Kansas State University

Campus resources to support students' financial well-being

Submitted by Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs

Financial well-being impacts all aspects of life. From paying for college to negotiating salaries to managing a day-to-day budget, student finances can influence academic, physical and emotional well-being. That’s why financial well-being is a focus area of K-State’s Health-Promoting University initiative, working to reduce financial stress and increase financial literacy in the K-State community.

Understanding finances can also be daunting. K-State has many on-campus resources to help students take charge of their financial well-being so they can feel more confident in achieving their goals.

• Meet with a peer financial counselor from Powercat Financial to discuss a number of topics, including budgeting, student loans, understanding credit scores and transitioning to a career. These meetings are free and available to all students enrolled at K-State. Students can schedule appointments through Navigate or peruse available topics online.
• Gain skills to negotiate a fair salary with the Career Center so they can feel confident about making the transition from college to career. As students start to land interviews, they may wish to schedule time to meet with a career advisor. During their session, students gain salary negotiation tips, along with interview practice, cover letter and resume reviews, and more. Plus, K-State students can access the Career Closet for free professional clothing to wear during interviews!

Do you know of a student looking for cost effective healthcare, legal or grocery options? K-State has that, too.

• Get comprehensive health services at Lafene Health Center. Many of these services are offered free to students paying the Student Services Fee. Some services that have an additional fee are often available for a more affordable rate than through private practices, making Lafene Health Center a cost effective choice for most students.
• Access free mental healthcare with Lafene Counseling and Psychological Services’ counselors. Lafene CAPS offers mental health support through individual sessions, workshops, and group therapy, so students can find the treatment that works best for them. All services are free of charge to students paying the student services fee. Learn more and register at k-state.edu/counseling.
• Get immediate access to food and hygiene items at Cats’ Cupboard. Available to all students — as well as faculty/staff, Cats’ Cupboard has a variety of fresh and non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items for the K-State community — no income verification required. Simply bring your Wildcat ID each time you visit, and take home the items you need.
• Receive free and confidential legal advice through Student Legal Services. The office can help students with multiple issues, from serving as a notary public, preparing Powers of Attorney, or consulting on various topics. Learn more about how the office can help, or schedule an appointment by visiting k-state.edu/legal.

DASSA provides an impactful and holistic K-State experience by aligning student life resources with academic support programs, so you can succeed inside and outside the classroom. To learn more about all the ways we support students, visit k-state.edu/dassa or stop by Room 122 of Anderson Hall.