Ocelot Financial Aid Counseling is an AI-driven platform designed for higher education institutions to simplify the financial aid process and support students through interactive, proactive guidance. The platform offers mini-courses and digital counseling to help new, at-risk, and veteran students understand financial aid options, manage aid effectively, and navigate complex processes such as Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals. By integrating with campus systems, Ocelot provides personalized, compliant, and up-to-date information, reducing the need for in-person counseling and allowing staff to focus on complex cases. The solution aims to increase financial literacy, reduce student stress, and improve retention by addressing financial barriers that often lead to dropout. It also supports veterans and their families in understanding and utilizing military educational benefits.

Key Features

Interactive Mini-Courses and Guidance Delivers step-by-step, proactive financial aid education.

• Engages students with digital, self-paced learning modules
• Covers SAP appeals, financial literacy, and aid management

AI-Powered Personalization Provides tailored support based on student status and needs.

• Integrates with campus systems for up-to-date, student-specific information
• Delivers compliant, accurate content across channels

Veteran and Military Benefits Support Guides veterans and families through GI Bill® and related processes.

• Explains tuition, housing allowances, and application steps
• Ensures access to all eligible benefits

Compliance and Resource Optimization Ensures regulatory adherence and efficient staff allocation.

• Maintains up-to-date federal financial aid compliance
• Reduces face-to-face counseling demand, focusing staff on complex cases

Benefits

Increased Financial Literacy Empowers students to make informed financial decisions.

• Enhances understanding of aid options and fiscal responsibility
• Supports long-term student success and retention

Reduced Student Stress and Dropout Rates Simplifies complex processes and provides clear guidance.

• Lowers anxiety around financial aid navigation
• Addresses financial barriers that contribute to dropout

Institutional Efficiency and Compliance Optimizes staff resources and ensures regulatory adherence.

• Automates routine counseling, freeing staff for high-impact support
• Keeps institutions aligned with federal requirements