When it comes to finding the right educational consultant for your family, it's important to understand the costs associated with their services. According to Mark Sklarow, executive director of the Association of Independent Educational Consultants, the average family that hires an educational consultant in the United States spends between $2,000 and $3,000. But what exactly do educational consultants charge? It depends on a variety of factors, including the type of services they provide, their experience level, and the amount of time they spend with you. Generally speaking, most consultants charge an hourly rate for their services.
This rate can range from $100 to $400 per hour, depending on the consultant's experience and expertise. In addition to hourly rates, some consultants may also charge a flat fee for their services. This fee typically covers a filing period of up to 6 hours, plus travel and entry and departure in a single day. Some consultants may also charge additional fees for additional services such as college tours or college application assistance.
It's important to note that not all educational consultants are created equal. To ensure you're getting the best service possible, it's important to do your research and select a consultant who is qualified and experienced in the field. Being an Educational Consultant requires a bachelor's degree in a related area and at least 7 years of experience in the field. The IECA organization also indicates which consultants are qualified to work with schools and programs with special needs. An often-repeated misperception is that independent education consulting primarily serves the needs of wealthy families.
However, this is not necessarily true. Many educational consultants offer services at a variety of price points to accommodate different budgets. Some consultants live in remote areas and work with parents almost exclusively by phone, fax and email. There are also some educational consultants who will travel to the family home anywhere in the country. According to IECA estimates, there were about 150 international IECs and 4,000 other part-time workers doing consulting work in addition to counseling or admissions for an institution during the day.
The license does not exist in any state and anyone can hang a tile claiming to be an independent educational consultant. IECA consultants work with students and, where appropriate, with admissions staff, to find the most suitable schools for that person, the best fit academically, socially and financially. Consultants use this knowledge and experience to help parents carefully develop a strategy for intervening with their struggling child. CEO & Senior Consultant HEADS UP EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING Former school director of Interlochen Arts Academy, The Leelanau School and IMG Academies.
