Student research on consumer loans featured in Idaho Business Review

Their research focused on the financial benefits of comparing rates for mortgages, auto loans and savings accounts across community banks and credit unions. They found significant gaps between Idaho's highest and lowest available rates, proving that shopping for rates can have a profound impact on personal finances.

This deep dive into local data was made possible by a fall 2025 Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Scholarship. Mariner applied for the scholarship both to see if he enjoyed conducting research (he's considering a future in higher education) and to learn more after taking Allen's Financial Markets and Institutions class.

"For me, the hardest unit in that class was on credit unions and community banks. Since credit unions are regulated differently than traditional banks, it took me longer to fully understand how their structure and oversight work compared to the standard banking system," Mariner said. "I wanted my finance degree to come to life. Research helps you understand how what you're learning applies to the real world and how you can use it."

As faculty advisor, Allen guided the project from start to finish, helping Mariner refine the research question, design the data collection process and navigate the practical challenges of working with real financial institutions and imperfect, real-world data.

Mariner described the project as empowering, rewarding and sometimes "frustrating in a good way." He wanted the research to represent real, not theoretical situations, so gathering accurate data without applying for actual mortgages and savings accounts proved challenging. But ultimately, over the 12-week scholarship period, Mariner collected 120 data points from the 20 largest community banks and credit unions serving Idaho.

Allen highlighted the value and challenge of Mariner's work.

"Financial literacy is important. People need to understand what financial options are out there and what they have access to," Allen said. "Ethan had to find the data by picking up the phone and visiting businesses. He was driven and did whatever he needed to produce research that's directly important to people in Idaho."

In addition to the Idaho Business Review article, Mariner will share the research with the campus community at the Undergraduate Research Showcase on Friday, April 24.

"I wanted this work to be beneficial," Mariner said. "I truly believe if I can convince one person to make a call to another bank in the area and spend the extra half hour to compare their options, I'll feel like I've done something that's helpful."

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