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The goal is simple: help teens avoid costly financial mistakes and build good habits early.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More high school students are learning real-life money skills before graduation. Across the country, states are adding personal finance classes that teach budgeting, saving, credit, debt and investing.
Right now, about 30 states require a personal finance course. By 2031, more than 70% of public high school students are expected to take one.
Many schools are moving beyond textbooks. Some students practice investing real money. Others get certified to prepare taxes and help families claim refunds. The goal is simple — help teens avoid costly financial mistakes and build good habits early.
Research shows these classes can improve credit and borrowing decisions later in life.
Educators said the hands-on approach is especially important for students who may not learn money skills at home. And with more states adding requirements each year, financial literacy is quickly becoming a standard part of a high school education.