Financial Aid Counselor

University of Maryland; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland in College Park is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to provide counseling and administrative support for students’ financial aid needs. The role emphasizes high-quality service on FAFSA, aid options, and compliance with federal regulations.

The candidate will analyze need, assist with aid offers, verify data, and coordinate with OSFA, EM, and campus partners. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential in a fast-paced office environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of professional financial aid, finance advising, or finance counseling related experience.
• Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted for up to four years of the required education.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality customer service to students and families on FAFSA and financial aid options.
• Support FAFSA administration, including need analysis, aid offers, reconsideration, cost of attendance, verification, loan processing, and Return to Title IV.
• Use financial aid systems, websites and data reports for processing.
• Collaborate with OSFA, Enrollment Management and campus partners on projects and services.
• Represent OSFA on financial aid matters for outreach events.

Skills

Financial aid policies

Title IV rules

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Policy interpretation

Team collaboration

Data entry accuracy

Institution policies

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) seeks a Financial Aid Counselor in our Student Support unit, who under general supervision, will work independently to perform financial aid counseling and other administrative processes to support students and staff on financial aid. The Financial Aid Counselor will assist with the following important tasks:

• Providing consistent and high-quality customer service to students and families on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and their financial aid options at the University of Maryland.
• Supporting the administration of the FAFSA and financial aid programs, which includes but are not limited to, conducting financial need analysis, aid offers, reconsideration of aid, review of the cost of attendance, verification, loan processing, review of Satisfactory Progress Policy and Return to Title IV (R2T4).
• Using financial aid systems, websites and data reports for financial aid processing.
• Collaborating with OSFA, Enrollment Management (EM) and other campus partners on financial aid and OSFA projects/services.
• Representing OSFA on financial aid matters for OSFA/EM outreach events for campus and community partners as needed.

Physical Demands

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages and other items,. Ability to walk/travel short distances to deliver and pick up materials.

Licenses/Certifications

N/A

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Two (2) years of professional financial aid, finance advising, or finance counseling related experience.
• Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of financial aid policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and other applicable related laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.
• Knowledge of Title IV regulations, policies and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
• Skill in attention to detail when reviewing and entering data.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
• Ability and knowledge to assist in multiple areas throughout the office.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work in and promote a team environment.
• Ability to interpret and communicate information based on knowledge of institutional policies, procedures, and departmental considerations.

Additional Job Details

Preferences

• Candidate possess strong counseling skills and experience.
• Knowledge of an automated data processing system and one year experience in customer services with experience in a financial aid office preferred.
• Experience with administering Maryland state financial aid programs

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• References

Best Consideration Date

September 28, 2026

Posting Close Date

September 28, 2026

Open Until Filled

No

UMD Will not Sponsor the Successful Candidate for Work Authorization in the United States Now or in the Future

UMD will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future.

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

No For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website .

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link .

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when a background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please

Department

SVPAAP-EM-Financial Aid Services

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$55,000.00 - $66,000.00