A survey of 75 universities and colleges in the UK names Elavon the Overall Best Acquirer for 2020, and the acquirer the institutions themselves would most highly recommend to others.

The survey is conducted annually by higher education payment-specialists, WPM Education.

Account management, PCI support and provision of Dynamic Currency Conversion were particular highlights for Elavon in the survey, which scored top of the field in all these areas.

Our response to Covid-19 was also rated highly, with proactive communications and advice being deemed key to helping education institutions feel support at this time.

“We have a strong team of education sector experts providing the right support in the right way at the right time,” says Colin Close, Head of Corporate Segment, Elavon Europe.

“We understand that universities, colleges and specialist professional schools often have complex IT and funding systems. So we offer a versatile, secure and reliable payments partnership that brings market leading technologies, meets the demands of students and gives you simple yet clever solutions, with friendly and vital support.

“We understand that being publicly accountable means you need to demonstrate value for money. We’ll help you keep payments costs down while working your income channels to the fullest, in ways that are attractive, secure and helpful to your staff and students – whether domestic or international. Our solutions can handle anything from tuition fees and accommodation to food and books to your gyms, conferencing venues, even parking and photocopying!”
 

Supporting the UK student population

The latest figures show the UK student population at just under 2.4 million, with international students accounting for 45% of full-time postgrads (2020, HESA).

Elavon currently provides payments for universities and colleges supporting just under one in five (18.8%) of the UK’s total student population.

Fuss-free payments, particularly involving overseas transactions and international currencies, is a speciality of ours – being able to accept more than 130 currencies with security at the heart of everything we do.

In fact, this year’s WPM Education Survey demonstrates that security and PCI credentials are more important than ever before. Information, support and implementation of the compliance process were cited among the biggest drivers for colleges and universities when choosing an acquirer. In all of these areas, Elavon scored highest – and the only acquirer rated 'GOOD'.

As well as being named Best Overall Acquirer 2020, the survey asked respondents which acquirers they’d recommend. Again, Elavon was highest.