Loan Analyst, Financial Aid

Columbia University; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University is seeking a Loan Analyst in a hybrid schedule in Manhattanville. You will manage loan data processing, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and support monthly reconciliations across Federal, Private, and Institutional loan programs.

Reporting to the Associate Director of University Financial Aid Loans, you will coordinate with multiple offices to ensure audit readiness and accurate data, while handling daily reconciliation tasks and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage conflicting priorities, and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• File & System Management: Process COD files and perform required reconciliations.
• Error Resolution & Data Integrity: Coordinate edits with campus offices to ensure accurate data.
• Quality Assurance & Documentation: Produce QA reporting and maintain documentation for Title IV compliance.
• Financial Reconciliation: Conduct monthly reconciliations across loan programs with campus partners.
• Operational Support: Maintain reconciliation schedules and support RFI/RFP processes for loan options.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Liaise with COD/FSA/Partner Connect and loan servicers.

Skills

Detail orientation

Critical thinking

Written/verbal communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

PowerFAIDS

Student Information Systems

Job description

Loan Analyst, Financial Aid-Hybrid Schedule

559436

Manhattanville

Student Financial Services

Full Time

Opening on: Sep 2 2026

Grade 11

Job Type: Officer of Administration

Bargaining Unit: Regular/Temporary: Regular

Hours Per Week: full time-35 hours

Salary Range: $75,000-$80,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director of University Financial Aid Loans, the Loan Analyst manages quality assurance, data processing, and monthly reconciliation functions for all Federal, Private, and Institutional loan programs. This role ensures fiscal compliance, audit readiness, and streamlined loan administration across all university financial aid offices, and supports institutional compliance with Title IV regulations, FERPA, and federal reporting obligations.

Responsibilities

• File & System Management: Process and manage Common Origination & Disbursement (COD) system files (including origination, disbursement, response, financial aid history, and transfer student monitoring) and execute required monthly reconciliations per federal guidelines.
• Error Resolution & Data Integrity: Coordinate edits, updates, and error files with individual university financial aid offices to ensure proper delivery and correction of data, while maintaining compliance with FERPA and institutional data security standards.
• Quality Assurance & Documentation: Perform quality assurance reporting and analysis across the Federal Direct Loan program, maintaining process documentation and ensuring strict adherence to Title IV regulations, applicable federal guidance, and university operating policies.
• Financial Reconciliation: Partner with University Financial Aid, Accounting & Business Management, and the Controller’s Office to execute monthly reconciliations across all Federal, Private, and Institutional loan activity, including support for Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculations and related fiscal adjustments as needed.
• Operational Support: Monitor reconciliation schedules, assist in maintaining the University Financial Aid Loan Processing and Reconciliation Manual, and support the Request for Information/Proposal (RFI/RFP) process for alternative loan options.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain strong working relationships with departmental financial aid offices to streamline loan awards, originations, disbursements, and communications, and serve as a liaison to the Department of Education (COD/FSA/Partner Connect) and loan servicers on origination, disbursement and reconciliation matters.
• Audit and Compliance Support: Support internal and external audit processes related to Title IV loan programs, including preparation of documentation and responses for annual compliance reviews.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Federal Student Aid regulations preferred.
• Experience with PowerFAIDS strongly preferred.
• Experience with student information systems is a plus.
• NASFAA credential(s) or equivalent financial aid administration training a plus.

Other Requirements

• Understanding of Federal and Private loan programs required.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and basic accounting concepts required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage conflicting priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment, particularly during peak disbursement periods (fall/spring terms).
• Exceptional detail orientation, critical thinking, problem-solving, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Strong service orientation and ability to collaborate effectively across all organizational levels.
• Must have passion for excellent customer service and a commitment to exceptional quality.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.