Jobs › Northeastern Illinois University

Financial Aid Manager

Northeastern Illinois University · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about how you train staff on loan certification and loan counseling requirements.

What they are checking: Whether they can teach complex federal rules clearly, which the posting lists as part of the role.

How do you stay current on changes from the Department of Education?

What they are checking: Whether they keep up through Electronic Announcements and other sources, since rules change often.

How would you support the Executive Director as part of the leadership team?

What they are checking: Whether they think beyond their own area and help the whole office make good decisions.

What would you do

A parent is denied a PLUS loan and the student is worried they cannot stay enrolled. What do you explain?

What they are checking: Whether they know options like additional unsubsidized eligibility or an endorser and explain them clearly and kindly.

You find an error that caused several loans to be disbursed incorrectly. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they fix errors quickly, report them properly and change the process so it does not repeat.

About the work

Tell me about your experience with Direct Loan processing and the COD system.

What they are checking: Whether they know federal loan origination and disbursement well enough to manage it and supervise others.

Walk me through how you handle the monthly Direct Loan reconciliation.

What they are checking: Whether they can match school records with COD and resolve differences, which federal rules require.

How do you determine a student's eligibility for a Federal Direct Loan or a Parent PLUS loan?

What they are checking: Whether they understand enrollment, cost of attendance, aggregate limits and credit rules that decide eligibility.

What do you check in NSLDS, and why does it matter?

What they are checking: Whether they use NSLDS to catch issues like overpayments, defaults and limits before aid goes out.

What fiscal reports have you prepared for a financial aid office, and who used them?

What they are checking: Whether they can provide the technical and fiscal reporting support this role is responsible for.

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The full job description

As published by Northeastern Illinois University.

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students. Job Summary: Provides technical and fiscal reporting support to the financial aid office and serves as a member of the Executive Director’s leadership team. Provides administrative, technical and supervisory support in the management flow of Federal Direct Loans, Parent (PLUS) and other agency loans. Job Description: Direct Loan Data Transmission & Staff Supervision • Responsible for the electronic transmission of Direct Loan data as well as the supervision of staff that assists with that effort. • Thorough knowledge of FSA software and internet applications (e.g., EdConnect, COD, SAIG, Partner Portal, Knowledge Center, NSLDS). • Transmits, imports, exports and monitors the flow of data to and from external agencies and NEIU. • Addresses problems and correspondence related to student loan records and in-house flow of student loan files during the monthly reconciliation process. • Submits updates to lenders and/or servicers as needed via ELM One and NSLDS. • Trains staff on loan certification, loan counseling requirements and loan status updates. Student Loan Eligibility & Program Administration • Responsible for determining student eligibility for both Federal Direct and private loan programs. • Thorough knowledge of all types of student loan program eligibility including Federal Perkins, Federal Direct, Graduate PLUS, Parent and private loans. • Running Banner reports to verify student enrollment and academic progress status. • Running Banner process to create Direct Loan originations and for ELM trouble- shooting. • Work with UTS to update new year roll data, upgrades and patches into ERP. Federal Aid & Loan Refund Compliance • Responsible for returning any funds to the U.S. Department of Education FSA and private lenders when and if a borrower is determined to be ineligible. • Work with ELM One on any system challenges or institutional policy changes. • Responsible for verifying accuracy of student enrollment and academic progress status. • Running Banner processes to create electronic loan applications for Direct Loans. Financial Aid Systems Support & Reporting ​ • Responsible for computer systems support, including coordination of daily maintenance and retrieving information for reporting. • Serves as a resource person for implementing system-based solutions to financial aid programs, including monitoring loan limits, program length. • Curriculum Instruction Program (CIP) codes. • Performs other duties/special projects as assigned. Minimal Qualifications: 1. Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories: A. College coursework in any discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months) • Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months) • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months) • Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months) B. Work experience managing office, business, or customer service/relations activities. 2. Two (2) years (24 months) of higher education, student services, or closely related experience. 3. One (1) year (12 months) of supervisory experience in higher education, student services, or closely related setting. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. (Hours vary based on departmental needs). Location: NEIU Main Campus (5500 North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625) Settin g: In-office , not eligible for hybrid or remote work. This position requires a background check. ‎ Salary Range $30.66/hourly ‎ Benefits University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System. Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.

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