Financial Literacy in Higher Education: A Systematic Review of Dimensions and Strategies for Its Strengthening

Authors

  • Andrés Antonio Zambrano Carreño Escuela Superior Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí Manuel Félix López image/svg+xml
  • Gonzalo Laurentino Proaño Pinargote Escuela Superior Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí Manuel Félix López image/svg+xml
  • César Henry Andrade Moreira Escuela Superior Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí Manuel Félix López image/svg+xml
  • Carmen Cecilia Vera Párraga Escuela Superior Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí Manuel Félix López image/svg+xml

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61236/utcprospectivas.v9i2.1339

Keywords:

financial literacy, higher education, financial competencies, decision-making

Abstract

The advancement of society has highlighted the need to strengthen financial culture education within higher education, especially given the persistence of deficiencies in financial knowledge and skills among university students. In this context, the aim of the present study was to analyze the structural dimensions of financial culture and the strategies for its strengthening in the university context. The study methodology was based on a systematic literature review on financial culture. For this purpose, search criteria such as the selection and analysis of scientific literature were employed, together with qualitative analysis tools such as ATLAS.ti. Of the 42 documents collected, 28 were registered after reviewing titles and abstracts according to the research approach, and finally 25 studies were selected after a full analysis of results, discussion, and conclusions. The results show that the main dimensions of financial culture among university students are related to financial knowledge, financial planning and control, saving habits, financial behavior, and informed decision-making. Regarding strengthening strategies, actions aimed at the inclusion of financial education in study plans, continuous training programs, and the development of practical competencies for resource management, saving, and investment were identified. It is concluded that financial culture in higher education requires an approach that integrates cognitive, behavioral, and attitudinal dimensions, promoting structured educational interventions that consolidate key competencies for responsible financial decision-making.

 

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2026-07-31

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Financial Literacy in Higher Education: A Systematic Review of Dimensions and Strategies for Its Strengthening. (2026). UTC Prospectivas: Journal of Administrative and Economic Sciences, 9(2), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.61236/utcprospectivas.v9i2.1339