What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Aid Coordinator – Counselor position at Inside Higher Ed?
Logo:
Posting Number:
STA00354PO26
Job Family:
Student Administrative Services
Job Function:
Financial Aid
USC Market Title:
Financial Aid Coordinator
Link To USC Market Title:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133942
Job Level:
P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title):
Financial Aid Coordinator – Counselor
Campus:
Columbia
Work County:
Richland
College/Division:
Enrollment Management
Department:
EM Financial Aid and Scholarships
State Pay Range:
G07
USC Market Range:
MRD - $44,296 $54,263 $64,229
Anticipated Hiring Range:
$45,133
Part/Full Time:
Full Time
Hours Per Week:
37.5
Work Schedule:
12 months
Job Search Category:
Student Services
About University Of South Carolina:
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement:
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Advertised Job Summary:
This position will carry an internal title of Financial Aid Counselor; it is a part of the student services team that has the primary responsibility of direct to student services for the office. The highest quality of customer service and administrative compliance required by federal, state and other funding sources is of primary importance. While not expected to know the specific administration details of programs, Counselors are expected to maintain the level of administrative knowledge needed to guide and assist students in every aspect of and with the more complex technical levels of applying for through receipt of financial aid and scholarships. Financial Aid processed exceed $400 million. Counselors are empowered to represent every area of the office in their interactions and service to students. Counselors will assist in the development and implementation of specific office programs/initiatives. Counselors will take an active role in office and University outreach as needed. Financial Aid Counselors report to the Sr. Assistant Director of (Direct) Student Services.
Job Related Minimum Required Education And Experience:
Provides thorough documentation of all action related or information sharing contacts with students.
Essential Function:
Yes
Percentage Of Time:
10
Job Duty:
Maintains a thorough and current working knowledge of federal, state, and other resources by reading professional publications, reviewing other forms of guidance, by participating in ongoing staff professional development and training, and by attending externally provided training opportunities needed to assure compliance in the successful completion of #’s 1 and 2.
Job Duty:
Participates in the development and delivery of special programs that contribute to the University’s recruitment and retention of students such as New Student Orientation.
Job Duty:
Provides professional oversight to students in designated programs that demand special attention and reports to the Director as appropriate.
Job Duty:
Participates in and contributes to the administration of special circumstances/professional judgment reviews of student applications.
Percentage Of Time:
15
Job Duty:
Provides thorough and accurate individualized counseling and advisement regarding available financial aid resources, application processes, eligibility requirements, awarding, and aid delivery. Assist with specific administrative responsibilities such as satisfactory academic progress review and application verification. Assists with the office’s responsibilities with areas associated with financial aid such as admissions, housing, academic advisement and scheduling, academic support opportunities, and fees payment.
Percentage Of Time:
20
Job Duty:
Participates in student file review to assess application information accuracy and to assess particular situations and needs. Initiates follow-up to resolve inconsistencies and potentially inaccurate information. Performs or initiates all related procedural responsibilities. Initiates student award adjustments to assure compliant coordination of financial aid to every applicant.
Job Duty:
Assists in office outreach activities and supports other office administrative efforts when needed.
Percentage Of Time:
5
Safety Sensitive Or Security Sensitive:
No
Hazardous Weather Category:
Non-Essential
Number Of Vacancies:
1
Job Open Date:
05/19/2026
Job Close Date:
07/02/2026
Open Until Filled:
No
Special Instructions To Applicant:
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.We are only accepting applications submitted by July 2, 2026.The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
Quicklink For Posting:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/206593
EEO Statement:
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Posting Number:
STA00354PO26
Job Family:
Student Administrative Services
Job Function:
Financial Aid
USC Market Title:
Financial Aid Coordinator
Link To USC Market Title:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133942
Job Level:
P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title):
Financial Aid Coordinator – Counselor
Campus:
Columbia
Work County:
Richland
College/Division:
Enrollment Management
Department:
EM Financial Aid and Scholarships
State Pay Range:
G07
USC Market Range:
MRD - $44,296 $54,263 $64,229
Anticipated Hiring Range:
$45,133
Part/Full Time:
Full Time
Hours Per Week:
37.5
Work Schedule:
- Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, one hour for lunch.
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
12 months
Job Search Category:
Student Services
About University Of South Carolina:
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement:
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Advertised Job Summary:
This position will carry an internal title of Financial Aid Counselor; it is a part of the student services team that has the primary responsibility of direct to student services for the office. The highest quality of customer service and administrative compliance required by federal, state and other funding sources is of primary importance. While not expected to know the specific administration details of programs, Counselors are expected to maintain the level of administrative knowledge needed to guide and assist students in every aspect of and with the more complex technical levels of applying for through receipt of financial aid and scholarships. Financial Aid processed exceed $400 million. Counselors are empowered to represent every area of the office in their interactions and service to students. Counselors will assist in the development and implementation of specific office programs/initiatives. Counselors will take an active role in office and University outreach as needed. Financial Aid Counselors report to the Sr. Assistant Director of (Direct) Student Services.
Job Related Minimum Required Education And Experience:
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
- Prior experience in a student financial aid office or comparable higher education environment.
- Ability to learn and maintain knowledge of federal/state/institutional/office/other-related law, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices required for responsible and compliant administration.
- Demonstrates responsible discretion in providing service and maintaining professional relationships.
- Communicates effectively and professionally with a diverse service population.
- Possesses knowledge of general counseling skills, general enrollment management responsibilities, and public relations, along with a strong desire for ongoing professional and leadership development.
Provides thorough documentation of all action related or information sharing contacts with students.
Essential Function:
Yes
Percentage Of Time:
10
Job Duty:
Maintains a thorough and current working knowledge of federal, state, and other resources by reading professional publications, reviewing other forms of guidance, by participating in ongoing staff professional development and training, and by attending externally provided training opportunities needed to assure compliance in the successful completion of #’s 1 and 2.
Job Duty:
Participates in the development and delivery of special programs that contribute to the University’s recruitment and retention of students such as New Student Orientation.
Job Duty:
Provides professional oversight to students in designated programs that demand special attention and reports to the Director as appropriate.
Job Duty:
Participates in and contributes to the administration of special circumstances/professional judgment reviews of student applications.
Percentage Of Time:
15
Job Duty:
Provides thorough and accurate individualized counseling and advisement regarding available financial aid resources, application processes, eligibility requirements, awarding, and aid delivery. Assist with specific administrative responsibilities such as satisfactory academic progress review and application verification. Assists with the office’s responsibilities with areas associated with financial aid such as admissions, housing, academic advisement and scheduling, academic support opportunities, and fees payment.
Percentage Of Time:
20
Job Duty:
Participates in student file review to assess application information accuracy and to assess particular situations and needs. Initiates follow-up to resolve inconsistencies and potentially inaccurate information. Performs or initiates all related procedural responsibilities. Initiates student award adjustments to assure compliant coordination of financial aid to every applicant.
Job Duty:
Assists in office outreach activities and supports other office administrative efforts when needed.
Percentage Of Time:
5
Safety Sensitive Or Security Sensitive:
No
Hazardous Weather Category:
Non-Essential
Number Of Vacancies:
1
Job Open Date:
05/19/2026
Job Close Date:
07/02/2026
Open Until Filled:
No
Special Instructions To Applicant:
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.We are only accepting applications submitted by July 2, 2026.The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Quicklink For Posting:
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/206593
EEO Statement:
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Salary : $44,296 - $64,229