Educación financiera en estudiantes de la DICEA Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. Un estudio exploratorio

In the field of higher education, financial education is still not considered a basic and integral competence that all professionals should possess, which is at odds with the needs and interests of the current economy. This study analyzes the financial culture and education of students at the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo (UACh) in order to identify areas of opportunity. To do so, an instrument based on the methodology of OECD-INFE and other authors was used to collect information on financial education in people. The sample consisted of 333 students from the Division of Economic-Administrative Sciences (DICEA) of the UACh. The results revealed significant gaps in financial behaviors and habits, specifically in savings (58%), spending budgets (52%) and comparing financial products (43%). Regarding financial knowledge and attitudes, high levels of understanding were identified regarding interest (72%) and credit management (73%) were identified; however, knowledge about credit card use and risk-return management was low (26%). On the other hand, the use of financial products was limited, highlighting the low participation in savings or investment instruments (24%) and credit cards (38%), as well as attendance at financial education courses (35%). These findings highlight the need to develop assertive strategies and academic support to strengthen financial culture and education among university students.