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Financial Aid Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Financial Aid information

See Portland, OR salary details

$29.1K

$95.2K

$197.5K

How much do financial aid jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for financial aid in Portland, OR is $95,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $116,500.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Financial Aid jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Financial Aid jobs in Portland, OR are:

What job categories do people searching Financial Aid jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Financial Aid jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Financial Aid jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Financial Aid job openings:

Infographic showing various Financial Aid job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,193 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Financial Aid Counselor

Warner Pacific University

Portland, OR • On-site

$41K - $54K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Summary Description: The Financial Aid Counselor provides a variety of professional and administrative duties in support of the day to day operations of Financial Aid in compliance with all policies related to internal and external financial aid requirements.
Essential Functions:
  • Exercise discretion and independent judgment through interpretation, implementation, and research of federal and institutional policies and regulations in response to customer needs and departmental practices
  • Provide one-on-one financial counseling and eligibility information to students and/or parents according to individual need
  • Review documents, perform need analysis, make determinations, and award financial aid packages to eligible students implementing established guidelines and procedures
  • Verify student FAFSA information; prepare individual student aid reports for packaging, analyzing information reported for consistency
  • Present at prospective and new student events and by request from staff, faculty, and students
  • Counsel students on issues related to borrowing including aggregate limit issues, maximum time frame processes and graduation exit requirements
  • Work collaboratively with individuals from various departments
  • Assist in the management of outstanding account balances and student account payment plans
  • Assist with the Loan Entrance and Exit Counseling processes, providing regulatory advice as it pertains to Direct Lending
  • Serve as a resource for students seeking outside scholarship opportunities
  • Respond in a timely fashion to correspondence related to student financial aid including eligibility information, verification information, and other questions
  • Be up to date on prevailing State and Federal regulations and WPU policies and procedures by attending training and conferences as opportunities arise
  • Abide by NASFAA Principles of Good Practice
  • Contribute to the support and implementation of the University Strategic Plan
  • Participate in Warner Pacific University professional development opportunities
  • Adhere to University policies and procedures regarding financial aid and student financial services
  • Demonstrate commitment to a Christian liberal arts education by upholding to the mission of the University and abiding by the Employment Standards and Lifestyle Agreement
  • Be present in the office on a daily basis unless arrangements are made with the employee's direct supervisor
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Minimum of three years of experience working in a professional office environment
  • Bachelor Degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience in a higher education environment
  • Demonstrated ability to solve problems and initiate and implement projects independently
  • Ability to multi-task with accuracy and work effectively in order to adapt to and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience working with highly detailed and/or confidential information
  • Excellent self-motivation, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work well with customers, students, faculty, and staff
  • Skill in presenting information to groups of various sizes
  • Ability to work outside of normal business hours, as necessary (campus events, orientations, etc.)
  • Proficient in computer programs including Windows, Outlook, Word and Excel, and the Internet
  • Exhibit commitment to inclusiveness and sensitivity to areas of national origin, ethnicity, culture, gender, and disabilities

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in a higher education environment
  • Bilingual - Spanish speaker preferred
  • Experience using the Ellucian Colleague student information system
  • Experience in financial aid including standard and nonstandard term delivery methods
  • Experience working with adult learners
Physical Demands - Work Environment:
The position is located in a typical office environment.Professional/business casual attire is required. There is not a remote work option for this position.
Warner Pacific University's Mission:Warner Pacific is a Christ-centered, urban, diverse, minority-serving, Hispanic-serving, liberal arts University dedicated to providing students with an education that prepares them to engage actively in a constantly changing world. Our hiring practices reflect our missional commitment to being a Christ-centered institution.
Warner Pacific University's Commitment to Diversity: Warner Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks a diverse workforce of committed Christians from all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Warner Pacific University is committed to hiring staff and faculty with an intentionality that demonstrates the importance of having an employee community that reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of the students we serve.
Employment and Lifestyle Standards:
Warner Pacific is a Christ-centered urban liberal arts University dedicated to providing students from diverse backgrounds an education that prepares them to engage actively in a constantly changing world. The University was founded in 1937 by the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana). Central to Warner Pacific's identity as a Christ-centered higher education institution is the policy of hiring persons whose personal and professional lives reflect:
1.A belief in the deity of and commitment to Jesus Christ and the Christian faith, as interpreted through the historic witness of Scripture and the continuing ministry of the Holy Spirit.
2.The practice of following Christ through day-to-day personal lifestyle choices.
3.A vitality of Christian experience maturing in insight and application and appreciative of differing viewpoints.
4.A commitment to life-long learning and service through personal and professional development.
5.For teaching faculty, the expression of artful teaching, based on mastery of relevant subject matter and in an environment of purposeful and rigorous inquiry amongst a community of scholars who support one another.
6. A capability, by temperament, preparation, and will, to support students as they confront the intellectual, social, physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of their lives.
7.A sensitivity to and support for the mission, core themes, vision, values, ethos and traditions of the Warner Pacific University community.
8. A commitment to teaching and serving in harmony with the doctrines of the Holy Bible.
Employee Agreement:
Mission-based hiring is of critical importance to Warner Pacific University. Employees are expected to demonstrate and articulate a vital Christian faith and to live in a manner consistent with a Christ-centered lifestyle as informed by the Scriptures of the New Testament.
Warner Pacific's students, faculty and staff are expected to foster an environment of mutual respect and accountability, to care for the personal dignity of others and to exercise integrity in their conduct and communication. The University environment is expected to be free from discrimination and harassment (including bullying). When an individual's behavior has direct implications for others and/or the well-being of the University community, there may be cause for institutional involvement, regardless of where the situation occurs.
Warner Pacific University desires to provide a safe and healthy environment for staff, faculty, students, visitors and guests. Therefore, smoking is not permitted on University property, in its vehicles, or at any University sponsored event. The use of illegal drugs or non-prescribed controlled substances is strictly prohibited. Use of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products is strictly prohibited on Warner Pacific University campuses.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Warner Pacific provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement for all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status and any other status protected by laws and regulations to which Warner Pacific is subject.All employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, and terminations are made in a manner that does not discriminate against individuals in the categories discussed above.Because Warner Pacific is a Christian liberal arts University, the University exercises its legal right to hire Christian employees to fulfill its mission and purpose.
Click "Apply Now" to complete the online application, and submit the following:
  1. Application
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Resume
** NOTE: All job offers are contingent upon successfully passing a background check and completing all required paperwork.