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Financial Aid Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UHS

Financial Aid Officer

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

The purpose of the Financial Aid Officer is to guide students through the financial aid process and ensure they are properly funded, packaged and prepared to start each semester. The Financial Aid ...

Keiser University

Financial Aid Officer

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

The purpose of the Financial Aid Officer is to guide students through the financial aid process and ensure they are properly funded, packaged and prepared to start each semester. The Financial Aid ...

Keiser University

Financial Aid Officer

Hollywood, FL · On-site

The purpose of the Financial Aid Officer is to guide students through the financial aid process and ensure they are properly funded, packaged and prepared to start each semester. The Financial Aid ...

UHS

Financial Aid Officer

Fort Lauderdale, FL

The purpose of the Financial Aid Officer is to guide students through the financial aid process and ensure they are properly funded, packaged and prepared to start each semester. The Financial Aid ...

UHS

Financial Aid Officer

Miami, FL · On-site

The purpose of the Financial Aid Officer is to guide students through the financial aid process and ensure they are properly funded, packaged and prepared to start each semester. The Financial Aid ...

Columbia University

Financial Aid Officer

New York, NY · On-site

$68K - $71K/yr

Position Summary The Financial Aid Officer delivers high-quality, student-centered financial aid services to prospective and current students within the School of General Studies. This role is ...

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Financial Aid Officer information

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$18K

$60.3K

$130.5K

How much do financial aid officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for financial aid officer in the United States is $60,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Financial Aid Officers face when assisting students, and how can these challenges be managed?

Financial Aid Officers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex federal and institutional regulations, handling large volumes of student inquiries during peak periods, and addressing sensitive financial situations with empathy. Managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, continuous training on policy changes, and clear communication with both students and colleagues. Building a supportive team environment and utilizing efficient software systems can also help streamline processes and ensure accurate, timely assistance to students.

What are Financial Aid Officers?

Financial Aid Officers are professionals who assist students and their families in navigating the financial aid process at colleges, universities, or other educational institutions. They evaluate applications, determine eligibility for grants, loans, and scholarships, and help applicants understand their funding options. Additionally, Financial Aid Officers ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations regarding student aid. Their goal is to make higher education more accessible and affordable for students.

What is the difference between Financial Aid Officer vs Financial Aid Specialist?

AspectFinancial Aid OfficerFinancial Aid Specialist
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree; knowledge of financial aid policiesSimilar credentials; often requires experience in financial aid
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, government agenciesColleges, universities, financial aid offices
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in educational settings for student support rolesOften used interchangeably with Financial Aid Officer, focusing on processing aid

Both roles involve assisting students with financial aid applications and understanding aid options. The main difference lies in job titles used by employers; the Financial Aid Officer typically has broader responsibilities, while the Financial Aid Specialist may focus more on processing and technical tasks. Both positions require similar credentials and work in similar environments, making them closely related in the financial aid industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Financial Aid Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Financial Aid Officer, you need strong knowledge of financial aid regulations, eligibility criteria, and excellent analytical skills, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with financial aid management systems (such as Banner or PowerFAIDS), federal and state aid application processes, and FERPA compliance is essential. Exceptional interpersonal communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help you guide students and families through complex financial processes. These skills ensure accurate processing of aid, compliance with regulations, and effective support for students’ educational goals.

What Is a Financial Aid Officer?

A financial aid officer reviews student financial aid applications at postsecondary institutions and determines approval and the amount of financial aid awarded to the students. As a financial aid officer, your job duties include assessing the student’s and their parents’ financial documents, credit history, and other factors to determine eligibility. Once the student is approved for aid, you compile an aid package based on how much the student has been awarded and the kinds of funding available, such as work study, federal loans, and scholarships. The aid package may include stipulations on the minimum grade point average or participation in specific extracurricular activities for the student to continue to receive their stipend. Financial aid officers may make the initial decisions about who receives aid and the amounts, but their recommendations often need approval from a higher-level administrator or committee.

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Financial Aid Officer jobs near you
Financial Aid Officer

Financial Aid Officer

Southeastern College

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

OVERVIEW:

The purpose of the Financial Aid Officer is to guide students through the financial aid process and ensure they are properly funded. The Financial Aid Officer coordinates with admissions and academics to keep the students engaged and on-track.


BUSINESS CONTRIBUTIONS:

The role of Financial Aid Officer is to ensure that students are properly funded, packaged, and prepared to start each semester. This is accomplished by making sure that:

  • Students are made aware of all available funding options
  • Students are properly vetted and appropriately packaged
  • Funds are posted in a timely manner

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Conducting Initial Overview with Student:

  • Provide basic overview of financial aid process
  • Assist with filling out FAFSA form
  • Explain forms and direct to web-sites for additional information
  • Provide checklist of documentation needed for second appointment
  • Provide Federal guide (requirement)

Conducting Financial Aid Review with Student:

  • Provide information and assess student financing needs
  • Review FAFSA for Title IV eligibility
  • Counsel on financial aid eligibility and financing options
  • Check Veteran's Affairs verifications/GI Bill
  • Discuss grants and scholarships
  • Review registration schedule
  • Create cost estimate and review with student
    • Breakdown expenses and fees
    • Discuss any balance and additional private financing options
    • Where applicable - review "parent for loan" option
  • Acquire necessary documents from lenders
  • Provide necessary documents to lenders
  • Enter student data into system
  • Set-up student financing package

Reviewing and Following-up on Initial Packaging:

  • Review ISIR
  • Review any C-flags or H-flags
  • If selected for Federal verification, get verification documents
  • Follow-up on private loan approvals
  • Scan to DRS
  • Submit to Director of Financial Aid for review and processing
  • Work with Bursar to post cash payments

Monitoring and Tracking Financial Aid Packages:

  • Review monthly start date reports
  • Review monthly account balance reports
    • Investigate account balance issues
    • Monitor for potential defaults
    • Follow-up on potential and actual defaults
  • Track Sally Mae, government/private scholarship, grant, and private loan postings
  • Track drops and academic dismissals
  • Re-package continuing students

Preparing Graduating and Exiting Students (graduating, dropped, and dismissed students):

  • Conduct exit interviews
  • Discuss payment responsibility
  • Discuss loan consolidation
  • Clear balance with Southeastern College

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands are those required in a professional office setting: sitting, working on a computer, using a telephone, communicating with coworkers and getting to and from appropriate campuses.


WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Professional office setting: moderate noise levels and controlled indoor climate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.


LOCATION:

This position is an onsite position located at your campus unless otherwise determined by the Chancellor and/or designee. Any changes must be reviewed by the Campus President/Vice President and all final approvals must come from the Chancellor and/or designee.


BENEFITS

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid time off

Apply