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Which states require personal finance to graduate high school
Data checked Oct 25, 2026. 50 states plus DC.
The short version
As of October 25, 2026, our dataset counts 39 of 51 jurisdictions (the 50 states plus DC) with a statewide rule that students complete personal finance before they graduate.
- 19 states have a requirement already in effect for graduating classes.
- 20 states have a requirement that starts with a future graduating class, from the class of 2027 through the class of 2031.
- 2 states, Montana and South Dakota, require a choice of personal finance or economics.
- 10 jurisdictions have no statewide personal finance graduation requirement.
All 51 statuses were confirmed on a primary source we opened on October 25, 2026, linked in the full table below. Where a detail such as the first class came from a tracker, the table says so.
Map of the 50 states and DC
Each state links to its row in the table below.
- In effect (solid green): 19 of 51
- Future class (green stripes): 20 of 51
- Choice of personal finance or economics (blue lines): 2 of 51
- Not required (grey dots): 10 of 51
State
Will school teach your teenager how money works before graduation? It depends on where you live, and it is changing fast. The map above shows every state plus Washington, DC, and the full table below gives the rule, the first class affected, and the source for each one.
Why other counts look different
Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) counts states that guarantee a standalone semester course, and its live dashboard listed 30 such states on October 25, 2026. The Council for Economic Education's 2026 Survey of the States, released March 18, 2026, counts 39 states, because it also includes requirements built into another course, often economics.
Our map follows the law and the state agency rather than either tracker, so some states land differently. The clearest case is Iowa. Both trackers still count it, but the Iowa Department of Education's November 2024 guidance says completing the half unit "is no longer a condition for graduation." Schools must still offer and teach it.
New York is another. In March 2026 the state adopted a requirement for personal finance instruction for every student by the end of grade 12, starting with students who enter ninth grade in the 2026 to 2027 school year. The state's own FAQ says it is an instructional requirement, not a credit or diploma requirement, so we show it as not required while noting the change.
The differences run the other way too. Oklahoma requires a personal financial literacy "passport" for a standard diploma, and Maine's diploma law lists personal finance inside required social studies, so we count both though neither tracker does. Nevada and New Mexico add personal finance to a required social studies credit starting with the class of 2029, so we show them as future requirements. Rows where the sources disagree carry a short note in the full table below.
Standalone, embedded, or either
- Standalone: a dedicated course, usually a half credit, as in most newer laws such as California, Texas, and Pennsylvania.
- Embedded: personal finance lives inside another required course, such as economics in Arizona or Career Preparedness in Alabama.
- Either: the state lets schools choose. Colorado's 2025 law asks districts to put the state standards into any course required for graduation, and Rhode Island lets students show proficiency by course, assessment, or project.
Montana and South Dakota get their own color on the map above. Both require a half unit of personal finance or economics, so a student can graduate without taking personal finance.
What is happening in Washington
Washington has no personal finance graduation requirement today. On July 7, 2026, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal proposed a senior year course that would pair the existing half credit of civics with a half credit in financial literacy and postsecondary readiness. It is a proposal only, aimed at the 2027 legislative session.
Do this now:
Find your state in the full table below, then open your state education agency's graduation requirements page and confirm which class year the rule applies to. Rules are often written by entering class, so one year matters.
How we built this
We checked each state's law, regulation, or education agency page and recorded the rule, the first graduating class, and the course length. We then compared what we found with two national trackers, the NGPF dashboard and the CEE survey. Where the law does not state a detail, the table says so or names the tracker that supplied it, rather than presenting it as confirmed. Every row carries its source link and an October 25, 2026 check date.
This page is for education only and is not financial advice.
Sources
Dataset sources (one per state) are listed in the full table and in the data file, field source_url, all checked October 25, 2026.
- NGPF, Live U.S. Dashboard, checked October 25, 2026. https://www.ngpf.org/live-us-dashboard/
- Council for Economic Education, 2026 Survey of the States, released March 18, 2026, checked October 25, 2026. https://www.councilforeconed.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-Survey-of-the-States-printable.pdf
- Iowa Department of Education, Financial Literacy Guidance, November 13, 2024, checked October 25, 2026. https://educate.iowa.gov/media/6285/download?inline=
- New York State Education Department, Personal Finance Education FAQ, checked October 25, 2026. https://www.nysed.gov/standards-instruction/personal-finance-education-faq
- Washington OSPI news release, July 7, 2026, checked October 25, 2026. https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/news-center/news-releases/state-superintendent-chris-reykdal-proposes-statewide-postsecondary-launch-course-all-graduating
- RCW 28A.300.468, checked October 25, 2026. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.300.468
- Oklahoma State Department of Education, Personal Financial Literacy FAQ, checked October 25, 2026. https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/osde/documents/services/standards-learning/personal-financial-literacy/Personal_Financial_Literacy_Standards_FAQs_12132007.pdf
- Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 4722, checked October 25, 2026. https://www.legislature.maine.gov/statutes/20-A/title20-Asec4722.html
Every state, in a table
| State | Status | Format | Course length | Year passed | First class affected | Credentials or exams | Citation | Source | Checked | Trackers differ | Notes | Tracker notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Required, in effect | Embedded | 1 credit Career Preparedness course (PF is part of it) | 2023 | not stated | Financial Literacy Examination (50 questions) required to be taken under Act 2023-179; passing (30 correct) is not required for graduation | Ala. Act 2023-179; ALSDE High School Graduation Requirements Additional Guidance (Aug 2025) | alabamaachieves.org | Oct 25, 2026 | Both national trackers describe Alabama's requirement as a standalone course; the state meets it inside the Career Preparedness course. | Personal finance is taught inside the required Career Preparedness course rather than as a separate course. Students must also take the state Financial Literacy Examination; passing it is not required to graduate. The first graduating class for the course requirement is not stated in the state guidance we reviewed. Changes under Act 2023-179 apply from the class of 2028. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "One year Career Preparedness course (including one semester of personal finance) required for high school graduation since Class of 2013" | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement |
| Alaska | Not required | Not listed | Not listed | not applicable | 4 AAC 06.075 (high school graduation requirements) | education.alaska.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | The state's graduation requirements list no personal finance unit. NGPF notes that personal finance appears in state standards only. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Some personal finance standards embedded within other courses" | CEE 2026: no PF graduation requirement (standards only or none) | |||
| Arizona | Required, in effect | Embedded | 0.5 credit economics that must include PF | not stated | A.R.S. 15-701.01 | azleg.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | Personal finance is part of the required half credit of economics. The statute does not state when this began or the first graduating class. NGPF also mentions a state financial literacy seal. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Personal finance standards embedded within Economics, specialized seal offered on high school diplomas" | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement | |||
| Arkansas | Required, in effect | Embedded | 1 credit course that includes the state PF standards | 2017 | Class of 2021 | Ark. Code 6-16-135(c), Act 480 of 2017 (HB 1442) | arkleg.state.ar.us | Oct 25, 2026 | Students earn one credit in an approved grade 10 to 12 course that teaches the state's personal and family finance standards. The law starts with students entering grade 9 in 2017-18, which makes 2021 the first graduating class. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Personal finance standards embedded within Economics" | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement | ||
| California | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 1 semester | 2024 | Class of 2031 | Cal. Educ. Code 51225.3, AB 2927 (2024) | leginfo.legislature.ca.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A separate one semester personal finance course that cannot be combined with any other course, required starting with students graduating in 2030-31 (the class of 2031). Districts begin offering the course in 2027-28. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted June 2024; two-phase implementation" (2031 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| Colorado | Required, starting with a future class | Either | Not listed | 2025 | Class of 2030 | C.R.S. 22-32-135(4)(a), HB25-1192 (approved May 23, 2025) | leg.colorado.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | Both trackers call CO a standalone one-semester course; the enacted text struck "one-semester" and lets districts put the standards into any required course. | Each district must build the state financial literacy standards into a course required for graduation, either a dedicated course or an existing one. The law does not name a first graduating class; one tracker (NGPF) lists the class of 2030. We are still confirming the start date with the Colorado Department of Education. The law also adds a FAFSA practice step to student career plans from 2027-28. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted May 2025; Course must cover all CO Financial Literacy Standards for Grades 9-12" (2030 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement; CEE lists statewide PF testing | |
| Connecticut | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 0.5 credit | 2023 | Class of 2027 | C.G.S. 10-221a(d), P.A. 23-21 (SB 1165) | cga.ct.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A half credit in personal financial management and financial literacy, required starting with the class of 2027. It can count toward humanities or elective credit. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted June 2023" (2027 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| Delaware | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 0.5 credit | 2025 | Class of 2030 | HS 1 for HB 203 (153rd General Assembly), signed Sept 19, 2025 | legis.delaware.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A half credit in financial literacy, required for a diploma starting with students who enter grade 9 in 2026-27 (the class of 2030). The bill was signed on Sept 19, 2025. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone half-credit Personal Finance course requirement adopted October 2025" (2030 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| District of Columbia | Not required | Not listed | Not listed | not applicable | 5-A DCMR 2203 (graduation requirements, 24 Carnegie units) | osse.dc.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | The District's 24 Carnegie unit graduation requirement has no personal finance unit. NGPF notes a limited elective and a program called Tenacity. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Limited personal finance elective access, plus some personal finance concepts embedded within "Tenacity" program" | CEE 2026: no PF graduation requirement (standards only or none) | |||
| Florida | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 0.5 credit | Class of 2027 | Fla. Stat. 1003.4282(3)(h) | leg.state.fl.us | Oct 25, 2026 | A half credit in personal financial literacy, required starting with students who entered grade 9 in 2023-24 (the class of 2027). | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted March 2022" (2027 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | |||
| Georgia | Required, starting with a future class | Embedded | 0.5 unit | 2022 | Class of 2027 | O.C.G.A. 20-2-149.4 (SB 220, 2022); SBOE Rule 160-4-2-.49 | apps.gadoe.org | Oct 25, 2026 | NGPF calls GA standalone with first class 2028; CEE calls it integrated. The state rule uses a combined Personal Finance and Economics half unit, and the rule points to the class of 2027. | Students take a combined Personal Finance and Economics half unit in grade 11 or 12, starting with students who first entered grade 9 in 2023-24 (the class of 2027). Under the statute the course can also count toward math, social studies or elective credit. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted April 2022" (2028 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement | |
| Hawaii | Required, starting with a future class | Either | Not listed | Class of 2030 | HIDOE news release, Jan 9, 2026 (Board of Education policy) | hawaiipublicschools.org | Oct 25, 2026 | CEE counts Hawaii as an integrated requirement; NGPF does not count it as a guarantee state. | Starting with the class of 2030, students must complete a financial literacy learning opportunity recorded in their Personal Transition Plan. Schools choose the format: a standalone elective, lessons built into other courses, self-paced options or other designs. As written it is not a credit course requirement. The classes of 2027 to 2029 are encouraged to take part. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Limited embedded personal finance requirement adopted by HDOE in 2026" | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement | ||
| Idaho | Required, in effect | Either | 1 credit economics and financial literacy (combined or separate courses) | 2023 | not stated | Idaho Code 33-1615 (HB 92, 2023); IDAPA 08.02.03.105 | sde.idaho.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | CEE counts ID as integrated; NGPF says economics only and not a guarantee. | Students earn one credit in economics and financial literacy, through one combined course or separate courses. Districts have offered the courses since 2023-24. The first graduating class is not stated in the law or guidance we reviewed. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Embedded Financial Literacy requirement within Economics adopted 2023" | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement | |
| Illinois | Not required | Embedded | Not listed | not applicable | 105 ILCS 5/27-305 (formerly 27-12.1) | ilga.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | NGPF reports one quarter of Consumer Education; CEE lists Illinois as having no requirement. NGPF reports that HB 5533, a bill for a standalone course, died on Apr 17, 2026. | Illinois requires consumer education instruction, including financial literacy topics, in grades 9 to 12, but no specific personal finance course or credit. The State Board of Education sets the minimum amount of instruction. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "One quarter Consumer Education requirement with partial implementation" | CEE 2026: no PF graduation requirement (standards only or none) | ||
| Indiana | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 1 semester | 2023 | Class of 2028 | IC 20-30-5-19 (2023); IDOE Financial Literacy page | in.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | CEE lists Indiana as having statewide personal finance testing; the state page we reviewed does not mention a test. | A one semester personal finance course is required, and Personal Financial Responsibility is the standard course that meets it. NGPF lists the class of 2028 as the first class; the state page we reviewed does not name one. Under the new Indiana diploma, personal finance sits within math starting with the class of 2029. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted April 2023" (2028 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement; CEE lists statewide PF testing | |
| Iowa | Not required | Either | 0.5 unit offered and taught (not required for students) | not applicable | Iowa Code 256.11(5)(k); 281 IAC 12.5; Iowa Dept. of Education Financial Literacy Guidance (Nov 13, 2024) | educate.iowa.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | Both trackers still count IA: NGPF as a guarantee state since the class of 2023 ("later watered down to allow embedding"); CEE as integrated. The state agency says it is no longer a graduation condition. | Iowa schools must offer and teach a half unit of personal financial literacy, but completing it is no longer a statewide condition for graduation. Districts may still require it locally. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "One semester Personal Finance course required for high school graduation since the class of 2023, later watered down to allow embedding" | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement | ||
| Kansas | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 0.5 unit | 2022 | Class of 2028 | K.A.R. 91-31-35 (Kansas Register, May 15, 2025); KSDE Financial Literacy page | ksde.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | NGPF lists the class of 2027; the Kansas State Department of Education says the class of 2028. | A half unit of financial literacy is required starting with the class of 2028, under a State Board of Education regulation. The Kansas State Department of Education describes it as a one semester course. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted November 2022" (2027 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | |
| Kentucky | Required, in effect | Standalone | 1 credit (students entering grade 9 on or after July 1, 2025) | 2025 | not stated | KRS 158.1411 (HB 342, 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 58) | apps.legislature.ky.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | NGPF lists the standalone course first class as 2030; students entering grade 9 in fall 2025 would normally graduate in 2029. CEE moved KY from embedded to standalone. | Students entering grade 9 on or after July 1, 2025 need a one credit financial literacy course, which would normally mean the class of 2029; NGPF lists 2030. Earlier students meet the financial literacy standards through one or more courses or programs. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone full-year Personal Finance course requirement adopted March 2025" (2030 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | |
| Louisiana | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 1 unit | 2023 | Class of 2028 | La. R.S. 17:270(B)(1), Act 267 of 2023 (HB 103); LDOE FAQ | legis.la.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A one unit Financial Literacy course, required starting with freshmen who entered high school in 2024-25 (the class of 2028). | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone full-year Personal Finance course requirement adopted June 2023" (2028 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| Maine | Required, in effect | Embedded | Part of 2 years (or standards equivalent) of social studies and history | not stated | 20-A M.R.S. 4722(2)(B) (as amended by P.L. 2019, c. 202) | legislature.maine.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | Both trackers list ME as no requirement (NGPF: covered in Maine Learning Results standards); the diploma statute names personal finance inside the required social studies. | Maine's diploma law includes personal finance inside the two years of required social studies and history. There is no separate personal finance credit, and districts may meet it through integrated or applied learning or standards achievement. The first graduating class is not stated in the law. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Personal finance standards embedded in system of Maine Learning Results" | CEE 2026: no PF graduation requirement (standards only or none) | ||
| Maryland | Not required | Not listed | Not listed | not applicable | COMAR 13A.03.02.03 (graduation credit requirements) | regs.maryland.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | The state's graduation credit requirements have no personal finance credit. NGPF notes that personal finance is in state standards and that requirements vary by county. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Personal finance standards required, county-dependent implementation" | CEE 2026: no PF graduation requirement (standards only or none) | |||
| Massachusetts | Not required | Not listed | Not listed | not applicable | Mass. DESE Competency Determination and graduation page | doe.mass.edu | Oct 25, 2026 | The state's graduation standard covers English, math, science and, from 2027, U.S. history. Course requirements are set locally, and there is no statewide personal finance requirement. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "No requirement, but personal finance standards adopted and funding appropriated for teacher professional development" | CEE 2026: no PF graduation requirement (standards only or none) | |||
| Michigan | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 0.5 credit | Class of 2028 | CTE program alternative allowed | MCL 380.1278a(3); Michigan Department of Education, Personal Finance: Requirements and Resources | michigan.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | NGPF calls MI standalone; CEE calls it integrated. The credit can count toward math, arts or world language. | A half credit in personal finance, required for students who entered grade 8 in 2023 (the class of 2028). It can count toward math, arts or world language credit, and a career and technical education program can meet it. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted May 2023" (2028 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement | |
| Minnesota | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | Not listed | 2023 | Class of 2028 | Minn. Stat. 120B.024 subd. 1(b) | revisor.mn.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A personal finance course for credit in grade 10, 11 or 12, required for students who began grade 9 in 2024-25 (the class of 2028). The statute does not set a length; NGPF says one semester. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "One semester personal finance graduation requirement adopted May 2023" (2028 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| Mississippi | Required, in effect | Embedded | 1 Carnegie unit College and Career Readiness course (includes a Financial Literacy unit) | 2026 | Class of 2022 | Miss. Admin. Code CCR course framework (Unit 6: Financial Literacy); MDE Accountability Standards Appendix A-8; MDE Updates for Superintendents, Sept 2026 (SB 2294) | sos.ms.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | CEE calls MS standalone; NGPF counts CCR (one year, including one semester of PF) as implemented. Primary sources show PF embedded in CCR now, with a separate PF requirement from the class of 2032. | Personal finance is taught as a unit inside the required College and Career Readiness course. NGPF lists the class of 2022 as the first class for that course. A 2026 law (SB 2294) adds a separate personal finance graduation requirement starting with the class of 2032. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "One year College & Career Readiness (CCR) course, including one semester of personal finance, required since the Class of 2022" | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | |
| Missouri | Required, in effect | Either | 0.5 unit | 2006 | Class of 2010 | DESE Personal Finance Assessment required when credit comes from embedded coursework; test-out allowed | State Board of Education graduation rule (2006); Missouri DESE Social Studies page | dese.mo.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | NGPF calls MO standalone; CEE calls it integrated. DESE allows a standalone course or embedded coursework plus the state assessment. | A half credit of personal finance has been required since a 2006 State Board rule. Students can take a standalone course, or earn the credit through other coursework and pass the state Personal Finance Assessment; test-out is allowed. NGPF lists the class of 2010 as the first class. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "One semester Personal Finance course required for high school graduation since the Class of 2010" | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement |
| Montana | Choice of personal finance or economics | Either | 0.5 credit economics or financial literacy | 2023 | Class of 2026 | ARM 10.55.905; Montana OPI Financial Literacy and Economics Graduation Requirement Reference | opifiles.mt.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | CEE lists MT as a PF or economics option; NGPF does not count it. | Starting with the class of 2026, students need a half credit in economics or personal finance. Because economics alone satisfies it, a student can graduate without a personal finance course. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Students required to take EITHER Financial Literacy or Economics since 2023" | CEE 2026: PF or economics option | |
| Nebraska | Required, in effect | Standalone | One five-credit course (one semester) | 2021 | not stated | LB 452 (2021), Financial Literacy Act | nebraskalegislature.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | Starting in 2023-24, each student must complete at least one five-credit high school course (one semester) in personal finance or financial literacy. The law does not name a first graduating class. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "One semester personal finance graduation requirement adopted May 2021" | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| Nevada | Required, starting with a future class | Embedded | Part of 0.5 credit Economics and Financial Literacy | Class of 2029 | State Seal in Financial Literacy available | NRS 389.018 (version effective July 1, 2028); NRS 389.074; NDE Diploma Requirements | webapp-strapi-paas-prod-nde-001.azurewebsites.net | Oct 25, 2026 | CEE counts NV as integrated now; NGPF says covered in economics and not a guarantee. The diploma table adds financial literacy to the economics credit from the class of 2029. | Starting with the class of 2029, financial literacy joins economics in a combined half credit Economics and Financial Literacy requirement. Financial literacy instruction is already required under NRS 389.074. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Some personal finance standards embedded within required Economics course" | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement | |
| New Hampshire | Required, in effect | Embedded | 0.5 credit Economics including personal finance; standalone 0.5 financial literacy for students entering high school in 2026-27 | 2024 | not stated | N.H. Admin. Rules Ed 306.23 (amended, eff. Dec 13, 2024; Tables 306-1 and 306-2) | gc.nh.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | Both trackers say a standalone half credit from the class of 2027; the rule text applies the standalone credit to students entering high school in 2026-27 (class of 2030) and embeds PF in the economics credit now. | Personal finance is required now as part of the economics half credit. Students entering high school in 2026-27 (the class of 2030) also need a standalone half credit in financial literacy. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted September 2022" (2027 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | |
| New Jersey | Required, in effect | Either | 2.5 credits (New Jersey credit scale) | not stated | N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)1.v | nj.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | CEE counts NJ as integrated; NGPF does not count it (says it can be embedded). | At least 2.5 credits (on New Jersey's credit scale) in financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy are required for the state diploma. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Students required to take one half year of "Financial, Economic Business, and Entrepreneurial Business Literacy" which can be embedded across multiple courses." | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement | ||
| New Mexico | Required, starting with a future class | Embedded | Part of 4 social studies credits (Government/Economics and Personal Financial Literacy) | 2024 | Class of 2029 | Financial literacy also offered as a math course and as an elective | NMSA 22-13-1.1 (HB 171, 2024); NM PED Graduation Manual HB 171 v2 (April 2025) | web.ped.nm.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | CEE counts NM as integrated now; NGPF says economics with local credit encouraged. HB 171 adds PF inside required social studies from the class of 2029. | Starting with students who entered grade 9 in 2025-26 (the class of 2029), personal financial literacy is part of the four required social studies credits. Financial literacy is also offered as a math course and an elective. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Personal finance standards embedded in Economics; school districts encouraged to adopt Financial Literacy as a standalone local credit requirement" | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement |
| New York | Not required | Either | Not listed | 2026 | not applicable | Career and Financial Management (CTE) can meet it | 8 NYCRR 100.2 (amended March 2026); NYSED Personal Finance Education FAQ | nysed.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | CEE counts NY as integrated; NGPF describes it as an adopted instructional requirement and not a guarantee. | New York adopted a requirement in March 2026 that students receive personal finance instruction by the end of grade 12, starting with students entering grade 9 in 2026-27. The state says it is an instructional requirement, not a course credit or diploma requirement. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Personal finance instructional requirement (standalone, embedded, or CTE) adopted March 2026" | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement |
| North Carolina | Required, in effect | Standalone | 1 credit | 2019 | Class of 2024 | N.C.G.S. 115C-81.65, S.L. 2019-82 (H924) | ncleg.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A one credit Economics and Personal Finance course is required. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "One year Economics & Personal Finance (EPF) course required for high school graduation since the Class of 2024" | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| North Dakota | Required, in effect | Either | 0.5 unit financial literacy, or PF concepts in required economics or Problems of Democracy | not stated | NDCC 15.1-21-21; NDCC 15.1-21-02.2; HB 1533 (2025, as amended) | ndlegis.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | CEE counts ND as integrated; NGPF says economics framework only and not a guarantee. | Each district must require a half unit of financial literacy or make sure the required economics or Problems of Democracy course includes personal finance concepts. The first graduating class is not stated in the law. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Personal finance standards embedded within required Economics framework for grades 6-12" | CEE 2026: integrated (embedded) PF requirement | ||
| Ohio | Required, in effect | Standalone | 0.5 unit | Class of 2026 | AP Microeconomics or Macroeconomics may substitute | Ohio Rev. Code 3313.603(C)(9) | codes.ohio.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A half unit of financial literacy, required for students who entered grade 9 on or after July 1, 2022 (the class of 2026, which has graduated). AP Microeconomics or Macroeconomics may substitute. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "One semester Personal Finance course required for high school graduation since the class of 2026" | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| Oklahoma | Required, in effect | Either | Passport to Financial Literacy (14 areas, grades 7 to 12) | 2007 | not stated | District test-out allowed | 70 O.S. 11-103.6h (Passport to Financial Literacy Act); OSDE Personal Financial Literacy FAQ | oklahoma.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | CEE lists OK as no requirement; NGPF mentions standards plus a diploma passport. State law makes the passport a diploma condition. | Students must complete the Passport to Financial Literacy (14 areas, taught in grades 7 to 12) to receive a standard diploma. Districts may use a course, integrate it into other courses or allow test-out. The Passport law dates from 2007. From the class of 2029, the state says students complete it in grade 10, 11 or 12. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Personal finance standards and diploma passport adopted for grades 7-12" | CEE 2026: no PF graduation requirement (standards only or none) |
| Oregon | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 0.5 credit | 2023 | Class of 2027 | ORS 329.451(2)(a)(E), SB 3 (2023) | olis.oregonlegislature.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A half credit of personal financial education is required for diplomas awarded on or after Jan 1, 2027. Districts may grant a one-time waiver, and the State Board may allow courses worth more than one credit. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Full-year Future Planning course requirement adopted August 2023; includes one standalone semester of Personal Finance" (2027 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| Pennsylvania | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 0.5 credit | 2023 | Class of 2030 | 24 P.S. 15-1551(b.1), Act 35 of 2023 | palegis.us | Oct 25, 2026 | A course in personal financial literacy worth at least a half credit, required beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The law does not name a first graduating class; one tracker (NGPF) lists the class of 2030. The state notes the credit may also count toward other subject areas. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted December 2023" (2030 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| Rhode Island | Required, in effect | Either | Not listed | 2021 | Class of 2024 | Proficiency may be shown by assessment or project instead of a course | RIGL 16-22-13 (P.L. 2021 ch. 35); RIDE Financial Literacy Guidance v2 (Oct 2025) | ride.ri.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | Both trackers call RI a standalone semester course; RIDE allows course, assessment or project. | Starting with the class of 2024, every student must show financial literacy proficiency before graduating, through a standalone course, an assessment or a project. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "One semester personal finance graduation requirement adopted October 2021" | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement |
| South Carolina | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 0.5 credit | 2022 | Class of 2027 | S.C. Regulation 43-234; SCDE High School Courses and Requirements | ed.sc.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | Starting with freshmen who entered high school in 2023-24 (the class of 2027), students need a half credit in personal finance. A separate state law requires personal finance instruction only. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted September 2022" (2027 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| South Dakota | Choice of personal finance or economics | Either | 0.5 unit personal finance or economics | not stated | ARSD 24:43:11:02; SD DOE graduation requirements infographic | doe.sd.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | CEE lists SD as a PF or economics option; NGPF does not count it. | Every diploma path requires a half unit of personal finance or economics. Because economics alone satisfies it, a student can graduate without a personal finance course. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Students required to take EITHER one half credit of Personal Finance or Economics" | CEE 2026: PF or economics option | ||
| Tennessee | Required, in effect | Standalone | 0.5 credit | Class of 2013 | Three years of JROTC may substitute if the instructor completes PF training | Tenn. SBE High School Policy 2.103 (Nov 22, 2024) | tn.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A half credit in Personal Finance is required; three years of JROTC may substitute if the instructor completes personal finance training. The state policy we reviewed does not state the first graduating class; NGPF lists 2013. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "One semester Personal Finance course required for high school graduation since the class of 2013" | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| Texas | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 0.5 credit | 2025 | Class of 2030 | AP course substitution allowed | Tex. Educ. Code 28.025(b-1)(4), HB 27 (89th Leg., 2025) | capitol.texas.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A half credit in personal financial literacy replaces the economics slot for students entering grade 9 in 2026-27 (the class of 2030). An AP course may substitute. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Financial Literacy course requirement adopted June 2025" (2030 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the PFL course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | |
| Utah | Required, in effect | Standalone | 0.5 credit | Class of 2008 | CEE lists statewide personal finance testing; the state rule we reviewed does not mention a test. | Utah Admin. Code R277-700 (effective Apr 2026) | schools.utah.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A half credit General Financial Literacy course is required. The state rule we reviewed does not state the first graduating class; NGPF lists 2008. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "One semester General Financial Literacy (GFL) course required for high school graduation since the class of 2008" | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement; CEE lists statewide PF testing | ||
| Vermont | Not required | Not listed | Not listed | not applicable | Vermont Education Quality Standards 2120.8 (local proficiency-based graduation requirements); AOE Statewide Graduation Requirements Recommendations (Jan 2, 2026) | legislature.vermont.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | Graduation requirements are set locally under the state's Education Quality Standards, with no statewide personal finance requirement. The Agency of Education has recommended a statewide half credit in financial literacy, which has not been adopted. Agency financial literacy page: https://education.vermont.gov/learning/content-areas/financial-literacy | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Personal finance standards embedded within Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements" | CEE 2026: no PF graduation requirement (standards only or none) | |||
| Virginia | Required, in effect | Standalone | 1 credit | Class of 2015 | W!SE Financial Literacy Certification Test and CFR Personal Financial Literacy Certification Examination are on the 2025-26 Board of Education Approved Industry Certifications list (Board approved July 31, 2025; Business and Information Technology) | 8VAC20-132-51 (students entering grade 9 in 2018-19 and later); VDOE Standard Diploma Graduation Requirements | doe.virginia.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A one credit Economics and Personal Finance course is required for the Standard and Advanced Studies diplomas. The state page we reviewed does not state the first graduating class; NGPF lists 2015. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "One year Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) course required for high school graduation since the class of 2015" | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement; CEE lists statewide PF testing | ||
| Washington | Not required | Embedded | Not listed | not applicable | Several personal finance credentials appear on Washington's industry-recognized credential list. We are still confirming the current list. | RCW 28A.300.468; OSPI news release, July 7, 2026 | app.leg.wa.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | Washington has no personal finance graduation requirement. Students must have the opportunity to learn the state financial education standards, and districts are encouraged to grant credit. In July 2026 the state superintendent proposed a Senior Year Postsecondary Launch Course that would pair the existing half credit in civics with a half credit in financial literacy and postsecondary readiness, aimed at the 2027 legislative session. No bill has been filed. Source: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/news-center/news-releases/state-superintendent-chris-reykdal-proposes-statewide-postsecondary-launch-course-all-graduating | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Personal finance standards embedded within other courses K-12; funding appropriated for professional development" | CEE 2026: no PF graduation requirement (standards only or none) | ||
| West Virginia | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 0.5 credit | 2023 | Class of 2028 | W. Va. Code 18-2-7c, HB 3113 (2023) | code.wvlegislature.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | A half credit personal finance course, required for students who entered grade 9 in 2024-25 (the class of 2028). Students may take it in grades 8 to 12. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted March 2023" (2028 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Personal Finance course) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| Wisconsin | Required, starting with a future class | Standalone | 0.5 credit | Class of 2028 | Credit may come from a financial institution in-school branch program | Wis. Stat. 118.33(1)(a)1.f | docs.legis.wisconsin.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | At least a half credit of personal financial literacy, required starting with the class of 2028. Credit may come from a financial institution's in-school branch program. | NGPF dashboard: NGPF Guarantee State. "Standalone one-semester Personal Finance course requirement adopted December 2023" (2028 will be the first graduating high school class to be required to take the Financial Literacy class) | CEE 2026: standalone PF requirement | ||
| Wyoming | Not required | Not listed | Not listed | not applicable | Wyoming Dept. of Education Rules, Chapter 31 (graduation requirements) | edu.wyoming.gov | Oct 25, 2026 | The state's graduation rules have no personal finance requirement. NGPF notes that personal finance appears in the social studies framework. | NGPF dashboard: Not an NGPF Guarantee State. "Some personal finance standards embedded within Social Studies framework" | CEE 2026: no PF graduation requirement (standards only or none) |
Common questions
Which states require personal finance to graduate?
As of October 25, 2026, 39 of 51 jurisdictions require personal finance to graduate (19 in effect now, 20 starting with a future graduating class). In 2 more, Montana and South Dakota, students choose between personal finance and economics. 10 have no requirement.
Why do other counts look different?
Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) counts states that guarantee a standalone semester course. The Council for Economic Education survey also includes requirements built into another course, often economics. Our map follows the law and the state agency rather than either tracker, so some states land differently. Rows where the sources disagree carry a short note in the full table.
What is the difference between a standalone and an embedded requirement?
Standalone means a dedicated course, usually a half credit. Embedded means personal finance lives inside another required course, such as economics or Career Preparedness. Some states let schools choose how students show proficiency.
Does Washington require personal finance to graduate?
Washington has no personal finance graduation requirement today. On July 7, 2026 the state superintendent proposed a senior year course that would pair civics with financial literacy; it is a proposal only, aimed at the 2027 legislative session.
How should I confirm the rule for my state?
Find your state in the full table below, then open your state education agency's graduation requirements page and confirm which class year the rule applies to. Rules are often written by entering class, so one year matters.