, 2009 | no comments

Recent news stories and Web columns have explored the field of educational consulting and often speak to the expense of consultants charging “tens of thousands of dollars, with one consultant charging $42,000.” A new survey of educational consultants, all among the top professionals in the field, demonstrates that such stories are so far out of the mainstream that they ignore what is happening in 99.99% of consulting offices.

The survey was recently conducted among members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. The results demonstrated that for a comprehensive package of services, often stretching over two to three years, the average fee for college advising is a little under $3,600, less than 10% of the number often cited in media stories. For those advising on pre-college admission, the comparable fee is $3,700, and among those assisting in the placement of teens with behavioral or emotional problems and requiring a therapeutic placement, the national average is just over $4,200.

Even with regional and experience variations, the amount touted in media reports are dramatically off the mark. In New England, where fees are highest for college counseling, the average multi-year comprehensive fee is under $4,300. The most experienced consultants were typically charging about 15% above the national average. Even at the upper end of $8,000 (one-sixth the amount I’ve seen in print) the assistance a family gets from a consultant is well worth the time, knowledge, and expertise they bring to the educational planning process.

In addition, four out of ten consultants also offer smaller packages with limited services, opening consulting to a wider population. Fully two-thirds of IECA members also have hourly fees. This allows families at all income levels to get some assistance and 15% of those in IECA charge on a sliding scale. Additionally, nearly 90% of those belonging to the Independent Educational Consultants Association agree to provide some assistance pro-bono, extending their help to those unable to pay. I can’t think of any other profession where such a high percentage is willing to provide free or greatly reduced services. What a wonderful indication that it is service to students and families that sets IECA members apart.

My hope is that the media, and those who quote what they read, learn the “real” story of what the cost is for educational consulting, and begin to focus instead on the value such advising offers students and their families.

Posted by Mark Sklarow, IECA Executive Director