Utah Valley University’s Financial Planning program ranks #3 nationally and #1 in the West, with students winning top awards and scholarships.
Utah Valley University’s (UVU) Woodbury School of Business has once again been recognized among the nation’s leading institutions, with its Financial Planning programranked No. 3 nationally and No. 1 in the West by WealthManagement.com. The ranking highlights UVU’s program as one of the most affordable among highly ranked financial planning programs, underscoring both excellence and accessibility in preparing the next generation of financial planners.
The recognition comes on the heels of another year of student achievements on the national stage, including UVU’s unprecedented fourth consecutive win at the AFCPE Knowledge
Bowl, a national finalist placement in the FPA Financial Planning Challenge, and a first place win at the 2025 IARFC National Financial Plan Case Study Competition this past April. UVU students also lead one of the most active student financial planning associations in the nation (PFPSA), consistently sending delegations to conferences around the world and bringing home top honors.
Adding to the program’s accolades, UVU students have won the Charles Schwab Foundation’s Financial Planning Scholarship four years in a row—every recipient a UVU woman—marking an extraordinary milestone in advancing both diversity and leadership in the industry.
“Our students are not only competing at the highest levels—they are consistently winning,” said Rachel Bi, Chair of UVU’s Department of Finance and Economics. “This ranking and these national accomplishments show that our program is preparing graduates who can lead the profession with both technical excellence and a human-centered approach.”
This fall, the program also announced the launch of FIN 2210: Life, Love, and Money, a groundbreaking course at the intersection of financial literacy and relationships. Designed to help students navigate the emotional and relational aspects of money, the course integrates behavioral finance, communication strategies, and practical household planning tools.
“Life, Love, and Money helps our students see finance not just as numbers, but as part of real human relationships,” said Scott Stratton, program director of Financial Planning. “The ability to navigate money conversations with empathy and clarity is a skill that strengthens both their personal lives and their future professional practice.”
UVU’s financial planning teams are well known across the country:
These successes are amplified by PFPSA (Personal Financial Planning Student Association), which is among the most active chapters nationwide, engaging students in mentorship, networking, and leadership opportunities.
“I am always impressed with the caliber of our students,” said Alisa Nguyen Allebest, competition team advisor and coach. “Their hard work, dedication, and passion for financial planning shine through at every competition and event. They deserve this recognition.”
UVU remains one of the most affordable among highly ranked financial planning programs, ensuring that high-quality education is both accessible and nationally competitive. Graduates of the program go on to become financial planners, advisors, and leaders who serve communities locally and globally.
As we celebrate World Financial Planning Day on October 8, UVU celebrates not only its national recognition but also the impact its students and faculty are making in advancing financial wellness for families and communities.
