Financial Literacy Among College Students: Assess Students’ Understanding of Budgeting, Credit and Investments

This study examines the level of financial literacy among college students, with a focus on four key areas: budgeting, credit management, investment behaviour and the use of digital financial tools. As financial decisions have become more complex, it is important to understand how well young adults are prepared to manage their money. The study uses an exploratory and descriptive research design with a mixed-method approach, giving more weight to quantitative data. Primary data were collected through a structured, closed-ended questionnaire shared with college students from various countries, mainly focusing on India. Secondary data from reliable academic sources were also used to support the findings. The literature review shows that although many students have some awareness of financial concepts, there are still clear gaps in their practical knowledge and behaviour. These gaps are particularly visible in areas like managing a budget, using credit responsibly, making informed investment decisions and safely using digital financial tools. The study also finds that factors such as family background, access to financial education, gender and field of study can influence financial habits. Students who receive financial education early tend to show better financial decisions and greater confidence in managing money. This research highlights the need for better financial education for students and suggests that colleges and policymakers should consider including financial literacy programmes in the curriculum. The findings can also help organisations and fintech companies create better tools and resources for students to improve their financial skills.