Working as a financial aid counselor at a college or university is a fulfilling and impactful role. You’re not only helping students access funding for their education—you’re also guiding them through one of the most complex and emotional aspects of the college journey: financing their future.
Whether you’re coming from a background in customer service, financial services, admissions, or higher education support, you likely already have many of the skills necessary to succeed in this role, including communication, organization, problem-solving, and empathy.
In this post, we have shared a sample resume for a college financial aid counselor that’s designed to appeal to hiring committees at post-secondary organizations. The resume is structured in a way that highlights student-focused service, attention to compliance and detail, and the ability to handle confidential financial information with care.
Sample Resume for a College Financial Aid Counselor
Alice Reynolds
Charlotte, NC | (555) 321-7890 | alice.reynolds@email.com | [LinkedIn Profile]
Professional Summary
Student-centered Financial Aid Counselor with 5+ years of experience guiding diverse student populations through the financial aid process in higher education settings. Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations, FAFSA processing, and institutional aid programs. Skilled in explaining complex financial information in a clear, compassionate manner to support student success and retention.
Core Competencies
Student Advising & Support | FAFSA & Federal Aid Programs (Pell, Work-Study, Direct Loans) | Financial Aid Needs Analysis | Banner, PowerFAIDS, Ellucian Colleague | Title IV Compliance & Verification | Scholarship & Grant Administration | Financial Literacy Programming | FERPA & Confidentiality Compliance
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
University of XYZ – Charlotte, NC
Graduated: 2017
Relevant Coursework: Financial Management, Higher Education Systems, Student Affairs Foundations
Professional Experience
Financial Aid Counselor
ABC Community College – Sanford, NC
June 2020 – Present
- Advise a caseload of over 400 students per semester on financial aid eligibility, FAFSA completion, and scholarship opportunities
- Conduct group and one-on-one financial aid sessions for new student orientations and community outreach events
- Review and verify student documentation in accordance with Title IV and institutional policies
- Utilize Ellucian Colleague to manage student records, package awards, and process appeals
- Coordinate closely with admissions, bursar, and academic advising teams to support student retention
- Led implementation of new financial literacy workshops, increasing attendance by 35% in one year
Financial Aid Assistant
XYZ University – Charlotte, NC
July 2017 – May 2020
- Provided front-line support to students and parents regarding FAFSA, verification, and loan options
- Processed documentation for financial aid packaging and award adjustments
- Maintained accurate electronic student files and assisted in resolving aid discrepancies
- Trained incoming student workers on office procedures and FERPA regulations
Technology Skills
- Financial Aid Systems: Ellucian Colleague, PowerFAIDS, Banner
- Document Management: ImageNow, Softdocs, Etrieve
- Communication Tools: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Outlook
- Productivity Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- CRM & Student Portals: Slate, Salesforce (Education Cloud)
Certifications & Related Training
- NASFAA U Credentials:
- Verification
- Professional Judgment
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Title IV Federal Compliance Training – U.S. Department of Education
- FERPA Certification – AACRAO
Professional Affiliations
- National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
- Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA)
References
Available upon request.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re new to the financial aid office or have worked in related fields like advising, admissions, or finance, your ability to communicate clearly, maintain accurate records, and support students through stressful processes will set you apart. Use your resume to tell a story of competence, care, and professionalism—and don’t forget to support it with a targeted cover letter that explains your interest in working with students in a college setting, and your commitment to helping students make informed, confident decisions about their education and finances..
We wish you luck and success in your job search!
