Financial Aid Counselor I
$39,520–$45,760 year
On-siteMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States or Winona, Minnesota, United States
Job Summary
Review and analyze financial aid application data to determine accurate and compliant award packages, modifying eligibility based on enrollment changes and communicating updates to students. Manage loan origination and disbursement processes through EDConnect and COD systems, ensuring timely data transmissions and federal compliance. Counsel students, prospective students, and key constituents on financing options, application procedures, and debt management while resolving issues with Business Office, Registrar, and Academic Advising. Provide high-level customer service for escalated questions and troubleshoot complications in aid reconciliation. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations to support the university's Lasallian Catholic mission of empowering learners through ethical service and leadership.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- 3 years of work experience in higher education student services, preferably in financial aid
- Meticulous attention to detail and strong compliance mindset
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with others; take initiative to solve problems; collect, analyze, interpret, and report data promptly; and produce accurate and detailed work
- Preferred knowledge of, or at a minimum capacity to rapidly acquire knowledge of, regulations and legislation governing federal and state financial aid programs
- Preferred knowledge of, or at a minimum capacity to rapidly acquire knowledge of, financial aid/billing policies and processes, and financial aid application processes
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Organizational and planning skills
- Writing and editing skills
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple work assignments in a complex work environment
- Ability to adapt to work change
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite products
- Experience of and/or capacity to quickly utilize student management systems, such as Jenzabar, JFA, EdConnect, NSLDS, and COD
- Ability to relate to diverse populations
- Must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution
- All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check
Desired Qualifications
- Preferred minimum of one year of financial aid experience
- May consider other acceptable equivalent combinations of training and experience
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