Admissions

When reviewing your application, we take the following into consideration:

• your undergraduate grade point average, especially during the last two years of study
• whether your undergraduate institution is accredited
• the extent to which our programs match your academic objectives
• your potential for graduate study as reflected by your transcripts and your letters of recommendation

In general, your undergraduate grade point average must be 3.0 ("B") or better, although in exceptional cases we may consider recommending probationary admission if your grade point average is at least 2.65, or if it is above 3.0 in the last 60 hours of coursework.

You do not need a specific type of undergraduate degree to be admitted into the program. Many, but not all, of our students are Family and Consumer Science graduates with a background in consumer economics or financial management, and business graduates working in financial services. We anticipate that most applicants have taken classes in or possess a basic knowledge of macroeconomics, microeconomics, ethics and computer science applications. The program incorporates skills related to macroeconomics, microeconomics, finance, financial planning ethics, counseling and computer applications for financial data. Competencies related to these concepts are required to complete the program.

Once you have submitted the required application materials, the faculty will review your credentials. Upon approval and assignment of a temporary advisor, your file will be forwarded to the Graduate School, which checks the completeness of your application, reviews your official transcripts, and verifies that you have or will soon have a valid degree from an accredited institution (see sidebar on the right-hand side of this page).

Application Process

1. Submit an application for admission to the Kansas State University Graduate School. PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

2. Submit a domestic application fee of $65, if applicable
   

   Note: This distance program does not qualify international students for study in the United States; international students must take the courses in their home country.

3. Upload copy of unofficial transcript from the degree-granting institution(s). Admitted students will be contacted by the Graduate School with instructions for submitting an official transcript.

4. Three letters of recommendation; your references will be contacted through CollegeNet by email to complete the online recommendation form
   

   Note: Recommendations do not have to be from former instructors. They may come from current or past employers, colleagues, or anyone you feel best-suited to answer the questions on the recommendation form. An accompanying letter may be uploaded by references while completing the recommendation form online.

5. Upload a brief resume and a goal statement detailing: previous educational and professional experience, why you are interested in the program, and how the degree will help you achieve your career goals
   

K-State does not require GRE scores for admission to the Personal Financial Planning program.

When all the materials are on file, the graduate committee will act on your request for admission to the program and will contact you about their decision. You may receive one of three decisions:

1. full admission
2. conditional admission subject to resolving deficiencies
3. admission denied

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their graduate program to avoid dismissal from the certificate program.

For additional admission information, please visit the K-State Graduate School website, or email us with questions.

Note: Applicants to the K-State Graduate School must have a bachelor's degree substantially the same as the ones granted by K-State. These degrees regularly contain a broad range of courses representing the basic academic disciplines. In addition, a major portion of the courses included should be graded by a multilevel system, usually A, B, C, D, F.

Rolling Application Deadline

Applications are accepted year-round. Applicants should plan to apply at least four weeks before the start of their first course in January, March, June, August or October.