2026 Survey of the States

Every two years, the Council for Economic Education (CEE) conducts a comprehensive look into the state of K–12 economic and financial education in the United States, collecting data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The biennial Survey of the States serves as an important benchmark for progress in K–12 economic and financial education, revealing both how far we’ve come as a country—and how far we still have to go.

The Survey of the States is critical for our understanding of where resources are most needed, in terms of outreach and advocacy.

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By the numbers

States require students to take a course in economics to graduate
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change in the number of states that require students to take a course in economics to graduate
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states require students to take a course in personal finance to graduate
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more state requires students to take a course in personal finance to graduate since 2024
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Status of Economic & Personal Finance Education Across the Nation

  • personal-icon Personal Finance Education
  • econ-icon Economic Education
  • econ-icon copy No requirements

Download the 2026 Survey of States

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We’re encouraged by the growing commitment from government leaders and educators to financial literacy and the lasting impact it will have on young people’s lives.

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A more financially literate citizenry is also more informed about public policy, better equipped to understand issues like taxation and government expenditures, leading to a more engaged and stable civil society.

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Personal finance helps students manage their own financial lives, while economics gives them the broader perspective needed to understand how markets, policies, and systems shape opportunity.

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Key Findings

Economics

Economics requirements have shifted notably in this survey cycle, with a net decrease of four states requiring students to take economics to graduate. Rather than signaling a diminished recognition of the importance of economics, this change reflects a broader restructuring of graduation pathways as states work to balance multiple priorities within limited instructional time.

Personal Finance

Personal finance education continues to gain popularity among families, students, educators, and legislators. Since 2024, we have seen continued successes in expanding access to personal finance education in states from coast to coast. We have also seen a strengthening of pre-existing requirements, demonstrating the success of nationwide calls for high-quality financial education

Portrait of a Graduate

In recent years, many state education departments have embarked on efforts to define a clear “Portrait of a Graduate” or establish graduation measures that outline the knowledge, skills, and mindsets that they believe students need when they complete high school. These plans often emphasize competencies such as critical thinking, responsible decision-making, and real-world problem-solving.

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View Past Survey of the States Reports

Download 2018 Report
Download 2020 Report
Download 2022 Report
Download 2024 Report

FUNDING FOR CEE’S 2026 SURVEY OF THE STATES WAS PROVIDED BY VISA