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Consumer Financial Services
The Consumer Financial Services program at Lake Area Tech prepares you to work directly with individuals making important financial decisions. From lending and insurance to advising and planning, this is work that affects real lives in real ways.
You’ll study personal finance, banking, lending, insurance, and wealth management, along with core business and economics coursework. The program builds both technical knowledge and the ability to communicate clearly with clients.
A required part-time or summer internship gives you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a professional setting and gain experience working with customers and financial institutions.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Articulation AGREEMENTS:
E-Degree Option
Lake Area Tech offers hybrid E-degree programs for students who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. These programs combine online coursework with required on-campus experiences, giving you the ability to learn on your schedule while still completing hands-on training when it matters.
Is online learning right for you? Learn what it means to be a hybrid learner, how it works and what you can expect.
Consumer Financial Services Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Consumer Financial Services degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Consumer Financial Services sector.
Personal Banker
Graduates of the Consumer Financial Services program can pursue careers as Personal Bankers, helping individuals manage their financial lives and achieve their goals. In this role, you'll assist customers with accounts, loans, savings strategies, and financial products while building trusted relationships. It's an excellent career path for individuals who enjoy working directly with people and helping others make informed financial decisions.
Where you might work:
• Community banks
• Regional and national banks
• Credit unions
• Retail banking centers
• Financial service organizations
Relationship Banker
As a Relationship Banker, you'll serve as a trusted financial resource for customers by understanding their needs and recommending solutions that support their goals. Graduates can expect to build long-term client relationships while assisting with banking services, lending products, and financial planning conversations. This role combines customer service, communication, and financial expertise.
Where you might work:
• Community banks
• Credit unions
• Retail banking institutions
• Wealth management firms
• Financial service companies
Branch Operations Specialist
Branch Operations Specialists help ensure the smooth and efficient operation of financial institutions. In this role, you'll support daily banking activities, maintain compliance procedures, assist with operational processes, and help deliver a positive customer experience. This career is ideal for graduates who are organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy working behind the scenes to support business success.
Where you might work:
• Banks
• Credit unions
• Financial service centers
• Lending institutions
• Corporate banking operations
Consumer Loan Officer
As a Consumer Loan Officer, you'll help individuals and families secure financing for important life purchases and financial needs. Graduates can expect to evaluate applications, explain loan options, analyze financial information, and guide customers through the lending process. This career offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building strong client relationships.
Where you might work:
• Banks
• Credit unions
• Consumer finance companies
• Mortgage and lending institutions
• Financial service organizations
Insurance Agent
Insurance Agents help individuals and families protect their financial well-being through insurance and risk management solutions. In this role, you'll assess client needs, explain coverage options, recommend policies, and provide ongoing support. This career is a great fit for graduates who enjoy building relationships, solving problems, and helping clients plan for the future.
Where you might work:
• Insurance agencies
• National insurance providers
• Employee benefits firms
• Financial planning organizations
• Risk management companies
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
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Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,983 |
| State Fees | $3,353 |
| Departmental Fee | $2,826 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,310 |
| Books | $1,350 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $21,012 |
We know that college is a significant investment in your future. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate. You can find these estimates and a semester breakdown in the PDF cost breakdown worksheet.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
| Tuition | $9,983 |
| State Fees | $3,353 |
| Departmental Fee | $3,765 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,310 |
| Books | $1,350 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $21,951 |
We know that college is a significant investment in your future. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate. You can find these estimates and a semester breakdown in the PDF cost breakdown worksheet.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Consumer Financial Services FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What careers does the Consumer Financial Services option open up?
Graduates of the Lake Area Technical College Financial Services – Consumer Financial Services option are prepared for a wide range of careers in personal and commercial finance, banking, lending, insurance, investments, and real estate. Graduates use their financial knowledge, analytical skills, and communication abilities to help individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions.
Common career paths include bank teller, personal banker, loan officer, credit analyst, insurance agent, financial service representative, and mortgage or loan processor. Some graduates pursue investment and advisory roles such as financial advisor, investment assistant, or client service associate, helping clients plan for long-term goals.
Others work in real estate–related positions including real estate sales agent, property manager, leasing consultant, or escrow assistant, while many succeed in customer-focused leadership roles such as member services representative, client relations specialist, or branch manager. The program’s broad curriculum prepares graduates for success across the financial services industry.
What financial and customer service skills will I learn in this program?
Students in the Consumer Financial Services option develop a strong blend of financial knowledge and professional customer service skills, including:
- Professional communication with clients, coworkers, and the public
- Problem solving and decision-making in financial situations
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Financial record management and documentation
- Reporting and information presentation
- Analytical thinking for financial decisions
- Attention to detail, accuracy, and compliance
- Time management and professional accountability
Together, these skills prepare graduates to confidently serve clients in banking, lending, insurance, investments, and real estate environments.
Does the Consumer Financial Services option prepare students for jobs in retail or consumer banking?
Yes. The Consumer Financial Services option is specifically designed to prepare students for retail and consumer banking roles, including bank teller, personal banker, financial service representative, and loan officer.
Students also gain training for behind-the-scenes roles such as deposit operations, loan operations, and electronic banking support, ensuring they are prepared for both customer-facing and operational positions in modern financial institutions.
What types of financial products and services will I learn to work with?
Students learn to work with a wide range of financial products and services commonly offered by banks and financial institutions, including:
- Deposit products (checking, savings, money market accounts, certificates of deposit)
- Payment services (debit cards, electronic transfers, mobile and online banking, bill pay, person-to-person payments)
- Consumer credit (credit cards, auto loans, personal loans, student loans, lines of credit)
- Real estate–secured credit (mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit)
- Insurance products (auto, homeowners, renters, life, health, mortgage insurance)
- Investment and savings products (mutual funds, retirement accounts, basic brokerage services)
- Goal-based savings tools for education and retirement
- Financial aspects of real estate transactions (financing, closing costs, escrow, property-related fees)
- Ongoing real estate services such as tax and insurance escrow management
This comprehensive exposure prepares students to support clients across all stages of financial decision-making.
Is this program a good fit for students interested in helping people manage personal finances?
Yes. This option is an excellent fit for students who want to help individuals manage money, plan for the future, and make informed financial decisions.
Coursework in personal finance, banking, lending, insurance, and wealth management gives students the knowledge needed to explain options clearly and support clients’ goals. A required, credited internship provides hands-on experience working with real clients in financial services settings, helping students develop strong communication and client-service skills.
What hands-on experiences or real-world training does the Consumer Financial Services program include?
Each student completes 180 or 360 internship hours in a professional financial services setting. Internship placements are tailored to student interests and may include banking, lending, insurance, accounting, payroll, tax, or related fields.
Students already employed in financial services may have their current job approved for internship credit, allowing them to build on existing experience while meeting program requirements. This flexible approach ensures every student graduates with meaningful, real-world experience valued by employers.
Do I need previous banking or finance experience to enroll in this specialty?
No prior experience is required. The Consumer Financial Services option is designed for students who are new to banking or finance, as well as for those already working in the field who want to earn a degree or advance professionally.
The program focuses on practical skills, applied learning, and step-by-step instruction, making it accessible to beginners while still valuable for experienced professionals.
How long does it take to complete the Consumer Financial Services option?
The associate degree can be completed in as little as 20 months when taken full time. Courses are offered on campus and online, allowing students to choose full-time, part-time, or hybrid schedules that fit their lifestyle and responsibilities.
What advising or career placement support is available for Consumer Financial Services students?
Consumer Financial Services students receive personalized advising and ongoing career support from acceptance through graduation and beyond. Instructors serve as faculty advisors, providing consistent guidance and individualized support.
Students have access to free tutoring, academic support services, and internship placement assistance. After graduation, faculty continue to share job leads, professional opportunities, and career guidance. The program also maintains articulation agreements with colleges and universities, making it easy for graduates to continue toward a bachelor’s degree.
