Backpack Payments

Let’s face it…those of us in education didn’t choose this path for fame or fortune (no shade…get that 💰!). We chose it because we care deeply about what we do, where we do it, how we do it, and who we do it for. One of the first conversations I had with the team at Backpack was about our shared commitment to making external payments simpler, more transparent, and easier for students and their families to understand. Every time we unintentionally create a barrier, we risk eroding trust and satisfaction. It’s energizing to work alongside such a creative, passionate team dedicated to removing those barriers and putting students and families first. At St. Edward’s University, we believe payments are more than transactions—they’re about trust, clarity, and supporting access to education. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Backpack, whose people-first approach to payment solutions aligns so closely with our mission. In a recent Bursar Bulletin post, Backpack Payments founder Callum Bedos reminds us that: 💬 “Every dollar that changes hands represents a decision made by someone—often many people. Behind every payment is a relationship, a workflow, a set of expectations, a promise.” Whether it’s simplifying scholarship disbursement, eliminating paper checks, or proactively communicating with students and sponsors, Backpack helps us deliver a warmer, clearer, and more secure financial experience for our students and partners. 🔒 Trust-centered. ✨ Experience-driven. 🧠 Thoughtfully compliant. 💬 Communicative and kind. Together, we’re not just moving money—we’re moving access to opportunity. 💙💛 #HigherEd #StudentSuccess #AccessToEducation #FinancialAid #EdTech #BackpackPay #StEdwardsUniversity https://lnkd.in/g6SYRcm5

Big congratulations to Michael Sapienza! Just so happens to be a Backpacker too 💙. #andersonuniversity Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU)

🚀 We’re hiring Senior & Staff Backend Engineers at Backpack Payments (NYC or Austin) - if you like building from 0→1 and scaling systems that move real money, let’s chat! We’re tackling a $1.8T savings market that’s long been overlooked; how families pay for college. It’s a complex, high-trust problem - think Stripe-level reliability, Plaid-like complexity, and real impact on how people access and afford education. In just three tuition seasons, we’ve gone from an MVP to moving tens of millions in payment volume and we’re still early. 📈 The chart below says it all. In our first year, we've already: - Partnered with top universities across the U.S. - Scaled to helping thousands of families manage how they save and spend - Moved millions in payment volume from scholarship foundations, private companies, and government agencies The best part of all of it is getting to work with our unreal team - Darryn McCleland, Sujin M., Neha Goswami, Deary D. Hudson III, Carissa Mason. Come help us scale to hundreds of millions in payment volume! DM me or Darryn McCleland, or apply here - https://lnkd.in/engtp3aB. Walkabout Ventures Mischief

🏈🏟️💸 The Big Ten Conference and Big 12 Conference just announced a landmark partnership with PayPal. PayPal will become the official payment partner for the new revenue-sharing model that came about because of the House v. NCAA settlement that was finalized last month. In this weeks Backpack Bursar Bulletin, I talk about how this partnership might work, and more importantly why I think PayPal is willing to shell out $100M+ for the privilege! #highereducation #payments #NIL #bigten #big12 #paypal https://lnkd.in/e2DJzBjN

🚨 Major aid shakeup from House reconciliation bill will impact students in 2025/26. The House Committee on Education & Workforce released their Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan, which has major implications for student families. 🎓 Changes to Pell Grant eligibility, ⚠️ Elimination of subsidized and Grad PLUS loans, 🚧 New federal student loan borrowing caps, 💰 Proposed risk-sharing program for universities and more! In our latest Bursar Bulletin post, we summarize the key changes and strategies Bursar and Financial Aid offices can implement in response. We also put together a deep dive of each policy change, the comparison to existing law, and the rationale and/or implications for each (free to download!).

🎉🎓 Happy 529 Day from everyone here at Backpack! 🎉🎓 We love working with our partners to help raise awareness and facilitate (free!) payments for 529 plans. Even better, we know we are working every day to make education more accessible and affordable for our student families. Happy saving (and spending 😉)!

🚨 The House passed the One, Big, Beautiful bill. This new legislation introduces a brand-new savings tool for students and families. But with a new option on the table, how does it stack up against the tried-and-true 529 plan account? 📊 We broke down the differences between MAGA Accounts and 529 Plans. 👉 Get the facts. Compare your options. #HigherEd #EducationSavings #529Plans #MAGAAccounts #EdPolicy #BursarBulletin https://lnkd.in/gUP5ZUwf

🚀 We are hiring! Exciting times here at Backpack. Come join the fun! Apply here - https://lnkd.in/eRhnUH63

Really interesting developments in the world of finance, particularly regarding stablecoins. As a Student Accounts staff member at St. Edward's University, I'm particularly struck by the potential impact on international students. The article highlights the hurdles international students face - often paying hefty fees for processing cross-border payments. Anything that reduces these costs and makes education more accessible has my attention! I'm passionate about advocating for these students and exploring how our institution can adopt innovative solutions like stablecoins to: Lower financial barriers Promote equity Attract a more diverse student body It's eye-opening to see how emerging technologies can directly address the financial challenges faced by international students. I'm eager to learn more and contribute to this important conversation within higher education. Thanks to Backpack for keeping us in the know and advocating for our students, staff, and process improvement. #stablecoins #internationalstudents #highereducation #studentaccounts #edtech #financialaccessibility #universityfinances https://lnkd.in/gdUUywwh

Fintech is often talked about in visionary terms, with the promise of large-scale transformation of how finance works and money is used. Sometimes though, it is the everyday applications that unlock real change for people. The 'small-scale' changes, like being able to interact with an anxious parent in real-time, can make all the difference. That is how we are applying fintech at Backpack - helping those on the front lines at Universities better help their student families and spend less time on administrative tasks. Payments are people - and that is where our focus is.