Financial Aid Advisor

Metropolitan State University of Denver; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

RTD pass

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement plans

Job summary

Metropolitan State University of Denver is seeking a Financial Aid Advisor for a 9-month, temporary position. The hourly rate is $24/hour; the role is not benefits-eligible and requires enrollment in a PERA retirement account.

You will interpret aid regulations, review FAFSA/CASFA, determine eligibility, and support scholarship administration. Collaboration with campus partners and strong customer service are essential to help students access aid and persist toward their degrees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• One year of professional financial aid experience; OR two years in related fields.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to interpret policies.

Responsibilities

• Advise students on financial aid programs, eligibility, and funding options.
• Review FAFSA/CASFA, verification documents, and eligibility.
• Process aid transactions and explain award determinations clearly.
• Support scholarship administration and outreach events.
• Maintain compliance with regulations and provide student-focused service.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Ellucian Banner

Workday Student

Job description

Department Financial Aid This position is a Temporary position and is not benefits-eligible and it requires enrollment in a PERA retirement account. This is a 9-month assignment with a required 3-month break in employment.

Salary for Announcement The Hourly Rate for this temporary position is $24/hour.

Position Summary The Financial Aid Advisor provides comprehensive financial aid advising and support to prospective, current, transfer, and graduate students. This position evaluates eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and private aid programs; resolves complex financial aid issues; and provides personalized guidance throughout the student aid process. The Advisor exercises professional judgment, interprets financial aid regulations, and collaborates with campus partners to promote access, persistence, and student success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

60% - Financial Aid Advising, Eligibility, and Student Support

• Advise students and families on financial aid programs, application processes, eligibility requirements, funding options, and financial literacy.
• Review FAFSA, CASFA, verification documents, tax records, and supporting documentation to determine aid eligibility.
• Resolve FAFSA comment codes, rejects, verification issues, conflicting information, and over-awards.
• Evaluate Professional Judgment requests, special circumstances, dependency overrides, and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals.
• Process award revisions, budget adjustments, loan certifications, and other financial aid transactions.
• Explain financial aid policies, regulations, and award determinations in a clear and student-centered manner.
• Monitor and respond to financial aid and scholarship inquiries.
• Support scholarship administration, including scholarship awarding, check processing, batch postings, eligibility reviews, and application cycle management.
• Participate in outreach programs, FAFSA/CASFA completion events, workshops, orientations, and student recruitment initiatives.
• Provide front-line customer service through in-person, phone, email, and virtual communications.
• Support student retention and completion by helping students navigate financial barriers to enrollment and academic success.

35% - Operational Support and Program Administration

• Support daily operations of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
• Process financial aid workflows, including eligibility reviews, loan adjustments, and scholarship-related activities.
• Assist with compliance monitoring, Pell reviews, SORs, FAPROs, Excess Credit reviews, and R2T4 processing.
• Maintain accurate records, tracking reports, and documentation.
• Monitor scholarship programs, donor-funded awards, Institutional Need Grant Program (INPG) requirements, and other institutional aid initiatives.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management and campus partners to improve processes, service delivery, and operational efficiency.
• Assist with special projects and departmental initiatives as assigned.

5% - Professional Development and Compliance

• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and best practices.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and required training.
• Ensure consistent application of policies and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and exceptional student service.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• One year of professional financial aid experience; OR Two years of student employment experience in a Financial Aid Office; OR Two years of experience in higher education, financial services, or a related field requiring analytical and customer service skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret policies, regulations, and procedures and exercise sound judgment.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service and student success.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Ellucian Banner and/or Workday Student.
• Knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid regulations.
• Experience with financial aid eligibility reviews, verification, appeals, and compliance.
• Experience administering scholarship programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience working in a high-volume, customer-focused environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across teams and departments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success.

Closing Date 05/15/2027

Posting Representative Darrick Conroy Posting Representative Email [e-mail]

Benefits

• The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan.
• Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.
• The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process.
• To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver. We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success. Thank you for considering Metropolitan State University of Denver as an employer of choice.

MSU Denver has transformed the lives of more than 90,000 people in Denver and Colorado through affordable degree programs, innovative public-private partnerships and a commitment to diversity. Learn about MSU Denver's facts, statistics, and C.A.D.R.E values. If you need another reason to choose MSU Denver, get to know our unbeatable benefits packet.