State Financial Literacy Requirements
A reference guide to what states and schools are now required — or increasingly expected — to teach on personal finance. Use this page to look up your state’s current mandate status, course requirements, and official policy links.
How State Mandates Work
State financial literacy requirements vary significantly in scope, implementation timeline, and what’s counted as compliant. Here’s how to interpret the different requirement types.
Standalone Course Required
The state mandates a dedicated personal finance or financial literacy course as a graduation requirement. Students must complete the course — it cannot be substituted by embedding content in another class.
Examples: Texas (HB 27), Florida, Utah, Ohio
Embedded in Another Course
Financial literacy content is required but integrated within another course (such as economics, math, or social studies) rather than as a standalone class. Content standards are specified but delivery is flexible.
Examples: California (AB 2927), New York, Georgia
Standards Only
The state has published financial literacy learning standards that schools are encouraged or required to incorporate, but has not enacted a formal graduation mandate. Schools often go beyond the minimum.
These states often have active legislation pending
🛈 Note: Mandate status changes frequently as new legislation passes. This page reflects requirements as of June 2026. Always verify current requirements with your state education department. Official source links are included in the full state table.
Notable State Requirements
Texas — HB 27
STANDALONEHouse Bill 27 requires all Texas high school students to complete a one-semester personal financial literacy and economics course. The mandate took effect for the 2024–25 school year. The course must cover budgeting, credit, investing, taxes, insurance, and more. Schools must use state-approved curriculum aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
Effective: 2024–25 school year | Applies to: All public high schools
California — AB 2927
EMBEDDEDAssembly Bill 2927 phases in a financial literacy graduation requirement for California high school students. Districts must deliver instruction covering income, taxes, budgeting, credit, and long-term financial planning. The requirement is integrated within existing courses with measurable learning outcomes.
Phase-in: 2025–2027 | Applies to: All public high schools
See requirements for all 50 states, including official legislation links, compliance notes, and implementation timelines.
View Full 50-State Table →