Financial Aid Counselor

Position Function:

Responsible for assigned activities related to the processing and management of the Federal Direct Student Loan and Alternative Loan programs.

Employees hired into Intermittent positions are limited to working no more than 720 hours per fiscal year.

Salary Grade:  12

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

Area of Specialization:

Anticipated Appointment Date:

Tenure Track Status:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide financial aid counseling to students and parents on the financial aid programs and application processes with concentration on the Federal Direct Loan and Alternative Loan programs.
2. Review financial aid information, including electronic data and reports, to determine the loan eligibility of student applicants.
3. Award and originate Federal Direct Student loans to eligible student applicants.
4. Receive and send student loan data for processing through the data transmission systems, Edconnect and ELM.
5. Keep abreast of the state, federal, and institutional rules and regulations applicable to the administration of the student loan programs.
6. Prepare data for correspondence, including letters, emails, and other documents used to communicate with students and parents on the student loan programs.
7. Assist in the development and revision of the procedures for administering the student loan programs.
8. Participate in student orientation and financial aid presentation events.
9. Participate in staff development and financial aid training events.
10. Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
2. Strong analytical and organizational skills
3. Ability to learn, interpret and apply complex federal financial aid regulations
4. Ability to utilize computer skills in an automated work environment
5. Ability to provide excellent customer service

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

• No or very limited physical effort required.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: 

All applicants must apply online at and attach a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762,

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: or 

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at or  Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.