Financial Aid Counselor

University of Wisconsin Stout • La Crosse, WI

8d • $46,000

About The Position

The Financial Aid Officer is responsible for: 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 This position likely will: Serve as the Financial Aid partner to the Student Support Services Office Process aid for graduate and doctorate programs of study Process aid adjustments due to changes in enrollment Travel to conferences and training events as needed. Some evening or weekend hours for financial aid related events. Potential ability for limited remote work hours after appropriate training is completed. The review of applications starts on April 15, 2026 . Applications received on or before April 15th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. 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 for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (Bachelor’s Degree must be conferred by June 30, 2026)
• 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

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 from diverse backgrounds
• Familiarity with public speaking and group presentations

Responsibilities

• Advising Students/Families Regarding Financial Aid: Counsel prospective and current students in person, virtual, and via telephone/email on financial aid matters. Use Federal Student Aid professional judgment to revise student eligibility, financial aid offers, and decide on appeals for additional aid based on special or unusual circumstances.
• Outreach: Represent the Financial Aid Office at various on/off campus events such as campus visit days, START (Freshmen Registration), FAFSA completion events, etc. providing presentations/materials to assist and engage students.
• Financial Aid Offers: Determine financial aid offers for applicants using the guidelines and award criteria established by the various programs, including Federal law, State law, institutional or office policy. Revise financial aid offers when applicable (i.e., adjust offer due to receipt of scholarship/grant), depending on the financial need to remain compliant with award regulations.
• Customer Service: Assist with office phone calls, e-mails, in-person visits. Learn campus resources to refer students and families as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director and Associate Director of Financial Aid.
• FAFSA application review: Per federal law, review and verify information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by comparing application information to documentation provided by the family/student. Analyze information, resolve conflicts, make corrections and/or complete further investigation when appropriate.

Benefits

• Paid vacation for 12-month positions.
• Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• Paid holidays and paid sick days.
• After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
• Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level