University of South Carolina
Stars College Advisor
🇺🇸
Columbia, SC
🕑
Full-Time
💰
$53K - $66K
💻
Academic Advising
🗓️
February 11th, 2026
Edtech.com's Summary
The University of South Carolina is hiring a Stars College Advisor. This role involves advising high-achieving high school students in underserved small and rural counties, supporting them throughout the entire college application process including academic planning, college selection, application strategy, essay development, and financial aid literacy. The advisor collaborates with high school counselors and administrators and conducts both individual and group advising sessions, as well as regular school visits.
Highlights
- Provide one-on-one admissions and financial aid guidance to high-achieving students and their families.
- Support students through academic planning, college search, application completion, essay support, and financial aid processes.
- Conduct in-person and virtual advising sessions and presentations in assigned small and rural high schools.
- Collaborate closely with high school counselors, administrators, and college access organizations.
- Assist students with FAFSA submission and scholarship applications.
- Work with other STARS College Advisors to develop curriculum and implement best practices.
- Requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel extensively to regional schools.
- Preferred experience includes admissions or financial aid advising and working with high school students and counselors.
- Salary range from $52,526 to $78,789 with anticipated hiring at $52,526.
Stars College Advisor Full Description
Stars College Advisor
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo |
Posting Number | STA00051PO26
Job Family | Enrollment Management
Job Function | Student Services
USC Market Title | Student Services Program Coordinator
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132683
Job Level | P3 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) | Stars College Advisor
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Enrollment Management
Department | EM Undergraduate Admissions
State Pay Range | G09
USC Market Range | MRF - $52,526 $65,658 $78,789
Anticipated Hiring Range | $52, 526
Location of Vacancy |
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. One hour for lunch. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Student Services
Posting Number | STA00051PO26
Job Family | Enrollment Management
Job Function | Student Services
USC Market Title | Student Services Program Coordinator
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132683
Job Level | P3 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) | Stars College Advisor
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Enrollment Management
Department | EM Undergraduate Admissions
State Pay Range | G09
USC Market Range | MRF - $52,526 $65,658 $78,789
Anticipated Hiring Range | $52, 526
Location of Vacancy |
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. One hour for lunch. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Student Services
About USC
About University of South Carolina | From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary | The University of South Carolina is one of 32 member institutions in the STARS (Small Town and Rural Students) College Network (https://starscollegenetwork.org/). Through philanthropy and institutional funding, STARS member institutions support thousands of rural students across the United States on their journey to college. We are seeking a full-time college advisor for our College Advising partnership to serve in underserved high schools in small and rural counties, with a focus on supporting high-achieving students as they navigate the college admissions process.
The STARS College Advisor position is housed within the Undergraduate Admissions Office and will collaborate closely with high school counselors, school administrators, and college access organizations within their assigned schools.
The STARS College Advisor will advise high-achieving high school students and provide individualized guidance to students applying to a wide range of postsecondary institutions, including, but not limited to, highly selective colleges and universities.
This position supports students throughout the full college application process for any college of interest, including academic planning, college search and selection, application strategy, essay development, and financial aid literacy. While the role places particular emphasis on supporting students pursuing admission to selective and competitive institutions, the adviser also ensure students are well-supported in identifying and applying to institutions that best align with their academic goals, interests, and personal circumstances.
The role includes one-on-one advising sessions – both in-person and virtual – classroom and small-group presentations on the college application process, and regular in-person site visits to assigned schools.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials | Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications | Experience in admissions or financial aid and/or working with high school students and counselors is preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including strong public presentation abilities Ability to take the initiative for projects and improvement. Strong professional judgement. Ability to work outside standard university business hours and willingness to travel as required. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities concurrently is required. Must be able to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team. Must possess and maintain a customer-friendly and positive attitude.
The STARS College Advisor position is housed within the Undergraduate Admissions Office and will collaborate closely with high school counselors, school administrators, and college access organizations within their assigned schools.
The STARS College Advisor will advise high-achieving high school students and provide individualized guidance to students applying to a wide range of postsecondary institutions, including, but not limited to, highly selective colleges and universities.
This position supports students throughout the full college application process for any college of interest, including academic planning, college search and selection, application strategy, essay development, and financial aid literacy. While the role places particular emphasis on supporting students pursuing admission to selective and competitive institutions, the adviser also ensure students are well-supported in identifying and applying to institutions that best align with their academic goals, interests, and personal circumstances.
The role includes one-on-one advising sessions – both in-person and virtual – classroom and small-group presentations on the college application process, and regular in-person site visits to assigned schools.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials | Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications | Experience in admissions or financial aid and/or working with high school students and counselors is preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including strong public presentation abilities Ability to take the initiative for projects and improvement. Strong professional judgement. Ability to work outside standard university business hours and willingness to travel as required. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities concurrently is required. Must be able to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team. Must possess and maintain a customer-friendly and positive attitude.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Provide one-on-one admissions and financial aid advice to selected students and families. Encourage students to consider a broad range of postsecondary choices, emphasizing concepts of match and fit. Discuss a comprehensive college timeline, including application deadlines for admission and financial aid. Work with students to complete and submit admissions applications.
Guide students through the financial aid process including FAFSA submission, interpreting correspondence and financial aid packages and applying for scholarships.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 35Job Duty | Travels to assigned high schools for in-person meetings with students .
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Hosts virtual and in-person events with high schools to promote college-going, assist with application completion, provide essay support, and share information on applying for financial aid.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Supports special projects that include but are not limited to high school partner development, program marketing and budget management.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Collaborate with other STARS College Advisors to develop college application curriculum and implement best practices.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10
Guide students through the financial aid process including FAFSA submission, interpreting correspondence and financial aid packages and applying for scholarships.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 35Job Duty | Travels to assigned high schools for in-person meetings with students .
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Hosts virtual and in-person events with high schools to promote college-going, assist with application completion, provide essay support, and share information on applying for financial aid.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Supports special projects that include but are not limited to high school partner development, program marketing and budget management.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Collaborate with other STARS College Advisors to develop college application curriculum and implement best practices.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive | No
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1
Desired Start Date |
Job Open Date | 02/09/2026
Job Close Date | 03/26/2026
Open Until Filled | No
Special Instructions to Applicant |
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/202072
EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Desired Start Date |
Job Open Date | 02/09/2026
Job Close Date | 03/26/2026
Open Until Filled | No
Special Instructions to Applicant |
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/202072
EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have at least a Bachelor's Degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
- Yes
- No
- * Do you have a valid driver’s license?
- Yes
- No
- * What experience (if any) do you have advising high school students and families through the college application process?
(Open Ended Question) - * What experience do you have working with high school counselors or school administrators in a school-based or partnership role?
(Open Ended Question) - * Do you understand this role requires extensive regional travel (multiple days per week), including regular visits to rural and small-town high schools?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents
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