Financial Aid Counselor

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Life Insurance

Retirement Programs

Paid Tuition Program

Dependent Scholarships

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Annual Leave

Sick Leave

13 Paid Holidays (including anextended

Paid Parental Leave

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

University of South Carolina Upstate seeks a Financial Aid Counselor to manage Direct Federal Loans, student aid processing, and counseling across prospects and enrolled students. The role includes verification tasks, data checks, and collaboration with the Financial Aid team.

The position requires oversight of NSLDS processing and familiarity with SC Teacher Loan Programs, aiming to ensure compliance and timely aid disbursement. A strong regulatory understanding supports daily operations.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with federal student aid regulations and processes.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy.
• Strong troubleshooting and decision-making ability.

Responsibilities

• Operate Direct Federal Loans (Direct, PLUS, Perkins) via ED website and SC programs.
• Provide financial aid counseling to prospects, students, parents, faculty and staff.
• Perform file review, follow-up and verification per ED requirements.
• Oversee NSLDS processing for students.
• Award SC Teaching Fellows.

Skills

Financial aid processing

Data verification

Problem solving

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's degree preferred

Tools

NSLDS

FA system

ED website

Job description

Job Responsibilities

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 STA 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.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

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.

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.

Benefits

USC Upstate offers a valuable https://uscupstate.edu/employment/employee-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.