ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Financial Aid Advisor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Iowa State University

Financial Aid Advisor II

Ames, IA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Financial Aid Advisor II Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience Help students turn financial aid into a path toward ...

Iowa State University

Financial Aid Advisor II

Ames, IA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Financial Aid Advisor II Job Group:Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience Help students turn financial aid into a path toward ...

Lynn University

$37K - $48K/yr

Advise students and/or parents on financial aid package and OFA-related processes * Counselor assists Student Accounts in the management of the accounts receivable with the primary goal of decreasing ...

Thrivent Financial

Financial Advisor

Sioux City, IA

$165K/yr

As a Thrivent Financial advisor, you will: * Build a financial practice guiding Christians on their journeys to financial clarity, empowering lives of service and faith. * Provide personal ...

Financial Integrators

Financial Advisor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$55K - $85K/yr

Description: We're seeking a relationship-driven Financial Advisor to turn complex financial data into clear, actionable roadmaps that give families peace of mind. This collaborative, client-facing ...

Northwestern Mutual

Financial Advisor

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$61K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Northwestern Mutual

Financial Advisor

Coralville, IA

$137K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Northwestern Mutual

Financial Advisor

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$137K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Northwestern Mutual

Financial Advisor

Bettendorf, IA

$137K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Northwestern Mutual

Financial Advisor

Manchester, IA · On-site

$61K - $250K/yr

Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFinancial Aid Advisor JobsFinancial Aid Advisor Jobs in Iowa

Financial Aid Advisor information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$21

$29

How much do financial aid advisor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for financial aid advisor in Iowa is $21.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a financial aid advisor do?

A financial aid advisor helps college and graduate students pay for their education. The advisor’s main duties are to assess a student’s financial situation by performing different types of analysis, such as need analysis, and developing an aid package that will help the student pay for school. You also certify federal aid packages and student loans, meet with the students and their families to discuss the details of the package, and provide students advice and assistance whenever they are having issues with their school finances.

What does a financial aid advisor do?

A Financial Aid Advisor helps students and their families understand and navigate the process of applying for financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and student loans. They provide guidance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), explain eligibility criteria, and advise on the best financial aid options available. Additionally, Financial Aid Advisors answer questions about tuition payment plans, help resolve issues with aid disbursement, and ensure students comply with financial aid regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a financial aid advisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Financial Aid Advisor, you need a solid understanding of financial aid regulations, counseling practices, and a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with financial aid management systems like Banner or PowerFAIDS, as well as federal and state aid application processes, is crucial. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion set outstanding advisors apart. These skills ensure students receive accurate guidance, support compliance, and foster trust in navigating complex financial aid processes.

What are some common challenges financial aid advisors face when assisting students, and how can they effectively address them?

Financial Aid Advisors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex federal, state, and institutional regulations, and helping students understand their eligibility and options. Advisors must also manage high volumes of inquiries, especially during peak application periods, while maintaining accuracy and compassion. Success in this role depends on strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to explain complicated financial concepts in an accessible way. Advisors frequently collaborate with admissions, bursar, and registrar offices to provide comprehensive support to students.

What is the difference between Financial Aid Advisor vs Financial Aid Counselor?

AspectFinancial Aid AdvisorFinancial Aid Counselor
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree; knowledge of financial aid policiesSimilar; often requires a bachelor's degree and familiarity with financial aid regulations
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, student services officesEducational institutions, student support services
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universitiesColleges and universities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Financial Aid Advisors and Financial Aid Counselors often perform similar roles within educational institutions, helping students navigate financial aid options. While titles may vary, both roles typically require comparable credentials and work in similar environments. The main difference lies in terminology used by institutions, but their responsibilities and qualifications largely overlap.

More about Financial Aid Advisor jobs

What are popular job titles related to Financial Aid Advisor jobs in Iowa?

For Financial Aid Advisor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Financial Aid Advisor jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Financial Aid Advisor jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Financial Aid Advisor jobs in IA?

For Financial Aid Advisor jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Financial Aid Advisor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Financial Aid Advisor job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,342 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Financial Aid Advisor II

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Financial Aid Advisor II
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience
Job Description:
Help students turn financial aid into a path toward achieving their educational goals. As a Financial Aid Advisor II, you'll guide students and families through financial aid options, applications, awards, scholarships, eligibility requirements, and policies. You'll provide individualized advising and financial literacy support while handling more in-depth financial aid processing to ensure students receive accurate and timely assistance. You'll also help maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while supporting the administration of federal, state, and private aid programs. In this role, you'll review student eligibility and adjust financial aid packages, resolve account holds, monitor enrollment and withdrawal activity, coordinate outside aid, and maintain federal financial aid systems such as Federal Student Aid, COD, and NSLDS. You'll also provide individual advising and group presentations to help students and families better understand their financial aid and financial literacy resources.
We're looking for a student-focused, detail-oriented financial aid professional who can navigate complex regulations while providing exceptional service to students and families. The ideal candidate has experience administering financial aid programs, interpreting financial aid policies and regulations, and using financial aid systems and processing tools. Strong problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
This is a one-year term position, with the potential for renewal based on funding availability.
About the Department:
The Office of Student Financial Aid at Iowa State University is committed to empowering over 85% of undergraduate students through the administration of more than $400 million in financial assistance annually. As a unit within the Division of Academic Affairs, our team helps students and their families understand, apply for, and manage financial aid throughout their academic journey. We are driven by values of student success, innovation, collaboration, and respect. Our supportive work environment emphasizes personal and professional growth, with opportunities for training, development, and meaningful contributions to the university's mission. Join us in making college more accessible and affordable for Iowa State students.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience administering federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
  • Experience using Federal Student Aid, COD, NSLDS, or other financial aid systems.
  • Experience interpreting and applying federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
  • Experience providing financial aid advising and counseling to students and families.
  • Experience with financial aid processing, including eligibility review, award adjustments, account holds, and outside aid coordination.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
September 21, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS806
Original Posting Date:
August 14, 2026
Posting Close Date:
August 28, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19749
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

What Iowa State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply