Financial Aid Counselor

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 9897271
Agency: University of South Carolina
Opening Date: 10/15/2026
Closing Date: 12/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Your application must be submitted online at
Class Code:: AD82
Position Number:: 9897271
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: Unclassified
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities


Financial Aid Counselor Department: UPS Financial Aid Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time About UofSC From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond. Inclusive Excellence Statement Advertised Job Summary Financial Aid Counselor University of South Carolina Upstate STA Spartanburg, SC Responsible for the daily operation of Direct Federal Loans (Direct, PLUS, and Perkins) via the Department of Education (ED) website, the SC Teacher Loan Programs and private loan programs on all lender platforms and monitor via the Electronic Loan Management (ELM) and (COD) Common Origination and Disbursement systems. Performs FA counseling to prospects, parents, students, faculty and staff. Performs file review, required follow up and verification of data as required by the ED. Responsible for the oversight of student processing within NSLDS. Awards SC Teaching Fellows.

Minimum and Additional Requirements


Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Must be prepared to integrate new processing system and software. Must show ability to manage multiple responsibilities with minimal error. Show strong ability to troubleshoot problems and make sound decisions. Harmonious working relationship with colleagues, all students, and families a must. Ability to process and monitor $35+million in educational loans. Ability to ensure that all midyear students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are correctly coded as FA recipients in accordance with institutional policy. Possess the ability to make sound independent judgments with a highly regulated field. A successful background check is required.
Preferred Qualifications


Preferred Qualifications Master's degree preferred. Prefer financial aid experience and familiarity with financial aid related software systems and aid modules. Prefer experience with student integrated systems, FA system, and various personal computer software.
Additional Comments


Job Close Date Special Instructions to Applicant The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application. USC Upstate offers a valuable including but not limited to: - Health and Life Insurance - Retirement Programs - Paid Tuition Program - Dependent Scholarships - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Annual Leave - Sick Leave - 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) - Paid Parental Leave - Professional Development Opportunities To apply, please visit: EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. je-b2e9eb869ecf43d2af3576dbe28def74
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.


Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.


Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.


Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.


Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.