Frequently Asked Questions

How do online classes work?

Our courses are delivered synchronously, meaning that you are able to interact with your instructor and fellow students in real time just like in a traditional classroom setting. Our program has a flexible schedule with classes meeting two nights every week. Worried about missing a class? Don’t be. All classes are recorded for playback at any time in the future.

Benefits of our live online class include: 

• A sense of community: real-time interaction with the instructor and your cohorts 
• It is highly motivating: scheduled meeting times helps you stay committed to your goal
• Immediate feedback: the ability to ask questions and receive instant answers  

What academic support services are available for students?

We understand that lack of in-person interactions and staying motivated are two main challenges faced by online learners. To address these two challenges, we offer various academic support services, including:

• Virtual office hours
• Live online Q & A sessions
• Success coaches

Do I need a background in finance to enroll in the CFP program?

Although it certainly wouldn’t hurt, a background in finance is not required to succeed in this program.

How frequently do new cohorts start?

The program starts each year in January, March, May, July, September and November.

Can I have access to course materials after the program is over?

Yes, you have access to the program for 10 months. Upon successful completion of the program, you will have access to the program for an additional 2 months.

Who will issue the certificate?

Purdue University will issue the certificate.

The course description lists a duration of 10 months; however, when I go to register for the program, the course is less than 10 months. Why?

The course length on the registration page is only for the five courses included in the program, excluding the capstone course. With the capstone course added, the whole program is 10 months in total.

What is the tuition? Can I pay the tuition in installments?

The tuition for this program is $7,195. The tuition is due at the start of the program. We do not offer installment options at this time. However, you can get a $100 discount if you register two weeks before the program's start date.

Is financial aid available? How can I pay for the CFP program?

While a Purdue student in a non-degree seeking program is not eligible for federal student aid, there are other funding options that may be available to you. Employers have offered tuition assistance to students pursuing this program in the past. If you work in the finance sector or similar industries, you can talk to your employer and see if they are willing to pay for this program. Financial assistance may also be available from alternative loan programs. There are a large number of private commercial education loan options available to assist students in meeting college costs. You can obtain more information about alternative loans at www.purdue.edu/dfa/loan-details.html.

Are textbooks included in the tuition?

Yes, the price of all the textbooks required for the course is included in the tuition of $6,895. The textbooks themselves cost around 1,000 dollars. You can choose either the printed books or Ebooks. Once you register for the program, we will ship the printed books to you or send you the Ebooks for downloading.

What is the refund policy for this program?

In accordance with Dalton Education’s refund policy, a student has five days once the course starts to withdraw from the program and receive a refund.

What is CFP® certification and what are the requirements to obtain it?

CFP® certification is a nationally recognized professional certification offered through the CFP Board. It is generally recognized as the highest standard in financial planning. Financial advisors who are certified tend to earn 30% more than their peers and have a competitive edge over others. To get certified with CFP®, you will need to meet four requirements known as the “four Es”: education, exam, experience, and ethics. Please visit CFP board website for detailed information: https://www.cfp.net/ Purdue’s CFP program is CFP board-approved to satisfy the education requirement for CFP® certification and the requirement to sit for the CFP® exam.

What are the job prospects for certified financial planners?

Demand for personal financial advisors is expected to grow at a higher than average rate over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Achieving certification is how you can distinguish yourself from non-certified financial advisors, establish your credibility, and build a loyal customer base. The CFP board career center is a dedicated and free job posting site for CFP professionals. You can learn more about job opportunities at CFP website: https://careers.cfp.net/

What are the system requirements?

It is recommended that students have an operating system Windows 7 or higher, or Mac OS 10.6 or higher. Students must be able to run, install, and configure programs, as well as be able to store and retrieve documents and files on their computers. The latest version of Adobe Flash Player is also recommended for viewing the live classes. If you are unsure if you have appropriate permissions to save files to your computer, please contact your system administrator.

Who should take the CFP Capstone course?

If you are qualified for an accelerated path, you can skip most of the coursework requirements for CFP certification. For more information on the accelerated path, please visit https://www.cfp.net/get-certified/certification-process/education-requirement/certification-coursework-requirement/accelerated-path

When can I start the capstone course?

You can start the capstone course anytime. There is no official start date since part one is delivered asynchronously and part two has live sessions.

What are the system requirements?

It is recommended that students have an operating system Windows 7 or higher, or Mac OS 10.6 or higher. Students must be able to run, install, and configure programs, as well as be able to store and retrieve documents and files on their computers. The latest version of Adobe Flash Player is also recommended for viewing the live classes. If you are unsure if you have appropriate permissions to save files to your computer, please contact your system administrator.