College Financial Aid Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

The Financial Aid Officer (FAO) serves as the first-level position within the financial aid colleague job family. FAOs are essential in supporting student success by delivering personalized, proactive financial aid guidance throughout the student lifecycle—from initial enrollment to graduation. 

Essential Functions:

Financial Aid Counseling & Support

• Advise students and families on financial aid eligibility, application procedures, and available funding sources, including Title IV aid, institutional loans, scholarships, and agency assistance.
• Support students through FAFSA completion, verification, and award acceptance.
• Cleary explain loan terms, repayment obligations, and core financial literacy concepts to students and families, ensuring they understand the long-term impact of borrowing and budgeting.
• Provide guidance to help students resolve financial aid issues that may affect their ability to enroll or continue their education.

File Compliance & Processing

• Accurately package and process financial aid awards in full compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Ensure student records are complete and up to date to facilitate timely and accurate disbursement of financial aid.
• Proactively identify and resolve inconsistencies in student accounts to maintain financial integrity.
• Stay informed on changes to financial aid laws, policies and best practices to ensure ongoing compliance and service excellence.

Student Retention & Success

• Initiate timely communication with students regarding documentation requirements, award status updates and available funding opportunitie.
• Regularly review student accounts to ensure financial aid is applied accurately and disbursed on schedule.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with academic and student services teams to deliver a cohesive and supportive student experience from start to finish.
• Foster professional, positive relationships with students, colleagues, and external agencies to support service excellence.
• Partner with the Sr. FAO or Director of Financial Aid to enhance operational efficiency, improve student outcomes and achieve department goals.
• Maintain detailed records of all student interactions and ensure financial aid documentation is accurate, complete and compliant.

At Arizona College of Nursing, we believe in a collaborative approach where all colleagues work together towards our shared goals. It's important to note that this list doesn't cover everything you'll be asked to do or need to do. We value adaptability and flexibility as we grow and evolve as an organization.

To perform this job successfully, an applicant must have professional demeanor, the ability to work independently, understand goals and deadlines and possess excellent communication and organizational skills. 

Must have:

• High school diploma or equivalent. 

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in financial aid, student services, customer service, or a related field.

• Strong customer service orientation with a genuine passion for helping others.

• Detail-focused with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and counseling skills.

• Self-motivated and capable of working independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment.

• Must be eligible to enroll in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).

Nice to have:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

• Prior experience in higher education or financial aid administration.

• Familiarity with Title IV regulations and institutional financial aid policies.

• An understanding of financial literacy principles and student loan repayment options.

Work Location: Position is fully onsite at an assigned campus

Only online applications will be accepted. No phone calls, please.

Our schools prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law.

Competitive pay and opportunities for professional development.
Dynamic organizational culture within a supportive working environment.
Rest and relaxation with generous PTO and holiday benefits.
Robust health and welfare benefits package including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision.
Preparation for the future with a 401(k) and company match.
For consideration, only online applications will be accepted. No phone calls, please.
Our schools prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law.