Financial Aid Coordinator

The Financial Aid Coordinator provides broad support across the Office of Student Financial Aid. Analyzes eligibility and processes all forms of financial assistance to students. Processes financial transactions based on data analysis, interpretation, and application of Federal and State regulations and guidelines used to determine student eligibility. Counsels students and parents on financial aid options and application procedures, including retention of aid and repayment of loans.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Awards federal, state, and University aid according to the current packaging parameters. Analyzes and adjusts the Cost of Attendance, Expected Family Contribution/Student Aid Index and financial award packages based on residency changes, non-standard periods of enrollment, and budget construction. Recalculates eligibility and adjusts aid to resolve over-awards, reflect required updates, Verification corrections, and Professional Judgment adjustments. Verifies eligibility for independent status and grants dependency overrides for eligible students.

In all appeals, collects sufficient documentation, uses sound judgment, carefully documents the rationale of the decision, and complies with federal regulations and University policies. Confirms citizenship, immigration, military service, and other statuses through federal databases such as the Social Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Veterans' Administration.

Reviews multiple ad-hoc reports and takes action to resolve data-load discrepancies, conflicting and/or missing data requirements affecting student eligibility and/or federal and state reporting requirements. Reviews and resolves various eligibility issues including FASFA inconsistencies, dependency status, marital status, grade level, lifetime aid limits, unusual enrollment history, income discrepancies, citizenship, and other issues causing rejects on the FAFSA or in the National Student Loan Data System.

When resolved, updates appropriate financial aid systems. Assists with developing, testing and implementing changes and improvements to the reporting processes to streamline and improve data consistency and timely conflict resolution.

Provides technical support to students and academic advisors regarding Confirmation of Participation, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Courses in Program of Study (CPoS) in relation to Degree Works (degree progress system) and financial aid eligibility. Provides support awarding and monitoring scholarships (State Lottery, Athletic, Recruiting, Restricted, Departmentally Selected, outside donors, and special programs such as National Merit, Meeting Street Scholarship Fund, Emerging Scholars, National Scholars, etc.).

Provides support in determining eligibility for funding experiential programs such as Federal Work-Study, America Reads, University Professional Internships, and ClemsonLIFE. Provides support in the origination and certification of federal and private loans, including determination of Interim Exceptions and Schedule of Reductions. Provides support in the administration of financial aid to students studying abroad. Provides support in fulfilling data requests, reporting requirements, and system testing.

Provides general and technical information to other staff members, campus partners such as Student Financial Services, Registrar, Admissions, academic advisors, Athletics, Advancement, departmental scholarship selectors, Honors College, PEER/WISE, Global Engagement, Career and Professional Development, and Student Affairs, as well as external partners…