In the summer of 2006, Nelnet acquired Peterson’s, a leading provider of education and career guidance, from the Thomson Corporation, and CUnet, a leading performance-based educational marketing and managed services company headquartered in Wyckoff, New Jersey.
Peterson’s provides a comprehensive suite of education and career-related solutions in the areas of education search, test preparation, admissions, financial aid information, and career assistance. The company reaches an estimated 105 million consumers annually with its publications and online information about colleges and universities, career schools, graduate programs, distance learning, executive training, private secondary schools, summer opportunities, study abroad, financial aid, test preparation, and career exploration resources.
“Since 1966, Peterson’s has been a trusted name for students, families, and schools,” said Steve Butterfield, Nelnet Vice Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer. “Quite simply, they are a great resource to help students select the right educational experience, prepare for admission tests, explore ways to pay for their education, and advance their careers. In addition, Peterson’s has earned a reputation for helping schools find and recruit students.”
Butterfield added, “The addition of Peterson’s to the Nelnet family expands the products and services that the two companies can offer to students, families, schools, lenders, guarantors, and military partners. We expect that the transaction will provide long term value to Nelnet and will advance our initiative to match college-bound students with higher education institutions. Peterson’s will also enhance the college planning and career services we offer to students and families.”
Peterson’s became a part of Nelnet’s Education Services division, joining Nelnet Enrollment Services, Nelnet College Planning, and Nelnet Next Generation/Research and Development to form Nelnet Enrollment Solutions. As a result of this strategic alignment, the Nelnet Enrollment Solutions group will be focused on providing products and services that keep students engaged throughout the pre-college, in-college and post-college experience, while at the same time maximizing the lifetime value of the student to the institution.
CUnet provides more than 1,000 campus locations and online schools with performance-based educational marketing, lead generation, and vendor management services to enhance their brands and improve student recruitment and retention. Through its flagship portal www.collegeanduniversity.net and more than 1,000 media-driven education channels it powers for geographically targeted media outlets and career portals, CUnet provides schools with access to specific, relevant education leads that convert to enrolled students.
About CUnet, Butterfield said, “We are excited to join forces with the CUnet team. In just a few years, Tom Ferrara and Dave Flack (CUnet founders) have built a respected business, becoming industry leaders supporting admissions offices with marketing and managed services. CUnet expands the education-related services and products Nelnet will offer colleges and universities, complementing our initiatives to match college-bound students with higher education institutions.”
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