A nationwide survey of 40,000 students, mostly freshmen, on their financial habits recommends mandatory financial literacy education for all college students, scattered at different points throughout their careers and with a different focus depending on students' ages. The survey looked at financial attitudes and behavior, and found that despite widespread concern about student loan debt, many students also have high-risk habits such as carrying a credit card balance. It also calls for more research into financial literacy best practices and the outcome of better education.

The survey, Money Matters on Campus, was conducted by EverFi, a technology company, and sponsored by Higher One, which provides campus banking services.