College vs. Career School Counseling: How Role Differentiation Shapes Student Postsecondary Expectations and Outcomes

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Bibliographic Details
Title: College vs. Career School Counseling: How Role Differentiation Shapes Student Postsecondary Expectations and Outcomes
Language: English
Authors: Sam Luby
Source: Journal of College Access. 2026 11(2):57-80.
Availability: Journal of College Access. 1903 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Web site: http://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jca/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 25
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: School Counseling, Career Counseling, Educational Counseling, Counselor Role, High Schools, College Readiness, Career Readiness, High School Students, Outcomes of Education
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (NCES)
ISSN: 2333-715X
Abstract: This study examines how high school counselor role differentiation, specifically college preparaOon and workforce readiness, relates to students' postsecondary expectations (2012) and early outcomes (2016) using nationally representative data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09). Multinomial logistic regression models controlling for academic achievement and socioeconomic factors indicate that the presence of college-preparation counselors significantly reduces the likelihood of students entering the workforce without postsecondary enrollment. Workforce-preparation roles show no statistically significant association with postsecondary outcomes, though they are more common in schools serving higher-need populations. Academic performance and poverty status remain strong predictors across models. Findings underscore the importance of clearly defined counselor roles and targeted resource allocation to promote equitable postsecondary success, while highlighting the need for future research that incorporates contemporary counseling practices and evolving educational contexts.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506658
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study examines how high school counselor role differentiation, specifically college preparaOon and workforce readiness, relates to students' postsecondary expectations (2012) and early outcomes (2016) using nationally representative data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09). Multinomial logistic regression models controlling for academic achievement and socioeconomic factors indicate that the presence of college-preparation counselors significantly reduces the likelihood of students entering the workforce without postsecondary enrollment. Workforce-preparation roles show no statistically significant association with postsecondary outcomes, though they are more common in schools serving higher-need populations. Academic performance and poverty status remain strong predictors across models. Findings underscore the importance of clearly defined counselor roles and targeted resource allocation to promote equitable postsecondary success, while highlighting the need for future research that incorporates contemporary counseling practices and evolving educational contexts.
ISSN:2333-715X