School and Ranking Information
There are a few institutions with accounting degrees in Seattle. The following schools, including one public and two private nonprofit institutions, are considered the top three based on degree levels, amount of degrees awarded and rankings:
- Winner: University of Washington in Seattle secured the top spot due to its total of four national rankings from U.S. News & World Report between 2020 and 2021, high graduation rate and voluminous amount of accounting degrees given.
- Runner Up #1: Seattle University, located in Seattle, came in second place due to its three levels of accounting degrees offered and top 20 ranking for accounting programs from U.S. News & World Report in 2022.
- Runner Up #2: Seattle Pacific University in Seattle is the second runner up for its small class sizes and high ranking for schools in the West by U.S. News & World Report in 2022.
School Comparison Chart
| Categories | University of Washington - Seattle | Seattle University | Seattle Pacific University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rankings | #22 in graduate business schools (2022), #10 in part-time MBA program (2022), #5 in online MBA program (2020), #55 in national universities (2022)* | #63 in part-time MBA programs (2022), #137 in national universities (2022)* | #219 in national universities (2022)* |
| Location | Seattle, WA | Seattle, WA | Seattle, WA |
| School Type | 4-year, public | 4-year, private not-for-profit | 4-year, private not-for-profit |
| Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | $12,076 (undergraduate, in-state), $39,906 (undergraduate, out-of-state); $16,605 (graduate, in-state), $29,763 (graduate, out-of-state)** | $49,335 (undergraduate); $13,770 (graduate)** | $35,646 (undergraduate)** |
| Accounting Degree Levels Awarded | Bachelor's and master's degrees | Certificates, Bachelor's and master's degrees | Bachelor's degree |
| Accounting Degrees Awarded (All Levels) in 2020-2021 | 133** | 74** | 13** |
| Most Popular Accounting Degree Level in 2020-2021 | Bachelor's in Accounting (133 awarded)** | Bachelor's in Accounting (51 awarded)** | Bachelor's in Accounting (13 awarded)** |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2015 Entering Class | 84%** | 75%** | 66%** |
| Noteworthy | Business school graduates have been hired by employers like Ernst & Young, Phillip Morris USA and Merrill Lynch | Students can earn a joint Master of Professional Accounting/Master of Science in Finance | Graduates qualify for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams |
Sources: *U.S. News & World Report, **NCES College Navigator
Winner: University of Washington - Seattle
- BusinessWeek ranked Foster Business School #21 among public institutions in 2013
- Approximately 350 employers, such as Amazon.com and Microsoft, recruit on campus
- Foster Business School has upwards of 20 student organizations, including Beta Alpha Psi
The Michael G. Foster School of Business at University of Washington administers a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA) program with accounting as an area of study. Students who successfully complete this option can sit for the CMA exam, and it provides a foundation to continue with the Master of Public Accounting (MPAcc) program and qualify for the CPA exam.
Accounting students within the BABA program take such courses as cost accounting and financial management decisions. Potential electives include income taxation, business taxation and not-for-profit organization accounting. MPAcc students choose from a taxation track or an audit and assurance track. Both are full-time and take one year to complete.
Runner Up #1: Seattle University
- BusinessWeek and The Princeton Review nationally rank Albers School of Business and Economics
- 91% of business graduates in 2006 had a job offer within 3 months, according to the school
An accounting major can be pursued within the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at Seattle University's Albers School of Business and Economics. Students learn about economic principles, business statistics, business finance and cost accounting, among other topics. Students with a bachelor's degree in a non-business area can earn an undergraduate certificate in business, while students with a bachelor's degree in business can earn a post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting.
Individuals earning a joint Master of Professional Accounting (MPAC) and Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degree can choose from full- and part-time options. MPAC students complete voluntary activities outside of the classroom and have access to student accounting organizations, such as Beta Alpha Psi and the Accounting Society. The master's degree program also includes an accounting internship program in addition to career counseling and job-placement services.
Runner-Up #2: Seattle Pacific University
- The School of Business and Economics features small classes and mentoring
- Accounting majors are automatically members of the Associate Undergraduate Students of Business & Economics group
Accounting majors at SPU might work towards careers as treasurers, accountants, financial analysts, tax specialists and chief financial officers. Students who intend on becoming CPAs might want to enroll in the school's MBA program once they've earned their undergraduate degree. The accounting program features internships with local businesses and industries. Beta Alpha Psi has a chapter at SPU.
