A poll taken among University students showed that an overwhelming majority of students do not know their credit scores.

Yet many of these students were interested in a program aimed a educating them in finances and credit.

In concordance with this poll, a survey conducted by Fair Isaac and Company (FICO) showed that only 17 percent of college students know their credit score.

And for FICO and Visa USA, this a big concern.

A credit score, according to Jason Alderman, Director of Financial Education for Visa USA, is “how you manage your finances.” This score keeps up with the bank account, credit card, loan and bill history of an individual.

The number or score that an individual receives can affect everything from how much interest they are charged to their ability to get a job.

“A credit score is like your GPA for life,” Alderman said.

In order to help college students find out more about their credit score and why it’s an important part of their financial future, Alderman helped to initiate a program called “What’s My Score.”

This program was initiated as a way to demystify the complexity of finances for young college students across the nation.

Colleges and students will receive all resources and materials needed for the “What’s My Score” program for free.

Also, FICO has allowed for students to receive an online estimated credit score for free, at www.whatsmyscore.org.

The program took off in hopes of receiving the same success that previous financial education programs, including a program aimed at high school students, have had, said Alderman.

In an attempt to test the success of this new program, Visa partnered with Wells Fargo to follow the finances of several students – some having taken the program and others who had not.

The test showed a “dramatically better performance” in those that had received help through the “What’s My Score” program.