Student Financial Services Associate

OhioX; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Free undergraduate tuition

Graduate tuition assistance

Doctoral tuition discount

Incentive program

Job summary

Franklin University, a private nonprofit university in Columbus, Ohio, seeks a Student Financial Services Associate to provide financial aid counseling and account guidance to students. The role includes advising on eligibility, payment plans, FAFSA, and loan programs, with outreach to promote financial wellness and participation in campus events.

Under supervision, you will process documents, help with professional judgments, and collaborate with the Financial Aid and Business Offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• At least one year of experience in student financial aid, student accounts, or related higher education fields.
• Excellent organizational, communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Educate students on financial aid and balance status and counsel on eligibility.
• Review student accounts and advise on payment plans, billing, scholarships, FAFSA, and counseling.
• Assist with FAFSA completion and Direct Loan program counseling.
• Participate in on-campus events to promote financial wellness.
• Create and update financial aid policies and procedures.
• Support recruitment and retention efforts through outreach to students.
• Handle special projects as assigned.

Skills

Financial aid counseling

Student accounts

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Detail oriented

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

NSLDS

Job description

Franklin University, a private, independent, accredited, nonprofit university located in Columbus, Ohio, invites applications for the position of Student Financial Services Associate.

Founded in 1902, Franklin University has built its reputation on removing barriers to higher education for ambitious adults balancing educational goals with work, family, and other commitments. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin is recognized as an innovator in online education and serves students through applied undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs designed to support career advancement and lifelong learning. More than 50,000 Franklin alumni live and work around the world, making meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of a Student Financial Services (SFS) Lead, the Student Financial Services Associate is responsible for providing financial aid and account counseling/advisement to students.

As an initial point of contact for the Financial Aid and Business Offices, the SFS Associate’s job responsibilities include (but are not limited to) educating students on financial aid and balance status, analyzing their overall financial circumstances, and processing a variety of documentation related to professional judgment, student eligibility, the Community College Alliance program, and scholarships. The SFS Associate will also provide information regarding refunds, partnership verification and conduct outreach on needed documents and payment options. This position will also participate in and organize on-campus events that encourage student financial wellness.

This position has a hybrid working schedule. Hours are Monday-Thursday:9am-6pm and Friday: 8am-5pm. Once every 3 months, an evening shift, which ends at 7 p.m., is required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform outreach to students at financial or academic risk of losing financial aid eligibility or enrollment status and counsel them on the options and resources available.
• Review student accounts and advise students on all aspects of the financial aid and student account process. This includes but is not limited to payment plans, tuition deferment, billing charges, financial holds, third-party billing, scholarships, FAFSA, Entrance and Exit Counseling, and all other eligibility requirements based on individual circumstances.
• Process financial aid professional judgement appeals such as Satisfactory Academic Progress, Special and Unusual Circumstances.
• Assist students with the completion of federal FAFSA application, and other documents related to financial aid eligibility
• Counsel students about the Federal Direct Loan Program and assist with the online Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note. Counseling includes a review of NSLDS student data and the appropriate default prevention information and repayment options
• Review and process Default Clear letters, Pell Overpayment Clear letters, Reaffirmations, Agency Releases, and Emergency Loans
• Create and maintain financial aid policies and procedures for area of responsibility
• Participate in events to support recruitment and retention efforts, to educate students about the financial aid process, and to prepare graduating seniors for loan repayment
• Special projects and other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• At least one year of experience in student financial aid, student accounts, student affairs or related higher education fields.
• Excellent organizational, communication and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to successfully multi-task in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• A desire to help students and provide excellent customer service while working closely in a team environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Preferred Skills and Characteristics:

• Knowledge of accounting principles
• Strong knowledge of Title IV Programs and federal Financial Aid regulations
• Ellucian Colleague experience is a plus.

Additional Information

This position follows an on-site hybrid work schedule and requires flexibility to meet departmental and university needs.

Franklin offers a competitive benefits package, incentive program, and free parking. In addition, Franklin provides free undergraduate tuition for employees and eligible family members, graduate tuition assistance for full-time employees and eligible family members, and a discount on doctoral tuition for employees.

Franklin University is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive educational and workplace environment. Franklin does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, disability, or veteran or military status.