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Financial Aid Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Key Responsibilities * Assist with general office and administrative duties, including filing, scanning, data entry, and document organization * Support Financial Aid staff with special projects and ...

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Financial Aid Assistant information

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$10

$23

$40

How much do financial aid assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for financial aid assistant in the United States is $23.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
More about Financial Aid Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Financial Aid Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Financial Aid Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Financial Aid jobs? The most popular types of Financial Aid jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Financial Aid Assistant jobs? The top employers for Financial Aid Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Financial Aid Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Financial Aid Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Financial Aid Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,576 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

$22.05/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Financial Aid Officer                                                                                  

VSC UP PAT Bargaining Unit

Non-Exempt

Grade 11

BASIC FUNCTION

Inform and counsel prospective and enrolled students regarding financial aid options and requirements, manage on or more financial aid programs and administer the distribution of financial aid funds within established guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist in planning, development and administration of financial aid programs following university, state and federal guidelines, policies and regulations.
  • Manage and oversee all aspects of one or more federal financial aid programs. Establish guidelines and procedures for the department to follow that ensure legal compliance. Maintain internal deadlines for processing.
  • Inform and counsel students and parents to assess their financial needs and provide them with a wide range of information, advice and assistance regarding financial aid options, application procedures, planning and regulations to ensure student success. Assist in problems with the application process.
  • Update and maintain student financial aid records. Prepare and send a wide range of communications to respond to questions, provide award information or to deal with specific situations related to a student’s financial aid.
  • Assist in Student Success by providing excellent customer service in answering phone calls and emails sent to the Financial Aid Office, including doing the necessary research and responding to the student/parent in a timely manner.
  • Confer frequently with the supervisor, and other college departments, including student accounts, admissions, registrar as well as other institutions and financial aid agencies to plan and coordinate activities, policies, procedures, exchange information, investigate and resolve problems, in financial aid programs, policies and procedures.
  • Keep informed of current regulations and guidelines governing financial aid programs.
  • Attend student orientation or other student visit initiatives to support student enrollment.
  • Meet with various groups on and off campus to explain financial aid programs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISON RECEIVED

Direction is received from the Associate Director of Financial Aid and/or the Director of Financial Aid.

MININMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree and one to two (1-2) years of relevant financial aid experience
  • Willing to work a flexible/non-traditional schedule
  • Willingness to travel

KNOWLEGDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge:

  • Experience in college financial aid and working with the Ellucian Colleague system preferred.
  • Good understanding of higher education financial aid funding system.
  • Commitment to developing own professional knowledge and the professional knowledge of team members regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice and how it informs practices within area of expertise.

Skills:

  • Excellent computer, math, analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Good organizational skills.
  • Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of students, parents, college personnel and outside agencies/organizations, frequently regarding sensitive financial matters.

Abilities:

  • Demonstrated ability to maintain the integrity of all confidential matters.
  • Demonstrated ability to support a diverse community and promote diverse perspectives, cultures and an inclusive environment
  • Ability to use data-informed decision making to inform resource allocation, processes and procedures.

Location: Financial Aid Officers will be based at any Johnson, Lyndon, Randolph or Castleton campus locations.

Compensation: The budgeted compensation for this position is $22.05 per hour.

Benefits Package

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Tuition Waiver to Vermont State Colleges
  • Tuition Waiver to UVM* for dependent children
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Long Term Disability 
  • 14 Paid Holidays
  • Medical, Personal, and Vacation Leave    

This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the position, which will evolve with time.

Vermont State University is a part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS). VSCS values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning.  Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community.  VSCS strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations.  VSCS is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant.  Please contact our HR office for assistance with accommodations at humanresources@vermontstate.edu.  

NOTE: This job is subject to a fingerprint-supported criminal background check. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory results of this check.