The partnership, finalised on December 4, aims to safeguard students and families against financial losses if students withdraw from college for covered reasons, while also improving transparency and financial literacy.
With tuition insurance integrated directly into Flywire’s payment platform, students can now opt for coverage during the checkout process. GradGuard’s plans offer customisable coverage, ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 per term, ensuring flexibility to meet individual needs. The insurance reimburses up to 100% of tuition, housing, and fees if a student fully withdraws due to a covered reason, such as illness or injury, upon the recommendation of a licensed medical professional.
John Fees, co-founder and CEO of GradGuard, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “The integration of GradGuard’s tuition insurance with Flywire’s dynamic billing process helps provide confidence to students and families that they can achieve their academic dreams, regardless of the headwinds they face.”
The partnership also brings transparency to universities’ withdrawal policies, offering families essential resources to protect their educational investments. GradGuard currently partners with 600 institutions nationwide, providing tuition and renters’ insurance with no additional cost to schools.
Sharon Butler, EVP of Global Education at Flywire, emphasised the value of the collaboration: “Paying for higher education is one of the most substantial investments students and families can make, and it’s critical that those investments are protected. The integration Flywire is offering with GradGuard is an important step for both institutions and students, and we’re thrilled to partner with them to drive greater student success.”
The initiative comes at a time when financial concerns are a leading factor in college dropout rates. A recent report revealed that 33% of undergraduate students in the U.S. dropped out in 2024, with over half citing financial pressures as the primary reason.
By addressing these challenges, Flywire and GradGuard aim to empower students and families with the tools to navigate unexpected disruptions, ensuring that higher education remains a viable and secure investment.
