Financial Aid Counselor

Charleston Southern University; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Charleston Southern University invites applications for a Financial Aid Counselor to assist in administering student financial aid with integrity and care.

The role supports enrollment and retention by counseling students and families, processing aid, and ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements in a faith-based university setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of one year of experience in financial aid, admissions, or related student services preferred.
• Knowledge of Title IV federal aid regulations and state financial aid programs.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students and parents on financial aid options, planning, debt management, and federal policy implications.
• Review and process financial aid applications to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements.
• Conduct verification in compliance with Department of Education regulations and university policy.

Skills

Organizational

Communication

Analytical

Problem solving

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Jenzabar

Slate

PowerFAIDS

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 29406

Position Type: Full Time

Financial Aid Counselor

Charleston Southern University

Position Overview

The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for supporting the administration of student financial aid at Charleston Southern University. This position plays a critical role in reviewing financial aid documentation, determining eligibility, and awarding aid in accordance with regulations established by the U.S. Department of Education, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, the South Carolina Tuition Grants Program, and Charleston Southern University.

The counselor provides financial aid counseling to students and families, supports enrollment and retention efforts, and assists with developing and maintaining institutional policies and procedures that promote fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and student success.

In keeping with CSU’s mission of integrating faith in learning, leading, and serving, the Financial Aid Counselor demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to helping students navigate the financial aid process with excellence and care.

Key Responsibilities

• Counsel students and parents on financial aid options, financial planning, debt management, and the federal Title IV refund policy, including implications of withdrawal or eligibility changes.
• Review, evaluate, and process financial aid applications and supporting documentation to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
• Maintain accurate student records, ensuring timely updates, proper documentation, and compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements.
• Conduct federally required verification in compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations and university policy; resolve conflicting information promptly.
• Evaluate and process Special Circumstances/Professional Judgment requests in accordance with federal and institutional policies, maintaining documentation for audit and regulatory review.
• Calculate, package, revise, and award aid, including Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, state grants, scholarships, and institutional aid.
• Collaborate with Student Accounts and other campus offices regarding billing, payments, refunds, payment plans, reconciliations, and student account concerns as needed.
• Support compliance efforts by adhering to policy, monitoring requirements, and assisting with internal and external audits or program reviews.
• Host FAFSA completion workshops and financial aid information sessions for prospective and current students.
• Represent Student Financial Services at campus events, orientations, and outreach activities to promote financial literacy and student engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the mission, goals, and strategic initiatives of Charleston Southern University.

Certain jobs at Charleston Southern University may require specific physical and/or mental abilities and the hiring manager will provide additional information and provision of requests for reasonable accommodation if needed. Regular, on-time attendance; applicants must have the ability to lift and carry up to 75 lb; applicants must be available to work nights and weekends; applicants may be required to work in inclement weather, etc. This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position will remain open until filled.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience: Minimum of one year of experience in financial aid, admissions, or related student services preferred.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Title IV federal aid regulations and state financial aid programs.
• Familiarity with higher education systems (e.g., Jenzabar, Slate, PowerFAIDS) preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and provide outstanding student service.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and accountability in all financial aid matters.
• Alignment with the mission and values of Charleston Southern University, including a commitment to integrating faith and learning in daily work.

Charleston Southern University is a Christian university and tobacco-free campus. We do not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including but not limited to lactation), religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the university is prohibited from discrimination under local, state or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and university-administered programs. In order to fulfill its purpose, the university may legally discriminate on the basis of religion in employment. The university has been granted exemption from certain regulations promulgated under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which conflict with the University’s religious tenets and core values.

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