Syracuse University
Graduate Financial Aid Counselor
Join Syracuse University as a Graduate Financial Aid Counselor. The Graduate Financial Aid Counselor supports Syracuse University’s mission to attract and retain graduate students by advising a diverse population of approximately 4,000 enrolled and prospective students on federal and private loans, graduate aid, and financial planning. The role involves guiding students through eligibility, sensitive family financial circumstances, payment options, and academic progress while applying knowledge of rapidly changing federal regulations and institutional policies. Operating in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment, the counselor ensures compliance with U.S. Department of Education and University policies, provides individualized advisement tailored to the unique challenges of graduate students, and coordinates with campus partners to resolve concerns. In addition, the counselor represents the office at on‑ and off‑campus graduate events throughout the year, supporting recruitment, retention, and student success.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s preferred.
Two (2) plus years of financial aid experience preferred, though counseling experience in other higher education student services area could be a reasonable substitution.
NASA‑FAA credentials recommended: Fundamentals in Student Financial Aid, Application Process, Need Analysis, Satisfactory Academic Progress and Professional Judgment.
Skills and Knowledge
Possess comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and regulations, with specialized expertise in graduate and certificate programs, including online and flexible‑format offerings.
Skilled in evaluating the impact of graduate awards and stipends on aid eligibility and providing clear, empathetic counseling to diverse student populations.
Demonstrated ability to advise with professionalism, tact, discretion, diplomacy, and compassion while thriving in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment that requires attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to prioritize multiple deadlines with minimal guidance.
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an office culture where students and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, accepted, and supported.
Actively contributes to financial literacy initiatives that help students overcome barriers to college access and success.
Experienced with PeopleSoft, OnBase, and Microsoft Office products, with flexibility to work overtime during peak award seasons to ensure exceptional service.
Responsibilities
Counsel graduate students, both prospective and currently enrolled, on all aspects of financial aid through approximately 400 in‑person or virtual appointments annually, along with several hundred phone and email communications, with the heaviest activity during admission and returning award seasons.
Manage a population of about 4,000 graduate students, including 1,500 who receive federal or private loans, providing advisement that is sensitive to the unique challenges of independent graduate students while adhering to evolving U.S. Department of Education and University policies.
Monitor aid eligibility weekly and adjust awards as needed throughout the year to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Participate in outreach programs such as FAFSA filing nights held over multiple evenings and weekends during the fall and spring, as well as numerous on‑campus Admissions events, supporting both recruitment and retention goals.
Determine and review financial aid eligibility for approximately 4,000 graduate students on the main campus, applying federal, state, and institutional regulations to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Evaluate enrollment changes, monitor satisfactory academic progress, review scholarships and graduate awards, resolve federal match issues, and assess eligibility for AmeriCorps, veterans’ benefits, and refunds.
Conduct weekly reviews of an average of 200 students receiving graduate awards to ensure federal financial aid limits are not exceeded, particularly during semester starts.
Develop and deliver financial aid and financial literacy programming to support University recruitment and retention goals.
Provide 25 to 30 presentations annually through in‑person sessions, webinars, online chats, and community filing events.
Conduct in‑person presentations for undergraduate First Year Forum classes to promote financial literacy early in the student lifecycle and collaborate with individual schools and colleges to tailor content for graduate students.
Provide one‑on‑one loan exit interviews for 20 to 25 graduating students each semester.
Serve as backup for the quarter‑term Graduate Counselor and Loan Processor during peak processing periods or staff absences, ensuring continuity of service and compliance with federal and institutional requirements.
Other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment Not Applicable
Application Instructions In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
Salary and Benefits Greater Syracuse‑Auburn Area $20.67-$22.22 (ongoing)
EEO Statement Syracuse University is an equal‑opportunity 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, veteran status, and 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. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences, encouraging open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Education and Training
Industry Higher Education
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Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s preferred.
Two (2) plus years of financial aid experience preferred, though counseling experience in other higher education student services area could be a reasonable substitution.
NASA‑FAA credentials recommended: Fundamentals in Student Financial Aid, Application Process, Need Analysis, Satisfactory Academic Progress and Professional Judgment.
Skills and Knowledge
Possess comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and regulations, with specialized expertise in graduate and certificate programs, including online and flexible‑format offerings.
Skilled in evaluating the impact of graduate awards and stipends on aid eligibility and providing clear, empathetic counseling to diverse student populations.
Demonstrated ability to advise with professionalism, tact, discretion, diplomacy, and compassion while thriving in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment that requires attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to prioritize multiple deadlines with minimal guidance.
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an office culture where students and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, accepted, and supported.
Actively contributes to financial literacy initiatives that help students overcome barriers to college access and success.
Experienced with PeopleSoft, OnBase, and Microsoft Office products, with flexibility to work overtime during peak award seasons to ensure exceptional service.
Responsibilities
Counsel graduate students, both prospective and currently enrolled, on all aspects of financial aid through approximately 400 in‑person or virtual appointments annually, along with several hundred phone and email communications, with the heaviest activity during admission and returning award seasons.
Manage a population of about 4,000 graduate students, including 1,500 who receive federal or private loans, providing advisement that is sensitive to the unique challenges of independent graduate students while adhering to evolving U.S. Department of Education and University policies.
Monitor aid eligibility weekly and adjust awards as needed throughout the year to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Participate in outreach programs such as FAFSA filing nights held over multiple evenings and weekends during the fall and spring, as well as numerous on‑campus Admissions events, supporting both recruitment and retention goals.
Determine and review financial aid eligibility for approximately 4,000 graduate students on the main campus, applying federal, state, and institutional regulations to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Evaluate enrollment changes, monitor satisfactory academic progress, review scholarships and graduate awards, resolve federal match issues, and assess eligibility for AmeriCorps, veterans’ benefits, and refunds.
Conduct weekly reviews of an average of 200 students receiving graduate awards to ensure federal financial aid limits are not exceeded, particularly during semester starts.
Develop and deliver financial aid and financial literacy programming to support University recruitment and retention goals.
Provide 25 to 30 presentations annually through in‑person sessions, webinars, online chats, and community filing events.
Conduct in‑person presentations for undergraduate First Year Forum classes to promote financial literacy early in the student lifecycle and collaborate with individual schools and colleges to tailor content for graduate students.
Provide one‑on‑one loan exit interviews for 20 to 25 graduating students each semester.
Serve as backup for the quarter‑term Graduate Counselor and Loan Processor during peak processing periods or staff absences, ensuring continuity of service and compliance with federal and institutional requirements.
Other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment Not Applicable
Application Instructions In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
Salary and Benefits Greater Syracuse‑Auburn Area $20.67-$22.22 (ongoing)
EEO Statement Syracuse University is an equal‑opportunity 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, veteran status, and 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. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences, encouraging open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Education and Training
Industry Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr