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Student Financial Services Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CIA

Student Financial Services Counselor

Hyde Park, NY · On-site

$62K/yr

The Student Student Financial Services Counselor provides a sophisticated understanding of registration, billing and financial aid policies and procedures, as well as the ability to explain these ...

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Student Financial Services Counselor information

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$45.4K

$62.5K

How much do student financial services counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for student financial services counselor in the United States is $45,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $49,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a student financial services counselor?

Student Financial Services Counselors are professionals who assist students and their families in understanding, applying for, and managing financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, loans, and payment plans. They provide guidance on completing financial aid applications, explain eligibility requirements, and help resolve issues related to student accounts and billing. Their goal is to support students in making informed decisions about financing their education and to ensure compliance with relevant financial aid regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student financial services counselor?

To thrive as a Student Financial Services Counselor, you need a solid understanding of financial aid regulations, student loan programs, and financial planning, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with financial aid management systems (such as Banner or PowerFAIDS), the FAFSA process, and federal/state financial aid guidelines is important. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to explain complex information clearly help counselors build trust and effectively guide students. These competencies ensure compliance, foster student success, and support the institution’s financial aid objectives.

What are some common challenges student financial services counselors face when assisting students with financial aid?

Student Financial Services Counselors often encounter challenges such as helping students understand complex financial aid regulations, managing high volumes of inquiries during peak enrollment periods, and navigating unique or urgent student situations. Counselors must clearly explain eligibility criteria, deadlines, and documentation requirements, all while maintaining empathy and confidentiality. Balancing regulatory compliance with personalized support is key to ensuring students receive accurate guidance and feel supported throughout the financial aid process.

How to become a student financial services counselor?

To become a student financial services counselor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, education, or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, customer service, and knowledge of financial aid programs; some positions may require certification or training in financial counseling. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in financial aid offices can also be beneficial.

What cities are hiring for Student Financial Services Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Student Financial Services Counselor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Student Financial Services Counselor jobs?

For Student Financial Services Counselor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Student Financial Services Counselor jobs near you

Student Financial Services Counselor

Hyde Park, NY • On-site

The Culinary Institute of America
Traveler Accommodation • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about The Culinary Institute of Americaexternal

$62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

The hiring salary for this position is $62,400 per year.
The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!
As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring salary for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Student Financial Services Counselor is part of a highly motivated one-stop team that provides first class student-focused support who assists and advises students and families through the financial aid, registration and payment processes. The Student Student Financial Services Counselor provides a sophisticated understanding of registration, billing and financial aid policies and procedures, as well as the ability to explain these policies and procedures to student, prospective students and their families. The Counselor uses independent analysis and analytical abilities to administer financial programs within guidelines and regulations.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Utilizing workshops, individual appointments, web tools, email, social media and telephone to disseminate accurate and clear information while counseling, advising and directly supporting students and their families at all CIA campuses with finance and related processes.
  • Maintain a current working knowledge of the financial planning processes of financial aid, billing and payment options and VA Benefits, as well as Housing, Admissions, Academic Advising and Registrar processes and how they relate to the students finances in order to fully and accurately advise them.
  • Analyze student files to make an independent determination regarding eligibility for financial aid and then reviews, awards, verifies and processes financial aid paperwork, ensuring funds are awarded in accordance with Federal, State and Institutional regulations and policies.
  • Independently conducts analysis on students who have had their Free Application for Federal Student Aid selected for verification, determine and request additional information as needed, submits corrections to the Department of Education (DOE), evaluates eligibility and changes awards if needed.
  • Support the maintenance of the knowledge management protocols for Student Financial Planning, ensuring that information is efficiently communicated within the department, to all applicable stakeholders and to students / families. Assists with the development of FAQ's and knowledge databases as required. Presents at and participates in team meetings and student forums as required to disseminate information.
  • Assist students and families in developing a financial plan to cover any unmet financial need and meet payment deadlines.
  • Process, post and reconcile student payments and deposits daily in the college's student administrative software.
  • Read, interpret, and apply federal and state regulations and school policies as they relate to student finance, ensures compliance and deadlines are met.
  • Collaborate with other offices and departments to provide appropriate resources to students, represents Student Financial Planning at various programs on and off campus, and serves on college committees as appropriate.
  • Assist Associate Director and collaborates with other departments in developing strategies that support the goals and objectives of the department, division and college in enrollment, retention, student satisfaction and other related areas.
  • Conduct financial aid presentations during freshman/transfer information sessions, Accepted Student Days and other admissions related events.
  • Monitor students' satisfactory academic progress and adherence to academic degree programs to maintain eligibility for federal, state and institutional aid programs.
  • Any and all other duties as assigned.

Other responsibilities as determined by assignments:
  • Perform audits and analysis on incoming student accounts to identify students at risk of not entering on time and provide regular reports and analysis for the review of the Associate Director.
  • Evaluate students who move entry dates to re-calculate budget and aid packaging in a timely manner.
  • Identify students, prior to registrations and graduations, that require account review, perform the analysis of the account, determine if student is cleared or requires action, and follow up with students to ensure clearance, prior to event.
  • Responsible to review, advise, monitor and maintain records of students with special schedules and perform enrollment status changes. Work collaboratively with internal resources across departments to resolve scheduling issues for students, counsel students on the reentry and remittance process, as well as work with students looking to transfer to another CIA campus.
  • Responsible for pre-collection efforts by proactively performing audits and analysis on student accounts to identify students with debit balances that are at risk. Contacting these students to ensure they are well informed and assist students and families with the necessary financial planning to help them meet their financial responsibilities to the school.
  • Identify students who are leaving school, prepare and conduct exit interviews, refund calculations and R2T4, according to federal regulations and institutional policy, for students leaving school
  • Working with Advancement and other outside agencies, maintain and update the database of scholarships and grants, assist students with application process, review and award funds to qualified applicants.
  • Responsible for certifying and processing student loans including the disbursement process, sending electronic data files to DOE and outside agencies, reconciling and managing all loan related communications after disbursement of funds, to maintain compliance with federal regulations.
  • Responsible for certifying students, payment rosters, disbursement, reconciliation and reporting requirements for state grants, including but not limited to NYS TAP and Cal Grant, in accordance with each states regulations.
  • Manage all aspects of federal work study community service program including communicating with not-for-profit organizations on available positions, announcing job opportunities, assigning positions, tracking and monitoring hours worked and earnings.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in student accounts, financial aid, or other related office.

Experience:
  • Minimum of one (1) year of customer service/support experience within an office environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience working in Higher Education strongly preferred.
  • Experience in multiple areas of student services, such as Registrar, Bursar and Financial Aid, an asset.
  • Experience working in student finance, financial aid or student accounts.

REQUIRED SKILLS
  • Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to be adaptable, dependable and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to show a high level of service responsiveness to customers.
  • Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive issues with confidentiality and discretion.
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills required. Must have demonstrated ability in organizational, time management, problem solving and interpersonal skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Regular work requires the use of a computer for extended periods of time, sometimes in excess of eight (8) hours.
  • Must be able to work evenings and weekends as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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