Eddie Salazar

Eddie Salazar is a senior financial aid professional with more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration and over 15 years in executive and upper-management roles. He joined College Aid Services in 2026, bringing deep expertise in financial aid strategy, compliance, systems implementation, and staff development to support institutions and students nationwide.

Prior to joining College Aid Services, Eddie served as Associate Director of Financial Aid at the University of New Mexico, where he oversaw the administration of more than $300 million annually in federal, state, and institutional aid across multiple campuses.

His leadership encompassed policy development, regulatory compliance, operational optimization, and cross-functional collaboration with IT teams, analysts, and institutional leadership.

Eddie is widely recognized within the financial aid community for his commitment to professional excellence and mentorship. He has managed and developed teams for more than 15 years, leading with a service-oriented approach rooted in integrity, empathy, and accountability. He is a NASFAA Accredited Financial Aid Administrator (FAAC®), holds 16 NASFAA credentials, and has served as Past President of the New Mexico Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NMASFAA) and Past Secretary of the Southwest Association (SWASFAA). He is also a frequent trainer and chair for financial aid boot camps and FAAC® certification programs

In addition, Eddie has extensive experience leading large-scale systems initiatives, including serving as project lead for Ellucian Banner implementation and optimization. His ability to bridge regulatory, operational, and technical perspectives enables College Aid Services to deliver practical, compliant, and scalable solutions to partner institutions.

Eddie holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition and Theory from the University of New Mexico.