Discover Accounting: Accounting Career & Education Guide Simplified

Best Accounting Schools & Programs in the U.S.

If you want a business degree but aren’t really interested in going into management or marketing, or if you love puzzles and understanding how the pieces fit together, accounting could be the perfect degree for you. Most people think accounting is just doing some math. But that’s only one part of it. It’s not just enough to do the math, you need to understand the reasons behind the math and how to reflect that reasoning to others through financial documents.

There are certain things you should look for when choosing a school and a program. Here are some things that are important and why you should learn as much as you can before committing to a college or university.

Tuition - You should get a complete accounting of tuition and fees, including room and board, if you plan to live on campus. This will let you know how much financial aid you need, if you need to pursue additional scholarships, and what you’ll require in student loans.

Success rate - By success rate, we mean how many students return after their first year aka the retention rate of the school. Also, how many students graduated? These percentages should be high. If they are not, you’ll want to ask why.

Enrollment information - You need to find out how many people who apply are admitted. Ask what the minimum enrollment requirements are, including GPA, required classes, extra-curricular activities and test scores. Knowing what is required to attain entry can help you decide if the school is worth pursuing.

What are grads making? - Are graduates making enough money to afford to repay their student loans or are they still living at home with their parents waiting for a job opening? Does the school offer job placement services or is the student on their own?

Top 40 Accounting Programs in the US

University of Notre Dame

1

Notre Dame is more than one of the top Catholic universities in the nation. The Indiana school also offers a superb accounting program for undergraduates, as well as a masters’ of science in accounting. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is $54,441. The school boasts a graduation rate of 97% and a total enrollment of approximately 12,607 students. Accountancy undergraduates have a 98% placement rate, while those earning their master’s degree have a 100% placement rate.

- Rank: #1 in Accounting

Tuition
- - In-State: $54,441‬
  - Out-of-State: $54,441‬

- Average Net Price: $30,229
- # of Applicants: 20,371
- % Admitted: 18%
- Retention Rate: 98%

- Total Enrollment: 12,607
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,617
- Graduate Enrollment: 3,990
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Student Faculty Ratio: 10 to 1
- Average Grads Salary: $81,000
- 10 Year ROI*: $689,084

Binghamton University

2

Part of the State University of New York system, Binghamton offers a BS in accounting, as well as a five-year program in which students can earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously. Tuition for New York residents is $9,853, while out-of-state students pay $26,648. The graduation rate is 83%, with a total enrollment of approximately 17,7668 students. Many top companies in New York City and nationally look to this school to recruit employees.

- Rank: #2 in Accounting

Tuition
- - In-State: $9,853
  - Out-of-State: $26,648

- Average Net Price: $16,440
- # of Applicants: 38,755
- % Admitted:40%
- Retention Rate: 92%

- Total Enrollment: 17,768
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 14,021
- Graduate Enrollment: 3,747
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Student Faculty Ratio: 19 to 1
- Average Grads Salary: $74,000
- 10 Year ROI*: $674,240

University of Connecticut

3

Recognized as one of the top and most innovative accounting programs in the country, the university offers undergraduate accounting degrees as well as a master of science in accounting and a PhD program. Tuition for Connecticut residents is $17,226, while out-of-state students must pay $39,048. The graduation rate is 82%, with a total enrollment of approximately 27,412 students.

- Rank: #3 in Accounting

Tuition
- - In-State: $17,226
  - Out-of-State: $39,048

- Average Net Price: $19,650
- # of Applicants: 34,886
- % Admitted: 49%
- Retention Rate: 93%

- Total Enrollment: 27,412
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,133
- Graduate Enrollment: 8,279
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Student Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1
- Average Grads Salary: $72,000
- 10 Year ROI*: 641,400

University of Maryland, College Park

4

The university’s Robert H. Smith School of Business offers a “plus one” program, in which students may earn their undergraduate and master’s degrees in accounting in five years. Maryland requires a 150 credit-hour minimum for students to sit for the CPA exam. Tuition for Maryland residents is $11,845, while out-of-state students must pay $36,466. The graduation rate is 87%, with a total enrollment of approximately 41,200 students.

- Rank: #4 in Accounting

Tuition
- - In-State: $11,845
  - Out-of-State: $36,466

- Average Net Price: $16,790
- # of Applicants: 33,497
- % Admitted: 47%
- Retention Rate: 95%

- Total Enrollment: 41,200
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 30,762
- Graduate Enrollment: 2,057
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Student Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
- Average Grads Salary: $76,000
- 10 Year ROI*: $692,840

Villanova University

5

This Catholic university, located in Pennsylvania, allows accounting students to earn not just an undergraduate degree, but also a Master of Accounting with Data Analytics, in five years or less. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is $54,408. The graduation rate is 90%, with a total enrollment of approximately 11,000 students. Business students may want to minor in accounting, as this degree complements any sort of business degree.

- Rank: #5 in Accounting

Tuition
- - In-State: $54,408
  - Out-of-State: $54,408

- Average Net Price: $36,958
- # of Applicants: 22,741
- % Admitted: 29%
- Retention Rate: 96%

- Total Enrollment: 11,030
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,917
- Graduate Enrollment: 4,113
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Student Faculty Ratio: 11 to 1
- Average Grads Salary: $80,000
- 10 Year ROI*: $652,168

University of Florida

6

Students enrolled in the bachelor of science in accounting program are eligible to apply for early admission to the university’s graduate school. After completing the combined bachelor’s/master’s program, students may sit for the Uniform CPA exam and, upon passing, find work as a CPA. Tuition for Florida residents and out-of-state students is $35,040. The graduation rate is 87%, with a total enrollment of approximately 52,200 students.

- Rank: #6 in Accounting

Tuition
- - In-State: $35,040
  - Out-of-State: $35,040

- Average Net Price: $11,313
- # of Applicants: 38,905
- % Admitted: 39%
- Retention Rate: 98%

- Total Enrollment: 52,218
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 35,491
- Graduate Enrollment: 16,727
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Student Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
- Average Grads Salary: $72,000
- 10 Year ROI*: $674,748

Lehigh University

7

This Pennsylvania university offers an undergraduate degree in accounting and a master’s degree in accounting and informational analysis. The accounting major allows students to explore various fields, including public accounting assurance and tax services, corporate accounting, financial services, and information systems. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is $53,930. The graduation rate is 89%, with a total enrollment of approximately 6,850 students.

- Rank: #7 in Accounting

Tuition
- - In-State: $53,930
  - Out-of-State: $53,930

- Average Net Price: $26,782
- # of Applicants: 15,622
- % Admitted: 22%
- Retention Rate: 94%

- Total Enrollment: 6,849
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,047
- Graduate Enrollment: 1,802
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Student Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
- Average Grads Salary: $82,000
- 10 Year ROI*: $712,872

Indiana University, Bloomington

8

In addition to an undergraduate accounting degree, the university’s Kelley School of Business offers a Master in Business Administration in Accounting, a combined five-year program for those seeking an accounting MBA, and a one-year Master of Science in Accounting. A PhD in accounting is also available. Tuition for Indiana residents is $11,611, while out-of-state students pay $36,386. The graduation rate falls below 80 here, with 76% of students graduating as expected, and total enrollment includes approximately 43,500 students.

- Rank: #8 in Accounting

Tuition
- - In-State: $11,611
  - Out-of-State: $36,386

- Average Net Price: $11,931
- # of Applicants: 44,169
- % Admitted: 77%
- Retention Rate: 91%

- Total Enrollment: 43,503
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 33,301
- Graduate Enrollment: 10,202
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Student Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1
- Average Grads Salary: $66,000
- 10 Year ROI*: $612,276

University of Scranton

9

This Pennsylvania school offers both an undergraduate accounting degree and a master of accountancy. Students can complete a dual bachelor’s and master’s degree in either four years, attending classes during the summer, or five years. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is $45,832. The graduation rate is 79%, with a total enrollment of approximately 5,300 students. Over 90% of accounting majors soon find full-time employment in their field.

- Rank: #9 in Accounting

Tuition
- - In-State: $45,832
  - Out-of-State: $45,832

- Average Net Price: $36,725
- # of Applicants: 9,968
- % Admitted: 73%
- Retention Rate: 87%

- Total Enrollment: 5,286
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,729
- Graduate Enrollment: 1,557
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Student Faculty Ratio: 13 to 1
- Average Grads Salary: $69,000
- 10 Year ROI*: $543,100

Rutgers University, New Brunswick

10

Students enrolled as accounting majors take classes at the university’s main, New Brunswick campus. The school also offers a Masters in Accountancy in Professional Accounting, a 30-credit, part-time accounting degree. Tuition for New Jersey residents is $16,324, while out-of-state students pay $32,632. The graduation rate is 80%, with a total enrollment of approximately 50,250 students. Many of the Big Four accounting firms recruit at Rutgers.

- Rank: #10 in Accounting

Tuition
- - In-State: $16,324
  - Out-of-State: $32,632

- Average Net Price: $16,295
- # of Applicants: 41,348
- % Admitted: 60%
- Retention Rate: 93%

- Total Enrollment: 50,254
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 36,039
- Graduate Enrollment: 14,215
- Graduation Rate: 80%
- Student Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1
- Average Grads Salary: $71,000
- 10 Year ROI*: $644,820

See the Full Top 40 Accounting Programs on DiscoverAccounting

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