Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist

Date: April 2025

Grade: 13            

Salary Range: $39,761-$46,733

Position Type: Full Time

Position Status: Salary/Exempt

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Location: Arkansas City Main Campus – Arkansas City, KS                                                              

Department: Financial Aid Administration

Reports To: Director of Financial Aid

Job Summary: The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for educating students and parents about financial aid options, policies, and procedures according to regulations set by the Department of Education.  They will provide proactive support to students throughout the financial aid cycle.

Essential Functions:

• Maintain current knowledge and understanding of all Federal Financial Aid programs to include Pell Grants, Direct Student Loans, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Work Study
• Determine student eligibility for federal and non-federal aid, maintain accurate student records, and process awards for students.
• Use professional judgment to evaluate file status and authorize use of financial aid for payment of tuition and fees.
• Educate and advise students and their parents regarding financial aid policies, procedures, processes, and financial aid programs.
• Provide training and support to Admissions Representatives regarding financial aid opportunities and responsibilities for students.
• Assist in public speaking engagements and presentation of financial aid information for returning and/or prospective students and their parents.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and procedures.
• Take advantage of professional development opportunities related to the processing of federal aid.
• Must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to attendance standards and work deadlines.
• Must maintain courteous, professional, and effective working relationships with employees, vendors, and/or any other representatives of external organizations.
• Must be able to multi-task, be self-motivated, and use professional judgment when necessary to provide the best customer service possible to all students and their families.
• Assist the Director of Financial Aid by performing any other financial aid-related duties as assigned.
• Comply with all College policies and procedures.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Adequate experience and ability in the use of Microsoft Office programs such as Word and Excel.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.  Must be able to work well with other Cowley employees, students, prospective students, and parents in a pleasant and professional manner.
• Ability to multitask, be self-motivated, and use professional judgment when necessary.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. Relative work experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirement.

Required Experience:

• Financial Aid experience preferred
• Customer Service Experience is a plus  

Physical Requirements:

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time; ability to move freely around campus and other locations; ability to communicate both in person and by telephone in a professional and respectful manner; ability to make decisions and follow through with directions; ability to lift up to 20 pounds; ability to bend, stoop, reach and grasp as required to perform responsibilities; ability to work on a computer for long periods of time.

KPERS Benefits: KPERS Retirement, Long Term Disability, Basic Life and Death.

Benefits Stipend: $890 Monthly Medical and Dental Stipend (Optional FSA/HSA).

Voluntary Benefits: Vision, Life, Short Term Disability, Accident, Cancer, and 403(b).

Additional Benefits/Perks: Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick, Employee Assistance Program, Professional Development, Tuition Reimbursement, Wellness Center Membership, and many others.