Financial Security Resources

Financial Wellness Center & Student Financial Services

It is not uncommon for Portland State University students to experience financial concerns at some point during their academic careers. Student Financial Services is dedicated to helping students understand, pay, and maintain student accounts. Experienced student employees and staff are available to assist students in navigating a variety of student account related matters. 

Students can also access more intensive financial support by scheduling a one-on-one appointment with a Certified Financial Coach at the Financial Wellness Center, housed within the Office of Student Financial Services. Through education, awareness and mentoring, the Financial Wellness Center is designed to give all students tools and resources needed to empower them to make healthy financial decisions.

Issues that Financial Coaches can assist with include:

• Student debt and solutions for payment.

• Financial holds caused by complicated circumstances.

• Proactive financial planning based on student’s personal finances.

• Guidance in managing sudden changes in finances and support options.

• Creating a Financial Graduation Plan

Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many Portland State University students rely on federal assistance and scholarships to fund their academic expenses. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships can assist students who have not applied for financial aid, or have questions about eligibility status; and scholarship resources. 

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships also assists students who become ineligible for financial aid due to not meeting the criteria for satisfactory academic progress; by establishing and articulating academic expectations for the future and helping students develop a personalized plan identifying resources and strategies for future success. 

Nutrition Assistance 

Portland State University maintains several resources to ensure that students who are facing financial challenges have access to nutritional food. 

The PSU Food Pantry is a free shopping-style pantry run by students striving to create a dignified, welcome, inclusive environment for students who are currently enrolled in classes.  In partnership with Oregon Food Bank and other donors, the pantry regularly stocks around 4,000 pounds of food each week including fresh produce, dairy products, meats, and eggs, canned foods, baked items, beans, and grains.  As much as possible, they try to cater to diverse food needs such as culturally-relevant food options, vegan and vegetarian diets, dairy alternatives, gluten-free foods, and more.

Located in the basement of Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU 047A), the pantry is open daily for limited hours Monday-Friday.  For hours, contact information, programs, and services, please refer to the website. The Pantry also oversees the Free Food Market program that takes place on the 2nd Monday of each month at noon in front of Shattuck Hall. 

The Basic Needs Hub is a one-stop-shop where students facing basic needs insecurity can get connected to various programs and resources in order to gain assistance.

PSU students also have the option of meeting with a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Outreach Specialist during scheduled drop-in hours at various locations on campus to determine eligibility for food benefits, and to receive enrollment assistance. 

Housing Insecurity and Community Resources

Housing insecurity is a serious and complicated challenge that impacts many individuals within our community. Students facing potential housing insecurity are encouraged to contact community resources, as soon as possible, to proactively assess options and identify the most relevant resources for each unique situation. 

The link below provides several highly utilized community resources that may assist students in jeopardy of losing their housing and the various challenges associated with a financial crisis. Students may also contact the Student Financial Services office or the PSU CARES Program, to discuss options and resources relating to housing and financial insecurity.