Financial Literacy Programs for Students: Doing Them Right

$100 bills floating in the air

Student financial literacy remains top of mind at many institutions, and for good reason. With student default rates on the rise and retention a greater challenge than it’s ever been, colleges and universities throughout the sector are looking for ways to make financial literacy education available for their student population.

The University of North Texas, behind the work of Paul Goebel—Senior Director of their Student Money Management Center—is entering its tenth year in providing students a comprehensive financial literacy program, and here he offers tips and suggestions for those looking to start similar programming on campus. To build a successful financial literacy program on your campus, Paul recommends the following:

  • Creativity: Always consider new ways to keep students engaged and at the center of your programming efforts
  • Diversity: Remember to offer an array of programs to fit students’ evolving financial concerns
  • Flexibility: Students are most often not available during typical office hours, so be ready to meet students where they are
  • Outreach: Never be shy in reaching out to strategic partners in this process—Paul has found over 75 partners in financial aid, student accounting, student affairs, housing, and a myriad of academic departments

Paul Goebel explains these in greater depth in this podcast:

Join us Online to Learn More

Join us for a recorded online training that will help increase student participation in your financial literacy programs by showing you how to:

  • Involve students in program design and delivery
  • Market your programs to different segments of your student audience
  • Assess the effectiveness of your programs