College recruiting

75 leading schools for financial planning: Part 2

ByMaddy Perkins, Anna South, Samuel Steinberger, Michelle Zhou

August 3, 2016 3:10 PM

Are you looking to hire new talent? Or are you a young person looking to start a career in financial planning? Look no further. FP's expanded list of financial planning programs zeroes in on CFP Board-registered degree-granting colleges and universities this year. Click through to view the next 25 schools on the list, organized alphabetically (M-T).

College recruiting

75 leading schools for financial planning: Part 1

The first installment of Financial Planning's listing of degree programs for prospective planners.

By Maddy Perkins

August 1
Wealth management

School's out: Making the case for a financial planning degree

Hiring is one of the toughest challenges firms face. Are college graduates from four-year programs the answer?

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Financial planning

75 leading planning schools: Where are they located?

Find out where our annual list of financial planning degree programs at colleges and universities fall on the map.

By Maddy Perkins

July 26
RIAs

60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

For planners looking to recruit as well as those looking for suitable programs, this comprehensive list of planning programs at five dozen colleges and universities across the country includes costs, enrollment and student-to-faculty ratios.

November 23

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

Mankato, Minn.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in finance with a financial planning track
Enrollment: 30
Faculty: 9
Student-to-faculty ratio: 25:1
Tuition: $7,858 per year for Minnesota residents; $15,602 per year for nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: Program graduates are recruited by a variety of firms, including Northwestern Mutual, Ameriprise, Wealth Enhancement Group, First Investors, Waddell & Reed, Morgan Stanley and others, according to program director Leon Chen.

MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

Mount Vernon, Ohio
CFP Board-registered programs: Minor in financial planning
Enrollment: 30 students currently completing coursework. MVNU does not track freshmen or sophomores unless they have begun coursework.
Faculty: 2 full-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
Tuition: $26,700 per year
FPA Student Chapter: No
Overview: Program director Kelly Rush says the financial planning program is taught from an “intentionally Christian worldview.” Students enrolled in the program complete coursework required for CFP certification in addition to over 100 hours of biblical stewardship training.

MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY

Murray, Ky.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in business finance with a concentration in financial planning
Enrollment: Approximately 15-25 per year
Faculty: 2 full-time, 1 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 30:1
Tuition: $350 per credit hour for up to 12 hours; $4,200 flat rate for 12 to 15 credit hours
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: The program is offered in the university’s Bauernfeind College of Business. The primary instructors teach financial planning review classes and seminars throughout the United States, according to professor David Durr.

NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY

Jersey City, N.J.
CFP Board-registered programs: M.S. in finance with a concentration in professional financial planning
Enrollment: Approximately 10-12
Faculty: 7
Student-to-faculty ratio: 1.2:1
Tuition: $659 per graduate credit (39 credits required for M.S.)
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: Associate professor Rosilyn Overton is in the process of writing a new undergraduate program as well.

NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

Fargo, N.D.
CFP Board-registered programs: M.S. in family financial planning
Enrollment: 9
Faculty: 1 full-time, 1 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 6:1
Tuition: $1,590 per three-credit course
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: The program is designed so that graduating students will leave with an “understanding of how families work,” according to professor Jim Deal.

NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

Broken Arrow, Okla.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S.B.A. in business administration with financial planning concentration
Enrollment: 35
Faculty: 3
Student-to-faculty ratio: 12:1
Tuition: $195.65 to $204.90 per credit hour, depending on course level for Oklahoma residents; $429 to $500 per credit hour for nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: Financial planning students take courses in investments, insurance, income tax planning, retirement planning, employment benefits and estate planning.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

Columbus, Ohio
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in consumer and family financial services, financial planner track
Enrollment: 90
Faculty: 8 full-time, 4 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 8:1
Tuition: $5,108 per semester for Ohio residents; $14,204 for nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: Yes
Overview: The student financial planning club features outside speakers and panels on topics including financial services careers, industry compensation models, CFP exam preparation, licensing, and interview and resume preparation, according to professor Sherman Hanna.

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

Stillwater, Okla.
CFP Board-registered programs: M.S. in family financial planning
Enrollment: 35
Faculty: 1 full-time, 2 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 12:1
Tuition: $545 per credit hour
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: This online master’s program is offered collaboratively through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance.

Old Dominion University.jpg

OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY

Norfolk, Va.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S.B.A. in finance, insurance, real estate with financial planning major track
Enrollment: 21
Faculty: 10 full-time, 4 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1
Tuition: $10,644 per year for Virginia residents; $26,538 per year for nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: Students in the personal financial planning track need to take eight courses to complete the program, including principles of insurance and risk management, employee benefit planning, estate planning and international financial management. Students are also required to take two electives focusing on real estate and insurance.

OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

Bourbonnais, Ill.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in economics/finance with a concentration in certified financial planning
Enrollment: 396 students in the School of Business
Faculty: 9 full-time, 11 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Tuition: $32,950 per year
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: Students gain experience through a required internship program with both local and Chicago-area firms. They are also encouraged to participate in Investment Club, where they manage actual investment portfolios.

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Corvallis, Ore.
CFP Board-registered programs: M.B.A., wealth management track
Enrollment: 18
Faculty: 7 full-time, 4 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 20:1
Tuition: Approximately $32,000 per year for Oregon residents; $53,000 per year for nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: The curriculum consists of a combination of the general M.B.A. core and the required coursework for CFP certification. Students obtain a depth of knowledge in asset valuation and portfolio management that is necessary for success in the wealth management industry.

PENN STATE ERIE, THE BEHREND COLLEGE

Erie, Pa.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in finance with concentration in financial planning
Enrollment: 55 (for both in-class and online)
Faculty: 4 full-time, 1 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 25:1 in classroom, 30:1 online
Tuition: $6,829 per semester for Pennsylvania residents; $10,696 per semester for nonresidents; $579 per credit for less than 12 online credits; $7,041 flat rate for 12 online credits or more
FPA Student Chapter: Yes
Overview: The program offers several practical learning experiences including a course on income tax planning, where students have the opportunity to participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. All students are welcome to participate in a financial plan competition hosted by the CFA Society Pittsburgh.

Purdue University.jpg

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

West Lafayette, Ind.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in financial counseling and planning
Enrollment: 125
Faculty: 7 faculty, 4 continuing lecturers
Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
Tuition: $10,002 per year for Indiana residents; $28,804 per year for nonresidents; $30,964 per year for international students
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: The program boasts a nearly 100% placement rate for graduates. Courses taught by both faculty and industry professionals combine theory, research and best business practices, according to lead academic adviser Bobbe Molter. All students are required to complete an internship or field experience before graduation.

Regent U (2).jpg

John Patrick Wright

REGENT UNIVERSITY

Virginia Beach, Va.
CFP Board-registered programs: M.A. in law with a wealth management and financial planning concentration
Enrollment: 14
Faculty: 11
Student-to-faculty ratio: Approximately 10:1
Tuition: $650 per credit; $19,500 for entire 30-credit degree program
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: The new program is run out of the law school. Because it is a Christian university, students are trained from a “biblical perspective,” according to assistant director of legal research and writing Janis Kirkland.

RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE

Providence, R.I.
CFP Board-registered programs: Master’s of professional accountancy
Enrollment: 30
Faculty: 4 full-time, 3 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 8:1
Tuition: $394 per credit, $1,182 per course plus $74 registration fee per semester for Rhode Island residents; $746 per credit, $2,238 per course plus $74 registration fee per semester for nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: Yes
Overview: All classes are taught on campus by experts in their respective fields, according to program director Lisa Church. More students are following up the program with a CFP exam than ever. For some students, the MPAc allows them to satisfy Rhode Island’s 150-hour educational requirement to obtain certification as a CPA.

ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY

Philadelphia
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in financial planning, M.S. in financial services
Enrollment: 7 students graduated from the program in 2016; 75 from the M.S. program
Faculty: N/A
Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1 university-wide
Tuition: $43,020 per year for undergraduates; $1,003 per credit for master’s students (30 credits are required for the master’s degree)
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: Students can join various student groups, including the Financial Services Alumni Affinity and Financial Planning & Wealth Management Society Alumni Affinity Group.

SALISBURY UNIVERSITY

Salisbury, Md.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S.B.A. in finance with financial planning track
Enrollment: 34
Faculty: 6 full-time, 3 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1 university-wide
Tuition: $9,364 per year for Maryland residents; $17,776 per year for nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: Graduates of the program have found it relatively easy to find first jobs after graduation, according to finance professor Tylor Clagget.

San Diego State University.jpg

SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY

San Diego, Calif.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S.B.A. with certificate in personal financial planning, M.B.A. with concentration in financial planning and tax planning
Enrollment: 125
Faculty: 15
Student-to-faculty ratio: 7:4
Tuition: $3,542 per semester for California undergraduate residents, $9,122 per semester for undergraduate nonresidents; $7,223 per semester for California graduate residents, $11,687 per semester for graduate nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: All financial planning programs are fully integrated into the school’s business school curriculum, according to longtime program director Tom Warschauer. A new “sales lab” allows students to record and evaluate client presentation techniques using video recordings and feedback from peers and instructors.

SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY

Shepherdstown, W.Va.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. with major in business administration and an additional concentration in financial planning
Enrollment: 20
Faculty: 5
Student-to-faculty ratio: 12:1
Tuition: $278 per credit hour for West Virginia residents; $687 per credit hour for nonresidents; 21 hours required to meet financial planning concentration requirements out of a total of 48 to 54 hours for the major
FPA Student Chapter: Yes
Overview: The program is supported by an advisory board of financial professionals through the Rural Financial Planning Project, an initiative that seeks to improve rural Americans’ financial literacy. The board provides tuition assistance, mentorship, internship and career employment opportunities for students, according to assistant professor Nicolas Pologeorgis.

SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY

Shippensburg, Pa.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S.B.A. with a concentration in personal financial planning
Enrollment: 40
Faculty: 3 full-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 20:1
Tuition: $7,252 per year for Pennsylvania residents; $19,106 per year for nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: The program covers the basic elements of personal financial planning, from cash flow and budgeting analysis to income tax and estate planning, according to associate professor Fan Liu.

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY

Magnolia, Ark.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.B.A. in financial planning
Enrollment: 50
Faculty: 10:1
Student-to-faculty ratio: 7:4
Tuition: $3,345 per 15 hours for Arkansas residents; $5,175 per 15 hours for nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: Topics covered by the curriculum include accounting, insurance, estate planning, business communications and retirement planning."

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Nacogdoches, Texas
CFP Board-registered programs: B.B.A. in finance
Enrollment: 10
Faculty: 3 full-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 3:1
Tuition: $9,538 per year for Texas residents; $21,238 per year for nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: The financial planning program is intentionally placed in the business school to offer students a more holistic approach, according to professor Banker Phares. The program emphasizes a need to treat clients like family members instead of just customers. A new component will be added to one of the courses to address the new Department of Labor fiduciary rule.

SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY

Boston
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S.B.A. in finance with financial planning track
Enrollment: 5
Faculty: 3 full-time, 5 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1
Tuition: $46,000 per year
FPA Student Chapter: None
Overview: Now under new leadership, the program is to be restructured.

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

Philadelphia
CFP Board-registered programs: B.B.A. in financial planning
Enrollment: 45
Faculty: 5
Student-to-faculty ratio: 9:1
Tuition: $19,400 per year for Pennsylvania residents; $33,000 per year for nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: Yes, starting in the fall of 2016
Overview: Founded last fall, this interdisciplinary program is taught in the Fox Business School. Temple University will also reimburse graduating students 100% of the costs of sitting and passing the CFP Board exams, according to program director Cindy Axelrod. Those who do not pass will receive a 25% reimbursement.

Texas A&M U2.jpg

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

College Station, Texas
CFP Board-registered programs: Undergraduate minor in financial planning
Enrollment: 60
Faculty: 2 full-time, 4 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Tuition: $4,941 per semester for Texas residents; $14,238 per semester for nonresidents
FPA Student Chapter: Yes
Overview: The program centers on holistic values-based financial planning, with a focus on the integration of digital technology. Courses are taught by both academic professors and planning professionals.

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