Graduate Financial Aid Counselor

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus.

Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range

Pay Range $20.67 - $22.22 Per Hour

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level S4

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Non-exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)

8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type

Job Type Full-time

Unionized Position Code Not Applicable

Job Description

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.
• NASAFAA 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 People Soft, 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…