Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid Advisor page is loaded## Financial Aid Advisor locations:
Carlsbad, California time type:
Full time posted on:
Posted 3 Days Agojob requisition :
R0011103

The Financial Aid Advisor provides student-facing funding support by guiding prospective and enrolled students through the financial aid process from initial inquiry through funding completion. This role manages intake services such as FAFSA assistance, verification/document collection, award counseling, and proactive student communication to ensure all requirements and deadlines are met and funding is secured in time to support enrollment and start dates.

In addition to federal financial aid, this position helps students understand and pursue outside funding options such as private education loans, workforce or employer sponsor ships, veterans benefits, scholarships, and payment plan resources when applicable.
** ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*** Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective and enrolled students regarding financial aid, scholarships, Veterans benefits, and third-party funding, providing responsive support via phone, email, and in-person communication as needed.
* Ensure student and applicant phone calls, emails, and inquiries are handled timely, accurately, and professionally, including proactive follow-up to support completion of required funding steps.
* Guide students through the financial aid intake process from initial inquiry through funding readiness, including timeline education, required documentation, and next steps to support enrollment and start-date completion.
* Provide clear, accurate information regarding available funding sources, including Federal Student Aid (Title IV), private education loans, scholarships, Veterans benefits, employer-sponsored tuition assistance, workforce/tribal funding, and other third-party sponsor ships.
* Assist students with FAFSA-related questions and general troubleshooting; follow up with students to resolve missing or incomplete requirements in a timely manner.
* Review and monitor student financial aid files for completeness and accuracy, including verification requirements and documentation standards; communicate with students regarding corrections, missing items, or clarifying information needed.
* Provide student-centered counseling to ensure students understand funding options, outstanding requirements, deadlines, and payment responsibilities prior to enrollment.
* Support student understanding of estimated financial assistance, including award review, key deadlines, and student responsibilities required to secure funding.
* Assist with federal loan requirements and student completion steps, including Entrance Counseling, Master Promissory Note (MPN), and Exit Counseling as applicable.
* Utilize federal and institutional systems to support eligibility review, file completion, and processing workflows, including CPS, COD, NSLDS, SAIG mailbox, and EdExpress, in accordance with established procedures and compliance requirements.
* Track file progress and communicate status updates as needed; escalate discrepancies, unresolved issues, or compliance concerns to appropriate financial aid leadership for review and resolution.
* Support timely and accurate document flow and communication between students and third-party payers to ensure required forms and approvals are completed by established deadlines.
* Maintain clear, consistent communication with Admissions teams at each campus to ensure students receive aligned guidance and are supported through enrollment and funding timelines.
* Partner with Admissions, Student Accounts, Student Services, and campus teams to ensure consistent service delivery and timely issue resolution across multiple locations.
* Document all student interactions, status updates, and required actions thoroughly and consistently to support continuity of service, audit readiness, and efficient issue resolution.
* Confirm students are funding-ready prior to start dates by monitoring progress, addressing barriers, and escalating unresolved issues as needed to avoid enrollment delays or withdrawals due to incomplete funding.
* Provide support for student-facing financial aid outreach and events, including informational sessions, open houses, and other student engagement activities as assigned.
* Maintain knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliant communication and consistent guidance to students and stakeholders.
* Perform other duties as assigned.
* Respond to general scholarship inquiries and provide guidance on eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application steps.
* Support students in completing scholarship application requirements and submitting documentation accurately and on time.
* Provide status updates and next-step guidance to students based on established internal processes and communications.
** TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)
*** Willingness and ability to obtain any…