Financial Aid Counselor

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Programs

Paid Tuition Program

Dependent Scholarships

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Annual Leave

Sick Leave

13 Paid Holidays (including an extends

Paid Parental Leave

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

University of South Carolina Upstate is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to manage Direct Federal Loans (Direct, PLUS, Perkins) and counsel students and families on aid options. The role involves ED/NSLDS workflow, data verification, and processing responsibilities in a regulated environment.

The position supports USC Upstate’s commitment to access and student success, offering a comprehensive benefits package and career growth within the Financial Aid department.

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred.
• Prefer financial aid experience and familiarity with financial aid related software systems and aid modules.
• Prefer experience with student integrated systems, FA system, and various personal computer software.

Responsibilities

• Operate Direct Federal Loans via the ED website, SC Teacher Loan Programs and private loan programs.
• Counsel prospects, parents, students, faculty and staff on financial aid options.
• Review files, perform follow up and verification per ED requirements.
• Oversee student processing within NSLDS and award SC Teaching Fellows.

Skills

Problem solving

Multitasking

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree

Tools

FA system

NSLDS

ELM/COD

Job description

Financial Aid Counselor

Department: UPS Financial Aid

Advertised Salary Range:

Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

Advertised Job Summary

Financial Aid Counselor

University of South Carolina Upstate

STA00776PO26

Spartanburg, SC

Responsible for the daily operation of Direct Federal Loans (Direct, PLUS, and Perkins) via the Department of Education (ED) website, the SC Teacher Loan Programs and private loan programs on all lender platforms and monitor via the Electronic Loan Management (ELM) and (COD) Common Origination and Disbursement systems. Performs FA counseling to prospects, parents, students, faculty and staff. Performs file review, required follow up and verification of data as required by the ED. Responsible for the oversight of student processing within NSLDS. Awards SC Teaching Fellows.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree preferred. Prefer financial aid experience and familiarity with financial aid related software systems and aid modules. Prefer experience with student integrated systems, FA system, and various personal computer software.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Must be prepared to integrate new processing system and software. Must show ability to manage multiple responsibilities with minimal error. Show strong ability to troubleshoot problems and make sound decisions. Harmonious working relationship with colleagues, all students, and families a must. Ability to process and monitor $35+million in educational loans. Ability to ensure that all midyear students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are correctly coded as FA recipients in accordance with institutional policy. Possess the ability to make sound independent judgments with a highly regulated field. A successful background check is required.

USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition Program
• Dependent Scholarships
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.