CLU among top financial planning schools

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Nov. 30, 2012) Financial Planning magazine has named California Lutheran University as one of “25 Great Schools for Future Financial Planners.”

“Cal Lutheran has gained praise from directors of other planning programs nationwide for its rigor and immersive teaching,” the magazine said.

Magazine staff consulted financial planners and academics to come up with the list. Other degree-granting programs named to the top 25 include Purdue, Virginia Tech and Texas Tech universities. There are a total of 336 Certified Financial Planner Board-registered programs in the United States, according to the magazine. The number is climbing with another 40 new programs in development.

Under the direction of finance professor Somnath Basu, CLU’s California Institute of Finance (CIF) launched the country’s first online MBA program in financial planning in 2005, and it remains the nation’s largest today. This intensive accredited program, which also prepares students for the Certified Financial Planner Certification Examination, primarily attracts mid-level professionals.

While more than 80 percent of the CIF students are enrolled in the online program, some take classes on campus. About 190 students are currently enrolled, and 34 graduated last year. In line with CLU’s small class sizes, the program’s student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1.