Financial Aid Counselor

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

Job summary

The University of Maryland, College Park seeks a Financial Aid Counselor to support students and staff with counseling and administration of financial aid. You will assist with FAFSA processing, need analysis, aid offers, verification, loan processing, and adherence to regulations while using financial aid systems and data reports.

This role emphasizes customer service and accuracy in every interaction. The position requires a Bachelor's degree and at least two years of related experience, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Two (2) years of professional financial aid, finance advising, or finance counseling experience.
• Experience may substitute education per policy (year-for-year up to four years).
• Knowledge of financial aid policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality customer service to students and families on FAFSA and financial aid options.
• Assist with FAFSA processing, need analysis, aid offers, verification, and loan processing.
• Use financial aid systems, websites and data reports for processing.
• Collaborate with OSFA and campus partners on financial aid matters.
• Represent OSFA at outreach events as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Multitasking

Microsoft Office

Data entry

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 administration to support students and staff on financial aid.

The Financial Aid Counselor will assist with the following important tasks:

• Provide 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.
• Support the administration of the FAFSA and financial aid programs, which includes but is not limited to conducting financial need analysis, aid offer, re-consideration of aid, review of the cost of attendance, verification, loan processing, review of Satisfactory Progress Policy and Return to Title IV (R2T4).
• Use financial aid systems, websites and data reports for financial aid processing.
• Collaborate with OSFA, Enrollment Management (EM) and other campus partners about financial aid and OSFA projects/services.
• Represent OSFA on financial aid matters for OSFA/EM outreach events to campus and community partners as needed.

Physical Demands: N/A

Licenses/Certification: 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:

• Experience providing counseling, advisement, or coaching to students in a financial aid, student services, or enrollment management office.
• Experience using an automated data processing system and/or customer relationship management system
• One (1) year of experience processing financial aid professional judgement (special or unusual circumstance) appeals.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• References

Best Consideration Date: October 24, 2026

Posting Close Date: October 26, 2026

Open Until Filled: No

**This position does not provide sponsorship for Visa**

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

SVPAAP-EM-Financial Aid Services

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$55,000 - $66,000

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 regardingdisclosablebackground checkinformation. 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 the 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 read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

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