2014 Conference

Providing financial education resources to college students is a growing priority for many university administrators due to recent trends in student financial wellness. These trends include changes in student loan debt loads and increased financial stress on campuses. As policymakers and campus professionals look for ways to educate and assist students, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effects of campus interventions. Campuses are increasingly moving in the direction of one-on-one peer education to help deliver an effective message. This study utilized a pre- and post-test design to examine the factors associated with college students’ participation in peer financial coaching and the effect of a peer financial coaching program on student financial stress, personal financial behavior, and personal financial attitudes. Participants were drawn from two groups: one group which is mandated to attend the session through a University program and one group which self-selected into utilizing the service. Data is being collected during the 2013-2014 academic year. Results will provide evidence of the effects of peer financial coaching and will also explore the determinants of seeking peer financial advice.