With support from Schwab Advisor Services and the Charles Schwab Foundation, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business has created a more direct pathway for Huskers to enter one of the nation’s fastest-growing financial careers.
Beginning fall 2026, finance majors can choose a new option designed to prepare them for careers in personal financial planning, wealth management and related fields while positioning them to pursue the Certified Financial Planner credential earlier in their careers.
“This new financial planning option at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln aligns with our priorities at Schwab to broaden access to financial advising careers, strengthen fiduciary education and build a pipeline of ethical professionals focused on serving clients,” said Jon Beatty, head of Schwab Advisor Services. “We are pleased to support this new initiative that will prepare graduates to pass the CFP exam sooner in their careers and thrive as trusted advisors.”
Schwab Advisor Services in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation made a gift commitment to expand hands-on learning opportunities and strengthen connections between students and the independent Registered Investment Advisor profession, helping to prepare students for certification and careers in financial planning. The pledge was made as part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future, a historic effort to engage 150,000 donors to raise $3 billion to support the University of Nebraska.
“The generous gift from Schwab provides key experiences to connect classroom learning with the realities of professional practice,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business. “Students will engage directly with leaders in the Registered Investment Advisor community. These opportunities prepare our students to serve clients thoughtfully and responsibly."
Demand for financial planners continues to grow as individuals and families seek guidance navigating increasingly complex financial decisions such as retirement planning, investment strategies, and tax and estate planning. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of personal financial advisors is projected to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for most occupations. Global consulting firm McKinsey & Company estimates that retirements may outpace recruitment, potentially creating a shortfall of 90,000 to 110,000 advisors by 2034 if trends continue.
The Nebraska program aims to help meet that demand while positioning students to enter the profession sooner.
Brett Burchett, a 2020 Nebraska Business alumnus and wealth advisor at FP Wealth Management, sees that as a plus.
“The average age for those passing the CFP exam is 26,” Burchett said. “This program will allow Huskers to get an earlier start in the financial planning industry as they pair their Big Ten education with a more focused approach to financial planning.”
Students pursuing financial planning option will learn about key areas of financial planning, estate planning, taxation, retirement and employee benefits.
“By combining specialized coursework with the broader analytical foundation of the finance major, students graduate with both technical expertise and client-centered planning skills,” said Stanislava Nikolova, chair of the Department of Finance, Alice M. Dittman Chair of Banking and Finance and professor of finance. “Employers are looking for professionals who can guide clients through real-life financial decisions with knowledge, integrity and empathy, and the financial planning option helps our students begin building those skills while they are still in college.”
The new option builds on the strong foundation of the Department of Finance, where the undergraduate investment option in the finance major and the online Master of Science in Finance programs are CFA Institute University Affiliated Programs. Other options in the finance major include banking and risk management and general finance. The department also houses the Actuarial Science Program, recognized as a Center of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries. Students in Howard L. Hawks Hall use Bloomberg terminals and collaborative learning spaces designed to mirror professional financial environments.
With more than 950 declared finance majors – the largest major in the college – Nebraska Business is well positioned to address workforce demand for financial planners across the state and nation.
“Through our collaboration with Schwab, the new financial planning option in finance provides students with direct preparation for the CFP exam and a strong foundation in client-centered financial planning,” Farrell said. “We value Schwab’s partnership in helping us create meaningful pathways for students to meet the growing demand for trusted financial advisors.”
