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Student Financial Aid Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Student Financial Aid information

See Minnesota salary details

$17.6K

$59K

$127.8K

How much do student financial aid jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for student financial aid in Minnesota is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,600.00 and $63,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in student financial aid, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in Student Financial Aid often face challenges such as navigating complex federal and institutional regulations, handling high volumes of student inquiries during peak periods, and addressing sensitive financial situations with empathy and accuracy. Effective time management, ongoing professional development, and strong communication skills are essential for success in this role. Staying current with policy changes, utilizing technology for workflow efficiency, and collaborating closely with admissions and academic advisors can also help manage these demands while ensuring students receive the support they need.

What is the difference between Student Financial Aid vs Student Loan Officer?

AspectStudent Financial AidStudent Loan Officer
CredentialsMay require financial aid certifications or knowledge of federal aid programsOften requires financial or loan processing certifications
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, financial aid officesBanks, credit unions, or financial institutions
Employer & IndustryColleges, universities, government agenciesFinancial institutions, loan companies
Primary FocusAssisting students in applying for and understanding financial aid optionsAssessing, processing, and managing student loan applications

While both roles involve working with students and financial processes, Student Financial Aid professionals focus on helping students access various aid programs, whereas Student Loan Officers specialize in managing and processing student loans. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the education finance industry.

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

To thrive as a Student Financial Aid Officer, you need a solid understanding of federal and state financial aid regulations, attention to detail, and typically a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with financial aid management systems like Banner or PeopleSoft and knowledge of FAFSA processing are crucial. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help in guiding students and resolving complex financial situations. These skills ensure accurate aid distribution, regulatory compliance, and effective support for students navigating financial challenges.

What is student financial aid?

Student financial aid refers to funding that helps students pay for their education expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, and living costs. Financial aid can come in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans, and is typically provided by federal or state governments, colleges, and private organizations. The goal of financial aid is to make higher education accessible and affordable for students from all backgrounds.
What are popular job titles related to Student Financial Aid jobs in Minnesota? For Student Financial Aid jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Student Financial Aid jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Student Financial Aid jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Student Financial Aid jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Student Financial Aid job openings:
Student Financial Aid jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Financial Aid job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Assistant Financial Aid Director

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title
Working Title
Assistant Financial Aid Director
Hire Types
Staff
Division
Academic and Student Affairs
Department
Enrollment Management and Student Success
Unit
Enrollment Management and Student Success
Location
Marshall, MN
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Full/Part Time
Full Time
FTE
1.0
Employment Condition
Unlimited
Work Shift
Work Schedule/Hours/Days
Posting Details
Salary Minimum
Salary Maximum
Salary Type
Hourly
Bargaining Unit/Plan
211, MSUAASF
Job Description
This position will assist the Director of Financial Aid to plan, administer, manage, and coordinate student financial aid programs. This position administers a number of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Programs, including but not limited to MN Postsecondary Child Care Grant, MN State Grant, MN GI Bill, and the North Star Promise Scholarship program. This individual will manage the application, awarding, and disbursements related to the multiple state financial aid programs. In addition to the administration of the state aid programs, this position will also be responsible for administering theSatisfactory Academic Progress procedure for Financial Aid. This position will provide advice throughout the financial aid process to prospective, new and current students and their families and University staff and faculty.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree plus two years of financial aid or related experience.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, faculty, and administrative staff.
  • Ability to accurately analyze and interpret student records system data.
  • Ability to receive and maintain access to federal student aid databases.
  • Ability to effectively communicate both written and orally.
  • Experience with queries, databases, spreadsheets, analyzing, interpreting, and explaining data.
  • Ability to interact successfully with diverse populations .
  • Experience working with confidential information and knowledge of data privacy practices.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree with at least one (1) year of financial aid or related experience in higher education Proficiency with the Minnesota State Integrated Statewide Record System (ISRS), Work Day, or similar student information system.
  • Experience with Minnesota State policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrated commitment to college access, student success, and equity and inclusion.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with high complexity and risk.
  • Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Ability to analyze data within higher education.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products, such as Outlook, MS Word, Excel, MS Access, and Power Bl.

Other Requirements
About
Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system. SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.
Benefits Info
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:
  • Public pension plan
  • Training and professional development
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Low-cost medical and dental coverage
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Wellness programs and resources
  • Employer paid life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Health care spending and savings accounts
  • Dependent care spending account
  • Tax-deferred compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement

Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
Southwest Minnesota State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. You can find our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report online at Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (smsu.edu). This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Southwest Minnesota State University. If you prefer a hard copy, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 507-537-7252.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
SMSU2021283P
Number of Vacancies
1
Re-posting
Desired Start Date
10/01/2024
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
06/05/2024
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Accept Applications
Yes
Special Instructions Summary
Posting Contact
SMSU Human Resources Department
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator and employer. SMSU is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. SMSU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Women, diverse populations and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208. For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529. This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request.

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