Financial Aid Counselor

PRINCIPIA

. Serve as the primary point of contact for current and prospective students .

Posted 9/30/2026full-timeElsah • Illinois • United StatesJunior💰 $24 - $28 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in financial aid counseling, including federal and state regulations, financial planning, and compliance. Proficient in using financial aid systems and communication tools to support students and families effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Financial Aid CounselingFederal Regulations ComplianceBanner Financial Aid SystemFinancial PlanningStudent Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial Aid Eligibility AssessmentVerification ReviewsAwarding Federal FundsCost EstimationData Reconciliation

Soft Skills

AdaptabilityCommunicationSupportive Attitude

Tools & Technologies

MS WordMS ExcelMS OutlookBanner Financial Aid System

Industry Keywords

Federal Financial AidPell GrantsDirect LoansFederal Supplemental Education Opportunity GrantsGovernment-Funded Assistance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the primary point of contact for current and prospective students
Counsel students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, and indebtedness
Communicate with students, parents, and prospective students regarding financial aid counseling
Help students estimate educational expenses, calculate annual needs, and prepare financial plans
Conduct verification reviews according to federal regulations
Award, disburse, and reconcile federal funds, including Direct Loans, Pell Grants, and Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants
Review student aid awards for accuracy
Notify students of eligibility changes and alternatives
Use internal and external communication systems to inform students and parents about awards, policies, and procedures
Ensure compliance with financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations
Interpret federal and state regulations for specific student situations
Assist the Director of Financial Aid with compliance reviews and reports
Attend on- and off-campus training sessions
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
1–3 years of experience in college and federal financial aid or a related area
Experience with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook
Easily adaptable to new technologies
Familiarity with Banner financial aid awarding system, preferred
Knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding government-funded assistance
Occasional weekend work required
Some travel may be required
Student of Christian Science preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

90% tuition discount for eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded)
Relocation reimbursement of up to 12% of annual salary when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles
Professional development, learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
Paid time off
403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching