High Schools Emphasizing Personal Finance Education
Bloomberg 2026-06-28 15:13:31
Context: The emphasis on personal finance education in US high schools has significantly increased over the past two decades, with a growing number of states making it a requirement for graduation. As of now, 39 US states mandate students to complete a personal finance course to graduate, a substantial rise from just one state in 1998. This shift aims to equip students with essential skills to make informed financial decisions.
Key Facts
- 39 US states now require students to complete a personal finance course to graduate, up from just one state in 1998.
- Students who take personal finance courses tend to make better financial decisions, have higher credit scores, and manage student loans more responsibly, according to Leslie Finnan, Senior Advocacy Director for the Council for Economic Education.
- Bloomberg This Weekend's Lisa Mateo spoke with Diana Isern, Assistant Principal and Financial Literacy Educator at Brooklyn Preparatory High School, about the curriculum of a modern finance class.
- The increased emphasis on personal finance education aims to provide students with practical skills to navigate financial responsibilities effectively.
- The Council for Economic Education is an organization involved in promoting economic and financial literacy among students.