Financial literacy during a pandemic: Does modality matter?

We compare the performance of financial literacy programs launched by the CFA Society Pittsburgh in residential settings (2017–2019) with virtual/hybrid programs during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). Pretest baseline knowledge assessment shows that female students scored lower on subjective and objective financial knowledge questions and self-esteem. However, the global pandemic did not impact the effectiveness of programs based on modality. Students experienced a statistically significant improvement in all four assessment areas of financial literacy. The largest gains in subjective and financial knowledge center on retirement planning. Objective knowledge and self-esteem improvements occur most in credit and inflation. Female students experience more significant gains in subjective knowledge, objective knowledge, and self-esteem.