Financial Aid Counselor - Financial Aid Office

Ashland University; Ashland (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashland University is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to assist undergraduate and graduate students with the financial aid process, including packaging, verification, and eligibility determinations.

This role requires strong analysis, communication, and organizational skills, with emphasis on FERPA compliance and applying professional judgment within federal/state guidelines. Collaboration with students, families, and university staff is essential to create accurate aid packages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree required; related financial aid experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal/state rules and regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, judgement, and analytical skills.
• Organizational and planning abilities with attention to deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and manage a large caseload with FERPA compliance.

Responsibilities

• Conduces needs analysis to determine eligibility and aid packaging.
• Determines types and amounts of aid per requirements.
• Counsels students/parents through the aid process and financial planning.
• Resolves conflicting information, SARC codes, and over-awards.
• Applies professional judgement to adjust eligibility under federal rules.
• Reviews verifications for accuracy per federal regulations.
• Completes Return of Title IV Funds calculations.
• Presents financial aid materials and participates in policy development.

Education

Bachelor of Science or Arts from an accredited four-year college or university

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The main functions of the Financial Aid Office are to effectively and comprehensively assist students and parents through the financial aid process and efficiently manage federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. The Financial Aid Counselor provides financial aid services to undergraduate and graduate students as well as correctional education students across the country. The Financial Aid Counselor will be responsible for, but not limited to, conducting student needs analysis and preparing financial aid packages, reviewing verifications, determining eligibility, resolving conflicting information, resolving over-awards, performing professional judgement regarding eligibility, and facilitating problem solving with students, families, and other Ashland University employees.

Job Duties

• Conducts needs analysis in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies to determine relative eligibility of each financial aid applicant.
• Determines the types and amounts of financial aid to be awarded to the student through the packaging process according to federal, state, and institutional requirements.
• Counsels current and prospective undergraduate/graduate students and their parents through the application process in regards to financial aid programs, personal financial planning, and money management. Responsible for a section of undergraduate and graduate students based on the alphabet.
• Resolves conflicting information, SARC codes, and over-awards.
• Utilizes professional judgement to adjust a student’s eligibility based on documented mitigating circumstances in accordance with federal regulation.
• Reviews completed verification for accuracy in compliance with federal regulations.
• Completes return of Title IV Funds calculations.
• Participates in the development of policies and procedures.
• Participates in annual training and professional development.
• Create, maintain, and present educational financial aid materials.
• Complete other tasks as requested.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or Arts from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Demonstrated experience in student financial aid, or a field directly related to financial aid counseling.
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding, and research abilities regarding federal and state rules and regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, judgement, analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking and interpersonal skills.
• Effective organization and planning abilities.
• Ability to perform assigned tasks with increasing independence and an understanding of priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to defuse difficult situations with other individuals.
• Ability to prioritize and manage a significant caseload.
• Ability to adhere to data confidentially regulations, such as FERPA, and adhere to data security policies.
• Applicant must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Ashland University will not sponsor or take over sponsorship for an employment visa.

Physical Demands

• This position operates in a professional office environment.
• This role routine uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to; stand, walk, use hands and finger, and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 25 pounds.
• This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday. From time to time working hours may be modified and exceed the standard work week.
• The position may require occasional travel.
• This position description is intended to be a general overview of major responsibilities, duties and qualifications necessary to perform the job. Other responsibilities and duties may be assigned by the supervisor.

Anticipated Start Date of New Hire 10/05/2026 Anticipated Number of Hours Working per Week 40 Shift Required? First