About our BS in Personal Financial Planning 

Central Washington University offers the only bachelor’s level program in personal financial planning in the Pacific Northwest that allows students to sit for the CFP® exam.  There are two tracks available for students. 

The first option is a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in personal financial planning. The second option is a Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning. This course of study offers deeper insight into the technology used in PFP, client-planner relationships, and investing. This is ideal for those students who know they want to become financial planners, allowing them to become more specialized in the field before they graduate.

Why study Personal Financial Planning at CWU? 

A career in personal financial planning is right for you if you want to have a direct impact on the lives of individuals and families. Because financial planners work hand in hand with their clients on subjects that are deeply important to the client the development of a deep relationship of trust is necessary to effectively plan. The PFP program helps students understand both the human and quantitative elements of financial planning.

Program Highlights 

Where is this program offered? 

Ellensburg, Online

How much does this program cost? 

Find out how much this program costs through the registrar.

Clubs and Student Organizations

The college experience is what you make it and the way you spend your time outside of the classroom is important. These experiences will shape your life at school and beyond so take advantage of everything available. What better way to meet people with common interests, make friends, and accomplish personal goals than getting involved in a club!

Careers and Outcomes 

With the baby boomer generation transitioning into retirement and subsequent generations moving into new phases of life, this industry presents unique opportunities for professionals. Students receiving this degree typically start their careers in:  

• Financial Planning Firms
• Investment Firms
• Wealth Management Firms 
• Broker-dealers 
• Accounting Firms 

The mean annual salary for Financial Specialists is $80,370. Eastern Washington is top-ranked as a non-metropolitan area with a high employment rate. 

Degree Information 

For information regarding admission requirements, required and elective courses, please reference the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog.

Questions? Contact us. 

To declare a major or minor program email cbadvising@cwu.edu with your student email for next steps. 

Do you just need to take a class to transfer back to your college or university? Please see our helpful instructions for taking a class as a non-degree seeking student.

CWU’s College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only 5% of business schools globally earn the coveted designation.

For more information, reference our Accreditation information.