Financial Aid Counselor
About The Position
The Financial Aid Officer is responsible for counseling students and parents regarding financial aid matters, performing FAFSA application review, posting aid offers, and using professional judgment to revise student eligibility under special circumstances. This role involves outreach and communication with prospective and current students, assisting with office phone calls, e-mails, and in-person visits, maintaining confidentiality, and remaining compliant with federal, state, UWL, and Universities of Wisconsin policies. This position will process aid for graduate and doctorate programs of study, undergrad allied health programs, and second degree and preparatory coursework. It will also assist the Director with cost of attendance figures and aid budget updates yearly, and with campus presentations to students and families. The review of applications starts on October 7, 2026, with prioritized consideration for applications received by that date. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus. UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree completed
- Effective customer service and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately
- Ability to problem-solve and exercise independent judgment and initiative
- Ability to make timely decisions and determine priorities
- Excellent attention to detail
- Effective time management and organizational skills
- Legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term
Nice To Haves
- Work experience with Federal student financial aid, or financial resources
- Work experience in Higher Education
- Experience with computer applications (especially student information systems such as PeopleSoft)
- Work experience with students and/or colleagues
- Familiarity with public speaking and group presentations
Responsibilities
- Counseling students and parents regarding financial aid matters
- Performing FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application review
- Posting aid offers
- Using professional judgment to revise student eligibility under special circumstances
- Outreach and communication with prospective and current students
- Assisting with office phone calls, e-mails, and in-person visits
- Maintaining Confidentiality
- Remaining compliant with federal, state, UWL, and Universities of Wisconsin policies
- Process aid for graduate and doctorate programs of study
- Process aid for undergrad allied health programs
- Process aid for second degree and preparatory coursework
- Assist the Director with cost of attendance figures and aid budget updates yearly
- Assist the Director with campus presentations to students and families
- Awards financial aid to qualifying students
- Audits financial aid applications for awarding financial aid to qualifying students according to established policies and in compliance with federal and state regulations
- May hire, train, and supervise student employees
- Serves as a point of contact to third party stakeholders about financial aid information and processes
- Assists in collecting, preparing, and analyzing financial aid data for stakeholders
- Triages processes or applications if issues arise
Benefits
- Paid vacation for 12-month positions
- Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage
- Paid holidays and paid sick days
- Retirement system (vested after 5 years of employment)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
