ALFRED STATE COLLEGE
Alfred, N.Y.
CFP Board-registered program: Bachelor of business administration in financial planning
Enrollment: 25
Faculty: 15 full-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: Freshman and sophomore, 20-35:1; junior- and senior-level courses capped at 10-20:1
Tuition: Free for students who enter as first-time freshmen in the fall semester and have a high school GPA over 3.7, a combined SAT score of 1250 or a composite ACT score of 28. (These spaces are subject to availability on a first come, first served basis.) For others who are New York residents, $6,170 per year; for nonresident freshmen and sophomores, $9,870; for nonresident juniors and seniors, $15,820.
FPA Student Chapter: No
Overview: Alfred State’s financial planning program has a 100% graduate placement rate with regional fee-based financial planning firms and major financial service industry giants. Students are offered field trip opportunities to various FPA functions and conventions, as well as visits to regional financial planning firms.
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
Bryn Mawr, Pa.
CFP Board-registered programs: Certificate program, with online, self-study and in-person options. Also a ChFC program, other certifications and designations, an accredited M.S. in financial services and a Ph.D. in retirement and financial planning.
Enrollment: About 25,000 active students in all programs
Faculty: 20 full-time, 14 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: Varies by program.
Tuition: Seven-course certificate program costs $5,180 for online instruction and $4,040 for self-paced study; MSFS, $1,500 per course (8 required, 2 electives, 2 residencies for a total of 12 courses), plus costs of residency requirements, admission fee and shipping; Ph.D., $3,350 per course with 14 courses, plus costs of residency requirements and application fee; ChFC program, $5,140 total for 9 courses.
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Founded in 1927 out of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, the American College is an accredited nonprofit educational institution dedicated to leadership in advanced education for financial services professionals.
BERKELEY COLLEGE
New York
CFP Board-registered programs: B.B.A in financial services, B.S. in financial services
Enrollment: 109
Faculty: 2 full-time, 2 part-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 10:1
Tuition: $7,000 per term
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Classes are offered both on site and online and all programs are shaped with employment prospects in mind, according to Joanne Snider of the Larry L. Luing School of Business.
BENTLEY UNIVERSITY
Waltham, Mass.
CFP Board-registered programs: Master’s in financial planning
Enrollment: 45
Faculty: 2 full-time, 7 part-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 5:1
Tuition: $4,065 per three-credit course
FPA student chapter: In process
Overview: All courses are offered in a synchronous online format, which allows students to attend class in a classroom or via simulcast.
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Boston
CFP Board-registered programs: Certificate programs offered online and in classroom
Enrollment: About 800 online; in person varies
Faculty: 2 full-time, 23 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: Approximately 15:1
Tuition: Live courses: $895 to $995 per course; online program, $5,295
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Boston University’s financial planning program has entered its fourth decade. The school awards Robert J. Glovsky Scholarships in financial planning in recognition of the Colony Group chairman’s 25 years as director of financial planning at Boston University. Up to $2,000 in awards are granted each year and applied to the program’s tuition. Application for the Glovsky scholarship is open to both online and in-person students and is intended to improve financial literacy in traditionally underserved populations.
BRYANT UNIVERSITY
Smithfield, R.I.
CFP Board-registered programs: Online CFP certificate program
Enrollment: 2,100
Faculty (full-time and adjunct): 5 part-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: N/A
Tuition: $1,795 online; $2,995 with books and virtual classroom; $3,495 with books, virtual classroom and virtual review
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Bryant’s 2014 pass rate for first-time CFP exam takers was 88%.
CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
Thousand Oaks, Calif.
CFP Board-registered programs: MBA, certificate
Enrollment: 102
Faculty: 3 full-time, 2 part-time, 9 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
Tuition: For MBA, $785 per credit unit; for certificate program, $1,740 per course (8 courses total)
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: This intensive boutique program is designed to support seasoned professional students, most of whom are full-time working adults.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
Northridge, Calif.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in finance or in business administration, with a sequence in financial planning.
Enrollment: 40
Faculty: 5 full-time, 1 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 7:1
Tuition: For California residents, $3,282 per semester; for nonresidents, $6,630
FPA student chapter: In process
Overview: The financial planning program partners with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program on campus to offer financial planning advice as well as assistance with tax preparation to low-income families and individuals, according to program director Kristine Beck.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO
Sacramento, Calif.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S.B.A. with finance concentration and financial planning track
Enrollment: 64
Faculty: 10 full-time, 4 part-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 29:1 (upper division courses)
Tuition: For California residents, $3,436 per semester including fee; for nonresidents, $372 per unit plus registration fees and mandatory campus fees
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: Since the program’s initial registration in 2012, it has benefited from support from the local financial services industry for career opportunities, mentorship, scholarships and networking events, according to Associate Professor and Program Director Eric Lin.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Mount Pleasant, Mich.
CFP Board-registered programs: Undergraduate major in personal financial planning
Enrollment: 44
Faculty: 9
Student-to-faculty ratio: 22:1
Tuition: For Michigan residents, $395 per credit hour; for nonresidents, $789 per credit hour
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: A CFP exam prep class is taught immediately before graduation. A professional sales class is required for the major to help improve graduates’ presentation skills.
CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY
Atlanta
CFP Board-registered programs: Dual degree in finance and financial planning, financial planning minor
Enrollment: About 100
Faculty: 4 full-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 84:1
Tuition: $828 per credit hour
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: This historically black college is one of three schools in the Atlanta University Center, according to Associate Professor Crystal Hudson. Students in the financial planning program can take classes at nearby Spelman College and Morehouse College.
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
Clemson, S.C.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in financial management with a concentration in financial planning
Enrollment: About 20
Faculty: 5 full-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 4:1
Tuition: For South Carolina residents, $13,982 per year; for nonresidents, $32,800
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: This year, 120 students in the school’s broader financial management program are participating in the Wall Street South Club, in which students manage individual portfolios and compete for the highest return. The program requires students to take six to eight accounting classes and all students in the planning program graduate with a minor in accounting.
COLLEGE FOR FINANCIAL PLANNING
Greenwood Village, Colo.
CFP Board-registered programs: M.S. in personal financial planning, flagship CFP certification program
Enrollment: Over 25,000 in all professional designation programs, about 5,000 in the CFP program and 500 in the master’s in financial planning
Faculty: Roughly 50
Student-to-faculty ratio: N/A, program is primarily online
Tuition: For M.S. in financial planning, $1,260 to $2,100, varying by credit hours; for CFP certification, $4,800.
FPA student chapter: No.
Overview: The for-profit college, founded in 1972, started when there were no dedicated programs or teaching materials for planning. It offers distance learning, full-time and certificate programs. Claiming the longest- running CFP certification program, the college says it has produced more than 64,000 graduates since 1972.
COLLEGE OF SAINT ROSE
Albany, N.Y.
CFP Board-registered programs: Graduate certificate program, B.S. in business administration with a concentration in financial planning. A B.S. in financial planning and minor in financial planning are pending registration.
Enrollment: 13 total across both programs
Faculty: 3 full-time, 2 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 10:1
Tuition: Full-time undergraduate, $28,820 per year; graduate tuition is $776 per credit ($16,296 for all seven courses)
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: The program includes a field study course and five required courses on investments, insurance planning, retirement benefits, estate planning and personal taxes.
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
Fort Collins, Colo.
CFP Board-registered program: B.S. in business administration with a planning option in finance concentration
Enrollment: 50 full-time students
Faculty: 5 full-time, 1 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 25:3
Tuition: For Colorado residents, $10,590; for nonresidents, $27,258
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Members of the FPA of Colorado mentor financial planning students, creating relationships that greatly enhance the classroom experience, according to program director John Hopkins.
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
Omaha, Neb.
CFP Board-registered program: B.S. B.A. in finance with financial planning track, M.B.A. with personal financial planning emphasis; executive certificate program
Enrollment: 24 to 28
Faculty: 45 full-time, 10 adjunct in the Heider College of Business
Student-to-faculty ratio: 20:1
Tuition: Varies by program
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: 99% of the school’s undergraduate business students are placed in jobs or graduate school immediately after graduation, according to Edward Horwitz, director of business executive education professional programs.
DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY
Grand Rapids, Mich.
CFP Board-registered programs: Undergraduate business degree with a specialty in financial planning
Enrollment: 24
Faculty: 2 full-time on campus, 1 full-time online, 4 adjunct.
Student-to-faculty ratio: 12:1
Tuition: $9,495 per semester for 15 credit hours
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Courses are offered online, in the classroom or in a blended seven-week calendar.
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY Chicago
CFP Board-registered programs: Nine-credit certificate program offered both online and in person
Enrollment: 150 to 200
Faculty: 10 adjuncts
Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1 at downtown campus; 6:1 at suburban campus; 10:1 online
Tuition: $5,400
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: A majority of the professionally diverse student body hails from the brokerage, banking, tax, legal and compliance fields, says Kristine Emrich, program manager.
EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Charleston, Ill.
CFP Board-registered program: B.S., financial planning concentration, online financial planning graduate education program
Enrollment: B.S., 25; financial planning education program: 2
Faculty: 6 full-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Tuition: $285 per credit hour. A $44 per credit hour online course fee for financial planning education program.
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: The online financial planning education program consists primarily of live lectures with on-campus students, according to John Willems, the school’s chairman and professor of management information. Students enrolled in online courses have access to instructors via email and discussion boards in the school’s learning management system.
EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
Portales, N.M.
CFP Board-registered program: Bachelor’s of business administration with an emphasis in personal financial planning, bachelor’s of applied arts and sciences with an emphasis in personal financial planning.
Enrollment: 33
Faculty: 2 full-time, 2 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 35:1
Tuition: $216 per credit hour.
FPA Student Chapter: In process
Overview: The new programs kicked off in 2015 and are offered for both business majors and applied arts and sciences students.
FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON
UNIVERSITY Teaneck, N.J.
CFP Board-registered program: Financial planning certificate program
Enrollment: Approximately 100
Faculty: Adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 12:1
Tuition: $5,995
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Fairleigh Dickinson hosts an FPA sponsored career fair that draws significant attendance. The program exceeds the national examination pass rate statistics for the CFP exam, according to program director Lisa Minasian.
INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Terre Haute, Ind.
CFP Board-registered program: B.S. in finance with concentration in financial planning
Enrollment: 20
Faculty: 7 full-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 23:1 within the Scott College of Business
Tuition: For nonresidents, $10,476
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: Housed within the Scott College of Business, financial planning students may add a minor in accounting or insurance. The college offers a number of four-year full tuition scholarships for students in finance. The most notable is the Networks Professional Development Program which provides a full scholarship, mentoring and individualized professional development, according to Sharon Robinson, instructor of finance.
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Manhattan, Kan.
CFP Board-registered programs: Undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D. and graduate certificates
Enrollment: 55 undergrads, 50 financial planning certificate, 25 financial therapy certificate, 43 master’s and 44 doctoral
Faculty: 10 full-time, 3 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 5:1 for undergraduates; 3:1 at graduate level
Tuition: For undergraduates from Kansas, $284 per credit hour, for nonresidents $753 (plus fees); for M.S. courses, $530 per credit hour; for Ph.D. courses and graduate certificate courses, $596 per credit hour
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: The program features coursework in family and helping relationships, gender roles, financial counseling and financial therapy. The school developed the first financial therapy certificate program, and students can get experience in a financial therapy clinic. Students can also apply to be a peer financial counselor in the school’s Powercat Financial Counseling program.
KAPLAN UNIVERSITY
Online with several private corporate classroom programs.
CFP Board-registered programs: Online programs, M.S. in finance
Enrollment: N/A
Faculty: 8 full-time, 26 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: Varies based on program
Tuition: Accelerated program $749 per course; self-study, $549 per course; M.S. in finance, $441 per credit hour
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: The school has a large team of academic advisors, who aim to reach out to all students at least 70 times during their course of study. The school partners with over 20 other universities, providing books and materials for their programs, according to Joyce Schnur, vice president of the financial services program.
LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY
St. Charles, Mo.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.A. in personal financial planning
Enrollment: 14
Faculty (full-time and adjunct): 3
Student-to-faculty ratio: 10:1
Tuition: $15,000 per year
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Lindenwood’s program is new, but benefits from being in the St Louis metro area, a financial hub, according to Assistant Professor of Finance Robert Henry Rodermund Jr.
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Baton Rouge, La.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. and M.S. in finance, MBA and Ph.D. in business administration, all with financial planning specializations; online certificate and executive certificate programs in financial planning.
Enrollment: 53 degree program students; 66 online certificate program
Faculty (full-time and adjunct): 11
Student-to-faculty ratio: 22:1 universitywide
Tuition: For Louisiana residents, $9.960; for nonresidents, $26,820; for international students, $27,000; for online certificate, $3,095 to $6,650
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: Scholarships awarded to LSU CFP Board-registered program students include the TD Ameritrade NextGen Scholarship, the NewPlanner Recruiting CFP Exam Scholarship, and the NAGDA’s Arthur N. Caple Scholarship along with numerous local scholarships, according to program director Frances Lawrence.
METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
Denver
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in finance with financial services concentration, certificate program
Enrollment: B.S, about 200; certificate, 60 to 100
Faculty (full-time and adjunct): B.S. 8 full-time; certificate program, 7 to 9 adjuncts
Student-to-faculty ratio: B.S. 20:1; certificate 12:1
Tuition: For Colorado residents, $1,000 per 3-hour class; certificate, $450 per class (seven classes)
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: Located in downtown Denver, Metro State provides access to a vibrant financial services industry and internship opportunities. All classes are taught by instructors who hold the CFP designation. The pass rate on the national certification exam is consistently 5 to 8% higher than the national average, according to Paul Camp, professor of finance.
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO
Mankato, Minn.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in finance with a financial planning track
Enrollment: 40 to 60
Faculty (full-time and adjunct): 9
Student-to-faculty ratio: 25:1
Tuition: For Minnesota residents, $7,837; for nonresidents, $15,581
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: The pass rate of the undergraduate program was 75% in the 2014-2015 academic year. Students are consistently recruited by top firms, including Ameriprise, Morgan Stanley, Wealth Enhancement Group, First Investors, Waddell & Reed, Cornerstone Wealth Advisors and Northwestern Mutual, according to program director Leon Chen.
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
Springfield, Mo.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in finance with a financial planning concentration
Enrollment: 30
Faculty: 16
Student-to-faculty ratio: About 2:1, typical class size is 40 to 50 students.
Tuition: For Missouri residents, $7,060; for nonresidents, $13,930
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: The financial planning concentration incorporates courses in investments, tax and estate planning, insurance and other subjects.
MOLLOY COLLEGE
Rockville Centre, N.Y.
CFP Board-registered programs: M.B.A. in personal financial planning
Enrollment: 12
Faculty: 3 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 3:1
Tuition: $980 per credit plus additional fees
FPA student chapter: No, but expected in 2016 or 2017
Overview: The college has a new state-of-the-art Wall Street trading room that gives students the opportunity to construct and manage investment portfolios with real money.
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
New York
CFP Board-registered programs: Certificate program and classroom program (in traditional and accelerated formats), 2 Web-delivered programs (self-paced and live). All are offered in partnership with Dalton Education.
Enrollment: N/A
Faculty: 10 in-class adjunct instructors, 8 online instructors.
Student-to-faculty ratio: Varies depending on program
Tuition: $5,250 for traditional classroom program; $5,650 to $7,700 for a live online course; $3,095 to $4,695 for self-paced online
FPA student chapter: No.
Overview: NYU’s certificate program allows students to complete coursework in three different ways — in a classroom, led by an instructor online, or as a self-paced course online. Geared toward professionals and college graduates, the program leverages NYU’s geographic advantage, giving students a chance to work with companies in New York City.
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Evanston, Ill.
CFP Board-registered programs: 2 online and 1 classroom certificate programs
Enrollment: 500
Faculty: About 30 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: About 15:1
Tuition: $3,000 to $8,000
FPA student chapter: No.
Overview: The school’s programs are designed to meet the needs of students from career changers to longtime planning professionals.
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Columbus, Ohio
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in consumer and family financial services with track in financial planning
Enrollment: 88
Faculty: 8 full-time, 4 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 8:1
Tuition: For Ohio residents, $5,018 per semester; for nonresidents, $13,683 per semester
FPA student chapter: No.
Overview: The financial planning track, part of a consumer and family financial services major, has an emphasis on family financial management. Courses are taught by both full-time faculty and practitioners, according to program chairman Sherman Hanna. The student financial planning club features outside speakers and panels on a variety of topics.
OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
Bourbonnais, Ill.
CFP Board-registered programs: Economics or finance degree with a certified financial planning concentration
Enrollment: 376
Faculty: 8 full-time, 9 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Tuition: $15,975 per semester
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Students are advised to take 11 courses in the financial planning area, along with a core of business classes. Students gain experience through an internship program with local and Chicago-area firms and are encouraged to participate in the Investment Club where students manage an actual investment portfolio, according to Glen Rewerts, chairman of the business department.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
West Lafayette, Ind.
CFP Board-registered programs: Undergraduate degree in financial counseling and planning
Enrollment: 125
Faculty: 7 full-time, 7 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
Tuition: For Indiana residents, $20,000 a year, including room and board; for nonresidents, $40,000
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: The student-run Purdue Collegiate Financial Planning Club hosts competitions, speakers and tours of the financial districts in Chicago and Indianapolis. Students and faculty also frequently attend FPA meetings and seminars, according to Bobbe Molter, senior advisor and lead academic advisor of the school’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Newark, N.J.
CFP Board-registered programs: Undergraduate finance major through the Rutgers Business School in Newark (starting in the fall of 2016).
Enrollment: N/A
Faculty: 41 full-time, 10 part-time in the business school’s finance department. Financial planning faculty to be determined.
Student-to-faculty ratio: 40:1 universitywide
Tuition: For New Jersey residents, $5,778 per semester; for nonresidents, $13,311.50
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: The school’s new program will require students to take 21 major credits beyond the school core, including a project in which they will develop their own financial plan. Seniors interested in research or investment management will be encouraged to study for the CFA exam.
SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
Salisbury, Md.
CFP Board-registered programs: Undergraduate business degree with a financial planning track
Enrollment: 20
Faculty: 6 full-time, adjuncts brought in as needed
Student-to-faculty ratio: N/A
Tuition: For Maryland residents, $8,622; for nonresidents, $16,968
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: The first in the state of Maryland, the financial planning track has been registered since 2002.
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
San Diego
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S.B.A. in financial services with credit certificate in personal financial planning, M.S.B.A. in financial and tax planning, executive financial planning advanced certificate
Enrollment: In bachelor’s programs, 91 in financial services and 828 in finance; 14 in master’s; 25 in executive programs
Faculty: 11 full-time, 4 adjunct for bachelor’s and master’s programs; 1 full-time, 5 adjunct for the executive certificate program.
Student-to-faculty ratio: About 9:1
Tuition: For undergraduates who are California residents, $3,488 per semester; for nonresidents, $9,068. For California master’s candidates, $7,169; for nonresidents, $11,633 (based on 12-unit load). For executive advanced graduate certificate, $7,902.
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: Students have access to the school’s Wells Fargo Financial Lab. The lab features 11 Bloomberg terminals and all students have the opportunity to graduate with Bloomberg certification, according to program director Tom Warschauer. The graduate degree allows additional specialization in either wealth management or tax planning.
SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY
Magnolia, Ark.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.B.A in finance with a financial planning concentration
Enrollment: About 50
Faculty: (full-time and adjunct): 4
Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Tuition: For Arkansas residents, $7,812; for nonresidents, $12,096
FPA Student Chapter: No
Overview: Each student is assigned a member of the finance faculty as an advisor to help with class scheduling and career placement.
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
College Station, Texas
CFP Board-registered programs: Minor in financial planning, extended learning certificate in financial planning
Enrollment: 85
Faculty: 4
Student-to-faculty ratio: 21:1
Tuition: For academic credit, $4,657 per semester; for extended learning credit, $525 per course
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: Courses in holistic financial planning are taught by a team that includes both academic professors and planning professionals. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes practical knowledge in all competencies of financial planning, as well as training in the field’s latest planning software technologies, according to the program director, Nathan Harness.
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
Lubbock, Texas
CFP Board-registered programs: Ten programs, ranging from undergraduate to Ph.D., including minors and dual graduate degrees in planning and business or law, and one certificate. An accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program allows students to earn both degrees in five years.
Enrollment: 278
Faculty (full-time and adjunct): 12 full-time, 1 professor of practice, 1 director of planning, 1 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 23:1
Tuition: For Texas resident undergraduates $4,933 per semester; for nonresidents, $10,363. For Texas graduate students, $4,102 per semester; for nonresidents, $7,722
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: Graduates have a job placement rate of 90% in the past 10 years, often with multiple offers, according to Vickie Hampton, department chairwoman. The program has placed students in internships and career positions in 47 states and nine other countries.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in commerce and business administration with a specialization in wealth management through the Culverhouse College of Commerce, B.S. and M.S. degrees on-site and online through the College of Human Environmental Sciences
Enrollment: 25 through the Culverhouse College of Commerce; 75 undergraduate and 50 graduate students through the College of Human and Environmental Sicences
Faculty: 38 full-time at Culverhouse College of Commerce; 8 full-time, 6 adjunct at College of Human Environmental Sciences
Student-faculty ratio: Culverhouse: 20:1; College of Human Environmental Science: lower-level classes capped at 20 to 35 students; upper level at 10 to 20
Tuition: Culverhouse College of Commerce: for Alabama residents, $5,085 per semester; for nonresidents, $12,975. College of Human Environmental Sciences: for Alabama residents, $5,085; for nonresidents, $12,975. Special pricing of $339 per undergraduate credit hour and $360 per graduate credit hour for distance students. Full-time undergraduate students take a minimum of 12 credits per semester; full-time graduate students take a minimum of 9 credits.
Overview: University of Alabama’s financial program in the College Human Environmental Sciences has a consistent career placement rate of 90 to 100%. Frequently, students receive offers before graduation.
UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Akron, Ohio
CFP Board-registered programs: B.B.A. in financial planning, certificate program; dual degree program with a B.B.A. in financial planning and B.S. in accounting beginning this fall.
Enrollment: 51 majors, 13 certificate students
Faculty: 7 full-time, 4 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 21:1
Tuition: Varies based on credit hours
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: The financial planning degree program, based in the university’s College of Business Administration, consists of seven courses and a capstone. A team representing the school won the student Financial Planning Challenge at the 2014 FPA BE Conference in Seattle.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY EXTENSION
Berkeley, Calif.
CFP Board-registered programs: Classroom certificate program
Enrollment: 63
Faculty: 15 adjuncts
Student-to-faculty ratio: 4:1
Tuition: $7,300
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: The program is overseen by an industry advisory board that also coordinates scholarships, internships and employment opportunities. The program also provides students with networking and career advancement opportunities through an annual awards dinner event and career night, according to program director Anna Lee.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE
Irvine, Calif.
CFP Board-registered programs: On-campus and online CFP certificate programs
Enrollment: 200
Faculty: 20 practitioners
Student-to-faculty ratio: 20:1
Tuition: $670 per course
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Students who complete the financial planning certificate are eligible to transfer credits into the MBA program in planning at California Lutheran University. Besides the eight required courses for the certificate, the program offers noncertificate courses, including an internship and instruction on launcing and building a planning firm.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES EXTENSION
Los Angeles
CFP Board-registered programs: Traditional evening program, online and accelerated online program
Enrollment: About 250 to 300
Faculty: 20 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 20:1 for traditional evening and online; 25:1 for accelerated online
Tuition: $4,675 to $5,655, depending on program format; $1,000 for CFP exam review
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: During the academic year, the program offers various volunteer opportunities for planning students to further promote financial literacy in their communities.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Gainesville, Fla.
CFP Board-Registered Programs: Online noncredit personal and family financial planning course.
Enrollment: 34
Faculty: 1 full-time, 1 adjunct
Students-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Tuition: $983 per course or $5,900 per program
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Intended to prepare students for the CFP exam, the program includes courses in personal and financial planning, tax planning, retirement and estate planning, in addition to a capstone course that uses information learned in the first five courses. All courses are self-paced and taught in a virtual classroom setting using educational technology.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
Champaign, Ill.
CFP Board-registered programs: Undergraduate major in financial planning
Enrollment: 93
Faculty: 34 full-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1 universitywide
Tuition: For Illinois residents, $14,622, for nonresidents, $29,782
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: The program is adding courses in estate planning and financial counseling and communications, according to Paul Ellinger, head of the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics Department.
UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD
San Antonio
CFP Board-registered programs: B.B.A. with concentration in planning
Enrollment: 85
Faculty: 3 full-time, 2 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 22:1
Tuition: $12,450 per semester
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: The program emphasizes the importance of faculty mentorship, student internships and networking with local FPA members, according to program director Alicia Rodriguez de Rubio. The school has a finance lab, featuring 32 stations with industry standard software. Most of the financial planning students are involved with the school’s business club.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
Columbia, Mo.
CFP Board-registered programs: Undergraduate major in personal financial planning; resident and online applied master’s programs; resident Ph.D.
Enrollment: 118 undergraduate majors, 29 master’s students, 6 doctoral students
Faculty: 4 full-time, 3 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 20:1
Tuition: For undergraduates who are Missouri residents, $276.20 per credit hour; for nonresidents, $521.90. For Missouri graduate students, $359.10 per credit hour; for nonresidents, $587.30. Online, $530 per credit hour.
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: During the spring semester, undergraduate students help with tax returns for individuals and families on campus and in the community, according to department chairman Rob Weagley.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, ST. LOUIS
St. Louis
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S.B.A with an emphasis in finance, financial planning track.
Enrollment: 60 students
Faculty: 9 full-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 25:1
Tuition: For Missouri residents, $335 per credit hour; for nonresidents, $850.40
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Program graduates have successfully taken on positions at Edward Jones, Wells Fargo, Moneta, Buckingham Asset Management Plancorp and numerous small financial advisory firms.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA
Jacksonville, Fla.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.B.A. in financial services
Enrollment: 99
Faculty: 9
Student-to-faculty ratio: 25:1
Tuition: $2,106 per semester
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: The school has had a Finance and Investments Society for many years.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
Madison, Wis.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.B.A. in finance with a wealth management and financial planning track through Wisconsin School of Business
Enrollment: 776
Faculty: 126 full-time, estimated 83 lecturers
Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Tuition: For Wisconsin residents, $11,416 per year; for nonresidents, $30,666
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: Students participate in a sequence of courses that prepare sthem to take the CFP exam in their senior year.
UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY
Orem, Utah
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in financial planning, 2 online certificate programs
Enrollment: 246 financial planning majors
Faculty: 5 full-time, 3 professionals in residence
Student-to-faculty ratio: Average class size is 20
Tuition: For Utah residents, $5,386; for nonresidents, $15,202. Students switch to in-state tuition after one year of living in Utah.
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: The personal financial planning major is located in the AACSB-accredited Woodbury School of Business, with a core curriculum consisting of more than 13 courses in personal financial planning. Students are required to complete a paid internship, according to the program director, Luke Dean. There is the option of pursing additional tracks in sales and entrepreneurship, as well as earning a dual major in accounting and a CFA track.
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
Richmond, Va.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in business with concentration in financial planning
Enrollment: About 20
Faculty: 7
Student-to-faculty ratio: 40:1 departmentwide
Tuition: Approximately $9,950 per year
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: The school is creating a peer-to-peer financial center to provide all VCU students with basic financial educational services, according to program director John McFarland. The launch is expected in January 2016.
VIRGINIA TECH UNIVERSITY
Blacksburg, Va.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in applied economic management, B.S. in business and finance, online and in person
Enrollment: 175 combined
Faculty (full-time and adjunct): 2 full-time committed to the program; 6 full-time who teach courses in the curriculum
Student-to-faculty ratio: 22:1
Tuition: For Virginia residents, $5,248 per semester; for nonresidents, $13,268
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: The program’s student-led initiatives include coaching fifth graders participating in the Stock Market Game, annually developing the case used in the Virginia high school Governor’s Personal Finance Challenge, and presenting educational seminars to campus classes and student organizations, according to Professor Ruth Lytton.
WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Bowling Green, Ky.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in finance with financial planning concentration
Enrollment: About 40 per year
Faculty: 8 full-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Tuition: For Kentucky residents, $9,482 per year; for nonresidents, $24,132
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: Students in the program won the TD NextGen Scholarship in both 2014 and 2015. The program is also home to the Western Kentucky University Center for Financial Success and actively engages students in pro bono consulting work.
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Kalamazoo, Mich.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.B.A. with financial planning major
Enrollment: 24
Faculty: 15 full-time; 10 part-time
Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Tuition: For undergraduates who are Michigan residents, flat rate of $5,053 for lower level courses and $6,228 for upper level courses. For nonresidents, $12,395 for lower level courses and $14,448 for upper level courses.
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: In one of the program’s required courses, students manage a portfolio of $1 million of real money under the direction of an experienced money manager. Another course, which is offered in partnership with Edward Jones, allows students to prepare for the Series 7 exam.
WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY
Wayne, N.J.
CFP Board-registered programs: B.S. in financial planning, accelerated certificate program
Enrollment: 102
Faculty: 2 full-time, 2 adjuncts
Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1 universitywide
Tuition: For New Jersey residents, $12,365 per year; for nonresidents, $20,125
FPA student chapter: Yes
Overview: The program has landed in the top three in several competitions in its five years of existence, including twice at FPA’s National Financial Planning Challenge. Its full-time undergraduate program has a diverse student body, with 50% minorities and 35% women.
WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY
Winston-Salem, N.C.
CFP Board-registered Program: B.S. in finance with a focus on personal financial planning
Enrollment: 15
Faculty: 2 full-time, 1 adjunct
Student-to-faculty ratio: 15
Tuition: For North Carolina residents, $7,434.13 per year; for nonresidents, $17,250.16
FPA student chapter: No
Overview: The curriculum incorporates experiential learning activities like realistic case studies, preparation of complete financial plans, and internships, according to Alexander Kondeas, associate professor. Students may also get experience managing money in the RAMS Fund, a student-managed fund.
Read more:
