Financial Aid Counselor, Student Loans

Job Summary

Xavier University of Louisiana is accepting applications for the position of Financial Aid Counselor, Student Loans. This position serves as a first point of contact representing the financial aid counseling staff to assist students and families with student aid eligibility, processing status and problem-solving support. Oversees key areas such as student loan processing, entrance/exit counseling, scholarship processing, and operational functions within the office. AA/EOE

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills.
• Patience and empathy in working with students of all backgrounds.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Team-oriented with a willingness to collaborate.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to changing regulations or systems.
• Ability to communicate and explain complex information to students and parents.
• Highly organized, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Interest in utilizing technology and AI to help serve students and parents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing scholarships, grants and loans.
• Working knowledge of FAFSA and federal and state aid processes.
• Understanding of financial aid regulations and best practices.
• Familiarity with Department of Education systems (e.g., COD, NSLDS, FSA Partners).
• Proficiency with Banner, Microsoft Office Suite, financial aid management systems and AI.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and institutional policies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for evaluating financial data.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.
• 1–3 years working in a financial aid office.

Work Hours

Full time. Participation in required college events held on weekend days or evenings, such as accepted student events, orientation and 3-4 student recruitment events that require travel with an overnight stay.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individual financial aid counseling to current and prospective students and families.
• Evaluate financial aid applications (including FAFSA, scholarship and loan applications, if applicable).
• Determine financial aid eligibility and package aid in accordance with institutional, state, and federal regulations.
• Oversee a student caseload.
• Conduct verification of financial aid files and resolve conflicting data.
• Monitor student Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and communicate eligibility status.
• Assist with loan processing, entrance/exit counseling, and debt management education.
• Present financial aid information during admissions and orientation events, with occasional travel.
• Maintain accurate records in the student information system.
• Respond to inquiries via phone, email, and in-person.
• Provide oversight of specific financial aid programs and assigned areas of responsibility.
• Monitor key performance indicators and share progress with the team on a regular basis.

Time Allocation

• Student Advising: 50%
• Application Processing and File Review: 30%
• Program Support: 15%
• Outreach/Communications: 5%