Dear Roaring Lion Newspaper,

In the year 2021, it comes as no surprise that college students are showing increased annual rates of mental health issues. Up to 83% of students had even rated themselves moderately depressed at one point.

You could attribute this to a variety of things, but I have found that an overwhelming number of student mental health issues are specifically related to financial worry. At Penn State Fayette, many applicants enrolled and admitted in 2021 were first-time or first-generation college students. Most first-time and first-generation students tend to lack support and knowledge about finances and the college process. These students would be more vulnerable to mental illness and financial stress than the average student, and they make up over half of the student body. Knowing this, it seems essential that these students should receive support from Penn State to help lower the pressure they’re facing.

Unfortunately, struggling students are often unwilling to reach out for help of their own volition—and some students aren’t even sure where to find the necessary help or information needed. Students struggling with mental health and/or finances typically want to avoid stigma and the fear of what-if scenarios, and therefore avoid searching for help publicly. This means that, though Penn State Fayette offers copious mental health services and some financial aid services, students are unlikely to accept the offered help even under dire circumstances.

So, we know that students are under immense stress mainly due to financial pressure—to the point of developing mental illness—and are unlikely to accept help that’s available to them.

How do you fix something so intricate?

I propose a mandatory financial literacy course for students.

With a mandatory financial literacy course, students with minimal knowledge of complex finances would have the chance to learn more about them. And, they would not have to personally search or ask for this resource. This would also benefit students who are not currently experiencing financial difficulties but may in the future. As students take the course and gain a better understanding of debt, loans, credit, and more, they would begin to feel confident about handling their financial situation and experience less mental health deterioration.

The idea of a mandatory course at Penn State is nothing new, either. Currently, all Penn State Fayette students must attend the PSU First-Year Seminar and CAS courses. These courses are meant to teach essential life-skills, such as college work ethic and public speaking tips. If college preparation is seen as an essential life skill that needs a mandatory First-Year Seminar course, are the finances that go into college not essential as well?

Also, financial literacy programs have seen immense success in other colleges. At Ohio State University, the STEP program teaches students about financial goals while requiring them to take financial wellness courses and meet with financial coaches. This same educational strategy could prove useful to Penn State Fayette students in several ways, if implemented.

We have a solution to helping students both financially and mentally right in front of us.

Is it not worth considering?

Sincerely,

Bianca Stupka

PSU Humanities Undergrad, Class of ‘25