Survey: Only 39% of Americans Learned Personal Finance in School, Nearly 70% Say It Should Be Required
A Synchrony survey conducted in early 2026 found that only 39% of U.S. consumers learned about personal finance in school. Nearly 70% believe it should be taught in educational institutions. The survey also found that just over half of respondents felt they had strong financial literacy skills.
A new survey from Synchrony found a wide gap between how many Americans received financial education in school and how many believe they should have.
The survey, conducted between January 1 and March 8, 2026, found that only 39% of U.S. consumers reported learning about personal finance in school. Yet nearly 70% said they believe personal finance should be taught in educational institutions.
Just over half of respondents, 56%, said they felt they had strong financial literacy skills. Confidence varied by topic: 69% said they were confident managing a budget, but less than half, 46%, said they were confident when it came to investing.
Three-quarters of respondents agreed that financial literacy is a lifelong journey, not something learned once and mastered.
The findings were released during National Financial Literacy Month, which the U.S. Senate has recognized every April since 2004. This year, the Senate passed a resolution co-sponsored by Chairman Tim Scott and Senator Jack Reed to formally designate April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission used the occasion to highlight tools on Investor.gov, including guides on starting early, living within means, consistent investing, debt reduction, and avoiding scams. SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins encouraged Americans to consider the role of investing in achieving financial independence.
The FDIC offered interactive games and instructor-led curricula through its Money Smart program. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provided teacher resources for educating children aged 5 to 19 on identity theft and fraud prevention.
Financial planners say the survey results reflect a persistent gap that leaves many adults unprepared for major financial decisions, including retirement planning, home buying, and managing debt.
