Personal Financial Planning

Scholarship Opportunities

Pursuing a degree in Personal Financial Planning is an investment in your future, and there are significant resources available to help fund your journey. The USF Muma College of Business awards more than $1,000,000 in scholarships each year through its over 175 scholarship programs, and students may also apply for a variety of industry‑sponsored scholarships offered by national financial planning organizations.

Students are encouraged to explore both university‑level and industry‑level scholarships. Many awards are need‑based, while others are merit‑based or tied to a specific major or professional organization

Important Note: Scholarship applications for the Muma College of Business are submitted through the university’s AwardSpring system. Most awards are designated for full‑time students (12 credit hours or more per term) who maintain a minimum 3.0 USF GPA and are fully admitted to the college.

USF Muma College of Business Scholarships

The following scholarship opportunities are available through the Muma College of Business and are open to Personal Financial Planning majors who meet the eligibility requirements.

Dean and Monica Piccirillo Family Scholarship

Created in 2021, the Dean and Monica Piccirillo Family Scholarship supports one Personal Financial Planning student each year. Dean Piccirillo is a principal, senior financial advisor, and client service team director advising HBKS Wealth Advisors clients in the firm's Fort Myers and Sarasota, Florida offices.

Empowering Women in Financial Services Scholarship

Created in 2018, the Empowering Women in Financial Services Scholarship offers scholarships to full time or part time undergraduate students pursuing a Personal Financial Planning major in the Muma College of Business on the Tampa campus. This scholarship can be awarded for one semester.

Personal Financial Planning Program Scholarship

Created in 2019, the Personal Financial Planning Program Scholarship offers scholarships to full time or part time students at all academic levels in the Personal Financial Planning Program in the Muma College of Business on the Tampa campus. This scholarship can be awarded for one semester.

Keybridge Wealth Management Endowed Scholarship

Created in 2019, the Keybridge Wealth Management Endowed Scholarship was established by the firm's managing partners, who are committed to the mission of education and wanted to support a scholarship that helps improve the talent pool for their profession. The scholarship provides support for full time and part time students in the Muma College of Business at either the undergraduate or graduate level, with a focus on assisting students from the university's Tampa or St. Petersburg campuses who are majoring in Personal Financial Planning, with preference given to those with financial need.

Wasler Wealth Scholarship

Established in 2022, the Wasler Wealth Scholarship supports one student in the Personal Financial Planning Program. Rebecca Walser is the founder and CEO of Walser Wealth Management. Walser Wealth is a national wealth management advisory firm based in Tampa, Florida, serving clients throughout the United States.

One Source Advisory Scholarship

Created in 2015, the One Source Advisory Endowed Scholarship offers scholarships to full time students in the USF Muma College of Business, with preference given to students with entrepreneurial interest, current or former clients of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, or those who have suffered the loss of a parent.

Muma College of Business General Scholarships

With more than 175 scholarships available exclusively for business majors, the Muma College of Business offers awards across a wide range of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, intended major, leadership, and community involvement. Students admitted to the college are automatically considered for all applicable awards through a single AwardSpring application.

Bulls Business Network Scholarship Opportunities

Students enrolled in the Bulls Business Network (BBN) program gain access to exclusive scholarship opportunities and are eligible for more than $100,000 in awards each year. BBN students also benefit from professional development, mentoring, and career‑preparation resources designed to accelerate their path into the financial services industry. For more information, check out the BBN overview page.

Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance Dean’s Advisory Board Leadership Award

The Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance Dean’s Advisory Board offers awards to students in the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance, as selected by a special committee appointed by the dean. This award recognizes students who have demonstrated strong leadership, whether through leadership roles in classes, student organizations, or across the university. For more information, check the award overview page.

Industry Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to Muma College of Business scholarships, Personal Financial Planning students are encouraged to pursue industry‑sponsored scholarships offered by national organizations in the financial planning profession

CFP Board Center for Financial Planning – Scholarship Programs

The CFP Board Center for Financial Planning administers multiple scholarship programs to support individuals completing the education and exam requirements for CFP® certification. Awards are available for CFP® exam fees, undergraduate tuition, certificate programs, and exam review courses.

Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements, application process, and deadlines.  to review all available scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

FPA Awards and Scholarships 

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) offers a wide range of awards and scholarships, including scholarships to attend the annual FPA conference, CFP® exam scholarships, and diversity and inclusion scholarships. Both members and non‑member students are encouraged to apply for these opportunities through the FPA website. for full details on available programs, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.

NAPFA Scholarship and Opportunities

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to both members and non‑members. These include scholarships for NAPFA events, CFP® exam scholarships, and tuition scholarships. to review all available awards, along with eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Schwab Advisor Services RIA Talent Advantage Scholarship

Undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in the independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) industry are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. This opportunity is offered through a partnership between Schwab Advisor Services and the Charles Schwab Foundation. for full details.

XYPN CFP® Exam Scholarship Programs

XY Planning Network (XYPN) awards CFP® Exam Scholarship Programs that fully cover the CFP® Certification Examination fee for ten recipients each exam cycle. The program offers two types of scholarships:

  • XYPN CFP® Exam Scholarship (XYPN Members Only)
  • XYPN Diversity CFP® Exam Scholarship (Open to XYPN Members and Non‑Members)

For more information about this scholarship, .

For questions about program-specific scholarships or to learn more about financial planning resources, contact the Personal Financial Planning Program.