Banking and Financial Services: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for students seeking a career in financial services, this program equips learners with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in client-facing roles across banking, insurance, and savings institutions. It emphasizes operational proficiency, effective client engagement, and technical expertise in financial transaction systems and service delivery.
- Customer Service and Client Relations: Develops interpersonal strategies for building trust, managing client expectations, and delivering exceptional service in high-pressure financial environments.
- Banking Operations and Procedures: Covers core functions such as account management, deposit and withdrawal processing, loan applications, and compliance with internal and regulatory standards.
- Financial Product Knowledge: Provides in-depth understanding of savings and checking accounts, credit products, investment vehicles, and insurance offerings commonly offered by financial institutions.
- Business Technology and Equipment: Trains students in the use of point-of-sale systems, digital banking platforms, and office automation tools essential for efficient daily operations.
- Regulatory and Compliance Fundamentals: Introduces key industry regulations, data privacy standards, and ethical practices governing financial service delivery and client information handling.
- Communication and Professional Conduct: Enhances written and verbal communication skills, conflict resolution techniques, and professional demeanor tailored to the financial services sector.
Banking and Financial Services Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Banking and Financial Services Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Banking and Financial Services degrees, including Credit Counselors, Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks and Loan Interviewers and Clerks. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 755,560 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Counselors 13-2071 | $50,480 | $38,980 - $77,920 | 28,110 | $24.27 |
| Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks 43-4041 | $49,130 | $34,590 - $71,730 | 11,960 | $23.62 |
| Loan Interviewers and Clerks 43-4131 | $48,950 | $36,360 - $65,910 | 173,100 | $23.53 |
| New Accounts Clerks 43-4141 | $46,610 | $36,980 - $60,110 | 38,030 | $22.41 |
| Bill and Account Collectors 43-3011 | $46,040 | $33,960 - $65,830 | 165,020 | $22.14 |
| Tellers 43-3071 | $39,340 | $31,270 - $48,270 | 339,340 | $18.91 |
Banking and Financial Services Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $37,748 in West Virginia to $61,307 in District of Columbia—a 62% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, California, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 755,560 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Banking and Financial Services by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 78 institutions offering Banking and Financial Services programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Banking and Financial Services is found at The University of Texas, Arlington (220 graduates), University of Nebraska (UNO), at Omaha (48 graduates), Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) (42 graduates), Texas Tech University (TTU) (39 graduates), and GateWay Community College (GWCC) (35 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 992 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
|
220 | Arlington, Texas | Public | uta.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNO) |
Bachelor's
|
48 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unomaha.edu |
| Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
42 | Valley Glen, California | Public | lavc.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Other Award
|
39 | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| GateWay Community College (GWCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
35 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | gatewaycc.edu |
| Texas Southern University (TSU) |
Bachelor's
|
31 | Houston, Texas | Public | tsu.edu |
| Rio Salado College |
Other Award
|
30 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | rio.maricopa.edu |
| Sam Houston State University (SHSU) |
Bachelor's
|
27 | Huntsville, Texas | Public | shsu.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
25 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| Buena Vista University (BVU) |
Bachelor's
|
22 | Storm Lake, Iowa | Private | bvu.edu |
| Cameron University |
Other Award
|
22 | Lawton, Oklahoma | Public | cameron.edu |
| Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | McKinney, Texas | Public | collin.edu |
| Dallas College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
21 | Dallas, Texas | Public | dallascollege.edu |
| Florida State College (FSCJ) |
Other Award
|
20 | Jacksonville, Florida | Public | fscj.edu |
| Lake Area Technical College (LATC) |
Associate's
|
19 | Watertown, South Dakota | Public | lakeareatech.edu |
| Arkansas Tech University (ATU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
18 | Russellville, Arkansas | Public | atu.edu |
| Stark State College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| Whatcom Community College (WCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
17 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | whatcom.edu |
| Los Angeles City College (LACC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lacitycollege.edu |
| James A. Rhodes State College |
Residency
|
16 | Lima, Ohio | Public | rhodesstate.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Other Award
|
14 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech) |
Other Award
|
14 | Rice Lake, Wisconsin | Public | northwoodtech.edu |
| Nova College de Puerto Rico |
Other Award
|
14 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | novacollegepr.com |
| Northern State University (NSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13 | Aberdeen, South Dakota | Public | northern.edu |
| Southwestern College (SWC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Chula Vista, California | Public | swccd.edu |
| Houston Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Houston, Texas | Public | hccs.edu |
| Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Warner Robins, Georgia | Public | centralgatech.edu |
| Pasadena City College (PCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Pasadena, California | Public | pasadena.edu |
| Glendale Community College (GCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | Glendale, California | Public | glendale.edu |
| Hinds Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | Raymond, Mississippi | Public | hindscc.edu |
| Laney College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | Oakland, California | Public | laney.edu |
| William Rainey Harper College |
Other Award
|
8 | Palatine, Illinois | Public | harpercollege.edu |
| Phoenix College (PC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | phoenixcollege.edu |
| Wayland Baptist University (WBU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Plainview, Texas | Private | wbu.edu |
| Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Woodland Hills, California | Public | lapc.edu |
| Amarillo College |
Other Award
|
6 | Amarillo, Texas | Public | actx.edu |
| Angelo State University (ASU) |
Other Award
|
6 | San Angelo, Texas | Public | angelo.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Other Award
|
6 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Associate's
|
6 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| Long Beach City College (LBCC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Long Beach, California | Public | lbcc.edu |
| Delgado Community College |
Other Award
|
5 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | dcc.edu |
| Edison State Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | Piqua, Ohio | Public | edisonohio.edu |
| Fullerton College |
Other Award
|
4 | Fullerton, California | Public | fullcoll.edu |
| San Diego Miramar College |
Associate's
|
4 | San Diego, California | Public | sdmiramar.edu |
| Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) |
Other Award
|
4 | Richmond, Kentucky | Public | eku.edu |
| Saint Joseph's College of Maine (SJC) |
Master's
|
4 | Standish, Maine | Private | sjcme.edu |
| St Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Public | sctcc.edu |
| Bergen Community College (BCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Paramus, New Jersey | Public | bergen.edu |
| Northwest State Community College (NSCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Archbold, Ohio | Public | northweststate.edu |
| Westmoreland County Community College |
Associate's
|
4 | Youngwood, Pennsylvania | Public | westmoreland.edu |
| Tennessee Technological University (TTU) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
4 | Cookeville, Tennessee | Public | tntech.edu |
| Mountwest Community and Technical College (MCTC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Huntington, West Virginia | Public | mctc.edu |
| California Intercontinental University (CalUniversity) |
Master's
|
4 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Private | caluniversity.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAF) |
Other Award
|
3 | Fairbanks, Alaska | Public | uaf.edu |
| Santa Ana College (SAC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Santa Ana, California | Public | sac.edu |
| Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Santa Rosa, California | Public | santarosa.edu |
| Black Hawk College (BHC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Moline, Illinois | Public | bhc.edu |
| Bristol Community College |
Associate's
|
3 | Fall River, Massachusetts | Public | bristolcc.edu |
| Bellevue University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Bellevue, Nebraska | Private | bellevue.edu |
| Stephen F Austin State University (SFASU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Nacogdoches, Texas | Public | sfasu.edu |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
3 | Clarkston, Georgia | Public | gptc.edu |
| Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Monroe, Louisiana | Public | ladelta.edu |
| City College of San Francisco (CCSF) |
Other Award
|
2 | San Francisco, California | Public | ccsf.edu |
| Northeast Community College |
Other Award
|
2 | Norfolk, Nebraska | Public | northeast.edu |
| Dickinson State University (DSU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Dickinson, North Dakota | Public | dickinsonstate.edu |
| University of Jamestown (UJ) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Jamestown, North Dakota | Private | uj.edu |
| Southeast Technical College (STC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Public | southeasttech.edu |
| Scottsdale Community College (SCC) |
Residency
|
1 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | scottsdalecc.edu |
| Rio Hondo College (RHC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Whittier, California | Public | riohondo.edu |
| Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Santa Barbara, California | Public | sbcc.edu |
| Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) |
Other Award
|
1 | Fort Myers, Florida | Public | fsw.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago (HWC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| North Hennepin Community College (NHCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Brooklyn Park, Minnesota | Public | nhcc.edu |
| Clark State College |
Associate's
|
1 | Springfield, Ohio | Public | clarkstate.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Roane State Community College |
Associate's
|
1 | Harriman, Tennessee | Public | roanestate.edu |
| Laramie County Community College (LCCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Cheyenne, Wyoming | Public | lccc.wy.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Banking and Financial Services programs
How much can I earn with a Banking and Financial Services degree?
Salaries for Banking and Financial Services graduates vary by role and location. Credit Counselors earn a median of $50,480 annually, while Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks earn around $49,130. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $61,307 compared to $37,748 in West Virginia. Approximately 755,560 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Banking and Financial Services programs?
Currently 78 accredited institutions offer Banking and Financial Services degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include The University of Texas, Arlington (220 graduates), University of Nebraska (UNO), at Omaha (48 graduates), and Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) (42 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Banking and Financial Services growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,805 in 2010 to a peak of 1,135 in 2020, before declining slightly to 992 in 2023-24. This represents a 45% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Banking and Financial Services degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Credit Counselors, Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks, and Loan Interviewers and Clerks. Related occupations employ approximately 755,560 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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