Founding Research — A proposal presented at the University of Delaware's One Slide, One Idea Community Showcase exploring stablecoin payment rails for international student tuition. The presentation was attended by University President Carlson and Vice Provost Isett and led to an introduction to UD's FinTech Innovation Hub.
Rich Dunlop
Independent Research | Founding Proposal
Editorial note: This document represents independent research and a proposal presented at the University of Delaware's One Slide, One Idea Community Showcase. It does not represent an endorsement, partnership, review, adoption, or institutional position by the University of Delaware. University President Carlson and Vice Provost Isett attended the public showcase as audience members. The presentation led to an introduction to UD's FinTech Innovation Hub; a meeting with Hub directors is scheduled for later this summer.
Stablecoins — digital currencies pegged to traditional assets like the US dollar — are emerging as a transformative force in institutional finance. This founding research examines how stablecoin infrastructure could reduce costs, accelerate settlement, and improve the payment experience for international students.
Bipartisan momentum is building. The regulatory framework for stablecoins is being written now — institutions that engage early will shape it.
“Bipartisan momentum is building. The regulatory framework for stablecoins is being written now — institutions that engage early will shape it.”
The economic case for stablecoin adoption in higher education.
$2M+
Annual Savings Potential
Eliminating international wire fees
4.25%
International Card Fee
Current fee on international tuition
$63,444
Annual Cost Impact
Cost to a single international student
24/7
Settlement
Vs 2-3 business day wires
$230B+
Stablecoin Market Cap
As of 2024
$1T+
USDC Volume
2023 transactions
Universities that position their endowments and treasuries for digital assets today will lead institutional finance tomorrow.
Stablecoin infrastructure creates direct, measurable benefits for every student population.
A proposed phased approach to stablecoin adoption for higher education institutions.
The proposal references a set of existing payment technologies and infrastructure providers considered as integration candidates. These are referenced technologies and integration considerations explored in the founding research — not signed partnerships or institutional affiliations.
USDC Issuer
USDC issuer — referenced in proposal as candidate payment rail
Merchant Processing
Merchant processing — referenced as candidate institutional payment infrastructure
Existing UD Processor
Existing payment processor — referenced for stablecoin module integration consideration
Cross-Border Specialist
Cross-border specialist — referenced for university-focused payment solutions
Forward-thinking institutions could be among the first to fully embrace stablecoin infrastructure — reducing costs, improving the student experience, and positioning their endowments for the next decade of digital asset growth.
Rich Dunlop
Creator & Project Lead, CampusChain Intelligence
CEO & Founder, InstructAI.org
The following articles were authored by Rich Dunlop in March 2025 — prior to and during the development of CampusChain Intelligence — reflecting the research and analysis that informed the platform's design.
Examines the financial obstacles international students face — including restricted banking access, high transfer fees, currency volatility, and sanctions — and explores how Bitcoin and the Lightning Network provide a decentralized alternative for cross-border payments. Documents growing university adoption of digital payment technologies for tuition. This article is the direct intellectual predecessor to CampusChain's core use case.
Read on MediumExamines how universities including Emory, Harvey Mudd, Harvard, Yale, and Brown are incorporating Bitcoin and digital assets into endowment portfolios as inflation hedges and diversification tools. Makes the case for wider institutional digital asset adoption in higher education finance.
Read on MediumThe following presentations were developed and delivered by Rich Dunlop as part of his work in higher education communication and digital asset research.
University of Delaware One Slide, One Idea Community Showcase
A one-slide pitch exploring how stablecoin payment rails could reduce payment friction for international students at U.S. universities. Presented at UD's community showcase, attended by University President Carlson and Vice Provost Isett, which led to an introduction to UD's FinTech Innovation Hub.
Client: University of Maryland Baltimore County, Disability Services
AI-generated explainer video produced for UMBC Disability Services to streamline student orientation communication and reduce administrative follow-up. Produced under InstructAI LLC.
Produced by InstructAI LLC
Client: University of Maryland Baltimore County, Retriever Integrated Health (RIH)
AI-generated explainer video produced for UMBC's Retriever Integrated Health division to clarify the student Aetna Healthcare plan for enrolled students. Produced under InstructAI LLC.
Produced by InstructAI LLC