The Financial Aid Counselor provides comprehensive financial aid counseling and processing support for prospective and current students across all programs. This role manages student advising, scholarship coordination, international student financial aid support, and compliance-related responsibilities. The position ensures timely, accurate communication with students and families while maintaining strict adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations.
This position requires close collaboration with University Registrar, Financial Aid, Admissions, Clinical Education Operations, and external lenders to deliver high-quality, student-centered service.
This position reports to the Associate Director, Financial Aid.
Essential Functions
Student Counseling & Support
- Provide one-on-one and group counseling sessions regarding federal, state, and private loan options, repayment plans, budgeting, and financial literacy.
- Deliver presentations at orientations, financial aid workshops, and other campus events.
- Conduct mandatory loan entrance/exit counseling for students who matriculate, graduate, or withdraw.
- Serve as a resource for international students (if applicable), assisting with private loan programs, scholarships, and financial aid compliance requirements.
Loan Processing & Compliance (if applicable)
- Process federal and private loan certifications, disbursements, adjustments, and reconciliation in accordance with DOE and institutional regulations.
- Review FAFSA applications, complete verification, and resolve discrepancies to ensure aid eligibility.
- Utilize COD, NSLDS, EDconnect, FAA, ELM, Banner, and PowerFAIDS systems for aid processing, monitoring, and reporting.
- Maintain strong working relationships with private lenders to ensure accurate loan servicing for students.
- Assist with centralized certification of VA benefits on VA Enrollment Manager.
Data Management & Reporting
- Maintain accurate student records in financial aid systems and enterprise databases.
- Prepare and analyze reports related to enrollment, scholarships, aid disbursements, and compliance.
- Monitor enrollment and aid status to ensure timely updates and compliance with institutional policies.
- Provide detailed reporting to internal stakeholders and contribute to compliance audits and program reviews.
Collaboration & Communication
- Partner with internal departments (Registrar, Admissions, Clinical Education Operations, Bursar) to streamline processes and resolve student issues.
- Provide timely updates to leadership regarding student aid processing, compliance risks, and operational efficiencies.
- Contribute to financial literacy initiatives, presentations, and outreach programs that promote responsible borrowing and financial wellness.
Other Responsibilities
- Stay current with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
- Maintain strict adherence to FERPA and confidentiality standards.
Scholarship & Program Coordination (if applicable)
- Coordinate institutional and external scholarship programs, including application processing, tracking, awarding, and reporting.
- Support cost of attendance (COA) surveys and assist with annual COA development and documentation.
- Collaborate with Admissions and Student Services to promote financial literacy and awareness of scholarship opportunities.
Other Duties
- Provide coverage for core functions as needed to ensure uninterrupted service to students.
- Perform other duties and special projects assigned by leadership.
This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. This position may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the department/institution.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and private loan programs, including need analysis, packaging, and repayment options.
- Familiarity with scholarship management and international student financial aid requirements.
- Proficiency with financial aid systems (Banner, PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, ELM, COD, NSLDS, EDconnect, FAA) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present to diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and providing student-centered service.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
- 2–3 years of professional experience in financial aid, banking, lending, or student services.
- Direct experience with loan processing, FAFSA verification, disbursements, and electronic data transmissions preferred.
- Experience working with scholarships and/or international student financial aid preferred.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and database systems.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Office-based environment with frequent use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment.
- Ability to remain accurate and focused in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions.
- Some evening or weekend work may be required during peak cycles.
Hours & Travel
- Standard work week
- Occasional evening/weekend hours during peak enrollment and aid cycles.
- Limited travel as required.