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Syracuse University

Financial Aid Counselor

🇺🇸 Syracuse, New York 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $22 - $22 per Hour 💻 Financial Aid 🗓️ September 19th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

Syracuse University is hiring a Financial Aid Counselor to advise a diverse population of prospective and enrolled students and their parents on financial aid and scholarships. Each counselor manages a caseload of about 2,000 students, working through aid eligibility, sensitive family financial situations, and payment options while keeping pace with shifting federal and institutional regulations. Needs analysis and professional judgment come into play as counselors adjust award calculations and represent the office at campus events throughout the year.

Highlights
  • Counsel prospective and enrolled students and their parents on federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
  • Manage a caseload of approximately 2,000 students throughout the year.
  • Perform needs analysis to determine federal and institutional aid eligibility.
  • Apply professional judgment to adjust financial aid calculations for individual circumstances.
  • Monitor aid eligibility weekly and adjust awards as circumstances and regulations change.
  • Review and respond to student and parent appeals for additional scholarship and need-based funding.
  • Represent the Office of Financial Aid at on-campus and off-campus recruitment and outreach events.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred, plus two or more years of customer service, counseling, or financial aid experience.
  • Familiarity with PeopleSoft or similar student information systems, OnBase imaging software, and Microsoft Office required.
  • Pay ranges from $21.63 to $21.73 per hour, with overtime availability required during peak award season.

Financial Aid Counselor Full Description

Job Description
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, assisting students and families in navigating financial aid eligibility, sensitive family financial situations, financial planning strategies, payment options, and academic progress. Counselors also perform needs analysis to determine federal and institutional eligibility and use professional judgment to adjust calculations, representing the office at both on- and off-campus events throughout the year.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
  • Two or more years of customer service, counseling, or financial aid experience preferred; counseling experience in another higher education student services area may substitute.

Skills and Knowledge
  • Knowledge of regulations for interpreting and administering federal Title IV, state, and university financial aid programs.
  • Excellent communication and counseling skills, with professionalism, tact, discretion, and compassion.
  • Ability to function well as a team member in a high-volume, fast-paced environment while meeting numerous deadlines.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for students and staff.
  • Experience with PeopleSoft or other student information systems, OnBase or other imaging systems, and Microsoft software.
  • Availability for overtime during peak award season.

Responsibilities
  • Counsel prospective and enrolled students and parents on federal, state, and institutional financial aid via in-person, virtual, phone, and email communications.
  • Advise a caseload of approximately 2,000 students, applying principles sensitive to their circumstances while adhering to federal and University policy.
  • Monitor aid eligibility weekly and adjust aid as necessary throughout the year.
  • Participate in community outreach programs and on-campus Admissions programs during Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Review and respond to a high volume of student/parent appeals for additional scholarship and need-based funding.
  • Perform in-depth analysis of students’ current financial situation compared to their financial aid application.