Accounting is a cornerstone of modern business, serving as the financial compass that guides organizations toward success. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for accountants is poised to increase 6 percent by 2028. As businesses expand and regulations evolve, skilled accountants remain indispensable. What do students majoring in accounting usually learn in college? And what are the best undergraduate accounting programs in the U.S.? The questions will be answered in the following article.
What are the best colleges for accounting majors in the U.S.?
1. The University of Texas at Austin
Accounting Program: McCombs School of Business
For two decades, the University of Texas at Austin has held the coveted title of the No. 1 accounting program in the nation. Whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, aspiring accountants find unparalleled expertise here.
Related accounting programs
Integrated MPA:
The iMPA program caters to current undergraduates within the McCombs community. Notably, iMPA students seamlessly earn both a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in professional accounting within a concise five-year timeframe.
Traditional MPA:
Traditional Master in Professional Accounting (tMPA) is a one-year course open to students with a bachelor’s degree in any subject. In nine months, students can earn an MPA degree from the top accounting courses!
2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Accounting Program: Gies College of Business
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign:
At Gies Business, the accounting major equips students with the essential skills to analyze and solve complex financial challenges. Here, you’ll delve into the intricacies of financial documents, honing your ability to prepare and evaluate them. Moreover, you’ll learn how to provide clients with strategic solutions that drive efficient, effective, and ethical business practices.
After earning your bachelor’s degree in accounting, you can elevate your expertise by enrolling in the Master of Accounting Science program at Gies. Here, you’ll delve deeper into advanced accounting concepts. Notably, the MAS graduates at Gies achieved an impressive 80% pass rate on their first attempt at the CPA exam.
3. Brigham Young University-Provo
Accounting Program: Marriott School of Business
Innovative Course: After admission, students at Brigham Young University-Provo will take the famous primary course for beginners – an intensive experience of nine courses divided into two semesters.
High employment rate: In 2023, 99% of job seekers majoring in accounting got a job within three months of graduation with an average starting salary of about $71,250.
At Marriott School of Business, countless recruiters, representing some of the world’s most prestigious companies, converge annually to pick exceptional students, such as Deloitte, Disney, EY, Goldman Sachs, Walmart, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and many others.
4. Indiana University-Bloomington
Accounting Program: Kelley School of Business
At the Kelley School of Business in Indiana University-Bloomington, a prestigious institution known for its excellence, students can choose from 20 diverse majors. Among these, accounting stands out as a vital field.
Accounting graduates who fulfill the prerequisites set by the State Board of Public Accountancy of Indiana become eligible to take the Indiana Uniform Certified Public Accountant Exam—a significant milestone in their professional journey.
For those pursuing advanced studies, the Master of Science (MS) in Accounting with Data and Analytics offers an exciting opportunity. This two-term STEM-designated program equips students with the skills needed to thrive in accounting.
5. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Accounting Program: Ross School of Business
Ross School of Business at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor provides students with multiple choices, including Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Accounting, and PhD in Accounting.
Moreover, it offers students a core accounting curriculum with MBA-level electives. This strategic approach empowers them to cultivate interdisciplinary business skills and forge connections with fellow students across diverse graduate programs.
6. University of Pennsylvania
Accounting Program: The Wharton School
Undergraduate Program: The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive four-year undergraduate program that covers essential disciplines such as mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, humanities, and behavioral and natural sciences. What’s more, all Wharton School undergraduates are required to complete Accounting 101 and 102.
MBA Program: Within the Wharton School, the accounting major places a strong emphasis on understanding and utilizing accounting data. The department’s flexible curriculum allows interested students to pursue mandatory courses for obtaining CPA or CMA certification.
PhD Program: The Ph.D. program in accounting is designed to mold successful academic researchers. To achieve this goal, the program provides students with opportunities to develop their research ideas and master appropriate research methods.
7. Ohio State University-Main Campus
Accounting Program: Fisher College of Business
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: It offers a comprehensive four-year undergraduate program with 12 majors to choose from. Undergraduate students with an average GPA of 3.5 or higher in accounting have the unique opportunity to combine their graduate MAcc (Master of Accounting) degrees with their undergraduate studies, earning both simultaneously.
Master of Accounting (MAcc): The MAcc program at Ohio State University is one of the first STEM-designated accounting courses. Unlike traditional master’s programs, Fisher College of Business provides a well-rounded program by integrating advanced business electives into the curriculum, allowing students to deepen their understanding of accounting.
The Accounting & Management Information Systems Ph.D. program in the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State is one of the top accounting Ph.D. programs in the country. The course consists of two directions: accounting and MIS, which usually take four to five years to complete, depending on the preparation of the student.
8. University of Southern California
Accounting Program: Leventhal School of Accounting
BS Accounting (ACCT): There is a chance that you can obtain a bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in 5 years, by utilizing the simplified pre-admission courses.
Master of Accounting (MAcc): As of fall 2020, Leventhal’s MAcc program has received STEM certification. It aims to equip students with the necessary skills to address growing business challenges using quantitative and scientific methods.
PhD Accounting Program: It includes studies that focus on multiple accounting disciplines, including finance, management, auditing, and corporate governance accounting.
9. New York University
Accounting Program: Stern School of Business
BS/MS Accounting programs at New York University offer students a unique opportunity to earn two degrees in a short period. The Bachelor’s degree is typically completed within four years or less at Stern School of Business. After graduation, students seamlessly transition to the MS Accounting program, where they pursue a master’s degree through an accelerated summer program. By following this path, students accumulate the 150 credits required to become a certified public accountant in New York and many other states.
Other good colleges for accounting
Other universities with prominent accounting majors include the University of Chicago; the University of California, Berkeley; Cornell University; Wake Forest University; Stanford University; the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Southern Methodist University; the University of Wisconsin–Madison; the University of Virginia, etc.
The demand for accountants remains robust, and specializing in specific areas within accounting enhances the potential for higher incomes. If you are applying for the best undergraduate accounting programs in the United States, please click on our official website for more information.
FAQ on best colleges for accounting and finance in the U.S.
Do these colleges offer online courses in accounting and finance?
Yes, many of these prestigious institutions offer online courses or even complete degrees in accounting and finance. These online programs are designed to provide flexibility for working professionals and include the same rigorous curriculum and instruction by the same esteemed faculty as their on-campus counterparts.
What kind of career can I expect with a degree from a top accounting or finance college in the U.S.?
Graduates from top accounting and finance colleges often pursue careers in various sectors, including banking, financial analysis, investment management, consulting, corporate finance, and public accounting. Many alumni have gone on to hold executive positions, such as Chief Financial Officers, Finance Directors, Financial Analysts, and Investment Bankers, among others.
Are there scholarships available for accounting and finance students?
Yes, many colleges and universities provide scholarships specifically for accounting and finance students based on merit, financial need, diversity, leadership qualities, or a combination of these factors. Additionally, numerous external organizations offer scholarships to students pursuing degrees in these fields.
How do I choose the right college for accounting or finance?
When choosing the right college for accounting or finance, consider factors such as the program’s curriculum, the faculty’s expertise, internship opportunities, and the college’s network in the industry. Additionally, review the college’s accreditation and rankings, as well as the career services they offer for job placement post-graduation.
