Financial Literacy
A college education is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make.
At GovState, we're committed to making sure you're set up for financial success — starting now. The financial decisions you make during college don't just affect your student years. They can shape your financial well-being for decades to come, from paying off loans to building toward retirement.
That's why financial literacy matters. It gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions about your money — and to take real action. More than just numbers and budgets, financial literacy is about shifting how you think about money, so smarter habits today can lead to greater freedom and security tomorrow.
GovState is here to help you build that foundation and security.
Welcome to iGrad
Meet iGrad: Your Personal Financial Wellness Tool
GovState has partnered with iGrad to give every student access to a free, personalized financial wellness platform — because knowing how to manage your money is just as important as earning your degree.
iGrad meets you where you are. Whether you're already financially savvy or just figuring out how to build a budget, iGrad has resources designed to help you learn, plan, and take control of your financial future.
Here's what you'll find inside:
- Crash Courses — Bite-sized lessons covering everything from using a credit card responsibly to building a savings plan and getting started with investing.
- Videos — Dive into topics at your own pace. From completing your FAFSA to understanding insurance and paychecks, these on-demand videos break down the topics that matter most.
- Articles, Games, Webinars and Calculators — Go deeper on the subjects you care about, test your knowledge, and plan ahead with interactive tools built to keep you on track.
Getting started takes just a few minutes — and the payoff lasts a lifetime.
Financial Literacy Links
If you are not a GovState student (and therefore unable to utilize iGrad), or if you’d like to view other resources, please check out the links below to help improve your financial literacy!
• Financial Aid Programs: StudentAid.gov provides a comprehensive list of federal grants and loans eligible to students.
• Budgeting in College: A college budget is key to managing your money and ensuring you don't overspend.
• Mapping Your Future: Tips and Tricks to help you map your future wisely.
• Money Saving Guide: Ways to save include tracking your spending, shopping smart, canceling subscriptions and more.
• You Can Deal With It: Offers tools to help you successfully manage financial decisions. This site provides information about money management; student loan repayment options, budgeting, and the benefits and dangers of credit cards.
• It’s My Money!: provides sustained financial well-being for all individuals and families in the U.S.
• Choose to Save: Financial calculators that help you save by the life stage you are in.
• Build Your Budget!: Create your personalized spending plan!
• Obtain Your Free Credit Report: Did you know that you are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months.
• Practical Money Skills: Interactive financial games for the whole family!
• Money Mondays: Worksheets, Resources, and Tips to help you build a financially secure future.
Money Smart Week Presentations*
*Presentations include English and Spanish captions.
Budgeting
- JumpStart Reality Check: Mapping your financial future.
- Mint: Managing your money, made simple.
- FinAid Annual Budget Calculator: Custom calculators to help you save.
Credit
- Free Annual Credit Report
- Credit Card Payoff Calculator
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling(NFCC)
General Personal Finance
Saving for Retirement
Salary Tools and Calculators
Financial Literacy Games
Contact Financial Aid
- Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
- Governors State University
- 1 University Parkway, University Park, 60484 | Building D, Room 1423
- 708-534-4800
- faid@govst.edu