Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2011

Thesis Director

Charles Eberly

Thesis Committee Member

Eric Davidson

Thesis Committee Member

Jennifer Spies

Abstract

This study examined the financial well-being of Eastern Illinois University undergraduate students. Specifically the areas of financial debt, stress, and specific buying habits were addressed in determining the financial status of EIU students. The study was completed during spring 2011 by means of an online survey.

Significant correlations were found between the level of debt students had and their overall level of self-reported stress using a local five item semantic differential measure. There were no significant differences between student academic class standing and collective outstanding debt. Major on-campus versus off-campus spending differences were the cost of utilities and in the cost of owning and operating a vehicle. Off campus and outside of Charleston living situations were typically found to be more expensive than living on-campus.

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