Transforming financial wellness in higher ed
July 17, 2025
Opportunity Programs Guide
August 22, 2025
Transforming financial wellness in higher ed
July 17, 2025
Opportunity Programs Guide
August 22, 2025

Customer Story: Canisius University

How one university reduced financial holds by 25% and improved retention by guiding students through their financial journey

Challenge

Canisius University serves many first generation and Pell eligible students who often struggle with complex financial processes. Small mistakes can lead to major setbacks like registration blocks or missed aid.

Financial Aid and Student Accounts teams were dedicated but limited by:

  • Manual and time consuming processes
  • Disconnected systems
  • Rising student need without added staff

One student, Hakim, a first generation HEOP student, chose a dorm just above his housing allowance. That $800 balance blocked his registration, even though he had a full scholarship and strong academic standing.

Solution

Canisius implemented Arbol to simplify the student financial experience. The platform combines billing, aid, and personal context to deliver real-time, step-by-step guidance that h

In Hakim’s case, Arbol guided him through four key actions:

  • Switching to a more affordable housing option
  • Enrolling in a manageable payment plan
  • Accessing additional grant aid he didn’t know he qualified for
  • Finding part-time on-campus work to fill remaining gaps

Hakim resolved his balance, re-registered, and stayed on track, preserving $16,500 in tuition revenue for Canisius. He is one of many students whose hold was cleared through support tailored to their unique situation.

Outcome

Seeing the impact, Canisius shifted from reactive support to a proactive campuswide strategy. Now, every incoming student starts with personalized financial guidance during orientation, reducing surprises, boosting engagement, and resolving issues earlier.

  • With Arbol, our Roar2Success students no longer face the financial journey alone. They have a clear pathway, timely reminders, and access to the right resources — while our staff can focus on guiding the most complex cases. Arbol has become a cornerstone of how we drive persistence at Buffalo State.
    Shawnte Wilson
    Director of Student Success and Retention, Buffalo State
  • With Arbol, we can detect need earlier, deploy aid faster, and show our donors how their support directly keeps students enrolled. The Grit Scholars program is no longer reactive. It is a proactive driver of persistence at Buffalo State.
    Jim Finnerty
    VP of Institutional Advancement, Buffalo State
  • Arbol gives our students the financial clarity they need to stay enrolled and succeed. It’s become a key part of how we support retention at Canisius.
    Dr. Harold Fields
    Vice President for Student Affairs, Canisius University

Results by the numbers

25%

Decrease in Holds

80%

Hold Resolution

3%

Uplift in Retention

How one university reduced financial holds by 25% and improved retention by guiding students through their financial journey