Job Summary
The Financial Aid Counselor provides essential support to students and families in navigating the financial aid process. This role includes assisting with the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) application procedures, interpreting federal, state, and institutional policies, and advising students on financial aid programs such as scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. The Counselor will ensure students are informed about available financial resources and provide outstanding service to make their educational journey financially feasible.
Base pay range
$44,191.00 / yr - $57,448.00 / yr
Summary : The approximate base compensation range is posted, but the actual offer will reflect our total compensation and benefits package. The offer will be determined by factors including the selected candidate's experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, FTE, months worked, and internal equity among our team.
Key Responsibilities
Offer personalized financial aid guidance to prospective and current students and their families, addressing questions on federal and state aid programs, institutional awards, and the overall financial aid process.
Assist students in understanding their financial aid packages and guide them on budgeting and managing finances during their academic career.Application Review & Processing :Review and assess financial aid applications, including the FAFSA, institutional forms, and other necessary documentation.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations when awarding financial aid. Identify and resolve discrepancies in submitted financial aid applications.Program Management :Help manage financial aid programs such as federal grants, work-study, and student loans.
Administer institutional scholarships and grants, ensuring eligibility and accurate disbursement.Assist in creating and updating financial aid policies and procedures.Communication :Design and lead financial aid workshops, presentations, and outreach activities for students, families, and staff.
Maintain clear communication with students regarding the status of their financial aid applications, award updates, and any additional required documentation.Problem Resolution & Customer Service :Address complex financial aid inquiries or issues promptly and professionally.
Offer support to students facing financial challenges by providing suggestions for additional resources or alternative payment options.Compliance & Reporting :Stay up-to-date on federal and state financial aid regulations to ensure activities comply with relevant laws and institutional policies.
Assist in preparing reports and audits related to financial aid disbursements and student eligibility.Qualifications
Education :Bachelor's degree
Two (2) years of experience in academic operations support, OR an equivalent combination of education and experienceKnowledge of college enrollment management processes, including admissions, registration, financial aid, and student servicesSkills & Abilities :Strong commitment to providing exceptional customer service to students, parents, and colleagues
Excellent communication skills, including active listening, professional written communication, and public speaking abilitiesProficiency with computer applications, including student information systems, financial aid management systems, CRM tools, and office software (Word, Excel, etc.)Ability to perform and document financial aid calculations accuratelyExperience in creating and revising financial aid award notificationsDiscretion, independent judgment, and adherence to established guidelinesAbility to problem-solve student aid issues and processing discrepancies effectivelyStrong leadership skills, with the ability to manage projects, research solutions, and take initiativeAbility to collaborate effectively within a team to achieve departmental goals and objectivesCultural competence with the ability to work with individuals from diverse communities and backgroundsOther Requirements :Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends for special events (e.g., Accepted Student Day, FAFSA completion events) and during peak times (e.g., application deadlines)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in a Financial Aid OfficeFamiliarity with Ellucian (BANNER) or a similar student information systemExperience with Salesforce or a similar customer relationship management systemKnowledge of and experience with automated financial aid systems, such as COD, NSLDS, FAA Access, and CPSExperience with document imaging softwareFamiliarity with the Google suite of office products (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail, Calendar)Seniority level
Entry levelEmployment type
Full-timeJob function
Education and TrainingIndustriesHigher EducationReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at The College of St. Scholastica by 2x
Sign in to set job alerts for "Financial Aid Counselor" roles.
J-18808-Ljbffr