New Jersey Personal Finance Standards & Graduation Requirements
New Jersey requires 2.5 credits in financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy to graduate, but those credits can be spread across multiple qualifying courses rather than a single dedicated standalone personal-finance course.
New Jersey at a glance
- Requirement
- Required, embedded in another course
- Legislation or authority
- N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)(1)(v) (2.5-credit HS graduation mandate); N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.34 (2018, grades 6-8 instruction); standards issued via 2020 NJSLS Standard 9.1
- Passed
- HS credit rule effective with the grade-9 cohort entering 2010-2011; middle-school law signed Jan. 3, 2019; NJSLS 9.1 adopted June 2020
- Takes effect
- Already in effect for all current NJ students (both the HS credit requirement and the grades 6-8 instruction mandate)
- First graduating class affected
- Class of 2014
- Course length
- 2.5 credits in 'financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy' (roughly a half-year equivalent), which may be spread across one or more qualifying courses
- State standards
- 2020 New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) — Standard 9.1 Personal Financial Literacy
What New Jersey requires
New Jersey has required 2.5 credits of 'financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy' for high school graduation since the Class of 2014, codified in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)(1)(v) out of a 120-credit minimum. Districts have broad discretion in how they deliver it — a standalone personal-finance class, an integrated business/economics/entrepreneurship course, or an Option II alternative learning experience all satisfy the requirement — which is why NGPF does not count New Jersey as a Guarantee State despite the credits being mandatory.
Separately, N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.34 (signed Jan. 3, 2019) requires every district to provide age-appropriate financial literacy instruction in grades 6-8. Content is issued through the 2020 NJSLS Standard 9.1. A bill (S3462/A3123) advancing in the 2026-2027 session would tighten the high school rule into a genuine standalone one-semester course, but neither bill had passed both houses as of the source date.
Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-07-15.
How Rapunzl maps to New Jersey standards
Rapunzl's curriculum is built on the Council for Economic Education's six pillars. Here is how they line up with the New Jersey framework.
| New Jersey strand | CEE pillar | Rapunzl modules |
|---|---|---|
| Financial health and financial psychology | Financial Decision-Making | Financial StatisticsTop Investor Strategies |
| Planning and budgeting | Spending | The Basics Of BankingBuying Your First HomePaying For College |
| Credit and debt management | Managing Credit | The Power & Risks Of CreditHow To Make Loans Work For You |
| Economic and government influences | Economics | The Economy & Federal ReserveReading Company Financials |
| Risk management and insurance | Managing Risk | Diversification & RiskInsurance & Retirement |
| Investments | Investing | Welcome To The Stock MarketWhat Makes A Good Stock?ETFs & Mutual Funds |
Educators can request a full New Jersey standards crosswalk through the Educator Dashboard.
Standards alignment details: how Rapunzl covers New Jersey's personal finance standards
A standard-by-standard look at the New Jersey framework. 70 standards are covered across 17 Rapunzl modules; each links to its lesson so you can preview exactly what students learn.
INCOME AND CAREERS
| New Jersey standard | Aligned Rapunzl modules |
|---|---|
| 9.1.12.A.1Differentiate among the types of taxes and employee benefits. | Taxes & Income |
| 9.1.12.A.2Differentiate between taxable and nontaxable income. | Taxes & Income |
| 9.1.12.A.3Analyze the relationship between various careers and personal earning goals. | Careers In FinancePaying For College |
| 9.1.12.A.4Identify a career goal and develop a plan and timetable for achieving it, including educational/training requirements, costs, and possible debt. | Taxes & IncomePaying For College |
| 9.1.12.A.5Analyze how the economic, social, and political conditions of a time period can affect the labor market. | Taxes & IncomeCareers In FinancePaying For CollegeThe Economy & Federal ReserveSaving Versus Investing |
| 9.1.12.A.6Summarize the financial risks and benefits of entrepreneurship as a career choice. | Diversification & RiskTaxes & Income |
| 9.1.12.A.7Analyze and critique various sources of income and available resources (e.g., financial assets, property, and transfer payments) and how they may substitute for earned income. | Saving Versus InvestingHow To Make Loans Work For YouTaxes & IncomeBuying Your First HomeBusiness Of Buildings & Ownership |
| 9.1.12.A.8Analyze different forms of currency and how currency is used to exchange goods and services. | Saving Versus InvestingThe Power & Risks Of CreditThe Basics Of BankingThe Economy & Federal Reserve |
| 9.1.12.A.9Analyze how personal and cultural values impact spending and other financial decisions. | Saving Versus InvestingTaxes & IncomePaying For CollegeBudgeting & Spending |
| 9.1.12.A.10Demonstrate how exemptions and deductions can reduce taxable income. | Taxes & Income |
| 9.1.12.A.11Explain the relationship between government programs and services and taxation. | Taxes & IncomeThe Economy & Federal ReserveSaving Versus Investing |
| 9.1.12.A.12Explain how compulsory government programs (e.g., Social Security, Medicare) provide insurance against some loss of income and benefits to eligible recipients. | Insurance & RetirementTaxes & Income |
| 9.1.12.A.13Analyze the impact of the collective bargaining process on benefits, income, and fair labor practice. | Taxes & Income |
MONEY MANAGEMENT
| New Jersey standard | Aligned Rapunzl modules |
|---|---|
| 9.1.12.B.1Prioritize financial decisions by systematically considering alternatives and possible consequences. | Saving Versus InvestingThe Power & Risks Of CreditThe Basics Of Banking |
| 9.1.12.B.2Compare strategies for saving and investing and the factors that influence how much should be saved or invested to meet financial goals. | Welcome To The Stock MarketSaving Versus InvestingThe Basics Of Banking |
| 9.1.12.B.3Construct a plan to accumulate emergency “rainy day” funds. | Saving Versus InvestingBudgeting & Spending |
| 9.1.12.B.4Analyze how income and spending plans are affected by age, needs, and resources. | Saving Versus InvestingDiversification & RiskBudgeting & Spending |
| 9.1.12.B.5Analyze how changes in taxes, inflation, and personal circumstances can affect a personal budget. | Taxes & IncomeThe Economy & Federal ReserveBudgeting & Spending |
| 9.1.12.B.6Design and utilize a simulated budget to monitor progress of financial plans. | Budgeting & Spending |
| 9.1.12.B.7Explain the meaning of income tax, describe how it is calculated, and analyze its impact on one’s personal budget. | Taxes & Income |
| 9.1.12.B.8Describe and calculate interest and fees that are applied to various forms of spending, debt, and saving. | Saving Versus InvestingThe Power & Risks Of CreditPaying For College |
| 9.1.12.B.9Research the types and characteristics of various financial organizations in the community (e.g., banks, credit unions, check-cashing stores, et. al.). | Saving Versus InvestingThe Basics Of Banking |
| 9.1.12.B.10Develop a plan that uses the services of various financial institutions to meet personal and family financial goals. | Budgeting & Spending |
CREDIT AND DEBT MANAGEMENT
| New Jersey standard | Aligned Rapunzl modules |
|---|---|
| 9.1.12.C.1Compare and contrast the financial benefits of different products and services offered by a variety of financial institutions. | The Power & Risks Of CreditHow To Make Loans Work For YouETFs & Mutual FundsThe Basics Of Banking |
| 9.1.12.C.2Compare and compute interest and compound interest and develop an amortization table using business tools. | Saving Versus InvestingThe Power & Risks Of CreditHow To Make Loans Work For YouBuying Your First HomeInsurance & Retirement |
| 9.1.12.C.3Compute and assess the accumulating effect of interest paid over time when using a variety of sources of credit. | The Power & Risks Of CreditBuying Your First HomeSaving Versus InvestingInsurance & Retirement |
| 9.1.12.C.4Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of various types of mortgages. | Buying Your First Home |
| 9.1.12.C.5Analyze the information contained in a credit report and explain the importance of disputing inaccurate entries. | The Power & Risks Of Credit |
| 9.1.12.C.6Explain how predictive modeling determines “credit scores.” | The Power & Risks Of Credit |
| 9.1.12.C.7Analyze the rights and responsibilities of buyers and sellers under consumer protection laws. | The Power & Risks Of Credit |
| 9.1.12.C.8Identify the types and characteristics of predatory lending practices (e.g., payday loans, car title loans, high-risk mortgages). | The Power & Risks Of Credit |
| 9.1.12.C.9Evaluate the implications of personal and corporate bankruptcy for self and others. | The Power & Risks Of CreditHow To Make Loans Work For You |
PLANNING, SAVING, AND INVESTING
| New Jersey standard | Aligned Rapunzl modules |
|---|---|
| 9.1.12.D.1Calculate short- and long-term returns on various investments (e.g., stocks, bonds, mutual funds, IRAs, deferred pension plans, and so on). | Welcome To The Stock MarketSaving Versus InvestingETFs & Mutual Funds |
| 9.1.12.D.2Assess the impact of inflation on economic decisions and lifestyles. | Welcome To The Stock MarketSaving Versus InvestingThe Economy & Federal Reserve |
| 9.1.12.D.3Summarize how investing builds wealth and assists in meeting long- and short-term financial goals. | Welcome To The Stock Market |
| 9.1.12.D.4Assess factors that influence financial planning. | Budgeting & Spending |
| 9.1.12.D.5Justify the use of savings and investment options to meet targeted goals. | Welcome To The Stock MarketSaving Versus InvestingThe Power & Risks Of Credit |
| 9.1.12.D.6Analyze processes and vehicles for buying and selling investments. | Welcome To The Stock MarketETFs & Mutual Funds |
| 9.1.12.D.7Explain the risk, return, and liquidity of various savings and investment alternatives. | Diversification & Risk |
| 9.1.12.D.8Explain how government and independent financial services and products are used to achieve personal financial goals. | Welcome To The Stock MarketHow To Make Loans Work For YouWhat Makes A Good Stock? |
| 9.1.12.D.9Relate savings and investment results to achievement of financial goals. | Welcome To The Stock MarketSaving Versus Investing |
| 9.1.12.D.10Differentiate among various investment products and savings vehicles and how to use them most effectively. | Welcome To The Stock MarketSaving Versus InvestingDiversification & Risk |
| 9.1.12.D.11Assess the role of revenue-generating assets as mechanisms for accruing and managing wealth. | Welcome To The Stock MarketSaving Versus InvestingThe Economy & Federal Reserve |
| 9.1.12.D.12Compare and contrast the past and present role of government in the financial industry and in the regulation of financial markets. | The Economy & Federal ReserveSaving Versus InvestingTaxes & Income |
| 9.1.12.D.13Determine the impact of various market events on stock market prices and on other savings and investments. | Diversification & RiskThe Economy & Federal Reserve |
| 9.1.12.D.14Evaluate how taxes affect the rate of return on savings and investments. | Taxes & Income |
| 9.1.12.D.15Analyze how savings, retirement plans, and other investment options help to shift current income for purposes of tax reporting and filing. | Taxes & Income |
BECOMING A CRITICAL CONSUMER
| New Jersey standard | Aligned Rapunzl modules |
|---|---|
| 9.1.12.E.1Evaluate the appropriateness of different types of monetary transactions (e.g., electronic transfer, check, certified check, money order, gift card, barter) for various situations. | Budgeting & Spending |
| 9.1.12.E.2Analyze and apply multiple sources of financial information when prioritizing financial decisions. | What Makes A Good Stock?Diversification & RiskBuying Your First Home |
| 9.1.12.E.3Determine how objective, accurate, and current financial information affects the prioritization of financial decisions. | Welcome To The Stock MarketWhat Makes A Good Stock?Budgeting & Spending |
| 9.1.12.E.4Evaluate how media, bias, purpose, and validity affect the prioritization of consumer decisions and spending. | Budgeting & Spending |
| 9.1.12.E.5Evaluate business practices and their impact on individuals, families, and societies. | ESG & Social Impact |
| 9.1.12.E.6Evaluate written and verbal contracts for essential components and for obligations of the lender and borrower. | Taxes & Income |
| 9.1.12.E.7Apply specific consumer protection laws to the issues they address. | Budgeting & Spending |
| 9.1.12.E.8Relate consumer fraud, including online scams and theft of employee time and goods, to laws that protect consumers. | Budgeting & Spending |
| 9.1.12.E.9Determine when credit counseling is necessary and evaluate the resources available to assist consumers who wish to use it. | The Power & Risks Of Credit |
| 9.1.12.E.10Determine reasons for the increase of identity theft worldwide and evaluate the extent to which victims of identity theft are successful in fully restoring their personal identities. | Budgeting & Spending |
CIVIC FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
| New Jersey standard | Aligned Rapunzl modules |
|---|---|
| 9.1.12.F.1Relate a country’s economic system of production and consumption to building personal wealth and achieving societal responsibilities. | The Economy & Federal Reserve |
| 9.1.12.F.2Assess the impact of emerging global economic events on financial planning. | Diversification & RiskThe Economy & Federal Reserve |
| 9.1.12.F.3Analyze how citizen decisions and actions can influence the use of economic resources to achieve societal goals and provide individual services. | The Economy & Federal Reserve |
| 9.1.12.F.4Summarize the purpose and importance of a will. | Taxes & Income |
| 9.1.12.F.5Compare and contrast the role of philanthropy, volunteer service, and charities in community development and quality of life in a variety of cultures. | Taxes & Income |
| 9.1.12.F.6Explain the concept and forms of taxation and justify the use of taxation to fund public activities and initiatives. | Taxes & Income |
INSURING AND PROTECTING
| New Jersey standard | Aligned Rapunzl modules |
|---|---|
| 9.1.12.G.1Analyze risks and benefits in various financial situations. | Diversification & RiskInsurance & Retirement |
| 9.1.12.G.2Differentiate between property and liability insurance protection. | Insurance & Retirement |
| 9.1.12.G.3Compare the cost of various types of insurance (e.g., life, homeowners, motor vehicle) for the same product or service, given different liability limits and risk factors. | Insurance & RetirementBuying Your First HomeSaving Versus Investing |
| 9.1.12.G.4Evaluate individual and family needs for insurance protection using opportunity-cost analysis. | Insurance & Retirement |
| 9.1.12.G.5Differentiate the costs and benefits of renter’s and homeowner’s insurance. | Insurance & RetirementBuying Your First Home |
| 9.1.12.G.6Explain how to self-insure and how to determine when self-insurance is appropriate. | Insurance & Retirement |
| 9.1.12.G.7Determine when and why it may be appropriate for the government to provide insurance coverage, rather than private industry. | Insurance & RetirementThe Economy & Federal Reserve |
Standards alignment for New Jersey is provided for planning and is updated annually. Educators can request a formatted New Jersey standards crosswalk through the Educator Dashboard.
Why New Jersey schools choose Rapunzl
Rapunzl pairs a standards-aligned curriculum with a real-time investment simulator, so students learn personal finance by making real decisions with simulated $10,000 portfolios priced on live market data — not by reading about it. The curriculum scales from a three-week unit to a 28-week year-long course, which means it fits whichever shape New Jersey's requirement takes in your district.
- 100,000+students have completed Rapunzl's curriculum
- 93%average financial literacy scores on national test over past 5 years, 24% above average
- 31interactive modules that can be customized into a course progression for your classroom
- 20+hours of gameplay in 2 interactive mini-games alongside our investment simulator and financial calculators
Teachers get an educator dashboard with grade export and standards crosswalks, English and Spanish materials, screen-reader accessibility, and a free national scholarship competition their students can enter each January.
New Jersey personal finance requirement FAQ
New Jersey requires 2.5 credits in financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy to graduate, but those credits can be spread across multiple qualifying courses rather than a single dedicated standalone personal-finance course.
The requirement is set by N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)(1)(v) (2.5-credit HS graduation mandate); N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.34 (2018, grades 6-8 instruction); standards issued via 2020 NJSLS Standard 9.1.
Takes effect: Already in effect for all current NJ students (both the HS credit requirement and the grades 6-8 instruction mandate).
2.5 credits in 'financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy' (roughly a half-year equivalent), which may be spread across one or more qualifying courses.
New Jersey's requirement is an embedded requirement.
In practice that means the personal finance content lives inside another required course, so every graduate covers it without a separate class on their schedule.
The Class of 2014 is the first graduating class that has to meet it, so earlier classes are not held to the requirement.
Timeline: Already in effect for all current NJ students (both the HS credit requirement and the grades 6-8 instruction mandate).
If you are planning a course now, that timeline is the window to have curriculum in place before New Jersey starts holding students to it.
2020 New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) — Standard 9.1 Personal Financial Literacy.
Rapunzl's curriculum is built on the Council for Economic Education's six pillars: Earning Income, Spending, Saving, Investing, Managing Credit, and Managing Risk. Those pillars map to every strand in the framework, which is why the same course can satisfy standards that are worded differently from one state to the next.
Yes. Rapunzl's modules and real-time investing simulator cover the CEE six pillars, and those pillars crosswalk to the New Jersey strands listed on this page.
Students learn by making real decisions with a simulated $10,000 portfolio priced on live market data, and teachers get an educator dashboard with grade export, materials in English and Spanish, and screen-reader accessibility.
Request a demo and we'll send the New Jersey standards crosswalk along with classroom access.
Bring Rapunzl to your New Jersey classroom
Explore the curriculum and real-time simulator free for 30 days. Tell us about your school and we'll send your all-access demo along with the New Jersey standards crosswalk.
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