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Financial Aid Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

10,000 Degrees

Financial Aid Advisor

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$31 - $35/hr

Financial Aid Advisor LOCATION: Hybrid (on-site + remote) REPORTS TO: Director of Financial Aid Impact STATUS: Full-time, Non-exempt OUR MISSION 10,000 Degrees is unlocking student success at scale ...

College of the Siskiyous

Director, Financial Aid

Weed, CA · On-site

$100K - $139K/yr

Continuous Description DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL AID FIRST REVIEW APRIL 24, 2026 - OPEN UNTIL FILLED FIRST REVIEW EXTENDED MAY 1, 2026 - OPEN UNTIL FILLED ESTIMATED STARTING SALARY $8,341 - $9,664 MONTHLY ...

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All JobsFinancial Aid JobsFinancial Aid Jobs in California

Financial Aid information

See California salary details

$27.1K

$88.7K

$184.1K

How much do financial aid jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for financial aid in California is $88,735.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,200.00 and $108,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Financial Aid vs Financial Advisor?

AspectFinancial AidFinancial Advisor
Required CredentialsFSA, FAFSA, sometimes a bachelor's degreeSeries 7, Series 66, CFP certification, bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, government agenciesFinancial firms, private practices, banks
Employer & Industry UsageColleges, universities, government programsFinancial services, wealth management

Financial Aid professionals primarily assist students and families in securing funding for education, focusing on grants, scholarships, and loans. Financial Advisors provide personalized financial planning and investment advice to clients. While both roles involve financial knowledge, they serve different purposes and industries, with distinct credentials and work environments.

What is financial aid?

Financial aid refers to funding that is intended to help students pay for education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and supplies. It can come in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans, typically provided by federal and state governments, colleges, and private organizations. Eligibility for financial aid is usually determined based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of both. The main goal of financial aid is to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all students.

What is a financial aid job?

There are several different types of jobs categorized under financial aid jobs. One variety is any job that a student performs as part of their financial aid package. These are also known as work-study jobs, and they can range from working in the cafeteria or bookstore to working the circulation desk at the college library. Since the positions can vary significantly, the job duties in this field are not definite. Financial aid jobs can also refer to the people who assist students in financing their college tuition by securing financial aid, such as federal loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Qualifications for working in a financial aid office vary depending on position.

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 a solid understanding of financial aid regulations, policies, and student counseling, often 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 programs, and compliance requirements is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively guide students and manage complex financial information. These skills ensure accurate processing, regulatory compliance, and positive student experiences in navigating financial aid.

What are some common challenges financial aid professionals face when assisting students?

Financial Aid professionals often navigate complex regulations, tight deadlines, and a high volume of inquiries from students and families. They must stay updated on changing federal, state, and institutional policies while providing clear guidance to students from diverse backgrounds. Managing sensitive financial information with accuracy and empathy is crucial, and balancing administrative duties with personalized student support requires strong organizational and communication skills.
More about Financial Aid jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Financial Aid jobs in California? The most popular types of Financial Aid jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Financial Aid jobs in California? For Financial Aid jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Financial Aid jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Financial Aid jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Financial Aid jobs? Cities in California with the most Financial Aid job openings:
Financial Aid jobs near you
Infographic showing various Financial Aid job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,735 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Financial Aid Advisor

Success Education Colleges

San Diego, CA • On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Success Education Colleges (SEC) is a family of institutions comprised of North-West College, Glendale Career College, Nevada Career Institute and Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing. SEC is a leader in allied health education, and has been offering quality and affordable health care training programs for over 58 years.

Our everyday mission is to educate students in short-term and professional programs for gainful employment and career advancement.

Careers Site: https://www.success.edu/careers-with-sec/

POSITION SUMMARY

The Financial Aid Advisor administers financial aid programs to prospective and active students. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to performing a variety of duties associated with the awarding, disbursing and returning of federal, state and other financial aid assistance programs. The Financial Aid Advisor reports to the Campus Director and has accountability to the Corporate Director of Financial Aid.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

  • Provide information to students and parents regarding financial aid program requirements and procedures. Explain Financial Aid plans to students and parents; review their rights and responsibilities with regards to financial aid programs.
  • Review financial aid applications, forms and documentation for completeness and accuracy; verify information reported on FAFSA to determinate eligibility. Complete verification procedures where needed.
  • Input FASFA, review resulting ISIR and maintain financial aid funding schedule in CLASS.
  • Provide entrance and exit counseling.
  • Answer questions, inquires or requests from students or parents
  • Responsible for complete and accurate files and paperwork.
  • Maintain a close working relationship with Admission and other personnel.
  • Remain current on all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Attend financial aid workshops and conferences
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

  • Knowledge of government regulations and guidelines relating to financial aid and Title IV.
  • Demonstrated skills in modeling a strong customer service orientation.
  • Demonstrated skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty, and the public.
  • Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population.
  • Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage sensitive, confidential issues.
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills.
  • Detail oriented and produces work that is accurate.
  • Demonstrated Computer literacy skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, and Outlook and internet.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • High School diploma or equivalent is required.
  • A minimum of one year of Financial Aid experience is required.
  • Experience with Student Financial Aid software applications is a plus.

Success Education Colleges ("SEC") is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, SEC will provide reasonable

accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations

with the employer.

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