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Financial Aid Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Financial Aid Counselor

Hartford, CT · On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

The Financial Aid Counselor is a key member of the enrollment team, utilizing broad knowledge of policy and practices in admissions and financial assistance. The position may often be the first point ...

The Financial Aid Counselor provides guidance to students and families on financial aid eligibility, funding options, and the financial aid process while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and ...

Financial Aid Counselor

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

Position Details Position Overview Position Title Financial Aid Counselor Department 521000 - Financial Aid Position Type Regular Position Classification Full-Time, 12 months Grant/Gift Funded (all ...

Financial Aid Counselor Description : Under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for working with students, parents and colleagues in a fast ...

Financial Aid Counselor

Oneonta, NY · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Financial Aid Counselor Description : Under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for working with students, parents and colleagues in a fast ...

Financial Aid Counselor

Reading, PA · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

Position Overview Albright College seeks a dedicated Financial Aid Counselor to join our Office of Financial Aid team. This position plays a crucial role in helping students and families navigate the ...

Financial Aid Counselor

Buies Creek, NC · On-site

$31K - $41K/yr

Financial Aid Counselor Department: Financial Aid Status: Full Time Position Summary: The Financial Aid Counselor position serves as the primary point of contact for current main-campus undergraduate ...

Financial Aid Counselor

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$39K - $52K/yr

Position Overview Position Title Financial Aid Counselor Department 521000 - Financial Aid Position Type Regular Position Classification Full-Time, 12 months Grant/Gift Funded (all or a portion)? No ...

Showing results 21-40

Financial Aid Counselor information

See salary details

$16.5K

$45.4K

$65K

How much do financial aid counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for financial aid counselor in the United States is $45,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $51,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges financial aid counselors face when assisting students, and how can they be addressed?

Financial Aid Counselors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex federal and institutional regulations, addressing students’ unique financial situations, and managing high volumes of inquiries during peak periods. Effective communication skills and a strong understanding of financial aid policies are essential to provide clear guidance and support. Counselors also work closely with other campus departments to resolve student issues, making collaboration and adaptability important for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Financial Aid Counselor, you need a solid understanding of federal and institutional financial aid regulations, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with financial aid management systems such as Banner, PeopleSoft, or Ellucian, as well as knowledge of FAFSA processing, is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly set exceptional counselors apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial to accurately guide students through the financial aid process, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide effective support in an educational setting.

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

AspectFinancial Aid CounselorFinancial Aid Advisor
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like NASFAA are commonSimilar credential requirements; often holds a bachelor's degree and relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks at colleges, universities, or financial aid offices, assisting students directlyWorks in educational institutions or financial aid agencies, providing guidance on aid options
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by higher education institutions to assist students with financial aidUsed interchangeably with Financial Aid Counselor in many settings; focuses on advising students on aid programs
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles involving student financial aid counselingCompared for similar roles; focus on advising and counseling students about financial aid options

Both roles involve helping students navigate financial aid options, requiring similar credentials and working in educational settings. The terms are often used interchangeably, with slight variations depending on the institution.

What does a financial aid counselor do?

A financial aid counselor is responsible for assisting prospective college students and their families with financial aid options at a college or university. Your goal is to present all of the available options and accurately describe how they work. Job duties include reviewing financial aid applications for accuracy, participating in budgeting activities, and assisting with the disbursement of financial assistance. You also provide instruction to families regarding payback options and act as liaisons to private entities that provide grants for financial aid.

What does a financial aid counselor do?

A Financial Aid Counselor assists students and their families in understanding and navigating the financial aid process for educational expenses. They help explain different types of financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs, and guide applicants through eligibility requirements and application procedures. Additionally, they review financial aid applications, determine aid eligibility, and provide advice on managing educational costs. Financial Aid Counselors also stay informed about changes in federal, state, and institutional aid policies to ensure students receive accurate information.
What cities are hiring for Financial Aid Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Financial Aid Counselor job openings:
What states have the most Financial Aid Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Financial Aid Counselor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Financial Aid Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Financial Aid Counselor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Financial Aid Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,353 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Financial Aid Counselor

Trinity College

Hartford, CT • On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor assists in upholding the highest levels of customer service to all Trinity students as it relates to institutional aid processes, timelines, and communication supporting the recruitment, enrollment, and retention of Trinity applicants and students.  The Financial Aid Counselor is a key member of the enrollment team, utilizing broad knowledge of policy and practices in admissions and financial assistance. The position may often be the first point of contact with the college, and therefore, must become familiar with college personnel, operations, and events, and be capable of creating a positive first impression of the college.  The Financial Aid Counselor will join a service-oriented team and is responsible for counseling students and parents in all areas of financial aid. 

Trinity is a highly selective, independent, nonsectarian liberal arts institution located in the capital city of Hartford, Connecticut. The college maintains a rigorous academic profile complemented by a vibrant co-curricular program.  With more than 2,100 full-time undergraduate students, representing forty-three states and ninety-one countries, we consider our location in a culturally and socioeconomically diverse capital city to be among Trinity's most distinctive assets; and we cultivate strong connections with our surrounding neighbors and with institutions and organizations throughout Hartford and the region. As a preeminent liberal arts college in an urban setting, Trinity College prepares students to be bold, independent thinkers who lead transformative lives.
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 1-3 years of experience, required
  • Possess strong computer skills, including Word, Excel, and other Microsoft Office programs.
  • The ability to prioritize conflicting demands is essential, as is the ability to work effectively and comfortably with the public.
  • Have a record of maintaining confidentiality, exercising discretion, and using good judgment. 
  • Must demonstrate the ability to anticipate and react appropriately to a variety of situations and to be resourceful.
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a team. 
  • Experience working in Financial Aid, especially with PowerFAIDS or Perceptive Content software.     
  • Proven organizational and administrative skills, and the ability to balance multiple priorities. 
  • Clear and effective writing, with knowledge of editorial procedures. 
     
  • Contribute to the recruitment and retention of all students by providing exemplary customer service, and counseling to students and families on eligibility guidelines for financial aid, application procedures, appeals, etc. 
  • Perform needs analysis, federal verification, and counsel a designated population of students on eligibility guidelines for financial aid, application procedures, and appeals. 
  • Remain abreast of all relevant government regulations and compliance guidelines related to financial assistance. 
  • Serve as an interdepartmental liaison reinforcing our commitment to student engagement, connection, and transformation. 
  • Execute the awarding of numerous internal and external grant and scholarship programs.
  • Oversee, coordinate, and execute additional responsibilities for the Office of Financial Aid as assigned by office leadership. 
  • Prepare reports related to tasks assigned by Director or Associate Director of Financial Aid.
    Access PowerFAIDS, to support and facilitate the aid process.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned and based on departmental need.