Our Culture. Built by the People in It.

At Nelnet, culture isn’t something you read about in a handbook. It’s something associates help create — every day, at every level.

The Bar is High – and That’s the Point

At Nelnet, our culture attracts people who are driven, curious, and never satisfied with the status quo. That energy is contagious. Mentorship, professional development events and learning pathways, and a robust set of learning resources are ready when you are, because growth has no finish line here.

1,600+ Associates, 10+ Years Strong.

At Nelnet, longevity isn’t a coincidence — it’s a reflection of a culture where people feel valued, supported, and connected. With over 1,600 associates celebrating a decade or more of service, we’re proud to be a place where careers are built.

ChrisBenefits Manager

256 Internal Promotions in 2025.

Growth at Nelnet starts from within. In 2025 alone, 256 associates moved into new roles — a testament to our commitment to developing talent and creating real pathways for every person on our team.

LukeSolutions Center Supervisor

$3.3M Invested in Associates' Education Since 2021.

Nelnet doesn’t just talk about lifelong learning — we fund it. Since 2021, we’ve invested over $3.3 million in our associates through tuition reimbursement, helping people earn degrees, build new skills, and grow their careers without carrying the weight of that cost alone.

AlaiaSenior Associate Development Program Manager

Every Story Shapes Who We Are

Long-Term Financial Security 

At Nelnet, stability isn’t a byproduct of success — it’s a strategy. Our conservative, long-term financial philosophy means we invest thoughtfully, maintain strong capital reserves, and pursue diversified opportunities — building the kind of foundation that lasts well beyond any single quarter.

We don’t chase risky bets. We build businesses with staying power, and we have the capital strength to back it up for the long haul.

Visionary Leadership 

Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about moving forward with purpose. At Nelnet, we embrace transformational change, invest in innovation at every level, and give associates the permission and the tools to help shape what comes next.

We don’t wait for the future to arrive. We build the culture, the people, and the infrastructure to lead it.

Our Culture Speaks for Itself

Get really comfortable with getting uncomfortable. Nelnet is a fast-moving place — it's a challenging environment, but it's really rewarding for people.
Lizzie
Lizzie

Engagement Specialist - Associate Experience

The thing I love about Nelnet is the communication and transparency. I've worked at other organizations where leaders were hesitant to share information until they had all the answers — but I really appreciate the openness, even when we don't know everything.
Mark
Mark

Software Engineering Manager

I came in the door as a call center agent, and I am now running onboarding for all of Nelnet — and that's all because of the opportunities I've had here and the leaders who encouraged me.
Lizzie
Lizzie

Engagement Specialist - Associate Experience

I love working at Nelnet because of the endless growth opportunities. You can start in one area and move to a different area — or stay in the same area and keep leveling up. That opportunity is always there.
McKenzie
McKenzie

Software Engineering Manager

I often compare Nelnet to a small rural Nebraska town — it's a place where everyone seems to know everyone who knows someone else. And it makes the community here feel really unique and special.
Lizzie
Lizzie

Engagement Specialist - Associate Experience

Nelnet has been really supportive of my professional development — from attending conferences every year to really focusing on what I'm looking for in professional growth. I feel like professional development is really genuine here.
Mark
Mark

Software Engineering Manager

If a friend asked me why they should work at Nelnet, I would tell them to go for it. Nelnet is one of the best places to make sure that you still have work life balance — and also make sure that you still have a life outside of work.
Katelyn
Katelyn

HRIS Analyst

Nelnet has just offered the opportunity for me to move into different roles over a period of time. And each role is just getting better and better — I'm honing my skills and learning new things about new departments.
Ashley
Ashley

Document Services - Supervisor

I feel included and connected here at Nelnet, and I feel like my job really matters to the people I work with and the organization. And that's a feeling you can't replicate.
Lizzie
Lizzie

Engagement Specialist - Associate Experience

What it says about this company — for someone like me that started as a payment processor to be able to elevate to managing director — is that Nelnet really values people and values growth and lifetime learning. If you're willing to put in the effort, Nelnet makes the opportunities available.
Christy
Christy

President - NDS Consumer Services

Nelnet's parental leave policy has been a life saver. I'm a new father to a nine month old daughter, and my wife also works here at Nelnet. So between the two of us, the parental leave policy really enabled us to get our daughter from birth and infancy all the way to daycare without needing to find any bridge or stopgap solutions.
Mark
Mark

Software Engineering Manager

When I made the switch from marketing to software development, it took a lot of trust and support from Nelnet to sponsor my participation in the code school program — and it ended up being the best thing.
Jenny
Jenny

IT Software Engineer

I love working at Nelnet because it genuinely feels like a family here. Everybody is looking out for each other, genuinely curious and wanting to get to know you better — and wanting to help you succeed.
McKenzie
McKenzie

Software Engineering Manager

I've had great connections because of the mentorship program. I've met people outside of my department that I wouldn't normally have — who have helped me grow and learn more about myself.
Katelyn
Katelyn

HRIS Analyst

My leaders always had a deep understanding of the fact that we're all people. Understanding that we are all human, we make mistakes, things happen — and just how much of a community that builds.
Ashley
Ashley

Document Services - Supervisor

I didn't push opportunities away — I grabbed them. That's how you grow here.
Al
Al

Chief Risk Officer

Nelnet is just innovative. The business is truly out there, always looking for what's next. They're willing to take a chance to see if it's something we can get comfortable in, which then provides a lot of opportunity for all of us here.
Ariel

Manager of Operations - People Services

Leadership here has done a fantastic job — not just handing me the answers, but stretching me in a way that helps me understand how I would solve a problem. They want to grow you into a problem solver.
Jillian
Jillian

Program Manager - AI Center of Excellence Lead

I feel supported. I feel grounded… I have a sense of purpose and belonging… I feel like I'm part of something bigger.
Erin
Erin

Director - NDS Compliance Testing & Global Quality

You can come in and you're going to learn so much from so many different people — and you are going to leave a much better person.
Sam
Sam

Marketing Digital Strategy Intern

If a friend asked me to work at Nelnet, I would say yes, do it — because you're going to love the atmosphere, you're going to love the interaction, and you're going to love the benefits.
Rebecca
Rebecca

Call Center Specialist

The benefits package really affected me personally because I love to travel — that's one of my life goals, to see as much as possible. Nelnet's ETO policy has allowed me the time to do that. And the leadership here prioritizes your personal time and taking that time off — and that has really been amazing for me.
Lizzie
Lizzie

Engagement Specialist - Associate Experience

Nelnet's investment in the community really shows that they're committed not only to the success of Nelnet, but the success of the city and the communities in which we work and live. It means something to an associate when their employer is genuinely invested in making it a great community to live in.
Mark
Mark

Managing Director - Business Advancement

I was able to earn my master's degree in Organizational Leadership and Change completely for free. I know Nelnet partners with Colorado Technical University — and I just can't believe it, honestly. I tell everyone, go get your master's. It has helped me advance in my career quicker, and I've been able to take what I learned and apply it directly to my day-to-day responsibilities.
McKenzie
McKenzie

Software Engineering Manager

Nelnet is one of the best places to make sure that you still have work life balance in your life. They're going to make sure you love where you work — and also make sure that you still have a life outside of work.
Katelyn
Katelyn

HRIS Analyst

You're treated as a professional, with hands-on projects, a mentoring program, and exposure to a large, diverse organization.
Ashley
Ashley

Document Services - Supervisor

I feel like I can take chances and risks…I have a soft place to land if things don't work out.
Erin
Erin

Director - NDS Compliance Testing & Global Quality

We're really doing things that other companies haven't done, especially in the space of artificial intelligence. Our careers are changing, the way we do things is changing — and Nelnet knew right away that this is something we need to invest in for our people.
Jillian
Jillian

Program Manager - AI Center of Excellence Lead

With the benefits package, what's different from Nelnet from any other job I've worked at — they are curious about the wellness of our health. Not only that, but even the incentives — we get those quarterly bonuses every three months. I always look forward to that.
Rebecca
Rebecca

Call Center Specialist

My leadership here at Nelnet has done a fantastic job helping me realize that I'm not limited here, but truly unlimited in what I could do.
Sam
Sam

Marketing Digital Strategy Intern

People rally…no big egos…doing the right thing for customers and communities.
Al
Al

Chief Risk Officer

I've never worked with so many people who are so passionate and just so good at their jobs. No matter what department or team I'm on, I feel like I'm always on the winning team.
Jenny
Jenny

IT Software Engineer

Nelnet values people that raise their hand, that step up. And I knew that if I leaned into that — it's really true of anyone — you have a lot of opportunity to grow with this company.
Christy
Christy

President - NDS Consumer Services

You can pretty much create your own path here at Nelnet.
Ariel

Manager of Operations - People Services

I came in at an entry level and I'm now in IT Infrastructure — I did not come from an IT background. All it took was somebody to say yes and give me a chance.
Rachel
Rachel

ServiceNow - Technical Lead

I didn't think I could lead people… my leaders saw it before I did… and it fell into place.
Jason

IT Director - Infrastructure Back Office

When I get an opportunity to talk to customers, I'm proud to represent the organization… they tell us how great our associates are and how they're doing amazing things.
Mary
Mary

Managing Director - Customer Success

Across the board, people genuinely support each other. You’re not just working alongside people — you’re working with them.
Jessica

Director of New Markets — NBS

Being a Nelnet associate makes me feel empowered…if you have a vision and desire to do something cool, nothing's going to stop you here.
Graham
Graham

Managing Director - NDS Technology Delivery

Nelnet has allowed me to be involved in the community and be a part of United Way here at the office — and play a different role than I would anywhere else.
Amanda
Amanda

Director of Client Growth and Innovation

I've never seen so much emphasis on understanding that these are people and that we need to do the right things for them and by them.
Tara
Tara

IT Manager

What's surprising is the ability to speak with executives. People such as Jeff Noordhoek or Mike Dunlap come in and talk to us on a one-on-one basis for our teams, which is surprising. How many companies do that?
Ty
Ty

Contact Center - Senior Supervisor

Here at Nelnet you really do get to create your own journey.
Tracy
Tracy

People Services Coordinator

I love how Nelnet has been focusing on AI, and I love that I got to work with AI. It's really given me a lot of real world experience and insight into how AI actually works in the real world.
Winston
Winston

Agentic AI Intern

I went back to school… got my bachelor's, my master's, certifications — and Nelnet paid for it. If you invest in yourself, Nelnet invests in you.
Angie
Angie

Director - Enterprise Compliance

There are so many opportunities here. You don’t always know where you’ll end up, but that’s part of what makes it exciting. I’ve been able to try new things and grow in ways I didn’t expect.
Uniqua

Firstmark Services Processing Supervisor

When we are boots to the ground with our communities… that's where Nelnet really shines.
Kealyn
Kealyn

Client Services - Executive Account Manager

I came in here just thinking this is another job…and the commitment to growth and the friendly attitude from all my leadership — that's what kept me here.
April

Help Desk - Support Analyst

Nelnet has had the same core values from day one… we do what we say… you don't see that everywhere.
Phil
Phil

Executive Director - Corporate Accounting

Being a Nelnet associate makes me feel proud… a company that cares about associates, customer service, and the communities we work in.
Janna
Janna

Managing Director - NDS Risk & Compliance

I'm more excited about what the next 10, 15, 20 years look like… I'm almost maybe more excited looking forward.
Mike
Mike

President - BenefitEd

Going back to school changed everything for me — and Nelnet made it possible. Their tuition reimbursement and partnership with Colorado Technical University opened doors I didn't think were available to me.
Alma
Alma

Contact Center - Supervisor

My career at Nelnet has gone from being a job where I just show up every day, to being something that I truly want to excel at. And that's a reflection of the leadership I've had over the years.
Chris
Chris

Contact Center - Senior Supervisor

If you raise your hand and step outside your comfort zone, your career is unlimited here.
John
John

Chief Information Officer - NDS

There's so much opportunity here. I've never held the same role for more than four years. When I'm ready for something new, I can grow into a different role — and still stay at Nelnet.
Ryan
Ryan

Product Lead

We Take Care of Our People

Great culture shows up in a lot of ways and our benefits package is one of them. At Nelnet, we offer a benefits package designed to support your whole life, because we believe taking care of our people is part of who we are.

Generous ETO

Your time off is yours — all of it. Nelnet offers generous earned time off plus several paid holidays per year so you can step away, recharge, and show up as your best self every time. Or, you can donate your ETO to someone who really needs it.

Flexible Work Environment

In-office, remote, or hybrid — Nelnet offers a flexible work environment designed around you, not the other way around. Work where you work best, whatever that looks like for you.

Wellness Program

Taking care of yourself is part of the job. Participate in Nelnet's wellness challenges and earn annual incentives. Because here, your physical, financial, personal and professional wellbeing always matters.

Donation Match Program

Giving back is built into our culture — and our benefits back that up. Associates are able to donate to an eligible nonprofit and we'll match it 1:1, or 3:1 for schools, because the communities we work in matter.

Your Story Belongs Here

Browse current openings and find the opportunity that feels right — for your career and your life.