Adler University financial aid specialist Sean Nevils earned the FAAC designation from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators‘ accredited Certified Financial Aid Administrator (CFAA) Program.

The CFAA Program is a first-in-the-industry effort launched in 2019 that validates the skills and knowledge of financial aid professionals at postsecondary institutions in the U.S. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, or NASFAA, is a nonprofit membership organization representing more than 29,000 financial aid professionals at approximately 3,000 colleges, universities, and career schools nationwide. NASFAA is the only national association with a primary focus on student aid legislation, regulatory analysis, and training for financial aid administrators.

Nevils joins the ranks of an elite group of more than 300 other financial aid professionals who earned the FAAC designation after successfully passing a comprehensive knowledge exam and affirming commitment to the standards of ethical behavior that have long been a hallmark of the financial aid profession.

“I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride to have achieved this professional goal,” he said. “The laws, regulations, and procedures of financial aid can change yearly — sometimes more than once per year. This certification demonstrates that I have the foundational knowledge necessary to effectively administer my roles and responsibilities as a financial aid professional. This also ensures that Adler’s financial aid department and I provide the best service possible to our students.”

Nevils has over 24 years of financial aid experience, joining Adler’s team in 2023. He previously was a contractor for the Department of Education’s Direct Loan Consolidation Program and then spent 16 years working in Columbia College Chicago’s Student Financial Services department.

He is one of only 24 Illinois financial aid administrators with this designation. In addition to being nationally certified, Nevils also holds eight professional credentials from NASFAA.

“Financial aid administrators are entrusted with significant responsibility, ranging from ensuring college access for students to protecting the reputation of an institution and maintaining the integrity of federal financial aid programs,” said NASFAA President and CEO Justin Draeger. “The FAAC designation affirms the professional commitment of a financial aid administrator not only to those responsibilities but also their commitment to uphold the highest ethical standards.”