Financial Literacy Subject Survey
A recent survey conducted by the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) with 1,200 participants across the United States reveals critical gaps in high school curricula. Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that schools are failing to adequately prepare youth for the financial and life challenges of the modern world.
Key findings include:
Poll Methodology
The poll was conducted using organic sampling, a sampling methodology that operates on a delivery framework called Random Device Engagement (RDE). This approach engages participants through randomized interactions with digital devices, ensuring a representative and diverse sample population while reducing bias.
The survey was conducted between December 26th, 2024, and January 2nd, 2025.
Survey Data 2025 & Comments
Do you support implementing policies that mandate financial education in schools?
Yes or
Definitely Yes
Maybe
No or
Definitely No
At what education level should financial literacy be introduced in schools?
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
College
It should not be introduced in schools
“People overwhelmingly support implementing policies that mandate financial education in schools. They also believe this education should start early, most favoring implementation at the middle school level or earlier.”
Do you believe high schools are teaching subjects that adequately prepare students for the challenges of modern life?
No or
Definitely No
Maybe
Yes or
Definitely Yes
Do you believe high schools are teaching subjects that adequately prepare students for the challenges of modern life?
No or
Definitely No
Maybe
Yes or
Definitely Yes
Do you believe schools do enough to prepare students for real-world financial challenges?
No or
Definitely No
Maybe
Yes or
Definitely Yes
“People do not believe high schools are teaching subjects that adequately prepare students for the challenges of modern life, nor do they prepare students for real-world financial challenges. It’s time for the education system to listen to the wants of the masses and implement meaningful changes.”
Which subject do you think high schools should focus on teaching more?
Personal Finance
Math
Science
Literature
Social Studies
Foreign Language
“People want schools to focus on teaching personal finance more than all other subjects combined. This overwhelming demand highlights the urgent need to prioritize financial education in our school systems. The public recognizes that personal finance is a foundational life skill, essential for preparing students to navigate the complexities of the modern world and achieve long-term financial stability.”
Past Survey Results
Should Financial Literacy be Taught in School?
The extent to which Americans agree that we should be teaching our youth financial skills in high school is demonstrated by recent and ongoing research. In a 2021 survey, the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) found that, among 1,502 people sampled from all across the U.S., 83.3% responded “Definitely Yes” or “Yes” to the question: “Do you think high school students should take personal finance courses in high school?”
The survey asking this particular question has been fielded since 2019, and the results have remained consistent during the years that followed.
Americans Agree Schools Should Teach High School Students Financial Literacy Coursework
Recent data indicate that over 83.3% of people across the U.S. believe that financial literacy should be taught in schools. In a survey conducted between July 28th and August 11th 2021, the National Financial Educators Council asked 1,502 people, “Do you think high school students should take personal finance courses in high school?” More than 83% responded that students should take financial literacy coursework.
Yes or
Definitely Yes
Maybe
No or
Definitely No
Survey Question
Do you think high school students should take personal finance courses in high school?
Definitely Yes
Yes
Maybe
No
Definitely No
2020 Survey Results
Recent data indicate that over 84% of people across the U.S. believe that financial literacy should be taught in schools. In a survey conducted between August 1st and August 5th 2020, the National Financial Educators Council asked 1,252 people, “Do you think high school students should take personal finance courses in high school?” More than 84% responded that students should take financial literacy coursework.
Yes or
Definitely Yes
Maybe
No or
Definitely No
Survey Question
Do you think high school students should take personal finance courses in high school?
Definitely Yes
Yes
Maybe
No
Definitely No
2019 Survey: Do you think high school students should take personal finance courses in high school?
In August of 2019 over 81% of 1,211 respondents across the U.S. believe that financial literacy should be taught in schools. In a survey conducted between August 13th and August 15th 2019, the National Financial Educators Council asked, “Do you think high school students should take personal finance courses in high school?” More than 81% responded that students should take financial literacy coursework.
Survey Question
Do you think high school students should take personal finance courses in high school?
Definitely Yes
Yes
Maybe
No
Definitely No
2018 Survey: Financial Education would Benefit Lives More than all Currently Offered Coursework Combined
The NFEC asked 8,633 people in 3 separate surveys a simple question “What high school-level course would benefit your life the most?” The results – people chose money management more than all other choices combined.
In the latest survey conducted between July 15th and 17th 2017 young Americans aged 18 to 24 in 49 out of 50 states across the country agree that financial literacy is the study topic that would benefit their lives more than other high school courses.
In a March 2017 released survey, respondents of 6 different age groups each with 400 respondents or more chose money management (54.13%) more often than math, science, and social studies combined. Between March 21 and 22, 2016, 1,101 18-24 year-olds across the United States selected money management 51.4% of the time.
Survey Question
What high school-level course would benefit your life the most?
Available Choices Were:
July 2017 Survey: 5,123 18 – 24 Year Old Respondents in All 50 States
Young Americans aged 18 to 24 in 49 out of 50 states across the country agree that financial literacy is the study topic that would benefit their lives more than other high school courses. In a survey conducted between July 15th and 17th 2017 the National Financial Educators Council asked 5,123 young adults (at least 100 respondents in each state), “What high school-level course would benefit your life the most?” Respondents chose money management more often than math, science, and social studies.
Scroll Over Map to See Individual State Results:
50 State Average:
49.97% selected “Money Management (Personal Finance)
18.25% selected “Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry)
14.43% selected “Social Studies (History, Government)
17.35% selected “Science (Biology, Chemistry)
March 2017 Survey: 2,409 People in 6 Different Age Groups
In a March 2017 released survey, the National Financial Educators Council asked 2,409 people across the United States the question, “What high school-level course would benefit your life the most?” Respondents of 6 different age groups each with 400 respondents or more chose money management (54.13%) more often than math, science, and social studies combined.
The survey was conducted online, answers were randomized and inferred demographic data was used. Statistically significant results were produced – a 99% confidence interval and less than a 4% margin of error. The goal of the survey was to measure people’s opinions about the value of personal finance education relative to other coursework commonly offered by high schools.
Vince Shorb, the NFEC’s CEO, comments, “Schools should teach subjects that will benefit students’ lives the most; but funding is needed to do so. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s annual financial literacy report shows that the federal government invests just $230 million per year into financial literacy programming, while STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) subjects are funded at $3 billion per year. About 8% of graduates will land a STEM-based job, while 100% of graduates would benefit from a financial education and the financial service space represents over 7% of jobs.”
Aged 18-24
Percentage Answering
Money Management
(Personal Finance)
Percentage Answering
Mathematics
(Algebra, Geometry)
Percentage Answering
Science
(Biology, Chemistry)
Percentage Answering
Social Studies
(History, Government)
Aged 25-34
Percentage Answering
Money Management
(Personal Finance)
Percentage Answering
Mathematics
(Algebra, Geometry)
Percentage Answering
Science
(Biology, Chemistry)
Percentage Answering
Social Studies
(History, Government)
Aged 35-44
Percentage Answering
Money Management
(Personal Finance)
Percentage Answering
Mathematics
(Algebra, Geometry)
Percentage Answering
Science
(Biology, Chemistry)
Percentage Answering
Social Studies
(History, Government)
Aged 45-54
Percentage Answering
Money Management
(Personal Finance)
Percentage Answering
Mathematics
(Algebra, Geometry)
Percentage Answering
Science
(Biology, Chemistry)
Percentage Answering
Social Studies
(History, Government)
Aged 55-64
Percentage Answering
Money Management
(Personal Finance)
Percentage Answering
Mathematics
(Algebra, Geometry)
Percentage Answering
Science
(Biology, Chemistry)
Percentage Answering
Social Studies
(History, Government)
Aged 65+
Percentage Answering
Money Management
(Personal Finance)
Percentage Answering
Mathematics
(Algebra, Geometry)
Percentage Answering
Science
(Biology, Chemistry)
Percentage Answering
Social Studies
(History, Government)
April 2016 Survey: 1,011 18 – 24 Year Old Respondents
Between March 21 and 22, 2016, 1,101 18-24 year-olds across the United States responded to a financial literacy survey conducted by the NFEC to assess young adults’ feelings regarding high school level-courses that would benefit their lives. This online survey produced statistically significant results with a 99% confidence interval and a less than 4% margin of error. [additional financial literacy statistics]
This is the first age-specific survey conducted by the NFEC and sponsored by DreamCatcher Wealth Management and The Minerva Foundation as part of a series of financial literacy testing, polls, research, and interviews that explore financial attitudes and behaviors. The survey asked respondents to answer the following question: “Which of four high school level-courses would benefit your life most?”

Survey Sponsors
The survey was sponsored by DreamCatcher Wealth Management and The Minerva Foundation for Financial Literacy, whose founder Stan T. Webb is author of the book Optimize Your Wealth. Stan is a financial literacy advocate who works throughout the US helping to advise and educate individuals of all ages about the mystical world of Money. Stan conducts employee financial wellness programs and serves the community by providing support and education to youth groups. Through better education and guidance, and inspiring positive change he feels we can greatly reduce poverty and spread greater financial well being.