A professional who interviews students applying for financial aid, such as loans, grants-in-aid, or scholarships, to determine eligibility for assistance in college or university. Responsibilities include:

• Confers with individuals and groups to disseminate information and answer questions relating to financial assistance available to students enrolled in college or university.
• Interviews students to obtain information needed to determine eligibility for aid.
• Compares data on students' applications, such as proposed budget, family income, or transcript of grades, with eligibility requirements of assistance program.
• Determines amount of aid, considering such factors as funds available, extent of demand, and needs of students.
• Authorizes release of funds to students and prepares required records and reports.
• May assist in selection of candidates for financial awards or aid granted by specific department.
• May specialize in specific aid program and be designated Loan Counselor; Scholarship Counselor.