A Student-First Payment Transformation: Inside San Diego Community College District’s Partnership With Nelnet Campus Commerce

San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) is a multi-campus institution serving approximately 90,000 students annually, with a mission rooted in accessibility and opportunity. At the heart of this mission is Megan Soto, Student Services Analyst, whose 20-year journey at SDCCD exemplifies a student-first mindset and a commitment to transformative change.

“I like knowing that I’m working for an organization that really has meaning and purpose,” emphasizes Megan.

For Megan, working in higher education wasn’t a planned career. It was a calling. Starting as a student worker, Megan found purpose in supporting an organization that provides life-changing opportunities, especially for underserved and immigrant populations.

Megan’s experience in student services shapes every decision she makes. She never loses sight of how policies and processes affect students. “I always try to keep that in the forefront,” she notes.

SDCCD faces the ongoing challenge of maintaining open access while combating fraud, a balancing act that requires thoughtful, student-centered solutions. “We always have to focus on accessibility and making sure that our processes aren’t erecting barriers,” shares Megan.

Megan explained that SDCCD’s commitment to equity means constantly evaluating systems to ensure they serve those who need them most. By prioritizing both accessibility and security, SDCCD continues to refine its processes to better serve students while protecting vital resources.

When SDCCD sought a new payment partner, the decision came down to more than just technology. It was about relationships and support. Megan described how the decision to partner with NCC was driven by the need for responsive customer service and transparent pricing.

She shared that connections with other districts like Palomar College and Los Angeles Community College District—facilitated by NCC—helped Megan and her team learn best practices and build confidence.

SDCCD’s transition to NCC was completed quickly, a feat that required trust, determination, and collaboration. Says Megan, “We implemented in 12 weeks…and that is crazy.”

The true measure of success? A seamless launch that went unnoticed by students and staff—a “silent victory” that meant immediate usability with no disruption.

The smooth rollout stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and determination in driving positive change.

Megan highlighted that the introduction of Past Due Payment Plans allowed SDCCD to offer solutions to students who previously couldn’t re-enroll due to outstanding fees. As Megan points out, “Even a couple hundred dollars can keep someone out of college.”

Now, hundreds of students have benefited from flexible payment options, keeping them on track toward their goals.

The success rate for those who enrolled in past due payment plans is high. “It got anybody who signed up for it, for the most part. It got them back at school,” says Megan.

She emphasized that regular payment plans have also seen strong adoption, with hundreds of students signing up even without active promotion, demonstrating the accessibility and ease of use of the new system.

Megan credits peer support and collaboration as key to SDCCD’s success, noting that NCC helped facilitate valuable relationships with other districts. These connections have created an ongoing network of shared knowledge and support.

“It was really helpful to me to have people that I could reach out to and ask questions,” Megan points out.

Ongoing collaboration with peer institutions and NCC has created a supportive network that strengthens SDCCD’s ability to serve its students.

Megan expressed pride in SDCCD’s affordability, and sees even greater opportunities for impact ahead as the district grows.

SDCCD continues to innovate, expanding payment and refund solutions and launching new bachelor’s degree programs focused on career readiness and livable wages. The district’s vision is to be a place where students can truly transform their lives.

SDCCD’s forward-thinking approach ensures that students have access to affordable, career-focused education and opportunities to change their lives for the better.

Megan’s advice for institutions considering a partnership with NCC is clear: build strong relationships, be thoughtful in implementation, and always put students first.

SDCCD’s team led with its student-first mindset at every stage as they worked with NCC to implement solutions—and both parties in the relationship were committed to that mission.

And, as Megan pointed out, “Don’t be afraid to ask.” The NCC team is dedicated to helping each institution achieve its goals through customizing solutions to their needs.

SDCCD’s experience highlights the importance of choosing and developing strong relationships with like-minded partners, thoughtful implementation, and a relentless focus on serving student needs.

SDCCD’s journey with NCC demonstrates the power of student-first innovation and collaborative partnership. By removing financial barriers and streamlining payment processes, SDCCD continues to empower students to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future for their community.

As SDCCD continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the district remains dedicated to building a future where every student has the opportunity to succeed.