Financial Issues and Students’ Stress Among Private University Students in Selangor, Malaysia

The rising cost of higher education, especially in private universities, has significantly contributed to the psychological burden of students. The current study examines the relationship between financial issues and stress among students at private universities in Selangor, Malaysia, and specifically Lincoln University and UNITAR students. Using a quantitative method and employing the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), data were collected from 205 participants. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a very strong positive correlation between stress and financial problems (r = 0.848, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis also determined that financial problem was the most significant predictor of stress, while demographic variables such as gender, age, and year of study were statistically not significant. The findings concur with Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, suggesting that students’ appraisal of financial stress and coping mechanisms have a significant influence on their well-being. This study maintains the urgent need for policies by institutions regarding financial literacy, support systems, and mental health services to mitigate the ill effects of financial stress among students.