Financial Aid Counselor
Summary
Advises students and families on financial aid options, processes aid applications, and ensures compliance with federal/state regulations at a private university.
Financial Aid Counselor
Charleston Southern University
Position Overview
The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for supporting the administration of student financial aid at Charleston Southern University. This position plays a critical role in reviewing financial aid documentation, determining eligibility, and awarding aid in accordance with regulations established by the U.S. Department of Education, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, the South Carolina Tuition Grants Program, and Charleston Southern University.
The counselor provides financial aid counseling to students and families, supports enrollment and retention efforts, and assists with developing and maintaining institutional policies and procedures that promote fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and student success.
In keeping with CSU’s mission of integrating faith in learning, leading, and serving, the Financial Aid Counselor demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to helping students navigate the financial aid process with excellence and care.
Key Responsibilities
• Counsel students and parents on financial aid options, financial planning, debt management, and the federal Title IV refund policy, including implications of withdrawal or eligibility changes.
• Review, evaluate, and process financial aid applications and supporting documentation to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
• Maintain accurate student records, ensuring timely updates, proper documentation, and compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements.
• Conduct federally required verification in compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations and university policy; resolve conflicting information promptly.
• Evaluate and process Special Circumstances/Professional Judgment requests in accordance with federal and institutional policies, maintaining documentation for audit and regulatory review.
• Calculate, package, revise, and award aid, including Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, state grants, scholarships, and institutional aid.
• Collaborate with Student Accounts and other campus offices regarding billing, payments, refunds, payment plans, reconciliations, and student account concerns as needed.
• Support compliance efforts by adhering to policy, monitoring requirements, and assisting with internal and external audits or program reviews.
• Host FAFSA completion workshops and financial aid information sessions for prospective and current students.
• Represent Student Financial Services at campus events, orientations, and outreach activities to promote financial literacy and student engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the mission, goals, and strategic initiatives of Charleston Southern University.
Certain jobs at Charleston Southern University may require specific physical and/or mental abilities and the hiring manager will provide additional information and provision of requests for reasonable accommodation if needed. Regular, on-time attendance; applicants must have the ability to lift and carry up to 75 lb; applicants must be available to work nights and weekends; applicants may be required to work in inclement weather, etc. This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position will remain open until filled.