Reduce your debt while in school.
The Student Debt Project is designed for students who are committed to working part-time while earning their degree. McPherson College will match student earnings applied to their account at $.25 per dollar.
About the program
Create your pathway to reduce debt.
The Student Debt Project combines financial literacy education, employment, and mentorship to support students as they balance work, education, and life during their college career, helping them build financial management skills that will last a lifetime.
Wage MatchEnroll in our Student Debt Project and we’ll match the earnings you pay toward your account at $.25 per dollar up to $3,500 in matching funds per academic year.
Just work part-time while earning your degree either on or off-campus or even back home during the summer. Our Career Services office will help connect you with local employers in the area.
Financial PlanningYou’ll participate in a variety of workshops that will equip you with personal finance skills necessary to achieve your life goals.
MentorshipYou’ll meet with program facilitators and mentors who will talk through balancing school with employment, managing finances and a monthly financial literacy topic. They’ll help you create a plan to reach your financial goals.
Mentors include an in-person network of McPherson College faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college.
By the numbers
See your progress with every payment.
of students in the program had ZERO DEBT at graduation.
in matching funds were awarded last academic year.
of our students participate in the Student Debt Project.
average GPA score of students in the program.
Debt Project Profiles
How it works
What’s possible.
The graphic below illustrates is an example scenario of financial aid and Student Debt Project contributions for the first year. Every student scenario will be different according to their financial aid package and employment.
Project Q&A
Project Details
Student Debt Project Application
Current and incoming students interested in the Debt Project will complete an application. For incoming students, the estimated budget worksheet will allow the student to determine an estimated amount of match funds they will receive based on how much they plan to work and pay toward their student account at the college.
The online application will open April 1st, 2026.
Student Debt Project Budget
A vital part of the student debt project is for students to understand their personal finances. Students and families will receive an estimated budget worksheet prior to receiving their first bill which will define cost of attendance minus any financial awards including federal or institutional aid and scholarships. From there, families can work through a worksheet to estimate how much the student and family can contribute directly to the student’s education expense, how much the student plans to work and earn, and the potential match that could result. Debt Project Match Funds should be considered as a solution to reduce loans from the very beginning of a student’s McPherson College financial plan.
Once in the program, students will examine their personal income, identify their expenses, and observe how their payments and matches might allow them to reduce or eliminate their need for student loans.
Program Coordinator
The Program Coordinator will oversee the project and is responsible for connecting students with mentorship, financial planning sessions, and career development support to help secure employment.
Contact
For more information please contact Amy Beckman, executive director, career & experiential learning, at [email protected].