James Heller Named University Director of Financial Aid
James Heller has been named the new University Director of Financial Aid at Northwestern University and will join the University Enrollment division on May 19.
Heller previously served as College Aid Director at the University of Chicago, where he led all financial aid operations for undergraduate students and oversaw policy development, funding strategies, and student advising. A dynamic and transformative leader in higher education financial aid, Heller has over 15 years of experience optimizing financial aid operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and expanding access to education.
Prior to his tenure at the University of Chicago, Heller served as the Director of Financial Aid at Rock Valley College, where he played a critical role in maintaining student support services through challenging circumstances, including a faculty strike and a state government funding lapse. His ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and implement technological solutions improved compliance, communication, and student service delivery. Heller has also held leadership roles at Colorado Technical University and Career Education Corporation, where he focused on Title IV compliance, training financial aid professionals, and enhancing funding opportunities for students. His expertise spans federal, state, and military aid programs, as well as strategic budgeting, performance metrics, and operational readiness.
Heller is passionate about driving innovation and excellence in financial aid administration, ensuring that students receive the support they need to achieve their academic and professional goals. He is committed to championing initiatives that promote financial accessibility, student retention, and institutional success.
Heller holds an MBA from American InterContinental University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Iowa. He has completed executive leadership training through the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and The College Board’s Enrollment Leadership Academy. At Northwestern, Heller will report to Stacey Kostell, Vice President of Enrollment. He will lead three Financial Aid departments, with a talented team of 35 staff members on both the Evanston and Chicago campuses.