College of Dentistry Financial Aid Advisor

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry Financial Aid Advisor position provides specialized counseling on financial aid eligibility, applications, and debt management. The role supports both the College of Dentistry and the Student Financial Aid Office, with in-person work at multiple sites and occasional evenings and weekends for events.

Responsibilities include advising students and parents, overseeing aid packaging and disbursement, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4 years of relevant experience required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a collaborative team.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies.
• Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings to support College of Dentistry events.

Responsibilities

• Student advising & processing: counsel students and parents on aid eligibility, applications, budgeting, and disbursement.
• Scholarships & loans: oversee awarding, packaging, and revision of federal, state, and institutional aid.
• Compliance & reporting: ensure adherence to policies and prepare annual HRSA loan reports.
• Collaboration & outreach: partner with leadership and develop resources for student outreach and engagement.
• Training & policy development: mentor staff and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Advanced degree (desired)

Job description

Job Title: College of Dentistry Financial Aid Advisor

Department: Strategic Enrollment | Financial Aid

The College of Dentistry Financial Aid Advisor serves as a direct liaison to the College of Dentistry, providing specialized financial aid counseling and expert guidance to students and parents regarding financial aid eligibility, application processes, and debt management. The role is responsible for financial aid for all Dentistry students, interpreting federal, state, and institutional regulations, and ensuring compliance in all aspects of financial aid administration. This position also serves as a resource to less experienced staff assisting with individual training as needed and contributes to financial aid policy development.

The position is split 60/40 between the College of Dentistry and the Student Financial Aid Office, with in-person work at both locations. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support College of Dentistry events.

Key Responsibilities

• Student Advising & Processing: Independently provides financial aid counseling to students and parents on applying for financial aid, eligibility, budgeting, debt management, and funding strategies. Serves as an expert resource for complex financial aid cases, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with regulatory policies. Manages financial aid applications, including verification, award adjustments, appeals, and disbursement oversight. Processes award revisions, awards scholarships, reviews and processes student appeals.
• Scholarships & Loans: Oversees awarding, packaging, and revision of financial aid, including federal, state, and institutional aid programs. Provides advanced analysis on financial aid eligibility and funding strategies for professional students. Ensures proper disbursement and reconciliation of funds.
• Compliance & Reporting: Applies in-depth financial aid knowledge to ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal financial aid regulations. Interprets policies and advises leadership on compliance risks. Conducts process reviews, maintains records, and supports financial aid reporting efforts. Collects information for required reporting and completes annual operating reports for HRSA loans.
• Collaboration & Outreach: Partners with institutional leadership to enhance financial aid services and advocate for professional students. Leads presentations, represents Student Financial Aid in Dentistry related initiatives, and develops resources for student outreach and engagement including website content, presentations for new and continuing students and communications for Dental students.
• Training & Policy Development: Provides guidance and informal mentorship to less experienced colleagues. Engages in policy development, contributes to process improvements, and participates in professional development activities.

Education/Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4 years of relevant experience required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies required.
• Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings to support College of Dentistry events.

Desired

Advanced degree in relevant field. Four or more years of relevant experience; experience in financial aid environment highly desired; knowledge of federal, state and OSU regulations, policies and procedures; demonstrated skills in public speaking, counseling, and ability to work with students/parents from diverse backgrounds including different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage complex financial aid operations, and interpret federal regulations.

Additional Information:

The pay range for this position is $47,700 – $49,740. The offer for this position will fall withing this range based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

Career Roadmap

Function: Academic Administration

Sub-Function: Student Financial Aid

Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Job Level: S3 Senior

Location:

Student Academic Services (0160)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.