Southern Methodist University · 1 week ago
Financial Aid Advisor
Dallas, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
1+ years expSouthern Methodist University (SMU) is a prestigious institution that supports a diverse student body through various academic programs and opportunities. The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for counseling students and families on financial aid processes, evaluating financial circumstances, and contributing to the development of financial aid programs. This role requires maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations while providing high-quality service to students.
E-LearningEducationUniversities
Responsibilities
The Financial Aid Advisor works with prospective and continuing students, and members of the SMU community in a personalized way on the financial aid application process, eligibility, need analysis, packaging disbursement, federal/state institutional policy, and the rights and responsibilities of receiving aid
Serves as a subject matter expert for financial aid topics including: cost of attendance, federal and institutional need analysis, aid offer packages, types of aid, receiving outside resources, payment options, financing options, billing, disbursement dates, withdrawal, re-admission, deadlines, financial aid policy and procedures, and the responsibilities of receiving financial aid
Routinely deals with problems and issues of a highly sensitive financial and personal nature, and therefore must exhibit independent judgment, tact and diplomacy, maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to FERPA and HEA data sharing regulations
Assesses a family's ability to pay for education expenses by evaluating income and assets reported on the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE. The Financial Aid Advisor is an expert in the area of need analysis, both federal and institutional methodologies, and possesses the ability to explain complex financial aid calculations and results, while also providing the rationale for families to easily understand
The Financial Aid Advisor is routinely responsible for reviewing current financial circumstances of SMU families and applying professional judgment for special circumstances appeal cases for which they are assigned. The Financial Aid Advisor will contact students and families directly to inform them of Financial Aid Appeals Committee decision regarding changes to financial aid eligibility or dependency status
Participate in financial aid presentations for the campus, high schools, community events and college nights. Serve and contribute as a member of departmental committees including the Communications Committee, Forms Committee, etc. Participate in strategically managing workload volume. Assist with other Enrollment Services areas as needed
The Financial Aid Advisor must actively keep up to date on state and federal regulations and internal policies and procedures in order to ensure accurate and efficient interpretation of information to ensure program compliance. Must be able to handle numerous complex tasks with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. Constant collaboration and responsiveness with campus partners is expected
This position includes interchangeable undergraduate and graduate caseload by school when deemed necessary and as demand is identified. The duties will be similar for awarding except no CSS Profile will be required for graduate students. The Financial Aid Advisor position advises an assigned caseload of graduate and professional students on availability of and requirements for financial aid resources
The Financial Aid Advisor works as a team member with the other Financial Aid Advisors to deliver high quality service to students and their families. Some weeknight/weekend and holiday work is required. The Financial Aid Advisor will travel to present and/or attend financial aid workshops and conferences. Other duties may be assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree is required
A minimum of a year of work experience is required
Candidate with general knowledge of financial aid processes, guidelines, and procedures or related is required
Candidate must demonstrate professionalism in an office setting including upscale customer service, verbal and written communication, and overall business acumen
Candidate must possess experience with CSS Profile
Expertise in federal and institutional need analysis
The ability to interpret and analyze income and assets
Knowledge of professional judgment techniques
General knowledge with PeopleSoft or similar financial aid software
Candidate must also have the ability to interpret and analyze income and assets
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
The ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies
Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions
Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills
Benefits
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits.
In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.
Company
Southern Methodist University
SMU is a distinguished center for teaching and research located near the heart of Dallas.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$101.8MKey Investors
Phillips FoundationTexas Workforce CommisionMoody Foundation
2023-06-14Grant· $1.7M
2022-07-07Grant· $0.1M
2019-11-12Grant· $100M
Leadership Team
Lisa Nelson
Adjunct Professor
Michael Hites
Chief Information Officer
Recent News
2025-12-28
Dallas Innovates
2025-12-12
Dallas Morning News
2025-11-07
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