A research on economic and financial literacy: A case study of Fırat University

Economic and financial literacy refers to individuals' competence in understanding economic theories, financial instruments, and market dynamics, critically evaluating this knowledge, and integrating it into rational decision-making processes. Financial literacy enables individuals to manage their resources effectively through skills such as savings planning, credit management, investment strategies, and risk analysis, while economic literacy fosters awareness of macroeconomic indicators, supply–demand mechanisms, and economic policies. These competencies not only strengthen individual financial stability but also contribute to social welfare and the sustainability of economic systems. In this context, university students emerge as a significant group in shaping financial attitudes and behaviors. This study, which aims to examine the economic and financial literacy levels of students at Fırat University, emphasizes that the ability to make informed financial decisions is critical for economic stability and sustainable development. Initially, a theoretical framework concerning the concepts of economic and financial literacy is presented, and the findings of relevant literature are summarized. For data collection, a questionnaire adapted from the validated and reliable Economic and Financial Literacy Scale—consisting of items structured on a five-point Likert scale—was administered to a randomly selected sample of Fırat University students. The results indicate that students generally demonstrate a high level of economic and financial literacy. When demographic variables are considered, age, class level, and employment status emerge as significant determinants, whereas gender exerts only a limited effect and program type does not yield a meaningful difference. In light of these findings, the study not only underscores the importance of economic and financial literacy at both individual and societal levels but also provides a reliable methodology for assessing the knowledge and skill levels of university students in this field.