The Ron Blue Institute recently partnered with Clarity Research to measure the long-term impact of its university personal finance textbook, Managing Personal Finance: A Biblical Approach. The results are in—and the findings are remarkable.

Conducted across seven universities, this comprehensive study shows that students who complete the course experience measurable and lasting transformation in both financial and spiritual well-being

How the Study Worked

The research was carried out in two phases:

• Discover Phase: Clarity Research led fifteen in-person focus groups across three campuses—Indiana Wesleyan University, Evangel University, and Charleston Southern University—where forty-three recent alums shared how the course impacted their daily lives.
• Measure Phase: Building on those insights, Clarity created an extensive pre- and post-course survey distributed to students and a control group across seven universities. With over 250 pre-course and 173 post-course responses from participants, the data revealed statistically significant results across all major areas of personal finance and faith.

What the Research Revealed

Students completing the course demonstrated improvement in every measured outcome, with each change being statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. Among the seven transformational outcomes identified, the most profound included:

• Contentment and Peace: Students reported being more content and at peace in financial challenges.
• Stewardship and Responsibility: Students grew in confidence managing budgets, distinguishing wants from needs, and avoiding debt.
• Financial Freedom: Participants showed a stronger ability to make informed financial decisions, indicating a sense of freedom and control.
• Faith Integration: Students increasingly aligned their financial choices with biblical principles.
• Generosity and Community: Students reported giving more, engaging in transparent conversations about money, and seeking accountability in their relationships

As Dr. Phil Gelatt, Vice President of Educational Programs, explains:

“This research confirms what we’ve witnessed for years—when students engage with biblical financial wisdom, transformation follows. Their knowledge grows, their attitudes shift, and their lives begin to reflect true financial stewardship.”

Faith and Future Impact

One particularly meaningful finding emerged among students pursuing ministry-related vocations. These students reported higher levels of financial peace and generosity compared to their peers, highlighting how biblical financial wisdom extends far beyond personal well-being to influence future ministry and leadership.

Why It Matters

The Clarity Research study serves as both validation and inspiration for the Ron Blue Institute’s mission. It confirms that when university students learn and apply biblical financial principles, they not only make better financial decisions—they experience lasting transformation rooted in contentment, stewardship, and generosity.

This research also equips RBI to continue refining its resources and expanding partnerships with colleges and universities across the country. As the findings affirm, biblical financial wisdom doesn’t just educate, it transforms lives.

Interested in learning more about the textbook Managing Personal Finance: A Biblical Approach? It’s available for purchase through BVT Publishing.

For more information on the outcomes of the research, click here.