South Dakota Ranked Worst Budgeting Education In High Schools

South Dakota has landed at the bottom of a study that ranked all states on how budgeting and finance are taught to kids in high schools across the state.

According to a WalletHub survey 9 out of 10 Americans think budgeting should be taught in schools, according to a recent WalletHub survey. 

WalletHub's analysis of financial literacy education ranked South Dakota at 50 out of 51(including DC).

This statistic highlights a critical gap in preparing South Dakota students for financial independence.

Unlike states with robust financial literacy programs, this study says South Dakota lacks mandatory personal finance coursework in its high school curriculum.

It points out that while 91% of Americans believe budgeting should be taught in schools, South Dakota students are graduating without these essential life skills.

Financial literacy education isn't just academic, it's practical preparation for adulthood.

Students without budgeting knowledge enter the workforce unprepared to manage their finances, potentially leading to poor financial decisions, debt accumulation, and economic stress.

A financially illiterate population creates broader economic challenges, including higher debt levels, lower retirement savings, and increased reliance on social services.

South Dakota joins Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Massachusetts, and DC at the bottom of the rankings, while only 11 states nationwide received an "A" rating from the American Public Education Foundation for their comprehensive K-12 financial education programs.

States With the WORST High School Budgeting Education...

42. Hawaii
43. Maine
44. Washington
45. California
46. District of Columbia
47. Massachusetts
48. Wyoming
49. Montana
50. South Dakota
51. Alaska

States With the WORST High School Budgeting Education...

1. Utah
2. Virginia
3. North Carolina
4. Georgia
5. Florida
6. Mississippi
7. New Jersey
8. Alabama
9. Tennessee
10. Nebraska