Financial Aid Counselor

About the role

The Office of Financial Aid at DePauw University is seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented, and customer-focused Financial Aid Counselor to join our team. This entry-level position plays a crucial role in supporting students and families through their academic journey by guiding them through the financial aid application, evaluation, and financing processes.

Responsibilities

• Provides high-quality, welcoming service to all students, parents, and members of the DePauw University community.
• Assists and advises students and parents regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures (FAFSA), aid programs, packaging policies, costs, and the university billing process.
• Maintains accurate, secure, and confidential records of student financial aid information in compliance with privacy regulations.
• Processes and verifies financial aid materials, tax documents, and related verification forms accurately and timely.
• Learns, interprets, and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations regarding financial aid administration.
• Affords assistance in developing basic informational materials and conducting informational sessions or workshops on financial aid for students and families.
• Collaborates with the Office of Admission to help recruit new students and meet enrollment goals through relationship building and timely communication regarding financial aid packages.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree required. (Equivalents include 1–2 years of foundational experience in customer service, higher education administration, or banking/finance).
• Ability to read and interpret complex documents (such as government regulations).
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively and confidently with students, parents, and peers.
• Basic mathematical and data analysis skills; comfort working with financial figures and budgets.
• Technical proficiency with computer applications, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (specifically Excel).
• Prior experience with student information systems (e.g., Workday or PowerFAIDS) is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• Accountability: Ability to accept responsibility for one’s actions and workload.
• Communication (Oral & Written): Ability to communicate financial information clearly, concisely, and empathetically to diverse audiences.
• Diversity Oriented: Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or background.
• Interpersonal: Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and work collaboratively within a team.
• Organized: Ability to follow a systematic method of performing tasks and managing paperwork.
• Time Management: Ability to utilize available time efficiently to complete tasks within strict administrative deadlines.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Long Term Disability are paid for by DePauw University.
• Full-time employees may elect to purchase additional voluntary life insurance for themselves and their dependents.
• Additional voluntary benefits, Tuition Remission and Exchange, as well as Relocation Allowance are also employee benefits.
• All employees may participate in the retirement savings plan, as well as employee discounts and access to University resources.
• At DePauw, we recognize that our employees need to balance work and home. Please refer to University Policies for Vacation Time, Personal Time (hourly) and Sick Time policies in the Employee Handbook for more information on these and other benefits.
• Cigna Employee Assistance benefit is available to all employees and their households.
• Enjoy access to the amazing facilities and programs DePauw University has to offer, such as: Welch Fitness Center and wellness classes, Indoor Tennis and Track Center, University Libraries, Peeler art galleries, Green Center for the Performing Arts events and programs, Ubben lecture series, Free athletic events, Bookstore and Starbucks (Greencastle) discounts, Employee discounted meal plan, Free parking, Nature park, including walking and biking trails, Personal duplicating and printing discounts.