Introduction: Why Visibility Matters

Higher education leaders know the importance of transparency when it comes to finances, student outcomes, and institutional operations. Yet, new research from Transact + CBORD shows that payment processing—one of the largest and most critical revenue channels for colleges and universities—remains an area with significant blind spots.

Our 2025 survey of higher education finance and operations leaders reveals a clear theme: Institutions are committed to managing payments efficiently, but gaps in visibility are preventing them from fully optimizing revenue, staff time, and the student experience.

This report explores the three most pressing blind spots:

1

The abandonment gap— students starting but not completing payments.

2

The fragmentation tax— the hidden costs of managing multiple, disconnected payment systems.

3

The intelligence void— the inability to connect payment behaviors with student outcomes.

The Hidden Reality: Limited Confidence in Costs

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Introduction: Why Visibility Matters

This report explores the three most pressing blind spots:

1

2

3

By shining a light on these areas, we aim to provide a framework for institutions to strengthen operations, improve student experiences, and maximize institutional resources.

The Hidden Reality: Limited Confidence in Costs