In the News

Inside College Financial Aid

I Hate Politics Podcast
BY SUNIL DASGUPTA

UMBC’s Director of Financial Aid Andrea Cipolla discusses the logistics of submitting your FAFSA, and breaks down the primary instrument colleges use to determine financial aid, and about the consequences of the college financing system we have created. The session starts at 15 minutes and 22 seconds.

 

Tough Times, Smart Planning

UMBC Magazine – May 2020
BY JENNY O’GRADY 

Under normal circumstances, the prospect of managing one’s finances and getting a job out of college is stressful enough. Add to that a global pandemic, and college students are understandably nervous. That’s why campus experts are doubling down and going virtual to make sure students have the best footing possible.

Grit and FinancialSmarts

Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations – FEBRUARY 2020
BY TRISHA WELLS AND HANNAH SADOLLAH

In 2018, the average credit card balance for college students was $1,183 (Sallie Mae).  Statistics similar to this convinced UMBC administrators that we needed to enhance financial literacy skill-building opportunities.  To accomplish this goal, a staff volunteers worked together to create FinancialSmarts and grew it into a thriving program. In this presentation, we share how UMBC got to our current state, the programs which make up FinancialSmarts, and our future goals.

 

UMBC graduation. A graduate smiles and waves.

Ramping Up Financial Literacy

Business Officer – DECEMBER 2019
BY YVETTE MOZIE-ROSS AND TRISHA WELLS
Once a month, the Financial Literacy and Education Committee (FLEC) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) convenes to discuss the best ways to help our more than 13,000 students manage money. One of the unique aspects of this committee is that participation isn’t mandated. Some of us work in financial aid, some in enrollment management, and others in student business services. We’ve come together organically and meet voluntarily as colleagues who all have an interest in helping students make informed and effective financial decisions.

Financial Education for Higher Education 

Everfi – SEPTEMBER 2019
BY EVERFI

Discover the impact of bringing financial education to students of every demographic in higher education. FinancialSmarts partners with EVERFI to achieve the goal of providing financial education programs to college students.

Yvette standing with crossed arms smiling and talking to a gentleman.

UMBC Among Honorees Recognized For Financial Literacy Education

The Baltimore Times – APRIL 2019
BY STACY BROWN

The University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) received the Outstanding Organization Award from the nonprofit CASH Campaign of Maryland, Maryland Council on Economic Education and the Maryland State Department of Education during the sixth annual Financial Education and Capability Awards ceremony.

The Financial Education and Capability Awards Program highlights the dedication and success of public school teachers, community champions and outstanding organizations that deliver financial education throughout the state.