From student loan debt to skyrocketing rent, today’s college graduates are stepping into the real world facing unprecedented financial challenges. And while they may hold degrees, many are still navigating the complexities of personal finance without a formal foundation in budgeting, credit management, or long-term financial planning. For financial institutions, this moment presents a powerful opportunity: deliver just-in-time financial education that empowers recent grads and earns long-term loyalty.
The Financial Reality Facing Recent Graduates
Graduating college is often seen as a major milestone, but it can also mark the beginning of serious financial stress. In 2025, the average student loan debt among college graduates stood at $38,375 per borrower, and approximately 60% of students graduate with some form of debt. Add to that a rising cost of living and uncertain job market, and it’s no surprise that 61% of young adults report feeling financially stressed, with many expressing a lack of preparedness for unexpected expenses.
Despite their digital fluency, many Gen Z grads lack access to the kind of practical financial education that helps them make sound decisions like how to balance loan repayments with saving for an emergency fund, or when to start investing for retirement.
Why Financial Education Matters
Financial institutions have a critical role to play in supporting this transition – not just through products and services, but through timely, relevant financial education. EVERFI’s longitudinal study indicates that multiple financial education interventions are more effective in increasing financial knowledge and self-efficacy, highlighting the importance of providing continuous financial education to foster long-term positive financial behaviors. By delivering education when it matters most — right as grads are choosing their first credit card, signing their first lease, or considering consolidating student loans — financial institutions can become a go-to source of guidance and trust.
Building Trust Through Just-in-Time Learning
Unlike older generations, Gen Z doesn’t expect financial education to come in the form of a sit-down meeting with a banker. They’re seeking content that’s:
- Interactive
- Mobile-friendly
- Relevant to their current life stage
- Short and actionable
From teaching people how to understand credit scores to managing debt and setting savings goals, offering personalized financial education that can be embedded into a bank or credit union’s digital experience helps turn passive users into informed, confident customers.
Becoming a Trusted Partner for Life
When financial institutions provide this kind of just-in-time education, they do more than help recent graduates avoid financial missteps — they build lasting relationships. In fact, research shows that 70% of consumers are more likely to bank with institutions that provide financial education. For recent graduates who are just beginning their financial journeys, those early experiences with their bank or credit union can shape loyalty for decades to come.
The path to lifelong loyalty starts with education. By offering relevant, timely financial learning experiences, financial institutions can empower recent college graduates to take control of their finances — and position themselves as trusted partners every step of the way.
Explore how EVERFI’s digital financial education solutions can help your institution support recent graduates and build lasting relationships.