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Financial Aid Advisor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Financial Aid Advisor

Claremont, CA · On-site

$20 - $25.75/hr

Financial Aid Advisor Cover letters are required to be considered for this position. PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid and working closely with the ...

Financial Aid Advisor

Claremont, CA · On-site

$20 - $25.75/hr

Financial Aid Advisor Cover letters are required to be considered for this position. PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid and working closely with the ...

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Financial Aid Advisor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$23

$32

How much do financial aid advisor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for financial aid advisor in Riverside, CA is $23.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $26.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Is being a financial aid advisor stressful?

Being a financial aid advisor can be stressful due to the need to manage complex student financial information, meet deadlines, and handle sensitive situations. The role often requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure, especially during peak application periods. However, workload and stress levels can vary depending on the institution and individual experience.

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.

Can financial advisors make $500,000 a year?

Financial advisors can earn $500,000 or more annually, but such high earnings typically require extensive experience, a large client base, and specialization in high-net-worth individuals. Most advisors earn a median salary significantly lower, with top earners often supplementing income through commissions, bonuses, or managing large portfolios.

Is $100,000 enough to work with a financial aid advisor?

A financial aid advisor typically helps students and families navigate financial aid options; the amount of money involved depends on the specific financial situation and educational costs. Having $100,000 may cover significant expenses or aid planning, but the advisor's role is to optimize financial strategies rather than determine if a certain amount is sufficient. Skills in financial planning and understanding aid programs are essential for effective advising.

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.

Is 200,000 enough to work with a financial aid advisor?

A financial aid advisor typically helps students and families navigate financial aid options; the amount of $200,000 is generally sufficient to cover education costs or to invest in financial planning services. The adequacy depends on individual financial needs and the scope of services required, but for most educational funding or planning purposes, this amount is considered substantial. Skills in budgeting and understanding financial products can enhance the effectiveness of financial aid advising.

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 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.

How do I become a financial aid advisor?

To become a financial aid advisor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in education, finance, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of financial aid programs, strong communication, and customer service abilities; some positions may require certification such as the NASFAA Credential or state-specific licenses.
What are popular job titles related to Financial Aid Advisor jobs in Riverside, CA? For Financial Aid Advisor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Financial Aid Advisor jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Financial Aid Advisor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Financial Aid Advisor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Financial Aid Advisor job openings:
Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid Advisor

Scripps College

Claremont, CA • On-site

$20 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Claremont, CA
Job Posting Title:
Financial Aid Advisor
Job Description:
Cover letters are required to be considered for this position.
PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid and working closely with the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Advisor has primary responsibility for advising and counseling prospective students, current students and parents on all aspects of the financial aid application process and financial literacy. The Financial Aid Advisor has administrative responsibility for various financial aid programs and processes.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This information is intended to be a descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position. Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Provides in-person, online, and phone counseling to prospective students, current students, and parents on all aspects of financial aid application processing, need analysis, appeal processing, and packaging, including information on institutional, federal, and state financial aid programs.
  • Responds to all phone and email inquiries escalated by the Financial Aid Specialist.
  • Responsible for performing online queries, corrections, and updates to Department of Education Systems including Central Origination and Disbursement System (COD), The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and the FAFSA Partner Portal (FPP).
  • Responsible for all non-federal alternative loan and institutional loan, coordination, certification, promissory note, disbursement processing, and monthly reconciliation.
  • Responsible for the coordination with the Student Loan Department in the Claremont College Services (TCCS) concerning the approval, disbursement, adjustment, and counseling for institutional loans.
  • Provides students with one-on-one and group financial literacy, loan entrance and loan exit counseling for federal and institutional loan programs.
  • Responsible for all aspects of Outside Agency Scholarship and Tuition Remission certification, enrollment verification, aid coordination, disbursement processing, and monthly reconciliation.
  • Responsible for reviewing and resolving file load errors and merging duplicate system records.
  • Assists and acts as back up to Assistant Director for loading ISIR, Profile and IDOC files.
  • Assist the Financial Aid Specialist with loading of bi-weekly student payroll reports to the PowerFAIDs financial aid management system, as needed. Identifying students whose earnings are nearing or have reached the limit of the award and notifying the student and the employer of limitations on earnings.
  • Assists the Financial Aid Assistant with collecting, tracking, and processing all Outside Agency Scholarship, Tuition Remission, State Grant, and Alternative Loan checks in the Workday Financials system, and securely routing all checks received for deposit by the Claremont College Services (TCCS) financial services staff.
  • In consultation/coordination with the Associate Director of Financial Aid, maintain policy and procedure manual for this position.
  • Assists financial aid senior staff with need analysis, verification, and packaging for prospective and continuing students, as needed.
  • Participate in the Emergency Response Program.
  • Active support for the College's Principles of Community and Institutional Values in the performance of job duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
Individual must possess knowledge, skills and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work successfully individually and as a member of a team.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and to manage a demanding schedule.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Knowledge of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs, regulations, systems and policies, preferred.
  • Experience in the use of automated financial aid systems software including: PowerFAIDs, NetPartner, EdConnect, On-Base, NSLDS, CPS Online, COD, CX and Workday systems preferred, but not required.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree or any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability.
One to two years of financial aid or related experience is preferred.
Previous financial aid experience is preferred, including a thorough knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, systems, and processes, including Institutional Methodology (IM).
LICENSES / CERTIFICATES:
None.
OTHER:
HOURS & CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:
This is a regular status, full-time, 12-month, benefits-eligible, non-exempt position.
The regular hours for this position are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Hours may vary due to the needs of the College or the department.
Hourly rate range: $25.00-$28.75. The hourly rate of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
None.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans.
Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example to lift or move office supplies, files, books and packages.
At-Will Employment
Regular employment at the College is for no specified period of time; conditions and status of employment (hours, pay, title, duties, etc.) are subject to change at any time. Scripps College is an At-Will employer. Employees, and likewise the College, are free to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice or cause, unless otherwise prohibited by law.