Financial Well-being Programming
Follow the Financial Well-being Programming Collection in Handshake to learn more about a variety of programming opportunities.
Financial Well-being
Working towards financial stability, monitoring your expenses and setting financial goals enhances your overall financial well-being.
On this page:
Financial Coaching Services
Begin your journey to financial empowerment with a personalized financial coaching session.
Through coaching, workshops and events, the TU Career Center provides students with invaluable tools and personalized guidance to navigate their personal finances confidently.
We cover topics including:
- Budgeting and financial planning
- Saving and investing
- Credit and debt
- Student loans
- Salary negotiation
- Understanding employer benefits
- Life after graduation
Building strong financial habits early can forge a path for long-term stability and success.
Schedule a financial coaching appointment in Handshake.
Explore finance planning programs for students.
Planning for University Costs
Understand the Cost of Attendance
Planning ahead helps reduce expenses and avoid financial issues. TU’s Financial Aid Office and Student and University Billing Office can help.
More about costs of attendance.
Financial Aid and Billing
The Financial Aid Office helps students apply for aid. Their award guide explains how to manage offers. The Student and University Billing Office handles billing, payments and rebates. They can also provide details on tuition, fees, deadlines and payment plans.
Contact the Financial Aid Office for aid options or the Billing Office for payment concerns. Addressing issues early prevents class cancellations and collections.
Aid Tips
- Compare aid offers to the estimated costs.
- Accept grants and scholarships first—they don’t require repayment.
- Consider housing options for affordability.
- Borrow only what you need.
Enrollment and Withdrawal
Changing your enrollment impacts financial aid. Before withdrawing, review refund policies and contact Enrollment Services and Financial Aid.
Increasing Your Financial Literacy
Free Resources
CashCourse is a free tool for TU students covering budgeting, credit, debt, and loans. To register:
- Visit CashCourse and click Register Now!
- Enter code: 8607 and verify your TU email.
- Start learning!
Understanding Loans
Student loans are a serious financial commitment. They must be repaid, even if you don’t graduate. Borrow wisely.
- Accept subsidized loans first—they don’t accrue interest while in school.
- Parents borrowing for students should explore lower-interest options.
- Visit the Federal Student Aid website to track loans, estimate payments, and explore repayment plans.
Budgeting
Set your budget each semester. Plan for direct costs (tuition, housing, meals) and indirect costs (insurance, transportation, personal expenses). Students spend $300–$400/month on food—track and cut unnecessary spending.
Use the Living Wage Calculator to estimate the local wage rate that a full-time worker requires to cover the costs of their family’s basic needs where they live.
Credit and Debt
Student loans are a major form of credit. On average, TU students graduate with about $28,000 in student loans. They remain in deferred status on your credit report until you no longer meet the deferment terms.
If you use a credit card to pay your bill, a 2.75% convenience fee (minimum $3.00) will be charged. Your student loans will show on your credit report but should be in “deferred” status, unless you don't meet the terms of the loan.
- Check your credit report regularly for errors.
Student loans and credit cards are typical forms of debt for college students. Other forms of dept include loans, rent, insurance and other bills.
To help manage your debt, consider:
- self-help tools to help you set a realistic budget
- debt relief services, such as credit counseling/settlement
- debt consolidation
Savings
Many students think it's impossible to save money while in school. But there are three possible sources of income you can use to save money:
- Financial aid rebates
- Tax refunds
- Earned income
Take what you need each semester to pay for out-of-pocket expenses and put the rest into a savings account.
One fact students overlook is that you have time on your side. You have time to let your money grow, even if you start saving with very little money. This is because over time, interest rates allow your money to compound and increase. Use this calculator to see how to grow your savings!
Identity Theft
About 20% of identity theft victims are under 30, often targeted by someone they know. Learn to protect your digital identity.