Launching a CFP Board Registered Program at an AACSB-accredited Business College: A Case Study and Analysis

Authors

  • William B. Elliott John Carroll University
  • Xianwu Zhang John Carroll University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61190/fsr.v33i4.4242

Keywords:

Certified Financial Planner, CFP, program development, AACSB

Abstract

Despite increasing demand for financial planning education, the discipline remains underrepresented within AACSB-accredited business schools—even though such programs align well with business curricula. This study examines the distribution of CFP Board-registered programs across U.S. institutions, analyzing 395 programs (certificates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees). Our findings reveal that only 39% (n=153) are housed within AACSB-accredited business schools, with a predominant focus on in-person or blended bachelor’s degrees. In contrast, non-business schools more frequently offer online certificates and exclusively host all three doctoral programs. Geographic analysis identifies substantial disparities in program availability relative to state populations. We present a case study of successful implementation of a CFP Board-registered program at an AACSB-accredited business school. The discussion outlines key strategies for program development, accreditation alignment, and institutional challenges, providing actionable insights for business schools seeking to expand into financial planning education.

Author Biography

William B. Elliott, John Carroll University

John Carroll University

Boler College of Business

Department of Economics and Finance

University Heights, OH 44118, USA

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Published

2025-12-15

How to Cite

Elliott, W. B., & Zhang, X. (2025). Launching a CFP Board Registered Program at an AACSB-accredited Business College: A Case Study and Analysis. Financial Services Review, 33(4), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.61190/fsr.v33i4.4242

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 4 (2025): Financial Services Review

Section

The Pedagogy of Financial Planning Special Issue

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Xianwu Zhang, William Elliott

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