First Nelnet Associates Earn Free Degrees
On October 9, 2024, Nelnet held its first graduation ceremony in Lincoln, Neb., bringing associates from the organization’s various locations for the event. Friends and family were invited to attend as 32 full-time Nelnet associates earned associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees without incurring any cost to themselves—not even for books or fees.
Nelnet is a company built on a foundation of education and commited to core values like creating an awesome work environment and pursuing opportunities for diversification and growth. Hosting a graduation for associations doesn’t come as a surprise.
Nelnet pays tuition and tuition-related costs up to $5,250 per year for each eligible associate, with Colorado Technical University (CTU) providing a Commitment Grant that covers everything above that amount, including all books and other related fees.
Nelnet’s First CTU Graduation
With friends and family watching, 18 Nelnet associates walked in the graduation ceremony, which was held at the organization’s Lincoln Square location. Those who couldn’t attend were able to tune in via a live link. Nelnet Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Noordhoek welcomed graduates and their guests. CTU’s President Elise Baskel and Vice President of Corporate Engagement Joe Adolf also attended.
Nelnet Business Services Integration Specialist Rob Forsgren, who received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, spoke at graduation about how his degree was 20 years in the making. His emotional, yet funny speech traced his educational path of starting a degree early, quitting, and then having this opportunity to complete his degree as a single father of two girls. He said getting this bachelor’s degree with his daughters watching meant everything to him.
Nelnet IT Senior Support Analyst Kristin Luebke also spoke on behalf of graduates. She received her Master of Science in Information Technology (her second master’s degree).
CTU provided graduation gowns, caps, and tassels for the graduates, which were theirs to keep. At the celebration, attendees could view photos of graduates with quotes about what it meant to receive their degrees. CTU and Nelnet provided graduates with bags full of gifts.
Nelnet’s new partnership with Colorado Technical University was introduced to associates in February 2023. While these are the first 32 graduates, 111 other associates are also working on their degrees.
How the Program Works
Nelnet partnered with CTU to offer associates personalized online learning, with five-week, mobile-friendly classes. CTU specializes in providing flexible courses that accommodate the busy schedules of working students. The university offers credit for prior eligible college courses and military and work experience.
Associates can choose from various degree programs and concentrations such as Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Technology, Management, Project Management, Software Systems Engineering, Psychology, Nursing, Healthcare Management, Criminal Justice, and more
Nelnet pays up to $5,250 per associate per year toward their tuition, with a Commitment Grant from CTU covering any remaining additional costs so that associates have no out-of-pocket costs. A program requirement is that associates in the program continue working at Nelnet for 12 months after completing their degree.
Unlike many employers, Nelnet will pay for associates to pursue whatever degree they choose—even if it doesn’t apply to their position or any career at Nelnet.
Meet Nelnet’s First CTU Graduating Class
Nelnet’s recent graduates pursued degrees at all levels in several popular areas. Of the 32 graduates:
- Two received their Associate of Science in Business Administration
- Two received their Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- 28 received master’s degrees—all of them in Business Administration, Management, Computer Science, or Information Technology except for one in Healthcare Management
Corporate Trainer Audrey Erker joined Nelnet in 2018 and knew at some point she wanted to get her master’s degree. Says Erker, “In my head, ‘some point’ was very much down the road. I’m in a great place in my life to take a master’s degree. I don’t have kids or a spouse or many things outside of work that would impede that. So it really came down to, ‘If it is fully free, am I too lazy to get it?’ It made the choice too easy to say no.”
Erker received her Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Change. When asked about the experience of going back to school, Erker said, “It was so flexible and able to really fit with my schedule. As a fast learner, I appreciated the ability to dive into it really hard and then not get too bored by the end of the five weeks.”
Erker notes, “The teachers gave some great information in the classes, but there was a lot of independent work.” Erker says she typically would do a little homework during the week and then block either a Saturday or Sunday to do the bigger papers for the week or double up if she knew she had things going on the next week.
Erker and another associate started a CTU Teams channel at Nelnet that took off quickly. According to Erker, “Probably the most popular thread was the Encouragement thread because people just wanted to share ‘You can get through this,’ or ‘We’re nearing the end of something that’s exciting.’”
She adds that the channel’s General thread is helpful for associates to ask and answer each other’s questions about what to expect and how to approach things. Erker is proud to have started something that may help others overcome barriers to furthering their education while working.
What the Program Says About Nelnet
Erker had interned with Nelnet as a college freshman and understands Nelnet’s commitment to associate development firsthand.
It’s always been apparent to me how much Nelnet cares about the people who work here, not the associates or the workers, but the people. The amount of time and investment they will put in to make your life better, easier, more successful has been apparent since my first year of college and continued after college.
Nelnet Corporate Trainer
Now, as an associate, Erker and her colleagues have chosen to continue their education without any expense to themselves. As she points out, “I talk to other people and say, ‘I’m doing this master’s program for free through work’ and they’re shocked that I have that opportunity because not a lot of workplaces would do that. And, in whatever degree you want. Often it’s more limiting in scope of eligible degrees, or because companies cover significantly less than 100% of tuition costs.”
While the CTU partnership shows Nelnet’s caring for associates, it also provides benefits to the organization.
Through our partnership with Colorado Technical University, we’re not just supporting continuing education—we’re empowering our associates to achieve personal and professional milestones. When employees earn their degrees, they bring new skills, fresh perspectives, and greater confidence to their roles, driving innovation and growth across the company. We celebrate their investment and success!
Nelnet Chief People Services Officer
Come Grow at Nelnet
If your current employer doesn’t support your personal and professional growth with tuition assistance and other development opportunities, consider growing your skills, knowledge, and career with Nelnet. Learn more about #LifeAtNelnet today.
