Financial Literacy Subject Survey

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.

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.

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.

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 15^th and 17^th 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.

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.”