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Verified Accuracy: Jan 12, 2026PCI DSS

PCI DSS Compliance for EdTech Companies | Complete Guide

PCI DSS compliance is essential for EdTech companies looking to demonstrate security maturity and meet customer expectations. This guide covers the key requirements, implementation strategies, and industry-specific considerations for student data privacy (FERPA/COPPA), learning platform security, and institutional compliance. Whether you're starting your compliance journey or optimizing an existing program, understanding PCI DSS in the context of EdTech operations is critical for success.
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Key Compliance Highlights

1

Cardholder data environment (CDE) scope reduction

2

Network segmentation and access control implementation

3

Encryption and key management best practices

4

Vulnerability management and penetration testing

5

Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) selection guidance

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Audit Readiness Validation

Establish Your Audit Baseline

Get your readiness score, identify critical gaps, and unblock enterprise deal velocity in under 2 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does accepting tuition payments require PCI compliance?

Yes, any card payment acceptance requires PCI DSS compliance. This applies to tuition, course purchases, subscription billing, or any payment within the EdTech platform.

How do we handle parent payments for minors?

Payment processing for parents follows standard PCI requirements. Consider separate parent accounts for payment information, keeping payment data isolated from student accounts.

What about in-app purchases in educational apps?

Using app store payment systems (Apple, Google) generally means the app store handles PCI compliance. Direct payment processing within apps requires your own PCI compliance.

Disclaimer: Compliance costs and timelines are estimates based on market benchmarks (AICPA fee surveys, vendor pricing indices 2025). Actual auditor fees and internal effort will vary based on your specific control environment, system complexity, and auditor selection. Consult with a qualified CPA for a formal statement of work.