The Gap Between Financial Knowledge and Real-World Readiness
High school students are stepping into financial independence earlier—opening bank accounts, planning for college, and even thinking about investing. But beneath that activity is a growing gap between access and understanding.
Based on insights from more than 161,900 high school juniors and seniors, this infographic reveals where students feel confident—and where they’re falling behind.
What You’ll Learn
This infographic highlights key trends shaping the next generation of financial decision-makers, including:
- Where student confidence breaks down across critical financial skills
- The disconnect between what students plan to do and what they’ll actually face
- The biggest areas of confusion—from credit to student loans to investing
- Why demand for financial education is higher than ever
Students are actively engaging with financial tools but that doesn’t mean they know how to use them. Many are planning major life decisions like college and credit use, yet large percentages report feeling unprepared to manage those responsibilities effectively.
Download the Full Infographic
Without the right education, students are entering adulthood without the confidence or skills to navigate debt, manage accounts, or make informed financial decisions. At scale, these gaps have long-term consequences for individuals, communities, and the broader economy.
Get a deeper look at the data—and the opportunity to better prepare students for financial independence.
