Institutional Scholarships
College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company awards scholarships that help qualified individuals cover the cost of coursework to pursue their CFP® certification, a professional certification, or a Master of Science Degree.
Helping qualified individuals cover the cost of coursework
We offer:
Financial Advisor Futures Scholarship for CFP® certification
Merit scholarships for professional certifications, CFP® certification and Master of Science Degrees
Freedom Scholarships for military service members and veterans
Champions of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (CoVITA) Scholarships for students, school teachers, and university faculty in Puerto Rico who volunteer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Financial Advisor Futures Scholarship
Scholarship Overview
The College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company awards up to 60 scholarships per year (30 awarded in each of two cycles) to individuals from underrepresented groups pursuing CFP® certification.
The College created this scholarship to help correct long-standing disparities in CFP® certification and foster a more representative financial planning community
Award Package
Each scholarship recipient will receive tuition and digital textbooks for the following*
- Structured schedule of seven OnDemand CFP® certification classes with regular touchpoints during each course
- Exam Prep Review (choice of Live Online, OnDemand, or available Onsite classes)
Important Note: Due to the fixed schedule of classes, course extensions are not available to scholarship recipients.
* Scholarship does not cover the following: optional print books or cost of re-enrolling in a course if the scholarship recipient does not pass the course on initial attempt.
Expected Program Start Date
Scholarship recipients are expected to begin their coursework in the academic term immediately following their award notification. For the December 31st application deadline, classes will begin in March 2026. For the April 30th deadline, classes will begin in July 2026.
Recipients must commit to starting their program on schedule to maintain eligibility for the Financial Advisor Futures Scholarship. Deferrals are not permitted.
Time Commitment
Must be committed to the following:
- Completing the entire scholarship program (education and exam prep) within 2 years of starting the program.
- Adhering to a fixed schedule of OnDemand classes with regular touchpoints during each course.
- Fulfilling an average of 15 hours of class and coursework time each week to successfully keep pace with the program.
Program Requirements
To graduate from the CFP® education program and be eligible to sit for the CFP® exam, scholarship recipients must complete all seven courses in the program:
- FP511 General Financial Planning Principles, Professional Conduct, and Client Psychology
- FP512 Risk Management, Insurance, and Employee Benefits
- FP513 Investment Planning
- FP514 Tax Planning
- FP515 Retirement Savings and Income Planning
- FP516 Estate Planning
- FPF517 Financial Plan Development
Class Schedule
Graduation Deadline
Our scholarships prepare awardees to sit for the CFP® exam two years after the start of the scholarship. Because of this structure, recipients have two years to complete all seven required education courses.
Eligibility Requirements
Important Note: Students who are currently enrolled in a CFP® certification education program or CFP® certification education course through the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company are not eligible to apply. Scholarship applications received from students who are currently enrolled will be automatically withdrawn.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a U.S. resident
- Must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an institution outside of the United State
- Must not be a student who:
- Is currently enrolled in a CFP® certification education program or CFP® certification education course through the College for Financial Planning.
- Has previously been awarded a CFP® certification education program scholarship by College for Financial Planning.
- Must demonstrate a strong work ethic, significant achievements in the classroom or workplace, and the highest personal integrity (see application below).
- Must come from an underrepresented population within the financial planning profession. The applicant must demonstrate how they represent an underrepresented demographic.
- Industry experience is strongly preferred, but is not required.
Application Deadlines
Up to 30 scholarships will be awarded two times a year (totaling up to 60 scholarships annually). The next application deadline is December 31, 2025. Individuals awarded scholarships associated with this deadline will start their scholarship program in March 2026.
Future upcoming deadlines include:
- April 30, 2026 (for scholarships program which starts July 2026
Please note: Unsuccessful applications will not roll over to the next review cycle. However, an applicant may complete another application in its entirety for a future deadline if not awarded a scholarship on a previous attempt.
Recipients Notified
Awardees will be contacted by email and phone approximately one month after each deadline. Applications are not automatically rolled over to the next scholarship cycle. If a scholarship is not awarded, a new application is required to be considered again.
Questions
Any questions and all communications regarding the scholarships can be directed to the CFFP Scholarship Committee at the following email: Scholarships@cffp.edu
Application Procedures
Students interested in applying for a Financial Advisor Futures Scholarship must complete the application online via the College website. Applicants are required to complete the following:
Financial Advisor Futures Scholarship Application (online)
Letter of Reference
Completion of required essay questions
Merit Scholarships
Overview of Merit Scholarships
The College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company awards merit scholarships annually to individuals who show significant potential or have already achieved outstanding success in finance, financial planning, and/or financial analysis and show promise of being future industry leaders. Our merit scholarships cover tuition for enrollment in the College’s CFP® certification education, professional designation, or Master of Science degree program.
Please note: Additional printed materials, extension, and reinstatement fees are not included in the scholarship award.
Important Note: Students who are currently enrolled in any education program or course through the College for Financial Planning ® —a Kaplan Company are not eligible to apply. Scholarship applications received from students who are currently enrolled will be automatically withdrawn.
- Loren Dunton Master of Science Degree Program Merit Scholarship: The scholarship is awarded in honor of the late Loren Dunton, who was the driving force that solidified the ideas and activities of the professional financial planner. Mr. Dunton played a significant role in the creation and promotion of the IAFP, the College, and Institute of Certified Financial Planners. For this scholarship the College considers individuals who have proven to be leaders in the financial planning field and have given something back to the profession.
- David M. King CFP ® Certification Merit Scholarship: Honoring the achievements of David M. King, who held the position of board chairman at three major financial planning organizations (The College for Financial Planning, 1983–1985; The Institute for Certified Financial Planners, 1979–1980; and the first chairman of the Certified Financial Planner Board, 1985–1987), this scholarship for CFP® certification is typically awarded annually to a recipient with experience in the financial planning profession who shows significant potential for industry leadership.
- Ginger E. Current Professional Designation Program Merit Scholarship: Honoring the achievements of Ginger E. Current and her dedication to the success of the College for Financial Planning and our students for more than 25 years, this scholarship is awarded annually to a qualified student who is interested in starting a career or expanding their expertise through one of our following professional designation programs:
- Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM
- Accredited Behavioral Finance ProfessionalSM
- Accredited Domestic Partnership AdvisorSM
- Accredited Portfolio Management AdvisorSM
- Accredited Wealth Management AdvisorSM
- Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM
- Chartered Retirement Plans SpecialistSM
- Chartered SRI CounselorSM
- Financial Paraplanner Qualified ProfessionalSM
- Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management AdvisorSM
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a U.S. resident
- Must not be a student who is currently enrolled in any education program or course through the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company
- Must not be a student who has previously been awarded a Merit scholarship for a particular program by College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company and is re-applying for the same program awarded. (Note: a student previously awarded a Merit scholarship for a particular program can apply for a different program. ie, a student awarded the Ginger E. Current professional designation program scholarship can apply for the Loren Dunton Master of Science degree or David M. King CFP® certification scholarships.)
- Must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an institution outside of the United States if applying for either a merit scholarship for CFP® certification or master of science degree program. (Note: A bachelor’s degree is not required if applying for a professional designation merit scholarship.)
- If applying for a merit scholarship for CFP® certification or master of science degree program, must have the following experience:
- CFP® certification—must have between two (2) and seven (7) years experience in the financial planning profession
- Master of science degree program—must have five (5) or more years experience in financial planning
- Must provide a copy of their current resume (see application below)
- A written response related to your goals and achievements (see application below)
- A written response to the following question: If this scholarship is an investment in you personally, what will be the return on investment you would bring to the financial planning profession? (500-750 words)
- One (1) letter of recommendation from a professional contact
For certain merit scholarships, applicants awarded scholarships must also agree to enroll in and complete their education program as detailed below.
CFP®Certification Merit Scholarship
- Enroll within 90 days of being awarded the merit scholarship in either the College’s structured pace or self-paced education program and
- Complete the education program within 2 years
Designation Program Merit Scholarship
- Enroll within 90 days of being awarded the merit scholarship in a designation program and
- Complete the program within 120 days after receiving online access
Master of Science Degree Program Merit Scholarship
- Apply for the master’s program within 90 days of being awarded the merit scholarship
- Complete the program within 5 years
Application Deadline
The annual application deadline is June 30.
Freedom Scholarship
Overview of Freedom Scholarships for Military Service Members & Veterans
The College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company awards several scholarships annually to individuals who serve or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. These scholarships are available to eligible individuals who show significant potential or have already achieved outstanding success in finance, financial planning, and/or financial analysis, and who show promise of being future industry leaders.
These scholarships cover tuition for enrollment in the College’s CFP® certification education, professional designation programs, and Master of Science degree programs (MS in Personal Financial Planning or MS in Financial Analysis).
Please Note: Additional printed materials, extensions, and fees are not included in the scholarship award.
Freedom Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Important Note: Students who are currently enrolled in any education program or course through the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company are not eligible to apply. Scholarship applications received from students who are currently enrolled will be automatically withdrawn from the scholarship application process._
- Must be a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or an honorably discharged veteran and be able to provide documentation upon request.
- Must not be a student who is currently enrolled in any education program or course through the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company
- Must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an institution outside of the United States if applying for either a scholarship for CFP®certification or Master of Science degree program. (Note: A bachelor’s degree is not required if applying for a professional designation scholarship.)
- If applying for a scholarship for CFP® certification or Master of Science degree program, must have the following experience:
- CFP® certification: must have between two (2) and seven (7) years of experience in the financial planning profession
- Master of Science degree program: must have five (5) or more years of experience in financial planning
- Provide a copy of current resume (see application below).
- Provide a written response related to your goals and achievements (see application below).
- Provide a written response to the following question: If this scholarship is an investment in you personally, what will be the return on investment you would bring to the financial planning profession? (500-750 words)
- Provide one (1) letter of recommendation from a professional contact.
For each of these scholarships, recipients must also agree to enroll in and complete their education program as follows:
- CFP® Certification and Exam Prep Review Freedom Scholarship
- Enroll within 90 days of being awarded the Freedom Scholarship in either the College’s structured pace or self-paced program; and
- Complete the entire program within two years. (Exceptions can be made for a qualified military leave of absence.)
- Designation Program Freedom Scholarship
- Enroll within 90 days of being awarded the Freedom Scholarship in a designation program; and
- Complete the program within 120 days after receiving online access. (Exceptions can be made for a qualified military leave of absence.)
- Master of Science Degree Program Freedom Scholarship
- Apply for the master’s program within 90 days of being awarded the Freedom Scholarship; and
- Complete the program within five (5) years. (Exceptions can be made for a qualified military leave of absence.)
Freedom Scholarship Application Deadline
The annual application deadlines are Memorial Day and Veterans Day of each year. The next application deadlines are as follows:
- Memorial Day - May 26, 2025
- Veterans Day - November 11, 2025
Freedom Scholarship Announcements
Awardees will be contacted by email and phone approximately one month after each deadline.
Champions of VITA Scholarships
Overview of CoVITA Scholarships
Champions of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (CoVITA) Scholarships
The College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company is proud to offer the Champions of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (CoVITA) Scholarships. This scholarship program supports students, school teachers, and university faculty in Puerto Rico who volunteer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Our scholarships provide access to leading financial education programs, empowering participants to make a lasting impact in their communities by helping underserved individuals and families navigate their financial futures.
About the CoVITA Scholarships
The CoVITA scholarships cover the full tuition for the designation programs listed below. These programs are designed to give VITA volunteers valuable knowledge in financial planning and personal finance to help them enhance their contributions to the community while gaining credentials for their personal and professional development.
- Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional℠ (FPQP®) (Choice of curriculum in Spanish or English) Program Length: 120 Days This designation program is an introduction to personal financial planning and covers the six main facets in personal financial planning. The program is an ideal starting point for those new to the financial planning profession, as well as those with limited experience looking to deepen their foundational knowledge.
- Qualified Personal Finance Educator℠ (QPFE℠) (Available to teachers only.) Program Length: 180 Days This designation program covers fundamental personal finance topics. It is designed to increase educators’ proficiency when teaching students how to make sensible decisions that will result in financial well-being throughout their lifetime.
Note: Scholarship does not cover the following: optional print books, fees associated with extending a course, or cost of re-enrolling in a course if the scholarship recipient does not pass the course on initial attempt.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be current volunteers with the VITA program in Puerto Rico. This includes:
- High school students
- School teachers
- University faculty
Application Requirements
A completed application should include the following:
- A completed application form
- A written response to the following questions:
- How has your participation in the VITA program positively impacted you and your community? (250 words maximum)
- If this scholarship is an investment in you personally, what will be the return on investment you would bring to your community? (500–750 words)
Application Deadlines & Scholarship Announcements
Up to approximately 50 scholarships will be awarded annually. The quarterly application deadlines each year are as follows:
- March 31st
- June 30th
- September 30th
- December 31st
Awardees will be contacted by email and phone approximately one month after each deadline.
Please note: Unsuccessful applications received will not roll over to the next review cycle. However, an applicant may complete another application in its entirety for a future deadline if not awarded a scholarship on a previous attempt.
Questions
Any questions and all communications regarding the scholarships can be directed to the CFFP Scholarship Committee at scholarships@cffp.edu.