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Financial Aid Counselor / Specialist

Quick Facts

Median Salary$66,318
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+19.50%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Financial Aid Counselor or Specialist provides information and assistance to students and families, including information on student loans and other sources of financial aid. Leads group presentations or provides individual counseling and assistance with the application process; may also solicit and review applications for specific scholarships.


Core Tasks:

  • Analyze financial information obtained from clients to determine strategies for meeting clients' financial objectives.
  • Interview clients to determine their current income, expenses, insurance coverage, tax status, financial objectives, risk tolerance, or other information needed to develop a financial plan.
  • Answer clients' questions about the purposes and details of financial plans and strategies.
  • Review clients' accounts and plans regularly to determine whether life changes, economic changes, environmental concerns, or financial performance indicate a need for plan reassessment.
  • Recommend to clients strategies in cash management, insurance coverage, investment planning, or other areas to help them achieve their financial goals.
  • Manage client portfolios, keeping client plans up-to-date.
  • Implement financial planning recommendations, or refer clients to someone who can assist them with plan implementation.
  • Recommend financial products, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or insurance.
  • Contact clients periodically to determine any changes in their financial status.
  • Prepare or interpret for clients information, such as investment performance reports, financial document summaries, or income projections.
  • Explain to clients the personal financial advisor's responsibilities and the types of services to be provided.
  • Investigate available investment opportunities to determine compatibility with client financial plans.
  • Guide clients in the gathering of information, such as bank account records, income tax returns, life and disability insurance records, pension plans, or wills.
  • Monitor financial market trends to ensure that client plans are responsive.
  • Recruit and maintain client bases.
  • Meet with clients' other advisors, such as attorneys, accountants, trust officers, or investment bankers, to fully understand clients' financial goals and circumstances.
  • Devise debt liquidation plans that include payoff priorities and timelines.

What to expect as a Financial Aid Counselor / Specialist

1Earn a Bachelor's degree

58% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Financial Aid Counselor / Specialist related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

467 openings for Financial Aid Counselors / Specialists

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

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