Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor 2

Job  
·

Location:

Summerville Campus
· Full/Part Time:
Full Time

About Us Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. Augusta University is committed to experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences.

Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real-world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state.

The University System of Georgia supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy. More details on USG policies are available online.

Augusta University
- Our Health Sciences Campus: 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912
Our Summerville Campus: 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) at Augusta University helps students secure funds for their education, advise on eligibility for financial aid programs, assist with completing documents, and counsel students on rights and responsibilities of receiving aid.

This position determines eligibility for and manages the awarding of student financial aid from federal, state, institutional and other sources. Responsibilities include assisting students and families with the FAFSA, counseling on financial aid programs, reviewing documentation, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The role aims to enroll and retain students who may not otherwise be able to attend or graduate without financial assistance.

• COUNSELING:
  Provide comprehensive counseling to students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, available aid programs, disbursement procedures, and requirements for aid renewal. Educate students on how changes in enrollment status may affect aid eligibility, including withdrawal and SAP standards. Advise on alternative funding options such as payment plans to meet deadlines and financial obligations.
• CUSTOMER SERVICE:
  Deliver high-quality customer service by assisting with FAFSA submissions, documentation, and the federal verification process. Identify and support students facing challenges that may impact their academic and financial standing. Communicate with students to resolve outstanding aid issues and provide outreach related to incomplete applications. Liaise with external agencies for fund disbursement and collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Academic Advising, and Student Accounts to align financial aid with enrollment and billing.
• RECORD MAINTENANCE:
  Review, reconcile, and verify financial aid data submitted via FAFSA and supporting documentation for accuracy. Investigate rejected FAFSAs and determine appropriate resolutions. Assess cases for special or unusual circumstances justifying professional judgment or dependency override. Make and report corrections to the Department of Education and ensure documentation is complete and audit ready.
• AWARDING AND ADJUSTMENTS:
  Maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing financial aid programs. Interpret and apply policy updates while assisting with awarding and adjustment of aid packages, including state scholarships and grants. Use accounting and reconciliation skills to ensure accuracy in fund disbursement, perform Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations, and resolve discrepancies. Support system file loads and data integrity tasks as needed.
• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
  Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with regulatory and institutional changes. Support implementation of new departmental initiatives and contribute to process improvement projects. Provide training and mentorship to other staff as needed.
• OTHER:
  Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or…