Finance Degree

The finance program at Illinois State University prepares students for careers as a credit analyst, finance officer, financial advisor, financial analyst, financial planner, loan officer, or investment banker. The program focuses on planning, managing, and analyzing financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations. Program courses include: principles of accounting, financial instruments, capital planning, funds acquisition, asset and debt management, budgeting, financial analysis, and investments and portfolio management. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer finance degrees.

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Illinois State University (IIT)

10 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL

Illinois State University (ISU) is comprehensive public university located in the twin-city community of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. It is in central Illinois, roughly 135 miles southwest of Chicago, and 165 miles northeast of St. Louis.

One of 12 public universities in Illinois, the academic departments of Illinois State University offer more than 160 majors and minors at the undergraduate level, and more than 40 master's, doctoral and specialist programs. The faculty members are recognized as scholars and experts in their fields and have been recognized at national and international levels.

The university's Milner Library contains more than three million holdings and special collections. Illinois State University's College of Applied Science and Technology is home to the oldest collegiate circus in the United States - the Gamma Phi Circus.

History

The University was founded in 1857 as Illinois State Normal University, the first public institution of higher education in the state. It was established as a teacher education institution, but over the years developed into a comprehensive university with degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Academics

The academic calendar for Illinois State University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. There is also a May Interim session, which is shorter than the traditional semester.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Applied Science and Technology
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business, Education
• College of Fine Arts
• Mennonite College of Nursing
• The Graduate School 

Student Life

Students at Illinois State University are encouraged to become involved in campus experiences beyond the classroom. There are more than 300 student organizations available on campus, as well as student activities such as cheering on the Redbirds athletics teams, choosing to take an "Alternative Spring Break," or getting involved in student government.

Student resources include intramural athletics and campus recreation, student center events, career events, civic engagement projects, College of Fine Arts events, wellness programs, and more.  Recent student events on the Illinois State University campus have included a resume critique walk-in, a shopping trip to the Woodfield Mall and IKEA, Music for the Holidays and A Night of One Acts.

Traditions

The traditional colors for Illinois State University are red, white and gold.  The nickname for the school's athletic teams was originally the "Teachers," but in 1923 was changed to the "Redbirds" to complement the school colors. The school wanted to name their teams the "Cardinals," but wanted to avoid confusion with the St. Louis Cardinals professional baseball team.

There is a tradition at home games for student-athletes to touch the "Battle Bird," a sculpture of the "Redbird."

Athletics

The Illinois State "Redbirds" athletic teams compete in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Tennis
• Track & Field 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball

Community Life

Illinois State University is very active in hosting and co-sponsoring civic and political events on and off campus.  The Campus Communications Liaison is available to assist students and faculty with increasing opportunities for becoming engaged with the community.

Community Engaged Campus (CEC) is a relatively new initiative at Illinois State University to advance civic engagement as a core value on campus. In an effort to impact student education through a curriculum-based service learning and civic engagement program, the CEC program seeks to (1) facilitate an excellent working partnership between ISU's campus and the community and (2) ensure that Illinois State University students understand and are committed to engaging in meaningful actions as citizens in a democracy. The program works toward its goals by encouraging and supporting curricular activities that engage students in projects addressing human and community needs. The program is designed to help ISU faculty identify community agencies and organizations that have projects suitable for student involvement.

Students Enrolled in the Finance Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Illinois State University offers a bachelor's degree program in finance.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Chief Sustainability Officers

Description

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

General and Operations Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services.

Treasurers and Controllers

Description

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, treasurers and controllers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.8% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 22
  • Average Hourly Rate: $63.54
  • Average Annual Salary: $132170
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 590
  • Average Hourly Rate: $43.72
  • Average Annual Salary: $90930
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Average Hourly Rate: $65.23
  • Average Annual Salary: $135670

Budget Analysts

Description

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, budget analysts employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.5% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 890
  • Average Hourly Rate: $36.78
  • Average Annual Salary: $76510
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 90
  • Average Hourly Rate: $33.20
  • Average Annual Salary: $69060

Credit Analysts

Description

Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decision making.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, credit analysts employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.1% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $35.91
  • Average Annual Salary: $74690
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 40
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.44
  • Average Annual Salary: $48750
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 240
  • Average Hourly Rate: $29.23
  • Average Annual Salary: $60810

Financial Analysts

Description

Conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, financial analysts employment is expected to grow at a rate of 11.7% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 10
  • Average Hourly Rate: $45.60
  • Average Annual Salary: $94840
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 150
  • Average Hourly Rate: $35.91
  • Average Annual Salary: $74690
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1

Personal Financial Advisors

Description

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, personal financial advisors employment is expected to grow at a rate of 29.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 10
  • Average Hourly Rate: $53.09
  • Average Annual Salary: $110420
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 240
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 600
  • Average Hourly Rate: $63.47
  • Average Annual Salary: $132020

Loan Officers

Description

Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, and loan underwriters.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, loan officers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 8.1% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 9
  • Average Hourly Rate: $39.79
  • Average Annual Salary: $82770
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 340
  • Average Hourly Rate: $30.99
  • Average Annual Salary: $64470
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 790
  • Average Hourly Rate: $32.41
  • Average Annual Salary: $67410

Financial Quantitative Analysts

Description

Develop quantitative financial products used to inform individuals or financial institutions engaged in saving, lending, investing, borrowing, or managing risk. Investigate methods for financial analysis to create mathematical models used to develop improved analytical tools or advanced financial investment instruments.

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).