Final answer:
Financial counseling usually requires at least a bachelor's degree, although some entry-level positions might be accessible with an associate degree. For higher-level positions, particularly in academic settings, a master's or doctoral degree might be necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Financial Counseling Degree Requirements:
Financial counseling typically requires a bachelor's degree. While some financial counseling positions might be available to those with an associate degree, a bachelor's degree affords a better opportunity for career advancement and higher earnings potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a significant portion of the U.S. population attains higher education beyond high school.
In 2019, 36% of the population over 25 had a bachelor's or higher degree. This statistic serves as an indicator that aiming for at least a bachelor's degree could align with improving one's material well-being, especially considering the greater opportunities to consume goods and services that come with higher education.