Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor

The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for supporting the administration of student financial aid at Charleston Southern University. This position plays a critical role in reviewing financial aid documentation, determining eligibility, and awarding aid in accordance with regulations established by the U.S. Department of Education, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, the South Carolina Tuition Grants Program, and Charleston Southern University. The counselor provides financial aid counseling to students and families, supports enrollment and retention efforts, and assists with developing and maintaining institutional policies and procedures that promote fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and student success. In keeping with CSU's mission of integrating faith in learning, leading, and serving, the Financial Aid Counselor demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to helping students navigate the financial aid process with excellence and care.

Key Responsibilities

• Counsel students and parents on financial aid options, financial planning, debt management, and the federal Title IV refund policy, including implications of withdrawal or eligibility changes.
• Review, evaluate, and process financial aid applications and supporting documentation to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
• Maintain accurate student records, ensuring timely updates, proper documentation, and compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements.
• Conduct federally required verification in compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations and university policy; resolve conflicting information promptly.
• Evaluate and process Special Circumstances/Professional Judgment requests in accordance with federal and institutional policies, maintaining documentation for audit and regulatory review.
• Calculate, package, revise, and award aid, including Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, state grants, scholarships, and institutional aid.
• Collaborate with Student Accounts and other campus offices regarding billing, payments, refunds, payment plans, reconciliations, and student account concerns as needed.
• Support compliance efforts by adhering to policy, monitoring requirements, and assisting with internal and external audits or program reviews.
• Host FAFSA completion workshops and financial aid information sessions for prospective and current students.
• Represent Student Financial Services at campus events, orientations, and outreach activities to promote financial literacy and student engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the mission, goals, and strategic initiatives of Charleston Southern University.

Certain jobs at Charleston Southern University may require specific physical and/or mental abilities and the hiring manager will provide additional information and provision of requests for reasonable accommodation if needed. Regular, on-time attendance; applicants must have the ability to lift and carry up to 75 lb; applicants must be available to work nights and weekends; applicants may be required to work in inclement weather, etc. This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position will remain open until filled.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience: Minimum of one year of experience in financial aid, admissions, or related student services preferred.
• Knowledge of Title IV federal aid regulations and state financial aid programs.
• Familiarity with higher education systems (e.g., Jenzabar, Slate, PowerFAIDS) preferred.
• Excellent organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and provide outstanding student service.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and accountability in all financial aid matters.
• Alignment with the mission and values of Charleston Southern University, including a commitment to integrating faith and learning in daily work.

Charleston Southern University is a Christian university and tobacco-free campus. We do not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including but not limited to lactation), religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the university is prohibited from discrimination under local, state or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and university-administered programs. In order to fulfill its purpose, the university may legally discriminate on the basis of religion in employment. The university has been granted exemption from certain regulations promulgated under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which conflict with the University's religious tenets and core values.

To apply, please complete the online application below and attach a resume. Entering untrue or inaccurate information will result in disqualification for consideration of vacant positions, or subsequent termination after hire. This position will remain open until filled. By completing this application you are giving Charleston Southern University the authority to contact any person, educational institution, current or former employer, or company to disclose in good faith any information they may have regarding your qualifications and fitness for employment including, but not limited to, those you have listed in your application materials. Prior to a final offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to submit to a background check including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, criminal background check and reference check. Applicants who will drive for the University will be required to complete a background check on their driving record.