Nelnet Joins the Russell 3000 Index

Jun 28, 2004

LINCOLN, Neb., Jun 28, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Nelnet (NYSE: NNI), a leading education finance company, joined the Russell 3000 Index, according to a list of additions released by the Russell Investment Group. The Russell 3000 Index is reconstituted annually and contains the largest 3,000 U.S. companies based on total market capitalization.

"We are very pleased to be included on the Russell 3000 Index," said Stephen Butterfield, Nelnet Co-Chief Executive Officer. "This represents an important milestone for Nelnet that will increase our visibility as a diversified education finance company."

The Russell 3000 Index measures the market activity and performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. incorporated stocks. The U.S. stocks were ranked on May 28, 2004, by market capitalization for preliminary inclusion in the index. The new list of companies comprising the Russell 3000 Index became effective at the close of the U.S. markets on June 25, 2004. A final membership list will be provided by the Russell Investment Group on July 6, 2004, and will remain in place for one year.

Nelnet is one of the leading educational finance companies in the United States and is focused on providing quality student loan products and services to students and schools nationwide. With over $12 billion in total assets, Nelnet originates in excess of $2 billion for itself and its service partners annually, and its servicing software is used by 35 clients, including Nelnet, to service over $49 billion in student loans. Nelnet ranks among the nation's leaders in terms of total student loan assets.

Nelnet offers a broad range of student loan and financial services and technology-based products, including student loan origination and lending, guarantee servicing, and a suite of software solutions. Our products are designed to simplify the student loan process by automating financial aid delivery, loan processing, and funds disbursement. Our services help to facilitate and streamline education finance for all involved in the industry, including student and parent borrowers, lenders, financial aid officers, guaranty agencies, governmental agencies, servicers, and the capital markets.

    Additional information about the company is available at www.nelnet.net.
    (code #: nnif)

SOURCE Nelnet

media, Sheila Odom, +1-402-458-2329,
nelnetcommunications@nelnet.net, or investors, Cheryl Watson, +1-317-469-2064,
investorrelations@nelnet.net, both of Nelnet
http://www.nelnet.net

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