Job Description

About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The Financial Aid Coordinator – Special Populations supports the accurate, compliant, and student-centered delivery of financial aid for designated special population programs. Reporting to the Associate Director for Special Populations, Opportunity, and Access, the position analyzes applications, verifies eligibility, and processes awards (including HRSA and other program-specific aid) for students in selected programs; maintains specialized student coding to ensure correct loan periods, cost of attendance, and packaging; and counsels students and families on requirements, resources, and next steps. The coordinator functions with limited supervision and exercises significant independent judgment in applying federal, state, and institutional regulations to individual cases, while partnering with campus units to support recruitment, retention, and timely degree progress for these populations.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
Direct experience performing application analysis, awarding/adjustments, and student counseling/advising in a Title IV environment; experience maintaining program-specific student coding (e.g., loan periods, COA adjustments) and coordinating with academic departments.
Experience working in high-volume, deadline-driven settings that require accuracy, confidentiality, and customer contact.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Working knowledge of Title IV regulations and institutional financial‑aid policies/procedures; understanding of needs analysis, verification, professional judgment, packaging, and disbursement processes, with emphasis on special‑program populations and HRSA awarding/cleanup,
Analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex and changing regulations and apply them accurately to individual student records.
Strong student advising/counseling skills, with demonstrated ability to explain complex requirements to students and families with clarity and empathy.
High level of data accuracy and attention to detail in a high-volume, time-compressed work cycle; proven written and verbal communication skills.

Job Duties
Job Duty
Assists the Associate Director, Student Populations, Opportunity, and Access in maintaining student coding for special programs for accurate processing regarding loan periods, COA, and loan processing. Enrollment verification for proper student grade level aid processing using information supplied by the department of study, such as the cohort roster of student information.

Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Delivers student financial aid services to all students enrolled in academic programs defined as selected under this position at the University to include but not limited to: – maintenance of a thorough knowledge of all aid processes and how they may impact the various populations selected under this position – counseling/advising these students regarding all appropriate financial aid related information and processes – reviewing the applications and information of these students for accuracy and eligibility issues – analyzing these students’ application information to assess particular situations and needs – initiating necessary follow-up to resolve inconsistency or potentially inaccurate information.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Participates in the special program student application analysis, awarding, and award adjustment; counsels/advises regarding aid application requirements, available resources, and the aid award through delivery processes. Counsels’ students, awards HRSA aid, and provides cleanup of HRSA aid.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Participates in the general student application analysis, awarding, and award adjustment; counsels/advises regarding general aid application requirements, available resources, and the aid award through delivery processes.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Participates in the development and delivery of financial aid instructional programs that contribute to the recruitment and retention of students in the special programs.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Assists in Special Programs outreach and other Special Program administrative efforts when needed.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date
Job Open Date 06/17/2026
Job Close Date 08/01/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by August 1, 2026.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

Health and Life Insurance
Retirement Programs
Paid Tuition
Dependent Scholarships
Annual Leave
Sick Leave
13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
Paid Parental Leave
Professional Development Opportunities