In the wake of the deep recession of 2008 and 2009, there has been increased concern over the current level of financial literacy among American citizens. For many, this concern extends to our college students getting ready to enter the real world as they leave college life behind. This study looks at the preparedness of college students to manage their financial affairs both as young adults and as citizens able to effectively plan for typical life-changing events. This body of knowledge usually includes a solid understanding of investing, insurance, risk, credit, debt, buying a home, retirement planning, wills and living wills, and cash management. The focus of this study was undergraduates at two smaller private higher education institutions in New England and a public community college in South Carolina. This study evaluated the financial literacy skills of college students as measured by a well-regarded questionnaire developed and used by the Jump$tart coalition. The study quantified the financial literacy of students at the three institutions, and looked for statistically significant differences based on gender, age, college major, and first-generation college students. Few differences were found among these categories. There was not a statistically significant difference in financial literacy between men and women. Age was a factor in financial literacy, but not a major one. Business and STEM majors outperformed other majors, but the difference was not statistically significant. Finally, no difference was found in the scores of first generation students versus non first generation. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]