Best Accounting Schools in the U.S. in 2024

Accounting often gets a bad reputation as the mindless job of tracking numbers. It may conjure to mind a middle-aged man slumping over his computer, numbly tapping at the keys, or perhaps infinitely scrolling spreadsheets of numbers upon numbers upon numbers.

However, accounting is one of the business world's most underappreciated jobs. It is what keeps millions of corporations running worldwide and also what ensures you and your family get paid fairly. So, if you're reading this article on the best accounting schools, I commend you for your interest in this undervalued skill of keeping our numbers straight!

In this article, I've done the heavy lifting for you by scouring university ranking sites and individual college websites so you can enjoy a carefree journey through the best accounting schools. I'll keep it snappy and concise with an overview of features unique to each accounting program and a description of campus culture.

By the end of this article, you'll have an overview of the eighteen best accounting schools and the academic and student life opportunities available in all of them!

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What Is Accounting?

Before we dive into our list of the best accounting schools, we need to define what accounting is. Many schools offer programs in the field of business or finance that might cover accounting but not to the depth that an aspiring accountant may strive for.

Merriam-Webster defines accounting as "the system of recording and summarizing business and financial transactions and analyzing, verifying, and reporting the results." In simpler terms, accounting involves keeping track of the numbers in finances. If you're involved in buying or selling, you're engaging in some form of accounting by tracking these financial exchanges.

Of course, there are many different types of accounting, and while I won't get into the nuances of it all, you'd be surprised by the fields in which accounting is invaluable. From managerial accounting to forensic accounting to cost accounting, the career opportunities for accounting program graduates are unparalleled.

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Accounting vs Business Administration

Accounting and business administration are distinct fields within business studies. Accounting focuses on accuracy and compliance in financial reporting. It provides essential data for financial decision-making, and many accounting degrees often incorporate decision-making or risk-management terminology into their program names. The math involved in an accounting program also makes it a bachelor of science as opposed to a bachelor of arts.

Business administration, however, encompasses a broader scope, including management, marketing, operations, and strategic planning. Business administrators oversee organizational activities, develop strategies, and manage resources to achieve business objectives. Most business administration degrees are bachelor's of arts.

While accounting ensures financial integrity, business administration optimizes overall business performance, making both fields complementary and crucial to an organization's success.

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Schools With the Best Accounting Programs

The following ten liberal arts universities all excel in preparing their graduates to land lucrative careers with the highest-paying corporate firms following graduation. As renowned business schools, all of them will set you well on your way to obtaining Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure through the CPA exam so that you can start changing the world, one financial record at a time.

Methodology

For many aspiring accountants, the CPA exam is a crucial part of their careers. Thus, a major factor in the ranking of the following schools is the CPA pass rate of their graduates. In addition to this rate, I have also looked at job placement rates and starting salaries to further evaluate the quality of graduates from each school.

To generate a more well-rounded view of each accounting program within the context of its environment, I have further evaluated the cost and campus life opportunities at each school. US News & World Report, Prep Scholar, and The Big 4 Accounting Firms have been consulted.

1. University of Texas - Austin, TX

The University of Texas at Austin, renowned for its McCombs School of Business, has the best accounting program in the US, according to the US News & World Report. Whether you're pursuing undergraduate degrees or graduate programs, the McCombs accounting program offers rigorous coursework and exceptional faculty, preparing students for successful careers in accounting.

The McCombs School also offers a plethora of student organizations, such as the Undergraduate Business Council and the Accounting Society, which provide opportunities for leadership, professional development, and social engagement. This combination of a rigorous accounting core and professional support makes UT Austin a premier choice for aspiring accountants.

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2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Champaign, IL

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Gies College of Business is celebrated for its top-tier in-person and online accounting programs. They feature a cutting-edge curriculum infused with data analytics and practical experience, as emphasized by the fact that 100% of undergraduate students participate in experiential learning.

This College of Business offers various experiential learning opportunities, such as internships in financial accounting or partnerships with business law firms. Outside of academics, local arts festivals and a student-centered Campustown ensure students here enjoy a healthy school-life balance.

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3. Brigham Young University - Provo, UT

The first private school on our list, Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Business in Utah, is renowned for its exceptional accounting program and is consistently ranked among the top in the nation. The program features a rigorous core curriculum, including the intensive Accounting Junior Core, which equips students with strong technical and ethical foundations. A job placement rate of 96% in 2023 further highlights the employability of this top accounting program.

The campus culture at BYU, heavily influenced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is known for its emphasis on integrity, community, and leadership. The university's vibrant, faith-based environment fosters a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for any student.

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4. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

The University of Michigan's Ross School of Business in Ann Arbor offers a prestigious accounting program. Its comprehensive graduate program curriculum integrates MBA electives to prepare students for professional accounting. Furthermore, the opportunity to concentrate on Accounting Analytics enables Ross students to hone their skills in data analytics.

The Ross School of Business also provides numerous experiential learning opportunities, such as the innovative Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP). Students have also undertaken critical professional growth at the EY Accounting and Public Policy Symposium in Washington, D.C., citing networking success to kickstart their accounting careers early on.

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5. University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, PA

The University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School is one of the US' best business schools and has produced the most billionaires, as ranked by Forbes. Within its renowned business school lies an accounting program that integrates foundational accounting principles with advanced financial analysis to a quality that few can compete with. Wharton's emphasis on experiential learning includes opportunities such as internships, global immersion programs, and the Wharton Industry Exploration Program.

The campus culture at Wharton is vibrant and entrepreneurial, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. Numerous student organizations, such as the Accounting Society and Wharton Women, provide platforms for professional development and community engagement.

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6. Indiana University - Bloomington, ID

Indiana University Bloomington's Kelley School of Business offers a highly regarded accounting program known for its strong foundation in accounting concepts and practical experience. The program stresses a flexible and up-to-date curriculum to keep in stride with the latest trends, tools, and technologies. Accounting graduates from Kelley will thus be highly employable, as proven by their 100% rate for job offers within 90 days of graduation.

Kelley also offers unique opportunities such as the Business Honors Program, study abroad programs, and professional development. The campus culture at IU Bloomington is vibrant and inclusive, with numerous student organizations like the National Association of Black Accountants and professional organizations like the American Accounting Association promoting networking and community engagement.

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7. Ohio State University - Columbus, OH

Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business offers a distinguished accounting department that is fully accredited at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students engage in hands-on learning through internships and the FisherDirect program, which includes networking events, mentoring, and guest speaker series.

The Buckeye spirit is strong in every department at Ohio State University, and Fisher students will be excited to experience the Homecoming Parade and O-H-I-O chant at all the biggest sports games of the season. With 580,000 alumni across the world, Ohio State University prides itself on cultivating unbreakable bonds and a true value for the community in all its graduates.

"There's studying business and there's experiencing it." - Fisher College of Business Homepage

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8. University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA

The University of Southern California's Leventhal School of Accounting, part of the Marshall School of Business, offers multiple top-tier accounting programs known for their strong emphasis on globalization. With two undergraduate accounting majors, one minor, and four different accounting graduate programs, aspiring accountants are sure to find the perfect fit, whether their interests lay in management accounting, corporate accounting, or something else.

9. New York University - New York, NY

New York University's Stern School of Business offers a prestigious accounting major recognized for its rigorous curriculum and strategic location in New York City, a global financial hub. This accounting degree program emphasizes a strong foundation in accounting principles, enhanced by experiential learning opportunities such as internships with top firms and participation in the Stern Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR).

Students at NYU enjoy a wealth of opportunities for cultural enrichment, professional development, and social engagement, with access to world-class museums, theaters, and businesses right at their doorstep. The combination of academic excellence, industry connections, and a dynamic urban environment makes Stern an ideal choice for aspiring accountants.

10. University of Chicago -Chicago, IL

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business offers an esteemed accounting program that is integral to its MBA curriculum. With the Chookaszian Accounting Research Center, students and professors alike produce ground-breaking research in the field of modern accounting.

Additionally, students benefit from learning under professors who are leaders in the field, such as Ray Ball, a pioneer in accounting theory. To further capitalize upon its renowned human resources, Booth's global network of 56,000 alumni offers robust professional connections, further enhancing career prospects for its graduates​.

If you want to jump straight into accounting jobs right away, you may want to consider a technical college. Find out more about technical colleges in this blog!

More Top Accounting Schools

The next eight schools offer a diverse range of accounting degrees, complemented by a variety of business courses to elevate learning. Though ranked slightly lower than the previous ten, they each offer unique features that may appeal to students who weren't able to find a perfect match in the top ten.

11. University of Notre Dame - Notre Dame, IN

The University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business offers a highly respected accounting program known for its focus on ethics and integrity in business. In just one academic year, and with a curriculum of 60% elective courses, accounting students obtain the skills they need to succeed with flexibility and efficiency. This robust curriculum is why graduates of Mendoza's Master of Science in Accounting have a median salary of $73,000 and 100% job offer acceptance rate six months after graduation.

12. University of Florida - Gainesville, FL

The University of Florida's Warrington College of Business offers an excellent accounting program that combines a strong foundation in accounting principles with practical experience. Students have access to a variety of specialized Master's Programs, each with their own unique features. Warrington's graduates from their Information Systems & Operation Management program are well-prepared for the CPA exam, whether participating in on-campus or online classes.

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13. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, NC

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School offers a top-ranked accounting program that stresses "business for life," an ideology that encompasses a business education intertwined with a values-driven culture. The program emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and participation in the school's extensive alumni network.

14. University of Virginia - Charlottesville, VA

The University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce offers a prestigious accounting program known for its strong emphasis on technical skills and ethical standards. The program includes a rigorous curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and a supportive academic community. McIntire accounting graduates go on to become industry leaders and innovators.

15. University of Wisconsin - Madison, WI

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Wisconsin School of Business offers a renowned accounting major that focuses on teaching its students how to adapt to a dynamic profession. With the most up-to-date accounting information systems, and pipelines into corporate accounting and public accounting, Wisconsin accounting graduates have a high pass rate on the CPA exam and are well-regarded by employers.

16. University of Washington - Seattle, WA

The University of Washington's Foster School of Business centers their highly regarded accounting program in the ideology of "bettering humanity through business." For undergraduates, Foster offers two different accounting majors, a general accounting and a business-oriented bachelor's degree. With this flexibility, accounting students at Foster are sure to find both undergraduate and graduate accounting majors they can tailor to their own passions and career goals.

17. University of California, Berkeley - Berkeley, CA

The University of California, Berkeley's Haas School of Business, offers a unique option for aspiring accountants. In their Berkeley Charter of Professional Accountancy (BCPA) program, students can fulfill the 30 accounting units needed for CPA licensure in just two summers. For those looking to expand upon a pre-existing business or economics education, Haas offers a comprehensive PhD curriculum that is sensitive to changing trends in the accounting field.

18. Boston College - Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College's Carroll School of Management offers a top-ranked accounting program known for its focus on informed and ethical decision-making. The program includes experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and study abroad, that help students gain practical experience. Graduates from Caroll's accounting programs have gone on to become Certified Public Accountants and private accountants for Fortune 500 companies.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Accounting Schools

How do I choose the right accounting program?

Consider factors such as program accreditation, curriculum strength, faculty expertise, internship opportunities, and alumni success. Additionally, evaluate the school's connections with top accounting firms and the support services available for career placement.

What are the big four global accounting companies?

The Big Four global accounting firms are Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These firms are known for their comprehensive services in audit, tax, consulting, and advisory across the globe.

What accounting degree programs offer online or hybrid options?

Some universities that offer online or hybrid accounting programs include the University of Illinois, Indiana University, and the University of South Florida. These programs provide flexibility for working professionals and those who need to balance other commitments while pursuing their education.

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