The Financial Aid Counselor for Graduate Students serves as a primary financial aid resource and point of contact for graduate and doctoral students throughout the financial aid process. Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid Counseling, this position is an integral member of the Financial Aid Counseling team and provides comprehensive, student-centered counseling related to financial aid eligibility, awarding, scholarships, federal and private student loans, and financing options. The Financial Aid Counselor provides timely and accurate support to students through a variety of service channels, including in-person counseling, telephone, email, Microsoft Teams, and outreach and recruitment events. The position participates in counselor-on-duty coverage during regular business hours and as needed, evening and weekend events to ensure accessible and responsive service to students. A primary area of responsibility is the counseling and awarding of graduate-level students, including students enrolled in specialized graduate and doctoral programs. The position reviews financial aid FAFSA information, evaluates Title IV federal student loan eligibility, and applies applicable federal, institutional, and program-specific policies and regulations to determine and communicate students’ eligibility. This includes reviewing students’ prior federal student loan history and legacy standing to assess eligibility for federal student loan programs and resolving questions or issues that may affect their eligibility. The position also has significant responsibility for the administration, awarding, monitoring, and tracking of Office of Admissions Graduate Dean’s Scholarships. In addition, the counselor provides comprehensive guidance regarding private student loan options, helping students understand available financing alternatives and make informed borrowing decisions. The position develops and maintains working relationships with private student loan lenders, stays current on changes to private loan programs and products, and communicates relevant information to students and colleagues. The Financial Aid Counselor serves as a knowledgeable resource on federal student aid regulations, institutional policies, loan programs, scholarship requirements, and emerging changes affecting graduate financial aid. The position is expected to exercise sound judgment when evaluating individual student circumstances, cost of attendance adjustments, communicate complex financial aid information clearly, and provide accurate and empathetic guidance on sensitive financial matters. As a member of a collaborative counseling team, this position also provides processing, counseling, and outreach backup throughout the year to support other members of the team and maintain consistent service levels during periods of increased volume, staff absences, or special initiatives. The counselor participates in outreach and student engagement activities and contributes to a team-based approach focused on student success, compliance, service excellence, and continuous improvement of the financial aid experience.
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Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level