Graduate students at the University of Michigan face significant financial pressures that can adversely impact their academic achievement, mental health, and overall well-being. While many students express interest in improving their financial knowledge, participation in existing financial education offerings remains limited—particularly among underrepresented and international populations. This interactive session will illuminate the financial literacy gap among graduate students, drawing on data, student perspectives, and current trends. Attendees will explore why financial education is critical to student success, the barriers to engagement, and the unique challenges faced by diverse student populations. The presentation will highlight accessible strategies for integrating financial education into graduate programs, equip campus partners with referral tools, and foster cross-campus collaboration to expand the reach of financial resources. Participants are invited to share departmental needs and contribute ideas to build a more financially informed, resilient, and equitable graduate student community at U-M. Join us to learn how you can help empower graduate students through financial education and support their holistic well-being.
