Credit analysts review financial information to decide if a person or business should be approved for a loan. They read financial statements like income statements and balance sheets to understand how much money a company makes and owes. They calculate ratios such as debt service coverage and profitability using spreadsheets. They write summaries that explain the risk of lending money and recommend approval or denial. They review loan files to make sure all required documents are included and accurate. They also communicate with loan officers to ask questions or clarify missing information.
Most credit analysts earn a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business. During college, students practice analyzing financial statements, building Excel models, and calculating ratios like cash flow and leverage. Internships involve reviewing loan files, entering financial data into systems, and assisting with credit analysis. Entry-level jobs require analyzing financial statements, preparing credit reports, and using software systems to track loan information. Some roles require 1–3 years of experience in banking or lending before advancing.
| School | Location | Distance from ZIP Code 61615 |
|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois | ~140 miles |
| University of California - Berkeley | Berkeley, California | ~2100 miles |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | ~1000 miles |
| Stanford University | Stanford, California | ~2100 miles |
| New York University | New York, New York | ~800 miles |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | ~800 miles |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, Massachusetts | ~1000 miles |
| Columbia University | New York, New York | ~800 miles |
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, Michigan | ~330 miles |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, New York | ~750 miles |
| Princeton University | Princeton, New Jersey | ~800 miles |
| Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut | ~900 miles |
| Duke University | Durham, North Carolina | ~700 miles |
| University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign | Champaign, Illinois | ~90 miles |
| University of California - Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California | ~2000 miles |
| University of Washington - Seattle | Seattle, Washington | ~2000 miles |
| University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | Minneapolis, Minnesota | ~400 miles |
| Ohio State University | Columbus, Ohio | ~350 miles |
| University of Maryland - College Park | College Park, Maryland | ~700 miles |
| University of Texas at Austin | Austin, Texas | ~1000 miles |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California | ~2000 miles |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | ~500 miles |
| Pennsylvania State University | University Park, Pennsylvania | ~700 miles |
| University of Wisconsin - Madison | Madison, Wisconsin | ~250 miles |
| Northwestern University | Evanston, Illinois | ~150 miles |
Analyzes financial statements, calculates ratios like debt service coverage, evaluates risk, and prepares credit approval memos. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Supports loan portfolios by tracking collateral, monitoring insurance, maintaining documentation, and preparing reports. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Employers look for candidates who can analyze financial statements and calculate ratios like cash flow, profitability, and leverage. Strong applicants can build Excel models that evaluate loan risk and repayment ability. Hiring managers expect candidates to review loan files for completeness and communicate with lending teams about missing information. Candidates stand out when they can write clear credit memos explaining strengths and weaknesses of borrowers. Employers also value candidates who understand collateral, industry risk, and loan portfolio monitoring.