Why Embedded Payments Matter for Higher Ed Campuses

Revised June 2025

In today's fast-paced digital world, secure payments are essential for colleges and universities. How can you ensure that payments are safe and easy for students, whether for tuition, dining and retail, or any other campus transactions? Enter the solution that's fast becoming the answer for campuses and universities across industries: embedded payments.  

Today, where seamless interactions are the standard, embedded payments are the omnichannel solution for all your integrated payment processing needs. Embedded payments serve as a beacon of efficiency and security. The embedded payments market was valued at $82 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $570 billion by 2033. Embedded payments solutions specifically dominate this market, as they simplify the buying process for customers and improve satisfaction and loyalty.

Transact Integrated Payments is an embedded payments solution popular with college campus administrators, offering advantages such as: 

• Omnichannel single payment experience
• Operational efficiencies
• Bill presentment
• Payment plans
• Actionable intelligence

In this article, you’ll find a detailed overview of embedded payments and how they can benefit your school. We'll discuss the benefits, emphasize security aspects, and guide you on how to begin with embedded payment solutions through Transact Integrated Payments. Continue reading or schedule a demo to discover how embedded payments might be the pivotal shift your institution needs. 

Understanding embedded payments 

Embedded payments integrate directly into your institution’s platforms, enabling users to complete transactions without ever leaving your system. For colleges and universities, embedded payments can be a powerful tool to help manage tuition, payment plans, and other campus commerce. All payment methods are securely combined into a single omnichannel platform, allowing for a more efficient and cost-effective payment process. Compared to traditional payment methods, embedded payments are often faster and more secure, providing a better overall user experience for students and faculty. 

Transact Integrated Payments offers combined solutions for payments, cashiering, and payment plans, including payment processing, ePayment, eMarket, and bill presentment. 

One of the main advantages of embedded payments is their ability to simplify the payment process for all parties involved. For instance, with Transact Integrated Payments, students must enter their personal information just once. Once entered, they can use any device or platform for future purchases, avoiding problems with their preferred payment method or platform.  

For administrators and institutions, embedded payments enhance security with additional protective measures. All student payment details are gathered and kept in a single secure location. This method safeguards data and makes tracking student information easier while defending against online threats. Additionally, embedded payments are native to your platform and provide valuable data insights for forecasting and budgeting, offering complete and transparent records of past transactions.

Overall, embedded payments are a versatile, streamlined solution that balances convenience and security equally. They’re an excellent option for schools seeking a quick, safe, and effective way to handle payments while protecting critical information from cybercriminals.  

Benefits of using embedded payments in higher education  

Embedded payments offer many benefits, such as simplifying the process of accepting and receiving payments. The omnichannel experience allows students and families to complete their purchases quickly and securely on one platform. 

Additionally, embedded payments provide the convenience of reviewing historical transactions in one place. Administrators can easily accept different payment methods, such as credit cards and online payments. They can also gain valuable information about student buying habits, which helps institutions create better marketing plans to drive more revenue. 

For educational institutions in particular, partnerships with providers like Transact for embedded payment solutions present unique advantages, such as:  

• Increased enrollment conversion rates by crafting an effortless online payment experience for prospective students
• Advanced analytics into student payment patterns and trends, which can be leveraged to inform and optimize enrollment management strategies 
• Strong security measures for handling student financial data, following strict standards like PCI DSS  

"With our Integrated Payments platform, we’re committed to delivering a host of transformative benefits that will empower all stakeholders within the higher education ecosystem. Our unified system simplifies payment collection, tuition fees, and other financial transactions, allowing university staff to focus on what truly matters—providing quality education.”

—Don Smith, General Manager of Integrated Payments at Transact + CBORD  

Embedded payments security  

For colleges and universities, ensuring the security of online transactions is essential. Embedded payments security plays a crucial role in this, focusing intently on protecting both customer and merchant data.  

How Integrated Payments enhances security:  

• Point-to-point encryption (P2PE): Encrypts sensitive user data, so it remains unreadable without a specific key.
• Authentication: Requires users to verify their identity via secure methods.
• Industry standards: Adheres to PCI DSS for handling financial data securely.
• External audits: Regular assessments by independent organizations to maintain compliance.
• Fraud protection: Uses algorithms to detect and report suspicious activity.

Through validated P2PE and other measures, Transact Integrated Payments offers a fortified transaction environment. Students can confidently make payments, trusting in the robust protection of their data. 

Examples of embedded payment systems  

As institutions strive to give students a safe and secure payment method, embedded payments systems have become increasingly popular. These systems enable various adjustable features.  

Popular embedded payment systems include:

• PayPal: Provides secure storage of payment credentials and strong fraud protection.
• Apple Pay: Supports biometric-enabled payments through Apple devices for fast, secure checkout.
• Google Pay: Enables encrypted, quick transactions on Android devices and web platforms.

In the education sector, higher education payment processing providers like Transact Integrated Payments enable schools to handle transactions securely and efficiently. This higher education payment gateway supports credit cards, ACH, mobile wallets, 529 Plans, and international payments. The Virtual Terminal and cashiering tools support in-person transactions, and institutions can issue tax forms like 1098T directly through the student portal. 

Schools that have launched Integrated Payments can offer secure payment options with fast processing and detailed reporting. These capabilities help administrators track spending and student trends—essential tools for a successful higher ed payment partner.

Getting started with Transact Integrated Payments  

Educational institutions looking to launch embedded payments should start by evaluating their system's requirements, payments volume, and desired functionality. To help with this process, Transact’s dedicated customer service and project management support is readily available throughout the implementation process. Our teams help institutions with assessments, SIS integrations, training, and other important onboarding tasks.  

Transact creates a detailed onboarding roadmap tailored to an institution's specific needs once they partner with us. The plan involves three main steps: connecting with the school's system, setting up payment processing, and training staff to make the transition and implementation successful. 

A unified payment platform means no more bouncing between different systems. Students, parents, and faculty can access all financial information in one place, fostering transparency and reducing confusion.

Explore how Transact Integrated Payments can help your institution streamline financial processes while enhancing security—schedule a personalized demo today.