The Financial Aid Advisor guides prospective and enrolled students through the financial aid process from application to disbursement. Working one-on-one with students and their families, the Advisor explains funding options, packages federal and state aid in compliance with Title IV and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) requirements and helps students understand their financial responsibilities so they can start and complete their healthcare training program with confidence. This is a student-facing role central to PCI's mission of removing barriers to a healthcare career.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct individual financial aid interviews with prospective and continuing students to review funding options, costs, and payment plans.
- Assist students with completing the FAFSA, reviewing ISIRs, and gathering required documentation.
- Perform verification, resolve conflicting information, and ensure files are accurate and complete before packaging.
- Package and award federal (Pell Grant, Direct Loans), state, institutional, and other aid in accordance with Title IV regulations and school policy.
- Conduct entrance and exit loan counseling and clearly communicate borrower rights and responsibilities.
- Explain enrollment agreements, tuition charges, refund policy, and Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) implications to students.
- Monitor students for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) impacts on eligibility and coordinate with academics as needed.
- Maintain accurate, audit-ready student files and record activity in the school's information system in a timely manner.
- Coordinate disbursements with the business office and follow up on missing documents and outstanding balances.
- Support students with VA education benefits and other third-party funding where applicable ([Texas Veterans Commission–approved programs]).
- Respond to student and family inquiries promptly, professionally, and with empathy.
- Uphold confidentiality under FERPA and all applicable privacy standards.
- Support compliance with ACCSC accreditation standards, U.S. Department of Education, and TWC requirements.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
- 1+ year of experience in financial aid, admissions, customer service, or a related role — financial aid experience at a Title IV, career, or proprietary institution strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of the FAFSA and federal Title IV aid programs preferred; willingness to train required.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy with confidential records and figures.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort learning student information / financial aid systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with ACCSC-accredited and/or TWC-regulated career schools.
- Experience with COD, NSLDS, and student information systems.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
Competencies
Student-focused and service-oriented; organized and deadline-driven; ethical and detail-conscious with a strong compliance mindset; able to explain complex financial concepts in plain language; collaborative team member.
Work Environment
On-campus office setting with regular one-on-one student interaction. Some evening hours may be required to support students in evening/night programs. [Occasional travel between Dallas and Richardson campuses may be required.]
