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Grade D

Nelnet Privacy Policy

Federal Student Loan Servicer | Last reviewed: January 2026

Privacy Summary

Nelnet's privacy practices are typical for a large financial services company - compliant with GLBA but permissive in sharing data with affiliates for marketing. As a federal servicer, some data handling is governed by Department of Education requirements, but Nelnet operates numerous affiliated businesses that benefit from borrower data access.

Data Collection Overview

Data Type Collected Shared Sold
Income/Employment Yes Dept of Ed, Affiliates No
Bank Account Info Yes Payment Processors No
Contact Information Yes Affiliates, Marketing No
Loan Details Yes Credit Bureaus, DoE No
Website Behavior Yes Analytics, Advertising No (tracked)

Key Privacy Concerns

Extensive Affiliate Network

Nelnet operates numerous affiliated companies including Nelnet Bank, education services companies, and payment processing businesses. Borrower data is shared across these affiliates for "business purposes" and marketing.

Marketing Partner Sharing

While Nelnet doesn't "sell" data in the traditional sense, they share data with marketing partners and use it to promote affiliated financial products like refinancing, bank accounts, and other services.

Department of Education Oversight

As a federal servicer, some of Nelnet's data handling is subject to federal requirements and Department of Education oversight. This provides more accountability than purely private servicers.

Analytics and Tracking

Nelnet's website uses extensive tracking including cookies, pixels, and analytics tools. Browsing behavior on their site informs advertising and may be shared with ad networks.

GLBA Opt-Out Rights

Under Gramm-Leach-Bliley, you have some opt-out rights:

  • Opt out of affiliate marketing (limited effect)
  • Opt out of sharing with non-affiliates for marketing
  • Cannot opt out of sharing for account servicing
  • Cannot opt out of sharing with credit bureaus
  • Must actively exercise rights - not automatic