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Financial Aid Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lynn University

$37K - $48K/yr

The Financial Aid Counselor awards students financial aid, processes the awards and advises the students on all aspects of financial aid and their student account. They will apply and be ...

Lynn University

The Financial Aid Coordinator serves as the initial point of contact for students and parents visiting or calling Financial Aid. The position of coordinator, seeks to promote superior customer ...

New

Iowa State University

Financial Aid Advisor II

Ames, IA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Financial Aid Advisor II Job Group:Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience Help students turn financial aid into a path toward ...

Iowa State University

Financial Aid Advisor II

Ames, IA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Financial Aid Advisor II Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience Help students turn financial aid into a path toward ...

UnityPoint Health

Federal Financial Aid

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Overview UnityPoint Health - Allen College Federal Work Study Allen College seeks to hire Allen College students who qualify for work study financial aid assistance. In compliance with the Clery Act ...

UnityPoint Health

Federal Financial Aid

Waterloo, IA

UnityPoint Health - Allen College Federal Work Study Allen College seeks to hire Allen College students who qualify for work study financial aid assistance. In compliance with the Clery Act, Allen ...

Lynn University

The Coordinator, Financial Aid Technical Operations imports, exports, scans and analyzes source documents into the Financial Aid Perceptive Content management system. Indexes the scanned documents to ...

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Financial Aid information

See Iowa salary details

$25.8K

$84.5K

$175.2K

How much do financial aid jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for financial aid in Iowa is $84,451.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $103,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

More about Financial Aid jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Financial Aid jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Financial Aid job openings:

Financial Aid jobs near you
Infographic showing various Financial Aid job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,451 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Financial Aid Director

Maharishi International University

Fairfield, IA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Description
Job Description

About the Role

The Financial Aid Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the University's financial aid programs and services. The role is responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations governing student financial assistance while supporting student access, retention, and success.

Reporting to the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Financial Aid Director oversees the administration of financial aid programs, student loan processing, satisfactory academic progress monitoring, Title IV compliance, financial aid counseling, reporting, audits, and departmental operations. The position serves as the University's primary subject matter expert on financial aid regulations and works collaboratively with Enrollment, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Finance, and other institutional stakeholders to support the student experience.

The Financial Aid Director supervises Financial Aid staff and ensures that the University's financial aid practices promote regulatory compliance, operational excellence, student service, and institutional effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Student Affairs, or a related field.
  • Five years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration within a higher education environment.
  • Demonstrated experience administering Title IV financial aid programs, regulations, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations.
  • Experience interpreting and applying federal and state financial aid regulations.
  • Experience with student information systems, financial aid management systems, and related technology platforms.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and develop staff.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Student Affairs, Finance, or a related field.
  • Seven or more years of financial aid administration experience.
  • Previous experience leading a financial aid office or department.
  • Experience serving as a School Certifying Official (SCO).
  • Experience with financial aid audits, program reviews, accreditation activities, and federal reporting.
  • Experience developing policies, procedures, and operational controls.
  • Knowledge of enrollment management and student retention strategies.
  • Experience with federal audits, program reviews, FISAP preparation, and campus-based aid administration.
  • Experience presenting financial aid information to students, families, faculty, staff, and external audiences.

Key Responsibilities

FINANCIAL AID ADMINISTRATION & COMPLIANCE

  • Direct and oversee the administration of all federal, state, institutional, and external financial aid programs.
  • Ensure institutional compliance with all applicable financial aid regulations, policies, and reporting requirements.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain financial aid policies, procedures, and internal controls.
  • Monitor financial aid packaging and awarding processes to ensure consistency, compliance, and accuracy.
  • Oversee administration of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits programs.
  • Ensure timely certification of student enrollments and reporting of enrollment changes through applicable VA systems.
  • Maintain compliance with VA regulations, audits, reporting requirements, and institutional approvals.
  • Serve as the University's School Certifying Official (SCO) or supervise SCO activities.
  • Oversee Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) processes and compliance.
  • Oversee Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculations and related regulatory requirements.
  • Administer student loan processes and ensure accurate reporting to federal agencies and related systems.
  • Maintain regulatory readiness for audits, program reviews, and accreditation activities.

FINANCIAL OPERATIONS & REPORTING

  • Oversee reconciliation processes for all financial aid funds and programs.
  • Collaborate with Finance, Student Accounts, HR, and other departments to ensure accurate and timely financial aid transactions.
  • Prepare and submit required federal, state, institutional, and external reports, including FISAP and other compliance-related filings.

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