Debt Collector Education Requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, debt collectors don't need a college education. The most common degree for debt collectors is high school diploma with 34% graduates, with only 26% debt collector graduates earning bachelor's degree. Debt collectors who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or SUNY Buffalo State. Some good skills to have in this position include customer service, outbound calls and payment arrangements.

Popular debt collector certifications include Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA). To improve debt collector qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in debt collector education paths.

What education do you need to become a debt collector?

What degree do you need to be a debt collector?

The most common degree for debt collectors is high school diploma, with 34% of debt collectors earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are bachelor's degree degree at 26% and bachelor's degree degree at 22%.
  • High School Diploma, 34%
  • Bachelor's, 26%
  • Associate, 22%
  • Diploma, 9%
  • Other Degrees, 9%

What should I major in to become a debt collector?

You should major in business to become a debt collector. 30% of debt collectors major in business. Other common majors for a debt collector include accounting and criminal justice.

Best majors for debt collectors

20 best online courses for debt collectors

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1. Financial Accounting-Adjusting Entries & Financial Statement

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4. Accounting basics, create financial statements easily

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Discover, develop, practice your financial information and explore the world of accounting...

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6. Principles of Financial Accounting

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Learn the complete accounting cycle -recording business transactions to presenting the Balance Sheet & Income Statement...

7. Accounting, Bookkeeping & Financial Analysis (Accounting)

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Accounting & Bookkeeping Basics. Accounting & Financial Analysis Concepts. Learn Accounting & Bookkeeping...

8. Financial Accounting: The Complete Introductory Crash Course

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Learn the Basics of Financial Accounting: Financial Statements, Debits and Credits, The Accounting Cycle and More!...

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Acquisitions, Consolidations, and Reporting. Master complex concepts and applications...

10. Introductory Financial Accounting

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Learn the basics of Accounting including: the accounting cycle, inventory, depreciation, receivables, and more!...

Average debt collector salary by education level

According to our data, debt collectors with a Bachelor's degree earn the highest average salary, at $36,467 annually. Debt collectors with a Associate degree earn an average annual salary of $34,288.
Debt Collector education level
ascdesc
Debt Collector salary
ascdesc
High School Diploma or Less$34,273
Bachelor's Degree$36,467
Some College/ Associate Degree$34,288

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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