URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has launched a new Certificate in Personal Finance, backed by a gift from Schwab Advisor Services and the Charles Schwab Foundation aimed at expanding financial literacy on campus.
The certificate is housed within the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, but is open to students from any major at no cost. To earn it, students complete four courses spanning personal finance fundamentals including budgeting, credit decisions, investing and insurance.
Schwab’s support has allowed the university to add sections of high-demand courses, expanding access for more students. Funding has also covered a free e-textbook for ACE 240: Introduction to Personal Finance & Financial Planning, a required course for the certificate, with more than 2,200 students already receiving complimentary access.
“We’re thrilled to launch the Certificate in Personal Finance,” said Craig Lemoine, director of Illinois’ financial planning program. “Support from Schwab allows us to remove cost barriers, expand access, and provide students with skills and knowledge that will last a lifetime.”
Jon Beatty, head of Schwab Advisor Services, said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to broadening access to financial education and developing the next generation of wealth management talent.
Students interested in enrolling can do so online through the College of ACES website.