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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: Utah Valley University


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. Click through to see 60 leading programs listed alphabetically, or click here for a single-page version of the list. --Maddy Perkins
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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: Alfred State College

Below: Alfred State through Boston University

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.
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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: California State University, Northridge

Below: Bryant through Central Michigan


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.
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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: Clemson University

Below: Clark Atlanta through Colorado State


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.
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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: Richie Diesterheft/DuPaul University

Below: Creighton through Eastern New Mexico


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.
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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: Kevin Zollman/Kansas State University

Below: Fairleigh Dickinson through Lindenwood



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.
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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: Louisiana State University

Below: Louisiana State through Molloy


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.
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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: Purdue University

Below: NYU through Purdue


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.
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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: San Diego State University

Below: Rutgers through Texas A&M



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.
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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: University of Akron

Below: Texas Tech through UC Irvine


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 Sciences

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.
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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: University of California, Los Angeles

Below: UCLA Extension through University of Missouri



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.
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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: Utah Valley University

Below: University of Missouri, St. Louis through Virginia Commonwealth University


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.
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60 Leading Schools for Financial Planning

Image: William Paterson University

Below: Virginia Tech University through Winston-Salem State


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.
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