Financial Aid Counselor: Manage $35M+ in Loans & FAFSA Support

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; 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

Paid Parental Leave

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

University of South Carolina Upstate is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to manage Direct Federal Loans, counsel students and families, and ensure ED compliance. You will review files, verify data, and oversee NSLDS processing while supporting SC Teaching Fellows.

The role requires strong multitasking, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with students, staff, and departments. A background check is required and a Master's degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must be prepared to integrate new processing system and software.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities with minimal error.
• Strong troubleshooting and sound decision making.
• Harmonious working relationship with colleagues, students, and families.
• Ability to process and monitor $35+ million in educational loans.
• Ensure FAFSA coding is correct for midyear students per policy.
• Ability to make sound independent judgments in a highly regulated field.
• Successful background check required.

Responsibilities

• Operate Direct Federal Loans (Direct, PLUS, Perkins) via ED website and lender platforms.
• Counsel prospects, parents, students, faculty and staff on financial aid.
• Review files, follow up and verify data as required by ED.
• Oversee student processing within NSLDS and award SC Teaching Fellows.
• Monitor loan processing and aid disbursement activities.

Skills

System integration

Multitasking

Troubleshooting

Collaboration

Advice and counseling

Data accuracy

Education

Master's degree preferred

Tools

FAFSA processing software

Financial aid software systems

Job description

University of South Carolina Upstate is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to manage Direct Federal Loans, counsel students and families, and ensure ED compliance. You will review files, verify data, and oversee NSLDS processing while supporting SC Teaching Fellows.

The role requires strong multitasking, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with students, staff, and departments. A background check is required and a Master's degree is preferred.