This One High School Class Could Be Worth $100,000 Over A Lifetime

It's not often you hear about a single high school class making a six-figure difference in someone's life. But according to new research, one course — personal finance — could be worth roughly $100,000 to students over their lifetime.

And it's not just theory. Real data shows that learning about money early on can lead to better financial decisions, stronger credit scores, and even more wealth down the road.

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The $100,000 Impact of Personal Finance Education

A 2024 report from consulting firm Tyton Partners, in collaboration with nonprofit Next Gen Personal Finance, found that taking a one-semester personal finance class can lead to a lifetime benefit of about $100,000 per student. The calculation factors in things like avoiding costly debt, securing better loan rates, and smart investing habits.

And with more young people jumping into investing — even during rocky markets — this kind of education is becoming even more valuable. "We say it's $100,000 but as we start to see more and more young people investing, that number is only going to increase," Tim Ranzetta, co-founder and CEO of Next Gen Personal Finance, told CNBC.

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Why Financial Literacy Matters Early

It turns out that a little bit of financial knowledge goes a long way. The Tyton Partners report shows that students who take personal finance courses are:

• More likely to avoid carrying credit card debt
• Better equipped to get lower-cost loans and grants for college
• Able to build stronger credit scores early in adulthood

The Financial Industry Regulation Authority reports that 66% of Americans are financially illiterate. Young adults with a background in personal finance education tend to have better credit scores and lower debt delinquency rates.

It's not just about avoiding mistakes, either. "Teaching students about the financial markets is the greatest asset for building wealth," Yanely Espinal, director of educational outreach at Next Gen, told CNBC.

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A Growing Movement — But Gaps Remain

The good news? More states are catching on. As of early 2025, 27 states now require high school students to take a personal finance course before graduating, according to CNBC. Kentucky recently became the newest to join the list.

On top of that, Next Gen's Bill Tracker shows that there are currently 44 financial education bills pending in 17 states that could expand access even further.

Still, learning gaps remain. A report by Junior Achievement and MissionSquare Foundation found that about 42% of teens are "terrified" they won't have enough money in the future — and shockingly, 80% have never heard of a FICO score. Plus, 43% of teens believe that an 18% interest rate on debt is manageable and can be paid off over time. 

"It's kind of hard to get ahead in life if that's how you manage your finances when you get out in the adult world," Ed Grocholski, chief marketing officer of Junior Achievement USA, told CNBC.

Building a Financially Stronger Generation

While legislation helps, experts stress that simply requiring a class isn't enough. Schools need well-trained teachers and strong, practical curriculums to really make an impact.

John Pelletier, director of the financial literacy center at Champlain College, told CNBC that it would take about 23,000 trained educators to properly teach the 9.2 million public high school students currently enrolled in states with financial education mandates.

In the end, investing in financial literacy isn't just about helping individual students — it could shape the entire economy for the better. 

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