Western Governors University · 1 day ago
Financial Aid Counselor
Miami, FL
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid Level
$50K/yr - $75K/yr
3+ years expWestern Governors University is committed to expanding access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs. The Financial Aid Counselor will assist students with financial aid inquiries, provide professional guidance on financial planning, and ensure accurate documentation of student applications and interviews.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Provide professional and timely assistance to students regarding questions and concerns students may have regarding any aspect of financial aid requirements and/or eligibility
Initiate communication by phone call or email to students when needed
Provide professional assistance to students by advising and assisting them with financial planning, federal and state aid programs and application requirements, collecting data and keep accurate records
Coordinate the scheduling of appointments with students for financial aid counseling requests
Documents student application and interviews including special or unique circumstances related to the students’ academic and financial situation
Has authority to make professional judgement decisions on a student-by-student basis for accurate and maximum financial aid eligibility
Maintain professionalism and remain calm when students are frustrated or have a difficult time understanding documentation requirements
Conducts presentations on financial aid programs and policies to university constituents
Ability to understand billing cycles and financial processes, providing timely interventions for students
Coordinate communication between student and other teams, providing problem solving resolutions or request for needed intervention
Communicates effectively and consistently with appropriate internal department members from financial services, admissions, registrar and student accounts as needed
Performs other job-related duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Excellent Customer Service Skills Required
Excellent phone etiquette required
Knowledge of federal regulations pertaining to federal student aid, including needs analysis and eligibility assessment
Knowledge of federal student aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements
Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures
Knowledge of automated federal student aid management systems
Skills in developing presentations and informing those in financial need
Skills in verbal, written and interpersonal communication
Skills in the use of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc
Ability to obtain access to federal government databases pertaining to federal student aid
Ability to analyze and solve problems in an effective and professional manner
Ability to work independently and to organize a heavy workload
Ability to operate office equipment, computers, and computer software applications
Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals to meet their needs
Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy for all job responsibilities
Must be able to travel as needed to in-person events and conferences
Bachelor's degree in related field
Customer service experience
3+ of experience in financial aid at the postsecondary level
Knowledge of Federal Title IV regulations, procedures, and eligibility requirements
In good standing with the US Department of Education, no loans in default
Experience with Financial Aid Management systems
Preferred
Knowledge of university systems such as Sales Force, Campus Logic and Banner
This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements
Benefits
Bonuses
Medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare
Health savings account and flexible spending account
Basic and voluntary life insurance
Disability coverage
Accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages
Legal and identity theft coverage
Retirement savings plan
Wellbeing program
Discounted WGU tuition
Flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual
Flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual
11 paid holidays
Other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave
Company
Western Governors University
Western Governors University focuses on improving lives by creating pathways to opportunity for its students.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Western Governors University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (6)
2024 (4)
2023 (12)
2022 (30)
2021 (17)
2020 (37)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
Kauffman Foundation
2025-05-08Grant
Leadership Team
Stephen Herzig
Vice President of Enterprise Solutions
Kacey Thorne
Senior Director, Academic Strategic Initiatives
Recent News
2025-12-02
2025-10-29
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