Financial Aid Counselor

How to use this kit

Ground every answer in facts on this page and the original listing. We never invent Glassdoor-style reviews or salaries that are not in our data.

Interview prep

Be ready to walk through how you review a client file, explain complex policies in plain language, and build a simple spending or repayment plan. Prepare examples of prioritizing high-interest or urgent debts and of recommending next steps without overpromising outcomes.

Fit summary

Strong fit if you like one-on-one counseling, careful number work, and policy explanation in a college financial-aid setting at Whitman College in Walla Walla. Less fit if you prefer fully remote work or pure sales over counseling.

Day in the role

As a Financial Aid Counselor at Whitman College, a typical day centers on reviewing student and family finances, explaining aid policies and options, and building workable plans. You would assess income, assets, debts, and expenses; help prioritize obligations; and walk clients through budgets or loan-related strategies so aid decisions stay clear and actionable.

Skills to emphasize

Strengthen skills that match the listed tasks:

• Financial assessment: income, assets, debts, expenses, and credit information
• Clear explanation of policies, aid or debt-program rules, and tradeoffs
• Budgeting and repayment prioritization to reduce risk and cost
• Client-centered recommendations tied to realistic goals

No certification resources were provided in the data set for this listing.

FAQ from this listing

Is this role remote?

No. The listing marks remote as off; expect on-site work in the Walla Walla area.

What does the occupation data emphasize?

Assessing finances, explaining policies, building budgets or debt plans, and prioritizing repayment—drawn from O*NET credit counselor tasks.

Are required certifications listed?

No certification family or paid resources were supplied for this posting.

Occupation tasks (O*NET)

Public-domain labor data — prepare examples for 2–3 of these.

• Calculate clients' available monthly income to meet debt obligations.
• Explain services or policies to clients, such as debt management program rules, advantages and disadvantages of using services, or creditor concession policies.
• Create debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets to assist clients to meet financial goals.
• Prioritize client debt repayment to avoid dire consequences, such as bankruptcy or foreclosure or to reduce overall costs, such as by paying high-interest or short-term loans first.
• Assess clients' overall financial situations by reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports, or other financial information.
• Recommend strategies for clients to meet their financial goals, such as borrowing money through loans or loan programs, declaring bankruptcy, making budget adjustments, or enrolling in debt management plans.
• Explain general financial topics to clients, such as credit report ratings, bankruptcy laws, consumer protection laws, wage attachments, or collection actions.
• Interview clients by telephone or in person to gather financial information.

O*NET source

Role overview (listing rewrite)

Financial Aid Counselor - Whitman College - Walla Walla, Walla Walla County The Opportunity Whitman College is seeking a dedicated Financial Aid Counselor to join our vibrant and supportive community. The ideal candidate will provide comprehensive financial aid counseling services to students, ensuring they understand their financial aid packages and have the tools necessary to plan for their academic journey. Day-to-Day Responsibilities Counsel students on financial aid options and processes Assist with the development and implementation of financial aid programs Maintain accurate records and documentation related to financial aid Communicate effectively with students, parents, and other college staff Stay updated on changes in federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies Qualifications A bachelor's degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred Experience in higher education or related field is beneficial Strong communication and interpersonal skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and financial aid software Prior experience in financial aid counseling or advising is highly desirable Why Join Whitman College At Whitman College, you will be part of a dynamic community that values intellectual diversity and academic excellence. Our staff and faculty are committed to creating an inclusive environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. The opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of our students is unparalleled. Ready to Apply? To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.

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Questions to ask them

• What does success look like in the first 90 days for this role?
• How is the team structured, and who would I work with most?
• What tools and systems does this role use daily?
• Is the work primarily based in Walla Walla, Walla Walla County, hybrid, or fully remote?