Financial Aid Counselor

Posted:
3/1/2026, 4:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Maryland, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level

Field(s):
Customer Success & Support

Job Description Summary

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) seeks a Financial Aid Counselor in our Operations unit, who under general supervision, will work independently to perform financial aid counseling and administration to support students and staff on financial aid.

The Financial Aid Counselor will assist with the following important tasks:

- Provide consistent and high-quality customer service to students and families on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and their financial aid options at the University of Maryland.
- Support with the administration of the FAFSA and financial aid programs which includes but is not limited to conducting financial need analysis, aid offer, re-consideration of aid, review of the cost of attendance, verification, loan processing, review of Satisfactory Progress Policy and Return to Title IV (R2T4).
- Use financial aid systems, websites, and data reports for financial aid processing.
- Collaborate with OSFA, Enrollment Management (EM), and other campus partners about financial aid and OSFA projects/services.
- Represent OSFA on financial aid matters for OSFA/EM student events as needed.

Physical Demands: Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages and other items and to walk short distances.

Licenses/Certifications: N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Two (2) years of professional financial aid, finance advising, or finance counseling related experience.

Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of financial aid policies and procedures.

Knowledge of federal, state, and other applicable related laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.

Knowledge of Title IV regulations, policies and procedures.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.

Skill in attention to detail when reviewing and entering data.
Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Ability and knowledge to assist in multiple areas throughout the office.

Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
Ability to work in and promote a team environment.

Ability to interpret and communicate information based on knowledge of institutional policies, procedures, and departmental considerations.

Additional Job Details

Preferences:

  • Ability to think critically and problem-solve through customer service issues.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks under specific time constraints.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Ability to work with computer systems and review data reports.
  • Professional work experience in higher education.
  • Working knowledge of state (Maryland Higher Education Commission) financial aid programs and policies.
  • Financial aid experience in processing federal & private loans, verification, Pell Grant, Satisfactory Progress (SAP), Return to Title IV (R2T4) etc.
  • Working knowledge and ability to use the Federal Student Aid (FSA) website (FSA Partner Connect).
  • Experience with financial aid systems, automated data processing systems and report reviews.

    Required Application Materials:

    • Resume
    • Cover letter
    • References

     

    Best Consideration Date: 3/30/2026

     

    Posting Close Date: 3/30/2026

     

    Open Until Filled: No

    **UMD will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future.**

     

    Job Risks

    Not Applicable to This Position

    Financial Disclosure Required

    No

    For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

    Department

    SVPAAP-EM-Enrollment Operations

    Worker Sub-Type

    Staff Regular

    Salary Range

    $55,000.00 - $66,000.00

    Benefits Summary

    For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.

    Background Checks

    Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

    Employment Eligibility

    The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

    EEO Statement

    The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

    Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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    University of Maryland - College Park

    Website: https://umd.edu/

    Headquarter Location: College Park, Maryland, United States

    Employee Count: 10001+

    Year Founded: 1856

    IPO Status: Private

    Last Funding Type: Grant

    Industries: Education ⋅ E-Learning ⋅ Higher Education ⋅ Personal Development ⋅ Universities