Financial literacy is the knowledge required for the management of personal finances and is a necessity for financial health. It creates a perspective that allows individuals to avoid financial pitfalls and to be able to make wise decisions with their money. This section of the web site provides information on various aspects of financial literacy. We are covering these topics for all students and offering you the tools to become financially responsible. By reading these materials, you will be able to make good choices at the same time that you are developing strong financial management habits.

Freshmen

Financial Survival for Freshmen

Financial decisions are made every day, from how much to borrow on a credit card to how to manage a checking account to whether to pay for dinner on a disappointing date. Like it or not, the benefits and risks associated with financial decisions are now yours. Freshman year is often a student's first attempt at managing their own finances. The links below will assist you in learning how to make good financial decisions.

• Student loan entrance interview
  Federal regulations require this form before student loans are disbursed.
• Money 101  
  Learn the basics of budgeting, banking, and other money topics.
• 5 Dangers of Overspending    
  What are the consequences?
• Money and Relationships     
  Is that a good mix?
• Saving Money While In College: It can be done    
  Why is this so important?
• Preventing Identity Theft   
  One of the fastest growing crimes in the United States.
• Work study job bank    
  Where are the jobs on campus.

Sophomores and Juniors

Our society is full of opportunities to spend. By developing a budget, you can control your money and limit your spending. The links below will assist you with basic strategies for managing finances wisely and for completing degree work in a timely manner.

Financial Success for Sophomores

• Setting Financial Goals  
  A goal is a destination you reach by taking steps to get there.
• How to Get and Keep a Good Credit Score  
  Protecting your credit rating is the best way you can advertise yourself as a good consumer.
• Saving Money While In College: It can be done
  Learning to save money is a basic skill.
• Why Pawn Shops and Car Title Loans are a Bad Idea   
  How these short term fixes will cost you big bucks.
• Pros and Cons of Debit and Credit Cards  
  In this cashless society, how do you handle these cards?
• Academic Progress
  What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative measurement?

Financial Continuity for Juniors

• Why Pawn Shops and Car Title Loans are a Bad Idea  
  How these short term fixes will cost you big bucks.
• Setting Financial Goals  
  A goal is a destination you reach by taking steps to get there.
• Saving Money While In College: It can be done   
  Learning to save money is a basic skill.
• How to Get and Keep a Good Credit Score 
  Protecting your credit rating is the best way you can advertise yourself as a good consumer.

Real World Finances for Seniors

You have finally done it—earned that coveted degree. Now it is time to enter The Real World, the place that you talked about for years as if it were a planet in a distant galaxy. College graduates face several hurdles when they enter the job market, among them are student loan obligations. Simply put, pay off as much as possible as quickly as you can. Listed below are links to help you navigate this new chapter in your life.

• Student loan exit interview Federal requirement for student loan recipients.
• Becoming a Millionaire  
  You can become financially independent with a modest salary if you take the right approach.
• Retirement Benefits 101  
  The earlier you start saving, the more income you will have when you retire.
• How to Get and Keep a Good Credit Score  
  Protecting your credit rating is the best way you can advertise yourself as a good consumer.
• Credit counseling

We believe that everyone can benefit from financial education.
What can you do while you are in school?

• Student loan repayment
  You have a period of time before you begin repayment – Planning how to pay and knowing what to do if you can’t.
• Budgeting for Life After Graduation   
  In these economic conditions, how does a college student prepare for the future?
• Financial calculators
  How much am I spending? Should I live on or off campus?
• What can you do with your major?
  Your major is the starting point of your career – where do you go from there?
• Working and Earning  
  Preparation is the beginning key to success.

Financial Continuity for Transfer Students

Financial decisions are made every day, from how much to borrow on a credit card to how to manage a checking account to whether to pay for delivered pizza or oven made pizza at home. Our society is full of opportunities to spend. By developing a budget, you can control your money and limit your spending. The links below will assist you with basic strategies for managing finances wisely.

• Student Loan Entrance Interview
  Federal regulations require this form before student loans are disbursed.
• The Smart Student’s Guide to Starting a Budget     
  How do I prepare a budget?

• 5 Dangers of Overspending
  What are the consequences of overspending?

• Saving Money While In College: It can be done   
  Why is saving money so important while in college?

• Career Center Resources
  Provides current students and alumni with a full range of professional services.