At the University of Northern Iowa, hands-on financial literacy programs are empowering students to take control of their finances and prepare them for life after graduation. Free programs like Live Like a Student and Panther CashCourse instill practical skills in budgeting, saving and managing credit. These programs embody UNI’s mission of affordability and accessibility, ensuring that students not only graduate with low debt (or no debt) but with lifelong habits for financial wellness.

“Being a person who values financial literacy, it was an easy decision for me to take on this role,” said Tony Carillo, financial aid counselor in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. “The goal is for students to gain practical knowledge on handling their own finances, which many are now doing for the first time in their lives.”

Carillo helps lead UNI’s financial literacy efforts, which are woven into the student experience from day one. Every incoming student is required to complete a financial literacy course — either the in-person Live Like a Student class or the online Panther CashCourse.

Each option covers essential topics such as budgeting, goal setting, saving, investing credit, insurance and identity theft. But they go beyond discussion, offering real-world applications and activities designed to help students take immediate action toward financial stability.

“These courses promote UNI’s mission of affordability and accessibility with the topics we cover like UNI’s lower student indebtedness and more financial aid education,” said Carillo. “By discussing these topics, we’re able to remind students of their options when it comes to obtaining an education at UNI.”

For many students, Live Like a Student is their first introduction to personal finance. The free, three-week, zero-credit course offers a down-to-earth approach to financial literacy — complete with supplemental resources and even scholarship giveaways.

First-year art education major Addie Dales recently completed the course. “It was required and seemed useful,” she said. “I was hoping to learn how to manage my finances, and I’ve continued using a spending log since taking the class.”

The course’s practical lessons — like tracking expenses and comparing income to spending — help students build awareness about their money habits. While Dales noted that she had covered some similar material in high school, she still recommends the class to others. “It gives you a basic understanding of financial literacy,” she said. “It’s a good start for first-year students.”

For students who prefer a flexible, self-paced option, Panther CashCourse offers online modules through the national CashCourse platform. The program features interactive tools, quizzes and articles designed to help students strengthen their financial knowledge whenever and wherever they choose. 

Panther CashCourse is also free and fulfills UNI’s financial literacy requirement for incoming students. Together, the online and in-person options ensure that every student has access to the same foundation of financial education — no matter their schedule or learning style.

UNI’s financial literacy initiatives are far more than just educational programs — they’re a key reason why UNI students graduate with some of the lowest average debt in the state of Iowa, and one third of students graduate with no debt at all. By ensuring students understand how to budget, borrow wisely and plan ahead, UNI continues to lead in providing an affordable, accessible path to higher education.

“Ultimately, I believe either one of these programs can be the beginning of a financially healthy future,” Carillo said. “There are many things in life that somehow involve the use of money, so understanding how to use it to live the life you want is enormously important.”

All first-year students will see the financial literacy requirement on their student center to-do list, but any student can participate. To learn more or register for a course, visit http://admissions.uni.edu/financial-aid/financial-literacy.