I would like to second the Post-Gazette’s endorsement of a bill to require money management classes for high school students (May 28 editorial, “Money Know-How”). Understanding the basics of saving and borrowing would benefit these students throughout their lives.

As a financial aid counselor, and later a research associate, with two colleges in Pittsburgh, I found that many college students still did not understand the cost of college tuition and what taking out a loan really means.

Students keep borrowing more. When they graduate they are saddled with a huge debt before they even have a job — let alone a good salary. They naturally stress about how they’re going to pay for college and achieve their goals. It’s a big investment that comes with troubling questions: “Will my college years pay off in a job that can support me? How do I handle my finances today so I can have a decent future?”

There are companies out there that let college students learn through videos and apps and close this knowledge gap. Higher education institutions are seeing the value of having students understand money management. It pays off in higher student retention and lower default rates on student loans — which benefit everyone.

JOHN INGRAM
Bethel Park
The writer is an advisory board member for Student Connections, a nonprofit organization that advocates financial literacy for students.

First Published: June 8, 2018, 4:00 a.m.