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College for Financial Planning - A Kaplan Company
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College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company

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About Our College

More than 50 years ago, the College for Financial Planning introduced the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification,* which is now one of the world’s most recognized and respected financial planning credentials. Years later, as an early adopter of online education, the College combined cutting-edge, flexible learning with our rich history in financial education to meet the needs of today’s financial services professionals. From graduate programs and professional certifications to CFP® exam prep and education, our dedication to excellence, innovation, and student-centric learning underscores everything we do. In July 2018, Kaplan acquired the College for Financial Planning®, bringing together two respected leaders in financial services education. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company remains an independent institution owned by Kaplan.

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2025–2026 Fact Book

Our fact book contains important and frequently requested information about the College’s programs, students, faculty, staff, and operations.

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Learn More About College for Financial Planning’s Leadership and Faculty

Meet Our Board of Directors

Meet Our College Leadership

Meet Our Academic Departments & Faculty

College Deans

  • David Mannaioni

    Faculty and Dean of Financial Planning

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  • Dr. Aman Sunder

    Professor and Dean of the Graduate Degree Programs

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  • Dr. Jeffrey Barnette

    Dean of Faculty, Academic Resources, and Undergraduate Studies

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Department of Professional Designations

The Department of Professional Designations prepares students to deliver high-quality financial planning services at every stage of their professional development. The department offers an extensive suite of credentials ranging from foundational early-career programs such as the Financial Paraplanning Qualified Practitioner (FPQP®), Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS®), and Wealth Management Specialist (WMS™) to specialized mastery in behavioral finance and wealth management for experienced practitioners. For professionals seeking deeper expertise, the department provides advanced programs including the Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional (ABFP(R)), Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA®), Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA®), Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA®), Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS®). The Professional Generational Wealth Transfer Advisor (PGWTA) program launching in June 2026, ensures students are prepared to navigate complex client needs and achieve long-term career success.

Department of CFP Education

The Department of CFP Education maintains our graduate-level, CFP® Board Certified and accredited Financial Planning Education program. The department prepares students with the comprehensive knowledge required to navigate complex insurance, investment, tax, retirement, and estate planning scenarios while qualifying them to sit for the CFP® Board Exam. Through its core education courses and the specialized Exam Prep Review course, the department ensures students are fully equipped to meet the rigorous standards of the CFP® Board and excel as certified professionals.

Department of Graduate Degree Programs

The Department of Graduate Degrees offers two Master of Science degree programs: the Master of Science in Financial Planning and the Master of Science in Financial Analysis. These programs are designed to develop highly competent financial professionals by emphasizing mastery of program-specific learning objectives. Through a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the financial services industry. Faculty utilize various assessment strategies to support student learning and ensure the development of key professional competencies.

Department of Undergraduate Studies

The Department of Undergraduate Studies provides flexible and accessible entry points into higher education for a diverse range of learners, including first-time college students and career changers. The department oversees undergraduate certificates in Financial Services and Finance & the Social Sciences, which are micro-credential programs designed to build foundational skills, academic confidence, and real-world understanding. By emphasizing communication, behavioral insight, and practical problem-solving, these programs provide industry-relevant skills that serve as a strong foundation for both immediate professional success and continued academic advancement.

*In 1969, the International Association for Financial Planners (IAFP) and the College for Financial Planning were created to help meet the financial needs of Americans.

In 1985, the College entered an agreement to establish an independent, nonprofit certifying and standards-setting organization. Ownership of the CFP® marks and responsibility for continuing the CFP® certification program was transferred to the new organization, International Board of Standards and Practices for Certified Financial Planners, Inc. (IBCFP), now known as CFP Board. For more information, please visit https://www.cfp.net/about-cfp-board/history.