Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor

At Marymount University, we believe meaningful work happens when talented people come together with shared purpose. We serve not only our students—but one another—creating a culture where teamwork, adaptability, and resilience are part of everyday practice.

Located in Arlington, Virginia, just minutes from Washington, D.C., Marymount offers a dynamic and forward-looking environment where innovation is encouraged and flexibility is valued. We understand that higher education is evolving, and we embrace change with creativity, responsiveness, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

Our faculty and staff thrive in a community that prioritizes communication, cross-functional collaboration, and service-driven leadership. Whether working directly with students or supporting them behind the scenes, every role contributes to a shared mission: helping students grow, succeed, and lead with purpose and confidence.

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor provides excellent customer service and guidance to financial aid applicants and their families throughout the financial aid application process; determines eligibility within the parameters of institutional, state and federal requirements.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Exercises independent judgment in the management of operational details of the financial aid process
• Provide advising throughout the financial aid process to prospective, new and current students and their families.
• Reviews incoming financial aid applications and any supporting documentation needed to determine the accuracy of the financial and household information reported on the FAFSA.
• Complete assigned duties with a high degree of accuracy to ensure compliance while experiencing multiple interruptions.
• Exercise great attention to detail when completing assignments as errors in judgment or calculations could result in unintended consequences for the student and/or the institution such as under or over funding of a student, loss of student eligibility, audit findings, fines, damage to school's reputation or loss of institutional eligibility.
• Will have the authority to recalculate and make changes to financial aid awards when a student's eligibility changes.
• Maintain knowledge of federal, state and institutional policies as it relates to the awarding and disbursements of federal, state and institutional aid.
• Must utilize conflict resolution skill set to pacify disgruntled students and parents, helping them to understand the situation and identify potential solutions to issues.
• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations.
• On an occasional basis, travel to an off-campus meeting site to attend institutional workshops.
• Participates in committees under the direction of the Associate Director of Financial Aid counselors to review Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals, Professional Judgment requests, and academic merit scholarship appeals, as needed.
• May be required to work minimum evenings and weekends.
• Other duties as assigned by the financial aid director/associate director and/or Manager of Financial Aid Counselors.

Other Duties and Assignments

Manage the full scholarship lifecycle, including application processing, tracking applicant records, coordinating scholarship reviews, and overseeing the awarding and disbursement of scholarship funds.

Job Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's Degree and at least one to two years of experience in Student Services or Customer Service, or the equivalent combination of education and work experience combined.

Experience

• Customer Service Experience
• Familiar with financial documents and a high competency of computer skills.
• Proficiency in basic technology (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel; Google Suites).
• Ability to interpret regulations and apply appropriately.

Please note that this role is in-person based in Arlington, VA. The position will be open until filled.

Compensation /Total Rewards

The salary range for this position is $50,000-$55,000. It is competitive, market-based, and aligned with the University's financial framework, ensuring your skills and experience are recognized and rewarded. But your total compensation goes well beyond your salary. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; FSA or HSA; employee assistance program; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; contributions to the University's 403(b) retirement plan; financial planning; identity theft protection; pet insurance; credit union and more. Interested in continuing your education? Our tuition remission program supports your professional growth and lifelong learning, and is also open to covered dependents. On top of that, our generous paid time off plan gives you the flexibility to recharge and maintain balance in your personal and professional life.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply via our career portal by submitting a cover letter addressing their qualifications related to the information listed above, along with a resume.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and employment verification, and other role related requirements such as motor vehicle and/or drug screening.

Marymount University is an equal opportunity employer. Marymount University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected bases under applicable federal and local laws and regulations in any of its programs or its activities, including employment and admission. The university also expressly prohibits any form of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and stalking in any of its programs or activities, including employment and admission. For more information, please visit:

Marymount University is an E-Verify employer.