Center for Excellence in Financial Counseling

  • Center for Excellence in Financial Counseling

Strengthening financial counseling. Improving lives.

The Center for Excellence in Financial Counseling (CEFC) strengthens nonprofit financial counseling through engaged education, meaningful community partnerships, and applied research. Based at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, the Center works with practitioners, researchers, and community partners to improve outcomes for individuals and families navigating complex financial challenges.

By connecting research, education, and practice, CEFC helps expand access to effective financial counseling and supports long‑term financial well‑being across communities.

What we do

professor at the front of a full classroom
Education
We develop and support educational initiatives that build practical financial skills and confidence—meeting people where they are and sharing tools they can use right away.
Explore Education
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Community
We collaborate with campus and community partners to connect individuals and organizations with trusted financial resources and evidence‑based approaches.
Learn About Community Partnerships
student in class writing
Research
We advance applied, collaborative research to strengthen nonprofit financial counseling practice, inform policy, and improve outcomes.
View Research Initiatives

Who we serve

CEFC’s work supports:

  • Nonprofit financial counseling organizations and practitioners
  • Students and community members building financial knowledge, skills, and confidence
  • Faculty and researchers engaged in applied scholarship
  • Campus and community partners advancing financial well‑being

   

Work with the center

Whether you are interested in education, research, or community collaboration, CEFC welcomes partnership.

Contact the Center