Financial Literacy- Financial Fitness Course

Students seeking a Bachelor's Degree at RIT are required to take two wellness classes before they graduate, and students seeking an Associate's Degree are required to take one wellness class to graduate; however, there is no limit to the number of classes students can take. Wellness Education is divided into 8 disciplines and offers more than 550 courses during the academic year. A nominal fee is charged for courses. The University covers the first two classes up to $180 in total course fees. Student accounts are credited automatically after add/drop ends. Please contact Student Financial Services directly with any questions.

*Transfer students may apply coursework successfully completed at a previous institution. The student's home department will determine and make decisions regarding transfer of wellness courses. The Wellness Education staff will be available for consultation. Please contact Michelle Schrouder, Dugan Davies, or Seann McArdle with questions.

Registration, add/drop and withdraw dates for Wellness courses coincide with the dates determined by the Office of the Registrar, as all academic classes do as well.

Financial Fitness

Course Number: WHWS-008-01

Course Description: This course will include topics to help college students understand and manage their finances, during college and after graduation. This course will teach students finance concepts such as budgeting, taxes, credit management, and other financial life skills. Students will learn tools on how to best manage resources and gain a basic understanding of the complex world of personal finances.

Course Structure: Financial Fitness is a one-credit course that will span the 15 week semester. Most of the topics are predetermined; however, the professor will take topic suggestions the first week to customize the remaining lessons for financial topics requested by the class. Completion of this course fulfills one of a student's two wellness requirements for graduation.

Course Topics: Topics covered during this course are as follows:

  • Basic Finance: Understanding basic personal finance questions: What is your net worth? How does interest work? How do I save?
  • Cars and Housing: Learn what makes more sense based on your situation – Car: Buy or Lease? Housing: Buy vs. Rent?
  • Taxes: One of the certainties in life. Obtain a basic understanding of the types of taxes; and, learn how to estimate, plan, and calculate taxes.
  • Spending Habits: Where does your money come from? And, where does it go?
  • Credit and Debt Management: Understanding your credit score, your credit report, and your credit cards.
  • Student Loans: Learn how repayment works, what your options are, and how to incorporate these into your budget after graduation.
  • Career Issues: Compensation is more than just your salary. Understanding your salary, your benefits, and your retirement options.
  • Risk Management: In a complex world, learn the ins and outs of identity theft, insurance, and how to manage risk in your life.
  • Love, Relationships & Talking about Money: For many people, money is a difficult topic of conversation. Learn the importance of communication and tips for approaching the subject.
  • Target Population: All students are welcome to enroll in the course; however, many of the topics will likely relate more to upper level students approaching graduation.

This course is typically offered in the Fall and Spring semester.

To view additional course descriptions, term schedule, or to register, go to the Student Information System.