Western Colorado University · 10 hours ago
Financial Aid Counselor or Financial Aid Specialist
Gunnison, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$47K/yr - $49K/yr
1+ years expWestern Colorado University, a mid-size public university located in the Rockies, is seeking dynamic applicants for full-time Financial Aid Counselor or Specialist positions in the Financial Aid Office. These roles focus on providing customer service to students and families regarding financial aid processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and contributing to student recruitment efforts.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Provide counseling to prospective and current students and their families with accurate information regarding the application process, estimated financial aid eligibility including federal, state and institutional forms of aid; manage all aspect of student financial aid processes accurately and efficiently
Collect, review and evaluate student financial aid applications and financial aid forms. Verify documentation submitted meets federal, state and institutional policies
Review financial aid results with students and families and offer solutions
Formulate financial aid packages, perform needs analysis and certify loans
Outreach pro-actively and perform diligent follow-up on incomplete Financial Aid action items to complete their requirements within established deadlines, and financial aid options for paying account balances
Respond accurately to high levels of inbound calls and emails from prospective and current students and their families. Handle all inquiries with courtesy and professionalism
Participate in student recruitment events and activities
Contribute to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrate a commitment to the development of skills and practices to engage respectively across cultures and backgrounds
Contribute to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned by the Director and the Vice President
Provide training, mentorship and leadership to entry level Financial Aid Counselors and assist with day to day management of the counseling staff to ensure consistency in packaging and implementation of all financial aid programs. Should possess advanced knowledge of federal Title IV regulations
Acts as the primary counselor to students in special programs such as the Rady Engineering Partnerships, Adult Degree Completion, Study Abroad and Tuition Assistance (service members) programs
Verify documentation and utilize professional judgment to evaluate changes in student/family circumstances that affect students’ financial aid offers
Resolve conflicts with students and parents on financial aid and student account issues
Primary certification specialist for private loans and AmeriCorps Educational awards
Manages Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals review process and the Exit Counseling program administered by the institution
Qualification
Required
A bachelor's degree
Financial Aid Counselor position: One (1) year of experience in customer service
Financial Aid Specialist position: Two (2) years of experience in Financial Aid or a closely related field
Strong organization, time management, and multi-tasking skills
High level of interpersonal communication skills- written and oral
Ability to do highly detailed work
Ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment
Preferred
Experience working in a bilingual higher education setting with student information systems
Knowledge of management information systems in a higher education environment
Working knowledge of Workday Student Information System
Advanced knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and policies
High level of supervisory and communication skills, both written and oral
Bilingual communication skills, verbal and/or print
Experience communicating with diverse populations
Benefits
Shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance
Other insurance options
Free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years
Company
Western Colorado University
Western Colorado University provides a unique educational experience for the bold and adventurous.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Western Colorado 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 (3)
2024 (2)
2023 (1)
2022 (3)
2021 (1)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Ian Higgins
Vice President for Finance and Administration / CFO
Jenifer Blacklock
Dean Rady Engineering Partnership Program
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