Financial Aid Coordinator at Clemson University in CLEMSON, SC

Financial Aid Coordinator

Location: CLEMSON, SC

JOB SUMMARY:

The Financial Aid Coordinator provides broad support across the Office of Student Financial Aid. Analyzes eligibility and processes all forms of financial assistance to students. Processes financial transactions based on data analysis, interpretation, and application of Federal and State regulations and guidelines used to determine student eligibility. Counsels students and parents on financial aid options and application procedures, including retention of aid and repayment of loans. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

20% - Determination of Eligibility: Awards federal, state, and University aid according to the current packaging parameters. Analyzes and adjusts the Cost of Attendance, Expected Family Contribution/Student Aid Index and financial award packages based on residency changes, non-standard periods of enrollment, and budget construction. Recalculates eligibility and adjusts aid to resolve over-awards, reflect required updates, Verification corrections, and Professional Judgment adjustments. Verifies eligibility for independent status and grants dependency overrides for eligible students. In all appeals, collects sufficient documentation, uses sound judgment, carefully documents the rationale of the decision, and complies with federal regulations and University policies. Confirms citizenship, immigration, military service, and other statuses through federal databases such as the Social Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Veterans' Administration.

20% - Resolving Conflicting Data: Reviews multiple ad-hoc reports and takes action to resolve data-load discrepancies, conflicting and/or missing data requirements affecting student eligibility and/or federal and state reporting requirements. Reviews and resolves various eligibility issues including FASFA inconsistencies, dependency status, marital status, grade level, lifetime aid limits, unusual enrollment history, income discrepancies, citizenship, and other issues causing rejects on the FAFSA or in the National Student Loan Data System. When resolved, updates appropriate financial aid systems. Assists with developing, testing and implementing changes and improvements to the reporting processes to streamline and improve data consistency and timely conflict resolution.

15% - Departmental and Campus Support: Provides technical support to students and academic advisors regarding Confirmation of Participation, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Courses in Program of Study (CPoS) in relation to DegreeWorks (degree progress system) and financial aid eligibility. Provides support awarding and monitoring scholarships (State Lottery, Athletic, Recruiting, Restricted, Departmentally Selected, outside donors, and special programs such as National Merit, Meeting Street Scholarship Fund, Emerging Scholars, National Scholars, etc.). Provides support in determining eligibility for funding experiential programs such as Federal Work-Study, AmericaReads, University Professional Internships, and ClemsonLIFE. Provides support in the origination and certification of federal and private loans, including determination of Interim Exceptions and Schedule of Reductions. Provides support in the administration of financial aid to students studying abroad. Provides support in fulfilling data requests, reporting requirements, and system testing. Provides general and technical information to other staff members, campus partners such as Student Financial Services, Registrar, Admissions, academic advisors, Athletics, Advancement, departmental scholarship selectors, Honors College, PEER/WISE, Global Engagement, Career and Professional Development, and Student Affairs, as well as external partners such as CHE, lenders, and outside scholarships managers

40% - Processing and Counseling: Analyzes financial data and performs financial calculations to determine aid eligibility. Ensures receipt of appropriate documentation to determine student eligibility. Complies with and applies federal, state, and University regulations and policies to determine student eligibility for various federal, state, institutional, and private programs. Counsels students, parents, and prospective students about college costs, financial aid opportunities and eligibility, application procedures, residency, needs analysis, alternative financing, debt management, and default prevention. Focuses on improving access, retention, graduation, and financial wellness. Performs outreach and delivers presentations on financial aid to prospective and current students and parents. Effectively addresses complaints and manages difficult situations.

5% - Special Projects and Training: Assists students during orientation and registration. Stays abreast of financial aid regulations by utilizing professional resources and through participating in internal and external training sessions. Provides research assistance on financial aid regulations and recommends policy and procedural improvements to the leadership team. Leads,

JOB CODE:

AD82

EMPLOYEE TYPE:

Regular FTE Staff

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree and financial aid experience. Equivalencies may be considered.

Preferred Requirements:

Master's Degree

2 years of relevant experience and knowledge of Ellucian student systems. Experience in financial aid is preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises Student workers only

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Recognize or inspect visually: %
Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: %
Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: %

WORKING CONDITIONS:

None: %

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours:

37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Expected Salary Range

$45000 - $50000

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:

Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives, and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

October 14, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact hrjob@clemson.edu with any questions or issues.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.