Financial Aid Counselor

Posting Details

Come and join the Bearkat community!
Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information


This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Requisition
202600188S


Title
Financial Aid Counselor


FLSA status
Exempt


Hiring Salary


This position is a pay grade 7. Please see Pay Grade Table at: .

Occupational Category
Professional


Department
Financial Aid


Division
Division of Enrollment


Open Date
07/01/2026


Open Until Filled
Yes


Educational and Experience Requirement


Bachelor's degree in Business, Counseling, Student Services, or related field. Experience in school or college counseling, financial aid activities or experience in a related field. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.


Nature & Purpose of Position


Serves as Financial Aid Counselor to counsel perspective and existing financial aid applicants and parents concerning financial planning, with emphasis on the application process and available aid programs for qualifying applicants.

Primary Responsibilities


Provides financial aid information to prospective and currently enrolled students, parents, high school/community college counselors. Provides extensive customer service and assists in counseling students with non-routine, sensitive aid issues. Assist students/parents with accurate FAFSA/TASFA application completion. Maintains student files throughout their college careers and makes changes to financial aid records as necessary. Assists with awards, verification, appeals, special circumstances and other aid processes. Provides advice to students on how to maintain aid eligibility and retention advice on those not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as related to aid eligibility. Performs professional judgement decisions on SAP appeals. Assists with resolving financial issues. Analyzes student's awards and processes revisions as required. Assists, interprets, and maintains knowledge of current federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures pertaining to financial aid programs. Assists and presents at orientation sessions for groups of incoming new students. Assists with recruiting high school or community college students and gives presentation to small or large groups in all student populations, regardless of classification or major. May help with training new staff. May travel to the campuses of feeder schools or satellite campuses to advise students/parents with financial aid information. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Specifications


Regular contact with students, parents, faculty, and staff. Requires detailed knowledge of university infrastructure, policies, and procedures. Requires thorough knowledge of office systems. Must have the ability to solve operational problems and make suggestions for process improvement. Other University departments, local vendors, and off-campus agencies. Have knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Full Time Part Time
Full Time


Position Number

Quicklink

EEO Statement


EEO Statement


Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report