Professional online university specializing in financial services education since 1927.
The American College offers professional designations, certifications, master's degrees, and certificate programs tailored to financial services professionals. Key programs include CFP® Certification Education, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), Tax Planning Certified Professional (TPCP), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP), and Master of Science in Financial Planning (MSFP). The college also provides securities licensing exam prep and continuing education. Over 80 faculty members and financial experts deliver instruction across specializations in retirement planning, tax planning, wealth management, estate planning, and special needs planning.
Since its founding in 1927, the college has focused on professional education for financial practitioners. It operates eight Centers of Excellence, including the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality, Center for Ethics in Financial Services, Center for Women in Financial Services, Center for Retirement Income, Center for Philanthropy & Social Impact, Center for Military & Veterans Affairs, Center for Financial Security, and Center for Special Needs. These centers support specific constituencies within the financial services industry.
The college operates an open-enrollment policy for undergraduate programs, requiring only a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduate programs, including the Master of Science in Financial Planning, require an accredited bachelor's degree, a completed application, current resume, and unofficial transcript from the awarding institution.
College designees experienced 13% higher earnings growth over three years compared to advisors without designations, according to FUSE Research Network. The college reports over 200,000 alumni across the financial services industry. In 2025, the college launched its first consumer awareness campaign to promote the specialized expertise of its designees to the general public.