30 States Now Require Financial Literacy Courses for High School Graduation
As of 2026, 30 U.S. states require high schools to teach a standalone financial literacy course for graduation, up from just 6 states in 2019. The federal government is also launching 'Trump Accounts,' tax-advantaged investment accounts for children under 18, in July 2026.
Financial literacy education is expanding across the United States. As of 2026, 30 states require high schools to teach a standalone personal finance course for graduation, up from just 6 states in 2019.
An additional 11 states allow financial literacy courses to substitute for other graduation requirements, meaning 41 states now have some form of personal finance education requirement.
The growth reflects growing concern about Americans' financial knowledge. Only 33% of adults worldwide are considered financially literate, and the United States ranks 14th globally. U.S. adults correctly answered only 49% of personal finance questions in 2025, a figure that has not improved since 2017.
Gen Z shows the lowest financial literacy of any generation, correctly answering only 38% of index questions. Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation score highest at 55%.
The federal government is adding a new tool in July 2026. "Trump Accounts," tax-advantaged investment accounts for U.S. citizens under age 18, will launch with a $1,000 deposit for every child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. Parents will oversee the accounts until age 18, after which young adults can use the funds for higher education, home purchases, or starting a business.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the accounts at a February 2026 Financial Literacy and Education Commission meeting, saying they will give young Americans real-world investing experience.
Despite the progress, experts warn that the average high school student receives only about 18 hours of personal finance instruction over four years, which many consider insufficient for lasting impact. Many financial literacy laws are also unfunded, leaving schools to rely on low-quality resources.
