Credit Counselors

Advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. May provide guidance in determining the best type of loan and explain loan requirements or restrictions. May help develop debt management plans or student financial aid packages. May advise on credit issues, or provide budget, mortgage, bankruptcy, or student financial aid counseling.

$50,480
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+3% projected 2024โ€“2034
Bachelor's degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Credit counselors work directly with individuals and families who are struggling with debt or trying to improve their financial situations. They meet with clients to review income, expenses, and outstanding debts, then help create realistic budgets and debt repayment plans. Much of their day involves one-on-one counseling sessions, either in person, over the phone, or through video calls, where they analyze credit reports, explain loan options, and negotiate with creditors on behalf of clients. They educate people about credit scores, interest rates, and the long-term consequences of different financial decisions.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)University of Pennsylvania, PA
$216,287
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Vanderbilt University, TN
$154,552
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Southern Methodist University, TX
$126,888
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI
$122,802
Finance and Financial Management Services(bachelors)University of Pennsylvania, PA
$122,698
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Xavier University, OH
$119,834
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Northeastern University, MA
$119,202
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Northeastern University Professional Programs, MA
$119,202
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Boston College, MA
$117,278
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)University of Florida, FL
$116,367
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Harvard University, MA
$111,894
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Georgetown University, DC
$110,674
Finance and Financial Management Services(postbacc-cert)North Carolina State University at Raleigh, NC
$107,359
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Tulane University of Louisiana, LA
$107,341
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)University of Miami, FL
$107,285
Finance and Financial Management Services(bachelors)Georgetown University, DC
$106,218
Finance and Financial Management Services(bachelors)Washington University in St Louis, MO
$102,814
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)College of Our Lady of the Elms, MA
$102,476
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Clark University, MA
$102,476
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)University of Massachusetts-Boston, MA
$102,476
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, MA
$102,476
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Brandeis University, MA
$102,476
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Suffolk University, MA
$102,476
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Creighton University, NE
$102,314
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)San Diego State University, CA
$100,697

Related Careers

Other occupations in Business & Financial Operations