Student Financial Aid Counselor

Student Financial Aid Counselor
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Job Code: 8461SF

Position Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of financial aid funds to students. This position requires the knowledge of and ability to follow financial aid regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures as stipulated by state, federal, and institutional entities, and ensure the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships operates efficiently and effectively. This includes the accurate and timely completion of tasks, and providing encouragement and assistance to staff in meeting departmental and individual goals. Excellent customer service and communication skills are imperative as this position involves heavy public contact with students, parents, and University employees, as well as with representatives from local, state, and federal agencies.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Aid Processing (30%)

• Manage and responsible for financial aid process as a whole, and the integrity of the individual financial aid record
• Manually resolve various error and other on-demand reports needing resolution; perform manual awarding and package adjustments
• Manually adjust cost of attendance budgets
• Disburse aid and/or disburse aid in override as needed; process outside scholarship checks, credit checks, housing applications, medical assistance, and other outside requests; understand and remain current on University, State of MN, and federal Department of Education program guidelines and policies
• Interpret and explain state and federal regulations to parents and students
• Resolve citizenship and selective service status
• Recommend policy and procedural changes.

Provide Customer Service (30%)

• Counsel students proactively and on the spot diagnostic support and problem resolution on a variety of issues such as aid eligibility, loan options, debt management, repayment options, customer accounts and payments, online student cost of attendance in relation to credit load and costs, and in-depth program-specific issues
• Represent the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at student registration functions
• Communicate accurate financial aid information to colleagues, students, and parents and make appropriate referrals
• Manage in-coming student traffic and communications (calls and department emails)
• Process departmental mail
• Maintain the OneStop website, Facebook account, and departmental forms.

Minnesota State Program Administration and Compliance (30%)

• Provide expertise and eligibility decisions for the State Grant Programs, which include the MN State Grant, MN Student Teacher Grants, MN Fostering Independence Grant, MN Dream Act, MN GI Bill, MN Indian Scholarship Program, MN Child Care Grant and North Star Promise.
• Responsible for review and eligibility for grant awards
• Perform state grant eligibility reviews.
• Monitor the MN Office of Higher Education (MOHE) database for weekly reports to ensure completion of applications, request funding and to accomplish program reconciliation for MN State programs.

Other duties (10%)

• Complete I-9 processing for student employees
• Assist in training department student staff, communications, and checklist processing
• Other department duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.

Pay Range: $20.00- $25.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Required application materials: Resume

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.