Financial literacy among young college students: Advancements and future directions .

Abstract

Financial literacy is an essential life skill for young adults, particularly college students facing increasing financial responsibilities. This study conducted a systematic literature review following the PRISMA methodology, analyzing 44 peer-reviewed studies to identify the most prevalent dimensions of financial literacy among college students. The results show that while research focuses primarily on broad categories such as financial knowledge and behavior, more specific subtopics, such as budgeting, credit card use, student loans, and digital financial tools, are unevenly addressed or under-explored. This article contributes by mapping these subtopics, identifying research gaps, and proposing a structured research agenda that prioritizes financial behaviors relevant to the youth context. The findings provide practical insights for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers seeking to design financial education strategies targeting the college student population.