Financial Aid Counselor

Edtech.com's Summary

UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) is hiring a Financial Aid Counselor. The role involves conducting student need analysis, performing federal verifications and packaging of student aid, providing financial aid counseling to assist students and parents, maintaining the scholarship award system, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations while collaborating with outside agencies.

Highlights

Conduct student financial need analysis and perform federal verification of aid.
Provide financial aid counseling to students and parents to resolve issues.
Maintain the scholarship award management system.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and Title IV regulations.
Interact with external agencies to facilitate student eligibility processes.
Proficient with Microsoft Office products and data processing systems.
Requires bachelor's degree and two years of financial aid or counseling experience; up to four years of experience may substitute education.
Preferred experience in scholarships and financial aid office customer service.
Salary range is $55,000-$66,000 annually.
Position is full-time within the Financial Aid Services department at UMCP.

Financial Aid Counselor Full Description

Job Description Summary

Position Overview and Key Responsibilities:

The Financial Aid Counselor, under the direction of the Assistant Director, provides financial aid and scholarships services to students on a wide basis. The Financial Aid Counselor will conduct student need analysis, perform federal verifications and packaging of student aid, provide financial aid counseling to facilitate problem-solving with students and parents and maintain the scholarship award management system. Incumbents in this job classification will interact with specific outside agencies to facilitate the student eligibility process and they are accountable for ensuring compliance with federal regulations. The candidate should possess the ability to work in and promote a team environment and has the ability to interpret and communicate information based on knowledge of institutional policies, procedures, and departmental considerations.

Physical Demands of Position: Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages and other items and to walk short distances.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Two (2) years of professional financial aid, finance advising, or finance counseling related experience.

Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of financial aid policies and procedures.

Knowledge of federal, state, and other applicable related laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.

Knowledge of Title IV regulations, policies and procedures.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.

Skill in attention to detail when reviewing and entering data.
Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Ability and knowledge to assist in multiple areas throughout the office.

Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
Ability to work in and promote a team environment.

Ability to interpret and communicate information based on knowledge of institutional policies, procedures, and departmental considerations.

Additional Job Details

Preferences:

Experience in the area of scholarships is preferred.
Possess strong counseling skills and experience.
Knowledge of an automated data processing system and one year experience in customer service with experience in a financial aid office preferred.

Required Application Materials:

Resume
Cover letter
References

Best Consideration Date: 3/18/2026

Posting Close Date: 3/18/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department

SVPAAP-EM-Financial Aid Services

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

Min/Max: $55,000-$66,000

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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Original Job Description