MuleSoft is often seen as an expensive option in higher education, but this perception is frequently tied to how it is used rather than the platform itself. This session examines MuleSoft from an architectural perspective, exploring when it makes sense, where cost concerns originate, and how to approach integration across public and private environments. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for aligning MuleSoft with long-term value, governance, and evolving AI-driven use cases.