This year marks TouchNet’s sixth release of the Student Financial Experience Report. Surveying more than 3,000 higher ed students across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, we gathered a range of perspectives to help you better understand and meet student expectations.
What they told us is clear: the student financial landscape is becoming more complex, increasingly digital and closely tied to academic well being.
Managing financial tasks takes real effort. That’s why more students are turning to mobile-first payment experiences that reduce friction. Read the full report to learn how addressing pain points in tuition payments with convenient digital solutions can strengthen the campus experience and overall satisfaction.
Students use multiple ways to pay for tuition
Students often rely on multiple funding sources to cover their tuition. Reliance on institutional financial aid has grown from 45% to 57% year over year, reflecting increased financial need. In the UK and Australia, students rely more heavily on loans, while students in the US and Canada depend more on scholarships and institutional aid.
Finances can distract from academics
In every market, large shares of students report that managing financial tasks requires moderate to very high effort. More than half of students in Canada, the UK and Australia agree that financial processes distract them from academic goals, impacting overall academic well being.
Students crave mobile-first experiences
Students expect financial tools to fit into their mobile lives. About half already use digital student IDs, and mobile pay is common for recurring bills and everyday purchases. From payment reminders and easier refunds to instant notifications and auto-payment systems, students want seamless, mobile-first experiences.
International students face unique challenges
International students experience tuition and payments differently than domestic students. They rely more heavily on direct family payment and spend substantially more effort managing financial tasks. For two thirds of international students, university tuition payment methods influence where they choose to enroll.
Campus technology plays a key role in the student experience
Students want technology that reduces friction in administrative tasks. Technology improvements to tuition, financial aid and course registration would most improve their student life. When monetary questions come up, students often go to the financial aid office for help.
About the 2026 Student Financial Experience Report
The Student Financial Experience Report offers insights into how students make payments and use mobile technology to navigate their campus experience. For six years, TouchNet has sponsored this endeavor to learn more about how technology impacts student experiences and outcomes.
Learn about last year's survey results and download a copy at the 2025 Student Financial Experience Report page.
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