Make Personal Finance Education Required for High School Graduation in Every State

Only 1 in 2 adults in the United States say they know a fair amount about personal finances. The lack of financial literacy often leads people to take on high-interest debt, resulting in poor credit scores and limited financial opportunities. It also contributes to low savings rates and leaves many unprepared for emergencies.

Key statistics revealing knowledge gaps in financial literacy among Americans:

• 43% of American adults who use credit cards carry “revolving debt” (i.e. don’t pay the full balance).

• Over 47% of Americans say they do not know the APR (annual percentage rate) on their credit card.

• About 54% of U.S. adults say they know a “great deal” or “fair amount” about personal finances; 33% say they know some, and 13% say they know little or nothing.

• More than 40% of college students are not considered to have adequate financial literacy skills.

As of October 2025, only 30 states require a personal finance course for high school graduation. That means many students can still finish high school without ever learning how to manage a bank account, avoid debt, or build credit — skills that shape lifelong stability and opportunity. We call on legislators to make the personal finance education required for high school graduation in every state.

Legislative Achievements

On January 9, 2026, the Hawaii Department of Education announced that, beginning with the Class of 2030, public school students must complete a financial literacy educational opportunity and document it through their Personal Transition Plan before graduation.

Texas HB 27, passed on May 29, 2025, and signed into law on June 20, 2025, requires students entering ninth grade in the 2026-2027 school year or later to complete a one-half-credit personal financial literacy course as a high school graduation requirement.

In May 2025, Colorado enacted HB 25-1192, signed by Governor Jared Polis on May 23. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, public high schools must require students to complete a course covering all state financial literacy standards to graduate.

Kentucky HB 342, passed on March 14, 2025, and signed into law on March 24, 2025, requires students entering ninth grade on or after July 1, 2025, to complete a one-credit financial literacy course as a public high school graduation requirement.

Remaining States

These state do not require a dedicated personal finance course for high school graduation.

Alaska, Arkansas, DC, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming