Student Financial Aid Counselor

University of Minnesota; Noyes Junction (MN); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid holidays

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Student Financial Aid Counselor in a hybrid work arrangement (4 days on campus, 1 day remote) to ensure timely and accurate delivery of financial aid funds to students. You will handle complex aid processes, verify compliance with regulations, and provide proactive counseling to students and families.

Key responsibilities include managing financial aid records, resolving issues, awarding packages, and interpreting federal/state guidelines.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or a combination of education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills are imperative.

Responsibilities

• Manage and be responsible for the financial aid process and the integrity of the student financial aid record.
• Resolve errors and run on-demand reports; perform manual awarding and package adjustments.
• Disburse aid and process outside scholarship checks and related requests.
• Explain state and federal regulations to parents and students.
• Counsel students on aid eligibility, loan options, and cost of attendance.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Education

BA/BS degree

Job description

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Student Financial Aid Counselor
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
Work Arrangement: Hybrid - 4 days on campus, 1 day remote
Job Code: 8461SF

Position Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of financial aid funds to students. This position requires the knowledge of and ability to follow financial aid regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures as stipulated by state, federal, and institutional entities, and ensure the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships operates efficiently and effectively. This includes the accurate and timely completion of tasks, and providing encouragement and assistance to staff in meeting departmental and individual goals. Excellent customer service and communication skills are imperative as this position involves heavy public contact with students, parents, and University employees, as well as with representatives from local, state, and federal agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and responsible for financial aid process as a whole, and the integrity of the individual financial aid record
• Manually resolve various error and other on-demand reports needing resolution; perform manual awarding and package adjustments
• Manually adjust cost of attendance budgets
• Disburse aid and/or disburse aid in override as needed; process outside scholarship checks, credit checks, housing applications, medical assistance, and other outside requests; understand and remain current on University, State of MN, and federal Department of Education program guidelines and policies
• Interpret and explain state and federal regulations to parents and students
• Resolve citizenship and selective service status
• Recommend policy and procedural changes.
• Counsel students proactively and on the spot diagnostic support and problem resolution on a variety of issues such as aid eligibility, loan options, debt management, repayment options, customer accounts and payments, online student cost of attendance in relation to credit load and costs, and in-depth program-specific issues
• Represent the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at student registration functions
• Communicate accurate financial aid information to colleagues, students, and parents and make appropriate referrals
• Manage in-coming student traffic and communications (calls and department emails)
• Maintain the OneStop website, Facebook account, and departmental forms.

Minnesota State Program Administration and Compliance (30%)

• Provide expertise and eligibility decisions for the State Grant Programs, which include the MN State Grant, MN Student Teacher Grants, MN Fostering Independence Grant, MN Dream Act, MN GI Bill, MN Indian Scholarship Program, MN Child Care Grant and North Star Promise.
• Responsible for review and eligibility for grant awards
• Perform state grant eligibility reviews.
• Monitor the MN Office of Higher Education (MOHE) database for weekly reports to ensure completion of applications, request funding and to accomplish program reconciliation for MN State programs.

Other duties (10%)

• Complete I-9 processing for student employees
• Assist in training department student staff, communications, and checklist processing

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $20.00- $25.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.