Financial Aid Counselor

Aurora University; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 46,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Tuition remission

Job summary

A higher education institution in Illinois is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to assist students in accessing financial resources. The role involves counseling on federal, state, and institutional aid programs, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining financial literacy resources. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree and experience in financial aid or related areas. The position offers a salary ranging from $42,000 to $46,100 per year, with benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• One year experience in financial aid or similar experience highly preferred.
• Ability to move about campus, spend long periods at a computer, and interact via telephone, in person, and electronic media.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students, parents, and employees on all aspects of financial aid programs.
• Determine financial aid eligibility and calculate financial aid awards for students.
• Assist students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Evaluate and process professional judgment requests.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Organization and attention to detail

Problem-solving

Strong customer service orientation

Ability to handle confidential information

Ability to interact with a diverse group

Knowledge of spreadsheet systems

Bilingual preferred

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Colleague

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Financial Aid Counselor role at Aurora University.

The base pay range is $42,000.00/yr - $46,100.00/yr. The actual pay will be based on skills and experience; talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Position Purpose

The Office of Financial Aid at Aurora University is responsible for assisting students in accessing and managing financial resources to support their education. This includes administering federal, state, and institutional aid programs, processing applications, awarding scholarships and grants, and providing guidance on loans and work-study opportunities. Staff ensure compliance with regulations, maintain accurate records, and offer financial literacy resources to help students make informed decisions. The department supports enrollment, retention, and student success by making higher education more accessible and affordable. Strong customer service, attention to detail, and knowledge of financial aid policies and regulations are essential for all roles within the department.

The Financial Aid Counselor supports learning by providing financial aid information and counseling to undergraduate and graduate students at the university, to facilitate the enrollment of students, consistent with the university’s mission, accreditation standards and regulatory guidelines.

Core Competencies

• Represents Aurora University in a positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service.
• Upholds the Mission Statement: empower students to achieve lasting personal and professional success through an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning.
• Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
• Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions

• Counsel students, parents, and employees on all aspects of financial aid programs and processes (federal, state, university, private). Students counseled include prospective freshman, transfer, adult, and graduate students.
• Maintain and apply knowledge of federal, state, university, and private policies and procedures regarding financial aid.
• Determine financial aid eligibility and calculate financial aid awards for students. Work with students to determine a comprehensive financial plan for attendance at AU. Use knowledge to solve problems related to financial aid.
• Assist students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Coordinate and complete the verification process.
• Process required documentation for financial aid. Assist students with loan processing.
• Evaluate and process professional judgment requests.
• Work with team to develop, maintain, and evaluate financial aid policy and processes, to ensure complete, accurate, and efficient service to students.
• Participate in financial aid workshops, seminars, and open houses.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience: One year experience in financial aid or similar experience highly preferred.
• Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication; organization and attention to detail; problem-solving; strong customer service orientation; ability to handle confidential information; ability to interact with a diverse group and develop strong working relationships; flexibility with evolving work situations; knowledge of spreadsheet systems; knowledge of Colleague desired; bilingual preferred.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to move about campus, spend long periods at a computer, and interact via telephone, in person, and electronic media.

Work Hours

Expected equivalent of 40 hours per week; days/hours may vary as needed. Option to work from home one day a week will be considered if the candidate can fulfill this role effectively off-site.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated pay range is $42,000-$46,000 per year. The final pay rate will be based on institutional needs. Benefits include health, dental, life, vision, long-term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

Equal Opportunity

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Benefits details include health, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, holidays, tuition assistance, and tuition exchange programs. References to the benefits guide and program details are provided by the university.