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Causal Effects of Financial Education Intervention Aimed at University Students on Financial Knowledge and Financial Self-Efficacy

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  • Manuel Salas-Velasco

    (Department of Applied Economics, Campus Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain)

Abstract

Based on a randomized controlled experiment among final-year undergraduate students, we provide an assessment of the treatment effects of financial education intervention focused on debt-financed graduate education decision-making. Specifically, this study finds positive treatment effects on both college seniors’ objective financial knowledge and subjective financial knowledge and self-confidence (i.e., perceived financial self-efficacy). Individual financial well-being is thought to be enhanced by improved financial knowledge test scores and perceived financial self-efficacy. In addition, we carry out a causal mediation analysis to investigate the extent to which objective financial knowledge plays a mediating role in the effect of financial education treatment on the intervention outcome (perceived financial self-efficacy). The mediation proportion, the proportion of treatment effect on outcome explained by the intermediate variable of financial knowledge, is around 21%, which is important. Thus, policies that aim to improve financial capabilities among college students through financial education programs should be aware that financial literacy is a significant antecedent of (a prerequisite for) financial self-efficacy.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel Salas-Velasco, 2022. "Causal Effects of Financial Education Intervention Aimed at University Students on Financial Knowledge and Financial Self-Efficacy," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jjrfmx:v:15:y:2022:i:7:p:284-:d:848906
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    References listed on IDEAS

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