Tuition Counselor

Job Title: Tuition Counselor Department: Office of Financial Aid Reports to: Director of Tuition Counseling Status: Full-Time, Benefit Eligible Location: Lisle Campus Rate: $19.00-19.23 hourly Position Summary: The Tuition Counselor is responsible for receiving, evaluating, and verifying student data to award federal, state, institutional, and outside financial aid funds in compliance with federal and state regulations, and institutional policies and procedures. This position is responsible for counseling students on matters of financial aid eligibility, and for providing necessary information regarding student financial assistance programs to various constituencies. The Tuition Counselor is responsible for providing comprehensive financial aid services to students enrolled in the Benedictine University traditional and non-traditional programs. Assists in the day-to-day activities related to the Office of Financial Aid and other administrative responsibilities. Collects payments and assists students with account inquiries. Handles all walk-in, front desk interaction, including phone, email, and virtual contact with students. Essential Job Responsibilities: 1. Front End Customer Service - Serve as initial point of contact for student inquiries related to financial aid and payments. Answer phones and respond to emails for the Office of Financial Aid. Handles walk-in traffic to the office as well as scheduled virtual appointments. Review, advise and reconcile current account problems by researching and analyzing individual accounts. Function as a centralized resource to academic and administrative departmental personnel regarding payment and financial aid matters. Initiate communication and collaborate with departments within the institution to provide excellent customer service. 2. Counseling - Advise students about their financial aid eligibility and options for covering tuition and fees. Explain the application process, aid programs, payment plan options, costs, indebtedness, money management and financial planning; individualize information to the needs and situation of the student. Assist students with understanding the student refund process and research refunds via Bank Mobile. 3. Packaging - Perform complex financial aid processes, such as determining student aid eligibility, packaging students, certifying loans, all the while maintaining accurate financial aid documentation to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Evaluate, review, and assess financial documents in accordance with federal guidelines to determine financial aid eligibility and/or to make professional judgement decisions for increased Title IV aid, state, and university aid eligibility. 4. Non-Title IV Payment Processing - Responsible for collecting and processing payments received in-person by students and families. Duties that fall under this task include, but are not limited to collection of payment, posting of payment to a student’s account, and posting of enrollment and housing deposits received. Ensure all funds are locked securely in the University safe overnight. 5. Direct Loan and Alternative Loan Processing - Ensure timely and accurate disbursement of loan funds by reviewing eligibility criteria at the time of scheduled loan disbursements. Review and process applications and certification requests for students requesting alternative student loans. Contact students to discuss alternative loan options and processes. 6. Research and Implementation - Attend training in person and via webinar and review information disseminated by State and Federal agencies and professional organizations to keep abreast of changes and updates to regulation. Update departmental policies and procedures accordingly. Other Functions: On Campus Virtual Events - Participate in various University recruitment functions throughout the year such as open houses, advising registration information sessions. Professional Development - Keep current with all federal and state regulations and institutional policies by participating in training opportunities throughout the year. Research and evaluate the impact of any regulatory changes and make change recommendations current policies and procedures. Interacts with students and lenders, employers, donors, guarantee agencies and/or staff to resolve issues. Interact and work in a team environment with other office staff to ensure workload is complete. Provide backup to other Financial Aid Office staff as needed. Performs other related duties as assigned.