Financial Aid Counselor

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus.

Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range $21.63 - $21.73 per hour

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

FLSA Status Non-exempt

Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type Full-time

Unionized Position Code Not Applicable

The Financial Aid Counselor is part of a team that supports Syracuse University’s effort to attract and retain qualified students by advising a diverse population of prospective and enrolled students and their parents on matters pertaining to financial aid and scholarships. Each counselor is responsible for a population of approximately 2,000 students. Counselors assist students and families in navigating financial aid eligibility, sensitive family financial situations, financial planning strategies and payment options, and academic progress.

They work in a high-volume and fast-paced environment to apply knowledge of swiftly changing federal regulations and institutional requirements to each student they advise. Counselors also perform needs analysis to determine federal and institutional eligibility and use professional judgment as appropriate to adjust calculations. Counselors represent the office at both on and off campus events throughout the year.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Two (2) plus years of Customer service, Counseling, Financial aid experience preferred, though counseling experience in other higher education student services area could be a reasonable substitution.

• Knowledge of regulations in interpreting and administering federal Title IV, state and University financial aid programs to ensure compliance.
• Excellent communication and counseling skills as well as the ability to use professionalism, tact, discretion, and compassion in advising. Must possess a flexible attitude and be able to function well as a team member in a high-volume, fast paced environment while paying close attention to detail and prioritizing workload to meet numerous deadlines crucial to meeting the University enrollment goals.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for students and staff. This includes but is not limited to: fostering an office environment that allows students and staff of different backgrounds and identities to feel safe, accepted, and understood; helping students with financial aid and financial literacy education to overcome barriers to college attainment; and helping develop and further initiatives in this area.
• Experience with People Soft or other student information systems, OnBase or other imaging systems, and Microsoft software products.
• Availability for overtime during peak award season.

• Counsel students and parents, both prospective and currently enrolled, on all aspects of financial aid including federal, state, and institutional programs via in person or virtual appointments, phone appointments, and email communications, all of which are very heavy during the admission and returning award seasons. Each counselor has a population of approximately 2,000 students receiving some type of financial aid and provides advisement to that population using principles…