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Student Financial Aid Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Creates and maintains quality customer service to students and partners. Essential Job Functions * Oversee full-service financial aid processing, including document collection, budgeting, awarding ...

Creates and maintains quality customer service to students and partners. Essential Job Functions * Oversee full-service financial aid processing, including document collection, budgeting, awarding ...

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Student Financial Aid information

See Virginia salary details

$17.8K

$59.7K

$129.4K

How much do student financial aid jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for student financial aid in Virginia is $59,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $64,400.00 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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Student Financial Aid jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Student Financial Aid job openings:
Infographic showing various Student Financial Aid job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 86% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,746 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Associate Director for Medical Student Financial Aid

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Associate Director for Medical Student Financial Aid
Job no: 537112
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Executive VP & Provost
Department: University Scholarships & Fin Aid
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Categories: Academic Advising / Support, Other, Student Affairs / Services, Medical Professionals
Job Description
The Associate Director for Medical Student Financial Aid serves as the primary financial aid administrator and financial wellness leader supporting students enrolled at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM). Reporting jointly to the Vice Dean of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and the Associate Vice Provost for University Scholarships and Financial Aid, this position provides strategic leadership in the administration of financial aid programs while advancing student financial success through personalized advising, financial wellness education, operational excellence, and collaborative partnerships.
The Associate Director serves as the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine's recognized subject matter expert in medical student financial aid, educational financing, physician debt management, loan repayment strategies, and financial wellness. The position provides strategic leadership in the administration of federal, institutional, scholarship, and health professions financial aid programs while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, university, and accrediting agency regulations.
Working collaboratively with medical school and university leadership, faculty, and staff, the Associate Director develops and implements financial aid and scholarship strategies that support recruitment, enrollment, persistence, graduation, successful transition to residency, and long-term financial well-being for future physicians. Through holistic financial counseling from admission through repayment, the Associate Director empowers students to make informed financial decisions throughout their medical education and beyond. The position also actively supports VTCSOM's pathway and pipeline initiatives by providing financial aid outreach, financial education, and advising to prospective students and program participants, helping reduce financial barriers and promote access to medical education.
The Associate Director advances the financial aid best practices and student financial assistance benchmarks established by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) while supporting the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine's continued compliance with Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation standards. The successful candidate demonstrates a commitment to student-centered service, innovation, continuous improvement, and exemplary stewardship of federal, state, institutional, and health professions financial aid programs.
This position is based at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Virginia, with regular collaboration and travel to the Blacksburg campus. As a member of the University Scholarships and Financial Aid leadership team, the Associate Director also provides guidance and expertise for graduate and professional student financial aid initiatives across the university.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Higher Education, Business, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing exceptional customer or student-centered service.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate complex financial aid regulations and policies.
• Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while exercising sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in Higher Education, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience administering graduate or professional student financial aid.
• Experience with federal student aid, HRSA, and other health professions funding programs.
• Experience providing financial counseling or financial wellness programming.
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or other financial counseling credential.
• Experience using Banner, Slate, PowerFAIDS, or comparable enterprise systems.
• Experience with data analytics, reporting tools, business intelligence platforms, or process improvement methodologies.
• Experience leveraging technology or automation to improve operational effectiveness.
• Knowledge of LCME accreditation standards and AAMC financial aid best practices.
Pay Band
{lPayScaleID}
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
Salary commensurate with experience, a budget max of $90,000
Hours per week
40+
Review Date
August 24, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Devin Henry at henrde7@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: July 24, 2026
Applications close:
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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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