More than 90% of Americans believe budgeting should be taught in schools, yet only 11 states earn an A grade for financial education, according to WalletHub’s 2025 study. The analysis ranked all 50 states and Washington, D.C., based on 11 metrics, including personal-finance course requirements and financial literacy test scores.
Top states for budgeting education
Utah leads the nation with the strongest high school budgeting education. Students must complete personal-finance and economics courses, and the state conducts standardized testing in both areas. Utah also boasts the highest share of eighth-graders proficient in math, setting a strong foundation for financial literacy.
Virginia ranks second. Like Utah, Virginia mandates personal-finance and economics courses before graduation. It also ranks among the top states for overall academic performance, helping students develop the math and reading skills critical for smart budgeting.
North Carolina claims the third spot, thanks to recent curriculum improvements. The state requires personal-finance and economics courses and has significantly expanded access to these programs over the past two years.
Full ranking highlights
Here’s how the top 10 states performed:
| Rank | State | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah | 83.37 |
| 2 | Virginia | 77.18 |
| 3 | North Carolina | 75.60 |
| 4 | Georgia | 74.58 |
| 5 | Florida | 71.84 |
| 6 | Mississippi | 70.36 |
| 7 | New Jersey | 68.32 |
| 8 | Alabama | 67.75 |
| 9 | Tennessee | 66.57 |
| 10 | Nebraska | 65.57 |
Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi also stand out for improving access to financial education.
Why budgeting education matters
According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, mandatory budgeting instruction in high school leads to stronger financial habits, better savings rates, and higher credit scores. Students equipped with budgeting skills are better prepared for real-world challenges like inflation, job loss, and unexpected expenses.
Even if formal education is lacking, individuals can strengthen their budgeting skills by taking community college or online courses, using budgeting apps, and talking with family members about financial management.
5 tips for improving budgeting skills
- Take a course: Community colleges and online platforms offer affordable personal-finance classes.
- Read trusted resources: Free online articles can help teach basic budgeting steps.
- Use apps: Budgeting tools like Mint or YNAB can simplify the process.
- Discuss with peers: Family and friends can share strategies that work.
- Test your skills: Financial literacy quizzes can reveal knowledge gaps.
Methodology
WalletHub compared states across 11 metrics, including the requirement for standalone personal-finance courses, standardized testing policies, national financial literacy test scores, and the share of top-ranked high schools. Data sources included the American Public Education Foundation, National Financial Educators Council, and U.S. News & World Report.
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