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. 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.
Qualifications
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.
Experience with PeopleSoft or other student information systems, OnBase or other imaging systems, and Microsoft software products.
Availability for overtime during peak award season.
Job Specific Qualifications
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.
Responsibilities
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. Each counselor has a population of appx 2,000 students receiving some type of financial aid and provides advisement to that population using principles that are sensitive to the challenges of students in their assigned cohort while adhering to the ever-changing U.S. Department of Education and University policies and procedures.
Monitors the aid eligibility of their student population weekly and adjusts aid as necessary throughout the year.
Participate in multiple community outreach programs as well as on campus Admissions during the 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 in comparison with the situation presented on their financial aid applications, and use professional judgment to adjust applications to more accurately reflect students’ present day special circumstances.
Professional decision-making skills and discretion used to award appx 80% of appeal funding on an individual basis with more complex appeal recommendations (appx 20%) presented to committee and supervisor for approval.
Perform institutional needs analysis review for appx 150 applicants/current students to calculate an institutional expected family contribution.
Balance the stewardship of institutional, state and federal aid funds with the needs of the family, as well as the goals of the university, while carefully analyzing each family situation.
Using the verified/reviewed applications (above) as a starting point, perform further research/analysis on the additional data fields provided on the PROFILE and on supporting documentation submitted by the family.
Utilize knowledge of the university’s needs analysis calculation, established needs analysis guidelines, experience, and professional judgement to evaluate whether the calculation is reflective of the family’s ability to contribute, and adjust eligibility calculations as appropriate.
Present, as well as participate in, a variety of professional development opportunities including webinars, professional organization conferences, local/regional meetings, and university offerings.
Share learnings obtained at these professional development opportunities by presenting to and training colleagues and campus partners.
Participation in professional development activities is critical to stay current with changes to federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies regarding the awarding of financial aid.
Other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements
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Tools/Equipment
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Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.