Modernizing Student Payments at Palomar College with Nelnet Campus Commerce
Palomar College has spent the last several years transforming its student payment and refund processes from a paper-based, in-person system into a fully digital experience. This transition, supported by tools from Nelnet Campus Commerce, began as a long‑term modernization effort but accelerated during the COVID‑19 pandemic, when limited campus access made remote financial processes essential.
Working with Nelnet, a trusted partner offering digital accessibility services and intuitive, secure payment solutions, the college expanded online payment options, introduced digital payment forms, and built a unified checkout experience that serves students across a wide range of programs and needs.
The impact on student access and equity has been significant. Students can now make payments anytime and from anywhere, without added fees in certain programs—an important consideration for those balancing work, family, and academics. Parents in Palomar’s on-campus preschool program, for example, no longer need to visit campus or mail checks to complete transactions. Refund processing, once a slow manual process dependent on paper checks, is now handled digitally, resulting in faster turnaround times and fewer errors.
The benefits extend beyond students. Operationally, the college has seen a reduction in call volume to the cashier’s office and fewer issues related to incomplete or misrouted payments. Staff have reported that clearer processes and fewer manual interventions have improved both efficiency and job satisfaction. Cassandra Stone, Manager of Student Accounts and Cashiering, emphasizes that when students experience less financial frustration, the positive effects ripple across the entire campus community.
Palomar College’s experience offers a practical example for other California community colleges considering similar transitions. Thoughtful investments in digital infrastructure—often invisible to students—can meaningfully reduce barriers, improve operations, and position institutions for continued innovation. Palomar College is already exploring AI-driven tools and deeper system integrations as part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring every financial interaction supports student success.
To read the full case study, please visit the link here. If you are interested in learning more about leveraging the Foundation of California Community Colleges’ agreement with Nelnet, please contact cbcontracts@foundationccc.org.
