Nelnet Campus Commerce Unveils Future Payment Solutions at Virtual Summit
On October 23, 2025, Nelnet Campus Commerce, a leading provider of payment technology tailored for higher education, disclosed significant advancements in their products during their recent Virtual Client Summit. This successful event, held on October 16, attracted over 500 higher education professionals from across the nation, emphasizing the importance and impact of the company's ongoing initiative, Project Horizon.
Key Updates from Project Horizon
Project Horizon serves as a comprehensive strategy aimed at modernizing payment solutions within educational institutions, focusing on flexibility and user engagement. The virtual summit was a pivotal platform for participants to learn about innovative concepts being developed alongside various colleges and universities. Notable advancements shared include:
- - Enhanced Payment Plans: These updated plans are specifically designed to meet the diverse financial needs of institutions and their students, providing unprecedented flexibility.
- - Advancements in Nelnet Notify: This tool now offers personalized, automated messages that connect directly to student actions, which can significantly boost engagement and ensure timely payments.
- - Scholarship Manager Enhancements: Improvements in scholarship workflows streamline application processes and automate award distributions, alleviating financial pressures on students and institutions alike.
Ashley Jackson from the National Association of College and University Business Officers shared insightful updates regarding current federal funding trends and the effects stemming from the recent government shutdown, shedding light on how these factors might influence financial strategies within higher education.
The Vision of Project Horizon
Brittany Hubbard, director of product experience at Nelnet Campus Commerce, articulated that every facet of Project Horizon is meticulously designed to ease processes, dismantle obstacles, and ultimately support the success of students. The initiative ensures that advancements in payment technology are practical and focused on the evolving needs of students and institutions.
Jackie Strohbehn, president of Nelnet Campus Commerce, further clarified that the aim is to redefine how higher education perceives payments and financial transactions. The collaborative feedback received at the summit reaffirms a vision of technology that is adaptable and created in tandem with the institutions it serves.
Three Fundamental Principles Guiding the Initiative
1.
Engagement: Institutions play an active role in shaping product evolution through advisory boards and The Quad, which connects higher education leaders.
2.
Product Development: The first solution introduced under Project Horizon, Nelnet Notify, has already begun to transform how institutions communicate with students regarding payment processes. A new billing and payments platform, tailored collaboratively with education sector partners, is set to debut by late 2026.
3.
Support Structure: Nelnet has implemented a more flexible service model providing around-the-clock support, proactive communication, and customized account reviews based on the unique requirements of each institution.
Strohbehn emphasized that Project Horizon is ultimately about collaboration. By working alongside its clients, Nelnet aims to devise solutions that not only fortify campus operations but also enhance every student's financial journey.
About Nelnet Campus Commerce
Nelnet Campus Commerce specializes in elevating payment experiences for nearly 1,000 colleges and universities and over 8 million students nationwide. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, they ensure secure and integrated payment options that comply with PCI Level 1 standards and are compatible with leading enterprise resource planning systems. Their extensive suite of services encompasses everything from payment processing to online storefront management, addressing the comprehensive payment needs of educational institutions.
As Nelnet Campus Commerce collaborates with educational leaders through initiatives like Project Horizon, they position themselves not just as a payment solutions provider but as a strategic partner dedicated to enhancing the educational landscape.