Financial Aid Counselor
About The Position
The Financial Aid Counselor helps students and families understand and navigate the financial aid process. The counselor provides guidance on federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs; reviews student eligibility; assists with completing and resolving financial aid requirements; and ensures accurate, timely processing. The role provides customer service while maintaining compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures. The counselor reviews and processes FAFSA information, eligibility documentation, and aid awards; assists students with financial aid issues; uses Banner and federal financial aid systems; communicates with students through multiple channels; and participates in presentations, orientations, workshops, recruitment, and outreach activities. The position collaborates with university departments and performs other duties as assigned by the Director or Interim Director of Financial Aid.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and customer service skills.
- Ability to interpret policies and regulations, maintain confidentiality, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively with a diverse student population.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience in financial aid, higher education, student services, enrollment management, or a related field.
- Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, including Title IV programs.
- Experience with Banner, NSLDS, COD, FAFSA processing, and other financial aid systems.
Responsibilities
- Review and process FAFSA information, verification requirements, professional judgment requests, conflicting information, C Flags, and other eligibility documentation.
- Determine student eligibility and assist with awarding, adjustment, and reconciliation of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid.
- Process and monitor Federal Pell Grants, Direct Loans, grants, and other applicable programs.
- Review student records for accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
- Assist students with resolving financial aid holds, missing requirements, and other issues that may prevent awarding or disbursement.
- Use Banner and federal financial aid systems to review, update, and process student financial aid information.
- Communicate with students through in-person counseling, telephone, email, and other approved methods.
- Participate in financial aid presentations, orientations, workshops, recruitment events, and outreach activities.
- Stay current on changes to federal and state financial aid regulations and institutional policies.
- Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, Academic Affairs, and other university departments to resolve student issues.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director or Interim Director of Financial Aid.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
