Skip to content

Financial Advisors in State College, PA: 2026 rankings

15 financial advisors ranked by RFA ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest RFA Score in State College: Strong Tower Associates, RFA Score 79/100; 5.0★ from 28 Google reviews.

  2. 2

    Most-reviewed: Nestlerode & Loy Investment Advisors, 16 Google reviews at 5.0★, the most of 15 ranked after Strong Tower Associates; ranked #2.

Rankings can't be bought. Financial advisors can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

15 State College financial advisors are ranked here by RFA Score, from eight published factors. 1 open Saturdays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.9★ across 15 rated firms.

Top 10 financial advisors in State College at a glance

Ranked by RFA Score from public data such as Google reviews, not by investment performance; sponsored listings are paid, shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 financial advisors in State College at a glance
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingBased inNotable for
1Strong Tower Associates795.0★ (28)State CollegeTop score
2Nestlerode & Loy Investment Advisors765.0★ (16)State CollegeMost reviews
3Wienken Wealth Management744.9★ (10)State College—
4VK Wealth Advisors745.0★ (8)State College—
5Nittany Brokerage Services Inc724.4★ (7)State College—
6Merrill Lynch Wealth Management724.0★ (8)State College—
7Wells Fargo Advisors724.8★ (5)State College—
8J. Gordon Financial Services715.0★ (4)State College—
9Happy Valley Financial Services715.0★ (4)State College—
10TIAA Financial Services713.4★ (5)State College—

All 15 financial advisors in State College, in rank order

Ordered by RFA Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by RFA Score from public data such as Google reviews, not by investment performance; sponsored listings are paid, shown separately and never change rank.

Scores below: based on 6 of 8 factors; registration and recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.

  1. Ranked #1 in State College

    #1 Strong Tower Associates

    Based in State College

    79/100RFA Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 28 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 28 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–4 PM · Wed closed · Thu–Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    901 University Dr #1, State College, PA 16801
    View profile for Strong Tower Associates(814) 325-9806

  3. #3 Wienken Wealth Management

    Based in State College

    74/100RFA Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.9★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–4:30 PM · Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3949 S Atherton St, State College, PA 16801
    View profile for Wienken Wealth Management(814) 466-6295

  4. #4 VK Wealth Advisors

    Based in State College

    74/100RFA Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    290 W Hamilton Ave, State College, PA 16801
    View profile for VK Wealth Advisors(814) 420-4401

  10. #10 TIAA Financial Services

    Based in State College

    71/100RFA Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    328 Innovation Blvd Suite 301, State College, PA 16803
    View profile for TIAA Financial Services(866) 842-2173

  11. #11 AmeriServ Financial Bank

    Based in State College

    71/100RFA Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed closed · Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1857 N Atherton St, State College, PA 16803
    View profile for AmeriServ Financial Bank(800) 837-2265

  12. #12 Vicus Capital

    Based in State College

    70/100RFA Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    476 Rolling Ridge Dr Ste 315, State College, PA 16801
    View profile for Vicus Capital(855) 558-4287

  15. #15 Financial Abundance

    Based in State College

    70/100RFA Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2134 Sandy Dr #1, State College, PA 16803
    View profile for Financial Abundance(814) 867-5745

Also serving State College

20 more financial advisors within 25 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked financial advisors serving State College
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Abundance Wealth Counselors, LLC5.0★ (1)In State College
Amy Dalton - Morgan StanleyIn State College
Botamer Financial3.0★ (1)In State College
Boyer & Ritter, LLC5.0★ (1)In State College
Childers Tracey JIn State College
Culbertson Financial Services5.0★ (2)In State College
Diversified Asset Planners, Inc5.0★ (2)In State College
Edward Jones4.0★ (1)In State College
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Chad Hunter, CFP®5.0★ (2)In State College
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Jeff Burris5.0★ (1)In State College
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Matt Gaul, CFP®|ChFC®5.0★ (1)In State College
InVested Advisors5.0★ (2)In State College
Investors First CapitalIn State College
Kish Financial Solutions5.0★ (1)In State College
Mariner5.0★ (2)In State College
Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Matthew D Shetler5.0★ (1)In State College
Northwestern Mutual5.0★ (2)In State College
Panko Wealth Management5.0★ (2)In State College
Raymond James Financial Services5.0★ (1)In State College
TLC Group Investment Advisors5.0★ (2)In State College

How we ranked State College financial advisors

We scored 15 State College financial advisors on eight factors, weighted as shown. A firm is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RFA Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn State College data
Reputation30%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it (client experience, not investment results)Measured
Registration20%Active SEC, state or Canadian securities registration matched in public records (not yet measured)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Specialty focus15%How clearly the firm offers this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Ranked Financial Advisors profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The firm links to Ranked Financial Advisors from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a financial advisor

  1. Confirm the financial advisor and the firm are registered: Investor.gov and FINRA BrokerCheck in the US, the CSA National Registration Search in Canada. Read any disclosure events.
  2. Ask whether they act as a fiduciary on your account at all times, and get the answer in writing.
  3. Ask how they are paid: a percentage of assets, flat or hourly fees, a retainer, commissions, or a mix. Each creates different conflicts of interest.
  4. Read the firm’s Form CRS and Form ADV Part 2A brochure (fees, services, conflicts, disciplinary history) before you sign.
  5. Check designations with the body that grants them, such as the CFP Board for CFP® professionals.
  6. Ask about account minimums and who holds your money: your assets should sit with an independent custodian in your name.
  7. Compare at least two or three firms, and be wary of anyone who promises returns or pushes you to decide quickly.

Questions to ask a financial advisor

  • Are you a fiduciary for all of the advice you give me, and will you put that in writing?
  • How are you paid, in total dollars per year for an account like mine? Do you earn commissions or other payments from product providers?
  • Which registrations and designations do you hold, and where can I verify them?
  • Who will hold my assets, and how will I see statements directly from that custodian?
  • What services are included in your fee, and what would cost extra with you as my financial advisor?
  • Do you have a minimum account size or minimum fee?
  • Have you or your firm had any complaints or disciplinary actions? Where would I see them?
  • How often will we meet, and who will I work with day to day?
  • What happens to my plan or accounts if you retire or leave the firm?

Terms explained

Fiduciary
Someone legally required to act in a client’s interest. In the US, registered investment advisers owe their clients a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Registered investment adviser (RIA)
A firm registered with the SEC or a state securities regulator to give investment advice for pay. Most firms managing $100 million or more register with the SEC; smaller firms usually register with their state.
Investment adviser representative (IAR)
A person who gives advice on behalf of a registered investment adviser, usually registered with the states where they work.
Broker-dealer
A firm that buys and sells securities for customers. US broker-dealers are members of FINRA; their registered representatives typically earn commissions.
Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)
The SEC rule, in force since June 30, 2020, requiring broker-dealers to act in a retail customer’s best interest when recommending a security or account type.
Form ADV
The registration form every investment adviser files. Part 1 holds facts about the firm; Part 2A, the brochure, describes services, fees, conflicts of interest and disciplinary history in plain English.
Form CRS
A short relationship summary that advisers and broker-dealers give retail investors, covering services, fees, conflicts, standard of conduct and disciplinary history.
CRD number
The Central Registration Depository number FINRA and the SEC assign to each firm and registered person; use it to look them up on Investor.gov or BrokerCheck.
Assets under management (AUM) fee
A yearly fee set as a percentage of the money an advisor manages for you. Advisor surveys have put the median around 1% on accounts up to $1 million, lower on larger accounts.
Fee-only
An advisor paid only by clients, with no commissions or other payments from product providers.
Fee-based
An advisor who charges client fees and may also earn commissions on some products. It is not the same as fee-only.
CFP® professional
A person certified by the CFP Board after meeting education, exam, experience and ethics requirements. The CFP Board requires them to act as a fiduciary when giving financial advice.

Financial advisors in State College: frequently asked questions

Which financial advisor has the highest RFA Score in State College?

By RFA Score, the highest-ranked financial advisor in State College, PA is Strong Tower Associates with an RFA Score of 79/100. It has 5.0★ from 28 Google reviews. Nestlerode & Loy Investment Advisors (#2) and Wienken Wealth Management (#3) follow. We ranked 15 financial advisors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many financial advisors are there in State College?

RankedFinancialAdvisors ranks 15 financial advisors serving State College, PA. 15 of them are based in State College; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 25 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which financial advisors in State College work on weekends?

1 of 15 ranked financial advisors post Saturday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays is AmeriServ Financial Bank (#11). Many advisors meet by appointment, including evenings or by video, outside their posted office hours.

What Google rating do State College financial advisors have?

The median Google rating among 15 rated financial advisors in State College is 4.9★, with a median of 5 reviews. Strong Tower Associates has the most, 28 reviews, and ranks #1. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedFinancialAdvisors rank financial advisors?

Each financial advisor gets a 0–100 RFA Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (30%), specialty focus (15%), review volume (10%) and claimed profile (10%). A firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only firms with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do financial advisors outside State College count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the State College city center, our service radius for financial advisors. Each listing shows where the firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the RFA Score, so a nearby firm gets a small edge.

Can financial advisors pay to rank higher on RankedFinancialAdvisors?

No. The RFA Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured firms may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

What does a financial advisor do?

Financial advisors help clients plan and manage their money, from budgeting and saving to investing, retirement and estate questions. In the US they work as registered investment adviser representatives, as broker-dealer representatives, or both.

How are financial advisors in State College ranked?

By RFA Score: public signals such as the Google rating and review count, how clearly the firm offers financial advice and how close it is. Paid placements never change the order, and the score does not measure investment performance.

How do I check a financial advisor’s registration and record?

Search the person and the firm on Investor.gov (the SEC’s adviser search) and on FINRA BrokerCheck. A firm’s Form ADV and any disciplinary history are public there.

Is every financial advisor in State College a fiduciary?

Not necessarily. Investment adviser representatives owe a fiduciary duty on advisory accounts; broker-dealer representatives follow Regulation Best Interest when they recommend a security. Ask which applies to your account and read the firm’s Form CRS.

How much do financial advisors charge?

Fees depend on the firm and the service: a percentage of assets managed each year, a flat or hourly planning fee, a retainer, or commissions. Ask for the fee schedule in writing and read the firm’s Form ADV Part 2A brochure or, in Canada, its relationship disclosure.

Update log for State College

  1. November 2026: RFA Scores recalculated for 15 financial advisors serving State College.

More financial advisors and State College pages