In a landmark move for financial education, Pennsylvania has become the 25th state to mandate that its high school students complete a semester-long course in personal finance before graduating. This initiative is part of a growing trend across the United States aimed at equipping young people with essential financial skills. By the start of the 2026 school year, Pennsylvania’s students from the ninth grade onward will be required to undergo this training, a measure that Governor Josh Shapiro affirmed by signing into law this week.
The integration of financial literacy into the high school curriculum is becoming increasingly widespread, reflecting a national acknowledgment of its importance for future stability and success. According to Next Gen Personal Finance, a nonprofit dedicated to financial education, this requirement will ensure that 53% of U.S. high school students have access to comprehensive financial education. Currently, personal finance courses are compulsory in eight states, with seventeen additional states planning to implement this requirement.
This year alone, eight states have passed laws to make financial education a prerequisite for high school graduation. Earlier this month, Wisconsin’s Governor Tony Evers signed a bill that mandates a personal finance course for graduation starting with the class of 2028. “Ensuring our youth have the skills to make informed financial decisions is vital for their success as adults,” stated Evers.
States are rapidly changing their educational policies to include financial literacy, driven by a recognition of its critical impact on young adults’ futures. High school personal finance classes typically cover essential topics such as budgeting, managing risks, investing, understanding credit scores, and more, providing students with practical knowledge that applies throughout life.
Additional Insights on Financial Literacy’s Impact:
Educational efforts in financial literacy are not just about improving individual outcomes but also about addressing broader economic stability. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragile economic state of many Americans, intensifying the push for structured financial education. “Every day post-graduation involves financial decision-making,” notes John Pelletier of the Center for Financial Literacy. “Whether it’s earning, spending, or saving, financial considerations are a constant presence, underscoring the need for this education.”
Research indicates that effective financial literacy education can significantly influence young adults’ financial behaviors, enhancing their credit scores, reducing loan delinquencies, and fostering smarter borrowing and spending habits. However, there remains a disparity in access to this crucial education. Wealthier, lighter districts are more likely to offer such programs independently, suggesting a need for state-mandated programs to ensure equitable access.
While significant progress is being made, some states still lag behind in financial education, with four states and Washington, D.C., receiving low marks for their lack of mandated financial literacy programs. Advocates in these regions are actively working to change legislation to ensure that financial education reaches all high school students, aiming to equip the next generation with the tools needed for financial success and resilience.