Brookdale's Karyn Arnold Joins Elite Group

Karyn Arnold Joins Elite Group With Nationally Recognized Financial Aid Administrator Certification

Karyn Arnold, associate director of Financial Aid at Brookdale Community College, earned the FAAC® designation from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators' accredited Certified Financial Aid Administrator® (CFAA) Program.

"In achieving this certification, Karyn has proven her expertise in navigating the complex landscape of federal student aid programs and reaffirmed our office's dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism," said Jonathan Ng, director of Financial Aid at Brookdale. "As she joins the elite group of fewer than ten professionals in New Jersey holding this credential, it solidifies her ability to navigate Title IV regulations with proficiency. We are proud to have such a committed and knowledgeable leader guiding our efforts."

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 nationwide. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, or NASFAA, is a nonprofit membership organization that represents more than 29,000 financial aid professionals at approximately 3,000 colleges, universities, and career schools across the country. NASFAA is the only national association primarily focusing on student aid legislation, regulatory analysis, and training for financial aid administrators.

"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 Justin Draeger, NASFAA president & CEO. "The FAAC designation affirms the professional commitment of a financial aid administrator not only to those responsibilities but also their commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards."

Arnold joins the ranks of an exclusive group of more than 650 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. This achievement underscores the significance of her dedication and expertise in the field.

Karyn Arnold has her bachelor's degree in history and master's degree in student personnel services from Monmouth University, where she got her start in financial aid. She is an active member of NJASFAA, serving in several leadership positions and organizing many College Goal Sunday events. Karyn has worked as a presenter for NJHESAA, doing financial aid nights for high schools in NJ. She has worked at Brookdale for 28 years and is active in the NJEA Higher Education community.

"Financial aid administrators work in a highly regulated, continuously evolving industry where knowledge matters," says Craig Alan Slaughter, 2023-24 CFAA Program commission chair and director of financial aid at Kenyon College. "As part of an inclusive and supportive FAAC community, we commit to the highest standards of professionalism and professional development to support the success of the communities, institutions, and students we serve."