EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF AN ONLINE FINANCIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

The results of the CRREST Challenge will provide insights for future efforts to support financial education for Towson University students and college students in Maryland.

The CRREST Challenge

The CRREST Challenge focuses on six pillars of collegiate financial wellness that all students should have the opportunity to achieve being: Creditworthy, Ready, Resilient, Empowered, Successful, and Thriving. Each pillar includes three video modules/lessons and a quick experiential exercise for you to apply the lesson.
The 2025 Challenge has ended

  • Pillar 1: Creditworthy

    We want students to develop life skills necessary to manage their financial obligations including student loan debt.

    Paper vs. Plastic: The Pros, Cons, and Costs of Credit

    Keeping Tabs: How Your Credit Activity is Tracked and Used

    Flip the Script: How to Use Credit as an Asset

  • Pillar 2: Ready

    We want students prepared for the financial responsibility and academic focus of collegiate education and ready for success on the first day of each academic term.

    Get Banked: Why You Should Choose a Financial Institution Before You Enroll

    Nothing But Net: Knowing Your Cash Flows

    History Does Repeat Itself: Developing a Plan You Can Stick With

  • Pillar 3: Resilient

    We want students to be aware of and have access to campus and community support services that will help them overcome obstacles to collegiate success, especially in the event of an issue that requires emergency financial assistance.

    Read the Room: Preparing for a Rainy Day Before a Torrential Downpour

    Tap Your Village: Getting Help to Weather the Storm

    When to Withdraw: The Realities and Options of Discontinuing Studies

  • Pillar 4: Empowered

    We want students to enter the financial marketplace capable of making informed decisions and protecting themselves against fraud and exploitation.

    Picking Financial Partners: Strategy to Build High ROI Relationships

    Covering Your Assets: Protect Yourself from Loss and Fraud

    Know Your Rights: How to Spot Scams and Flex When Necessary

  • Pillar 5: Successful

    We want students to complete a degree or credential program and fulfill the purpose for which they enrolled.

    Degree Completion on Your Campus: Why Higher Ed and Why Here?

    Make the Most of Every Class

    Master the Campus Financial Landscape: Get on Track and Stay on Track

  • Pillar 6: Thriving

    We want students to complete their collegiate experience prepared to set and achieve personal financial goals that are in line with their individual preferences, circumstances, and priorities.

    Set Goals: Preferences, Circumstances, and Priorities

    Ready to Launch: 5 Numbers You Should Know Before You Go

    Striking the Balance: Meeting Financial Obligations and Growing Your Assets