Managing the financial side of college can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Resources are available to support your financial wellbeing—whether you’re building money management skills, addressing an unexpected financial challenge, or exploring financial aid options.
Financial Wellness Options
Improve money management skills and enhance your financial wellbeing through personal finance education, tools, and resources. From budget development to managing debt to saving and planning for your future, we've got you covered with one-on-one consultations, workshops, and other resources to help you make informed decisions about your money.
One-On-One Consultations
Meet with our financial wellness coordinator for personalized guidance on making a budget, managing your money or planning for the future.
Financial Wellness Hub & Peer-to-Peer Coaching Sessions
Located in McKeldin Library within the IDEA Forum on the first floor (room 1221A), the Financial Wellness Hub is your central resource for building healthy financial habits at the University of Maryland. Whether you're creating a budget, understanding student loans, building credit, saving for future goals, or looking for financial education resources, the Hub connects you with tools, information, and certified peer mentors to help you make informed financial decisions with confidence.
Learn more and explore available resources by visiting the Financial Wellness Hub website.
Take Charge of Your Money with CashCourse
CashCourse is your free guide to managing money while you’re in school — and beyond. Whether you’re budgeting for groceries, figuring out student loans, or just trying to spend smarter, CashCourse gives you the tools to build confidence with your finances.
What You Can Do with CashCourse:
- Take short, interactive courses on budgeting, credit, debt, and paying for school.
- Use the Budget Wizard to plan your monthly spending.
- Access articles, worksheets, and real-life financial tools.
- Bookmark your favorite content and download a transcript of your progress.
- Access from any device — no app needed.
Get Started
Create your free CashCourse account for the University of Maryland. Trouble with the link? Go to cashcourse.org, click Register, and enter access code 7241.
Video Tutorial: How To Use CashCourse
Terp Tax Services offers free tax preparation assistance for eligible students and community members during tax season.
Economic Crisis Response Grants
Apply for short-term financial help if you're experiencing an unexpected financial emergency. Please note that, while we recognize being unable to afford tuition or other academic costs is a significant financial hardship, the Thrive Center for Essential Needs does not have scholarship or tuition assistance funds available. Students seeking assistance with tuition or financial aid should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore available options.
Additional Resources
The Thrive Center for Essential Needs doesn't have access to scholarships or grants that can assist with tuition or any unmet financial aid needs. The following information can help connect you with other resources.
Student Employment Opportunities
Find on-campus job opportunities to help manage expenses and gain work experience.
Financial Aid
The first step to receiving financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can qualify you for federal aid like the Pell Grant and UMD institutional aid. Maryland residents who can’t file the FAFSA should complete the MHEC One-App. The priority deadline for both is March 1 for the following academic year.
The Office of Student Financial Aid helps students apply for and manage financial assistance. Student Financial Aid is the only office that can help identify possible funding options, payment plans, or other support based on your financial aid package.
Scholarships & Grants
UMD students can use Scholarship Universe to find internal and external scholarships, and Maryland residents can also apply for Delegate Scholarships and Senatorial Scholarships through their local officials. Scholarships and grants often require planning, so start searching at least a year in advance and dedicate regular time to applications.
State Tuition Waivers
Undergraduate students who are Maryland residents and have experienced homelessness or have been in foster care may be eligible for state tuition waivers to reduce the cost of education.