Helping Students Thrive: USU's Student Money Management Center Marks Milestone in Financial Coaching

Since its launch in January 2021, Utah State University’s Student Money Management Center (SMMC) has empowered thousands of students to take control of their finances through free, personalized, one-on-one coaching sessions. As the first financial literacy center in the Utah System of Higher Education to offer individualized financial coaching and yearlong budgeting support, the SMMC continues to lead the way in promoting affordability and student success.

To date, more than 5,300 students have met with a financial coach, with over 1,500 appointments in 2025 alone. These sessions help students navigate the complexities of budgeting, managing expenses and identifying resources to pay for college — ensuring that financial stress doesn’t stand in the way of academic and career goals.

“Meeting with a coach gives students the opportunity to talk through what affordability really means for them,” said Darrell Harris, director of the Student Money Management Center. “It’s not just about numbers — it’s about helping students build confidence, make informed decisions, create a plan and implement a money system that supports their education and future goals.”

The SMMC is a cornerstone of USU’s commitment to affordability and student support. By offering tailored guidance and practical tools, the center helps students develop lifelong financial skills that extend well beyond graduation.

“Meeting with a financial coach was the best 1 hour I have had the entire 4 years I’ve been at Utah State,” a recent graduate stated in a survey.

Students interested in scheduling a financial coaching session or learning more about available resources can visit usu.edu/smmc.