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Financial Aid Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Financial Aid Assistant information

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$10

$22

$39

How much do financial aid assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for financial aid assistant in Minnesota is $22.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a financial aid assistant do?

A Financial Aid Assistant supports the financial aid office by helping students understand and complete financial aid applications, processing paperwork, and answering questions about various aid programs. They often serve as the first point of contact for students seeking information about scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, they may assist with maintaining records, verifying eligibility, and ensuring compliance with federal and institutional guidelines. Their role is vital in helping students navigate the often complex financial aid process.

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

To thrive as a Financial Aid Assistant, you need a solid understanding of financial aid regulations, data entry, and customer service, often supported by an associate’s degree or relevant experience in higher education. Familiarity with financial aid management systems like Banner or PowerFAIDS and proficiency in Microsoft Office are typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with students and families set top performers apart. These skills ensure accurate processing of financial aid applications, compliance with regulations, and effective support for students navigating financial assistance.

What are some common challenges faced by financial aid assistants when helping students with the application process?

Financial Aid Assistants often encounter challenges such as clarifying complex financial aid regulations, assisting students who are unfamiliar with required documentation, and managing tight application deadlines. They must be prepared to explain eligibility requirements and troubleshoot issues with incomplete or incorrect forms. Building strong communication skills and staying updated on institutional and federal policies are essential for effectively guiding students through the process and ensuring timely assistance.

What is the difference between Financial Aid Assistant vs Financial Aid Coordinator?

AspectFinancial Aid AssistantFinancial Aid Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require post-secondary educationTypically requires a bachelor's degree in education, finance, or related field
Work EnvironmentOffice settings within educational institutions or financial aid officesMore administrative and supervisory roles within educational institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in colleges, universities, and vocational schools to assist students with financial aid processes

The main difference is that Financial Aid Assistants support the financial aid process by handling routine tasks, while Financial Aid Coordinators oversee the entire financial aid program, including planning and compliance. Both roles are essential in educational settings but differ in responsibilities and required experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Financial Aid jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Financial Aid jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Financial Aid Assistant jobs in Minnesota?

For Financial Aid Assistant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Financial Aid Assistant jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Financial Aid Assistant jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Financial Aid Assistant jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Financial Aid Assistant job openings:

Financial Aid Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Financial Aid Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,576 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Assistant Financial Aid Director

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Classification Title Working Title Assistant Financial Aid Director Hire Types Staff Division Academic and Student Affairs Department Enrollment Management and Student Success Unit Enrollment Management and Student Success Location Marshall, MN FLSA Non-Exempt Full/Part Time Full Time FTE 1.0 Employment Condition Unlimited Work Shift Work Schedule/Hours/Days Posting Details Salary Minimum Salary Maximum Salary Type Hourly Bargaining Unit/Plan 211, MSUAASF Job Description
This position will assist the Director of Financial Aid to plan, administer, manage, and coordinate student financial aid programs. This position administers a number of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Programs, including but not limited to MN Postsecondary Child Care Grant, MN State Grant, MN GI Bill, and the North Star Promise Scholarship program. This individual will manage the application, awarding, and disbursements related to the multiple state financial aid programs. In addition to the administration of the state aid programs, this position will also be responsible for administering theSatisfactory Academic Progress procedure for Financial Aid. This position will provide advice throughout the financial aid process to prospective, new and current students and their families and University staff and faculty.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree plus two years of financial aid or related experience.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, faculty, and administrative staff.
  • Ability to accurately analyze and interpret student records system data.
  • Ability to receive and maintain access to federal student aid databases.
  • Ability to effectively communicate both written and orally.
  • Experience with queries, databases, spreadsheets, analyzing, interpreting, and explaining data.
  • Ability to interact successfully with diverse populations .
  • Experience working with confidential information and knowledge of data privacy practices.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree with at least one (1) year of financial aid or related experience in higher education Proficiency with the Minnesota State Integrated Statewide Record System (ISRS), Work Day, or similar student information system.
  • Experience with Minnesota State policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrated commitment to college access, student success, and equity and inclusion.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with high complexity and risk.
  • Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Ability to analyze data within higher education.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products, such as Outlook, MS Word, Excel, MS Access, and Power Bl.
Other Requirements About
Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system. SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.
Benefits Info
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:
  • Public pension plan
  • Training and professional development
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Low-cost medical and dental coverage
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Wellness programs and resources
  • Employer paid life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Health care spending and savings accounts
  • Dependent care spending account
  • Tax-deferred compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement

Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
Southwest Minnesota State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. You can find our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report online at Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (smsu.edu). This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Southwest Minnesota State University. If you prefer a hard copy, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 507-537-7252. 
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number SMSU2021283P Number of Vacancies 1 Re-posting Desired Start Date 10/01/2024 Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date 06/05/2024 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Accept Applications Yes Special Instructions Summary Posting Contact SMSU Human Resources Department Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator and employer. SMSU is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. SMSU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Women, diverse populations and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208. For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529. This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request.

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