Financial Aid Specialist
- 504030
- Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
- Staff
- Staff Full-time
- Closing at: Oct 4 2026 - 23:55 MDT
Department Contact: Maria Hernandez, 575-646-7598, mgh1@nmsu.edu
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Advertising Summary: The University Financial Aid and Scholarship Services Department is seeking a dependable, highly motivated student centered individual with excellent customer services skills to join the Financial Aid Team.
Position Details
Position Title: Financial Aid Specialist
College/Division: Student Enrollment and Success
Department: 521040-UNIV FIN AID & SCHOLARSHIP SVCS
Location: Las Cruces
Offsite Location (if applicable):
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $16.83
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable
Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)
If Not a Standard Work Schedule:
Job Duties and Responsibilities: The Financial Aid Specialist serves as a primary point of contact for prospective and current students, families, faculty, staff, and the public regarding financial aid and scholarship programs. This position provides exceptional customer service through in-person interactions, Teams communications, and email correspondence while assisting students throughout the financial aid process. The incumbent reviews, verifies, and processes financial aid documentation, ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and maintains the accuracy and integrity of student financial aid records.
Customer Service and Student Support
Provide outstanding customer service to prospective and current students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members through multiple service channels including front counter, Teams, and email. Answer inquiries regarding financial aid and scholarships. Counsel and advise students and families regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, award status, and required documentation. Research, investigate, and resolve student questions, concerns, and complex issues related to financial aid transactions and processes. Refer students to appropriate university departments or offices when specialized assistance is needed. Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of university programs, policies, procedures, resources, and student services.
Compliance and Regulatory Responsibilities
Apply federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies, regulations, and procedures consistently and accurately. Maintain compliance with highly regulated financial aid programs and reporting requirements. Review student records to ensure proper application of laws, regulations, and eligibility requirements. Assist in identifying and correcting discrepancies within student records. Protect the confidentiality and integrity of student information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.
Communication, Training, and Reporting
Communicate application status updates and eligibility determinations to students and families. Participate in outreach activities, workshops, information sessions, and recruitment events as assigned.
Collaboration and Professional Development
Collaborate with university departments, home offices, and campus partners to ensure effective student service delivery. Participate in committees, conferences, meetings, and professional development activities. Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and best practices. Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and university goals.
Position Working Conditions
Frequent interaction with students, parents, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. High-volume customer service environment requiring multitasking and attention to detail. Regular use of computer systems, student information systems, and office equipment.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
High School diploma or higher degree.
Equivalent Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Special Certification/Licensure:
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.
Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
Recruitment Summary
We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.
NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.
NMSU Global Campus
Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.
NMSU Main Campus
Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.
Doña Ana Community College
Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance.
Alamogordo Campus
Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.
Grants Campus
NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.
Special Instructions to Applicants
The electronic application is the *official* document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.
EEO Statement
New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Requesting an Accommodation
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and New Mexico State University policy, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply, interview, or complete onboarding for a position with New Mexico State University, or if you cannot use the online application system, please visit our Accessibility & Accommodations page to initiate an accommodation request
