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

This study examines how high school counselor role differentiation, specifically college preparation 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.