Displaced Financial Professionals to Receive Benefit

BRYN MAWR, PA—October 13, 2008—With workforce reductions underway in the financial services sector, The American College announced today that it will waive new student fees and offer a 20 percent course discount for certain degree and designation programs from now until year end.  Those who have been displaced because of the credit crisis and market downturn who no longer receive tuition reimbursement are eligible.

The College, the nation’s oldest and largest accredited non-profit institution devoted to financial services education, offers the leading programs of study for professionals working in securities, banking, insurance and accounting.   With more than 45,000 registrations annually, The College is best known for the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations.  The American College is also the largest education provider of education leading to the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation.  The CLU®, ChFC®, and CFP® designation programs and the Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) degree are all included in this Career Transition Assistance Program.

“Over our 81 year history, The College has seen many employment peaks and valleys in our economy.  Through all of them, we have provided world-class education to financial professionals,” notes Dr. Larry Barton, President and CEO of The American College.  “Many experienced and credible people are being displaced by brokerage firms, banks and other institutions temporarily.  We know that the time of career transition can be stressful and we want to encourage financial and insurance advisors to use this time wisely by beginning their studies immediately.”

“Earning rigorous credentials increases the value of financial advisors with potential employers and consumers.  This program will help displaced professionals rebuild their skills and become even more competitive in the marketplace,” Barton added.

New student fees are being waived for the CLU®, ChFC®, CFP® and MSFS programs for qualified individuals.  These savings range from $125 for the designation programs to $335 for the master’s degree program.  In addition, tuition has been reduced by 20 percent for any displaced or non-reimbursed professionals registering for courses between now and the end of 2008.  This tuition reduction could result in a potential savings of several thousand dollars.   For more information about this program and how The American College is assisting workers in transition visit TheAmericanCollege.edu/CareerTransition

The American College is dedicated to leadership in innovative training and development that helps financial services companies and their employees succeed. As a non-profit educational institution holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has served as a valued business partner to banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and others for over 80 years. The American College’s faculty represents some of the financial services industry’s foremost thought leaders. For more information, visit TheAmericanCollege.edu 

The marks CLU®, ChFC®, CASL®, CLF®, CAP®, REBC® and RHU® are the property of The American College and may be used by individuals who have successfully completed the initial and ongoing certification requirements for these designations.  Certified Financial Planner Board of Standard Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The American College does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP (with flame logo)® certification marks.  CFP® certification is granted solely by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc to individuals who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met ethics, experience and examination requirements.

Contact:

Eric B. Gordon
Assistant Vice President of Communications
The American College
(610) 526-1450