Financial Aid Advisor - Financial Aid

The University at Albany is a Carnegie-classified Research 1 institution driven by academic excellence, pioneering research and scientific discovery, and service to community. UAlbany's world-class faculty experts and approximately 17,500 students are creating new knowledge in fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor engineering, atmospheric and environmental sciences, cybersecurity, public health, public administration and social welfare while deepening our understanding of our world through scholarship and creative activity in the social sciences and humanities.

As one of the most diverse public research institutions in the nation, the University is a national leader in public engagement, educational equity and social mobility. For over 180 years, UAlbany has molded bright, curious and engaged students and launched them toward success. Located in Albany, New York, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City, and the Adirondacks.

The Financial Aid Advisor supports students and families in navigating the financial aid process by providing accurate information, individualized guidance, and exceptional customer service. This position plays a key role in helping students access educational funding by interpreting federal, state, and institutional policies, evaluating eligibility, and assisting with the completion of required applications including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and pertinent state aid applications.

The purpose of the Financial Aid Advisor position is to ensure students understand their financial aid options and receive the support needed to remove financial barriers to enrollment, retention, persistence, and completion. This role contributes to the institution's mission by counseling students, processing aid applications, maintaining regulatory compliance, and promoting financial literacy to help students make informed decisions about paying for college.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Processing
  • Ethical Conduct & Professionalism
    • Uphold the highest Code of Conduct by providing accurate, unbiased, and transparent financial aid information.
    • Maintain confidentiality of student records and ensure all advising practices comply with FERPA.
    • Avoid conflicts of interest and ensure fair, equitable treatment of all students.
  • Accurate Consumer Information
    • Provide clear, complete, and accessible information regarding financial aid programs, eligibility, costs, deadlines, and policies.
    • Educate students and families on funding options, rights, and responsibilities.
  • Need Analysis & Eligibility Determination
    • Apply need analysis methodologies when reviewing FAFSA data and calculating financial need.
    • Interpret federal, state, and institutional guidelines to determine student eligibility accurately.
    • Identify and resolve conflicting information in accordance with regulatory standards.
  • Verification & Documentation
    • Conduct verification following federal regulations and industry best practices.
    • Ensure timely collection and accurate review of tax documents, household information, and other required materials.
    • Update student records and correct FAFSA data as needed.
  • Packaging & Awarding Aid
    • Package financial aid for the academic year, or one semester.
    • Explain awards, cost of attendance, unmet need, and funding adjustments to students.
    • Reassess and revise aid packages due to enrollment changes, SAP status, special circumstances, or additional resources.
  • Professional Judgment (PJ)
    • Apply PJ decisions ethically, consistently, and with proper documentation.
    • Evaluate special circumstance requests such as income changes, dependency overrides, or unusual expenses.
    • Ensure PJ decisions meet federal regulations and institutional policy standards.
  • Compl…