VOTE: How successful are local schools at teaching financial literacy?

May 20, 2026 - 20:39

Washington state high schools are falling behind when it comes to teaching students how to manage money. A recent analysis from Wallet Hub ranked the state near the bottom in personal finance literacy, raising questions about how well local schools prepare young people for real-world financial decisions.

The report evaluated all 50 states based on factors like course requirements, student debt levels, and access to financial education programs. Washington placed in the lower third of the rankings, a result that surprised some educators and frustrated parents who say kids need more practical skills before graduation.

Currently, Washington does not require a standalone personal finance course for high school students. While some districts offer electives in budgeting, investing, or credit management, participation is voluntary and inconsistent across the state. Critics argue this leaves many students unprepared for things like student loans, taxes, or even opening a bank account.

Supporters of stronger financial literacy requirements point to states like Alabama and Missouri, which mandate a full semester of personal finance education. Students in those states tend to score higher on national financial literacy tests and report feeling more confident about managing their own money after graduation.

The debate comes at a time when young adults face rising costs for housing, education, and everyday expenses. Without a solid foundation in personal finance, many end up making costly mistakes early on. Some Washington lawmakers have proposed bills to make financial literacy a graduation requirement, but so far none have passed.

For now, the responsibility falls mostly on families and individual teachers. But with the state ranking so low, the push for change is likely to continue.