How CollEdge Counselor Stays Free
Simple answer: schools can pay to verify their profiles. You never pay anything.
The Deal
Students use CollEdge Counselor for free. Forever. No premium tier. No paywalls.
Schools can pay to add verified information to their profiles and post events. But they can't buy rankings, hide data, or access your personal information without permission.
What Schools Cannot Buy
No amount of money changes these rules:
Higher rankings or better placement
Search results are based on your criteria. Period.
Changing or hiding IPEDS data
Official data stays official. Bad graduation rates stay visible.
Removing negative information
High costs? Low outcomes? Still there.
Access to your personal information
Your profile is yours. Schools only see what you explicitly share.
"Featured" or "Sponsored" placement
No ads at the top of search. Ever.
What Schools Can Do
Schools can pay to prove themselves. Not to hide.
CollEdge Counselor Verified Profiles
Schools can add verified information beyond what's in IPEDS:
Schools with verified profiles get a badge. But they still can't change their IPEDS data or rankings.
Events and Updates
Schools can post time-sensitive information:
You control what you see. Mute any school anytime.
Opt-In Student Matching
COMING SOONCreate an anonymous profile. Schools can request to connect with students who match their programs. You approve or ignore every request. Your identity stays private until you choose to reveal it.
The Bottom Line
Schools pay for the privilege of proving themselves. Students never pay for access to truth.
Have questions? Email us or send feedback.