Accounting Degrees
A degree in accounting prepares students to work in the field of accounting, business administration, and finance. Accountants and bookkeepers work to keep track of financial records and transactions for businesses as well as individuals.
The Best Bachelor Degree Programs in Accounting
Interested in learning about the best bachelor's in accounting programs out there? Study.com has conducted a thorough evaluation leveraging a host of resources to bring you a list of the top 47 U.S. universities with the best bachelor's in accounting degree programs. Accessibility and affordability are important factors considered for the rankings as well as data from the Department of Education and other sources that include centers of expertise at the university in the field of accounting, student retention, graduation rates, student experience, and opportunities with employers and hands-on experience.
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $11639 | 87% | 56% | 83% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $11390 | 74% | 69% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | Binghamton University | $10201 | 41% | 82% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | $7462 | 43% | 70% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | Rutgers University-Newark | $14826 | 72% | 69% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | Georgetown University | $56058 | 14% | 95% | 55% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 7 | Rutgers University-Camden | $15264 | 79% | 65% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | University of Maryland-College Park | $10779 | 44% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | Bentley University | $51830 | 47% | 90% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | Texas A & M University-College Station | $11361 | 58% | 82% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | George Mason University | $12564 | 87% | 71% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 12 | The University of Texas at Dallas | $13442 | 79% | 70% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $9063 | 80% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $14156 | 79% | 57% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | SUNY College at Geneseo | $8927 | 65% | 80% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | Southern New Hampshire University | $31136 | 88% | 44% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 17 | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | $5720 | 97% | 65% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | University of North Dakota | $9736 | 81% | 61% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | The University of Texas at Austin | $10824 | 32% | 86% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 20 | University of Utah | $8615 | 62% | 70% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $11962 | 75% | 68% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $11465 | 52% | 84% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $13691 | 70% | 86% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $10725 | 54% | 88% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | University of Iowa | $9606 | 83% | 72% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 26 | University of Houston | $9221 | 65% | 61% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | The College of New Jersey | $16923 | 49% | 86% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | University of Mississippi | $8828 | 88% | 66% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | Santa Clara University | $53634 | 49% | 91% | 68% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | James Madison University | $12206 | 77% | 84% | 62% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 31 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $9619 | 94% | 60% | 90% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 32 | Washington and Lee University | $54830 | 19% | 94% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | Bryant University | $45395 | 71% | 81% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 34 | University of Delaware | $14280 | 71% | 81% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | CUNY Queens College | $7538 | 49% | 56% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | Lehigh University | $55240 | 32% | 90% | 69% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | University of Pittsburgh-Bradford | $14158 | 73% | 40% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 38 | Washington State University | $11841 | 76% | 60% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 39 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | $11084 | 54% | 86% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 40 | University of Connecticut | $17226 | 49% | 84% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | University of Nevada-Reno | $8184 | 88% | 61% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 42 | Truman State University | $8120 | 63% | 75% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | SUNY at Albany | $10176 | 54% | 63% | 85% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 44 | Texas Tech University | $9300 | 69% | 61% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 45 | Michigan State University | $15555 | 71% | 81% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 46 | Southern Utah University | $6770 | 78% | 50% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $15407 | 61% | 84% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | Ramapo College of New Jersey | $14678 | 66% | 72% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 49 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | $8840 | 82% | 67% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | University of Florida | $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What Kinds of Accounting Degrees Are There?
A degree in accounting can be obtained at an associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. There are also certificates available at both the undergrad and graduate levels. The degree level a person should choose depends on the career they plan to go into.
Associate Degrees in Accounting
An associate degree in accounting serves as an introduction to accounting for students who may be interested in a career in the field. This degree can also prepare students to work in entry-level positions such as a bookkeeper, accounting assistant and billing or payroll clerk. This degree consists of 60 credits. Students can choose to complete this degree at a community college and have their degree serve on its own or transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree.
Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting
A bachelor's degree in accounting prepares students for careers in business, finance, and accounting. A bachelor's degree typically is the requirement to work in many entry-level positions as an accountant. Students can choose a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. A Bachelor of Arts is a liberal arts degree that combines accounting and business with humanities courses. A Bachelor of Science is a degree that has a focus on business, economics, and introductory and advanced accounting courses. Both degrees typically consist of 120 credits hours. Students may complete an internship to get first-hand experience in the field. A bachelor's degree in accounting also serves as a starting point for someone who wants to be a certified public accountant (CPA).
Master's Degrees in Accounting
For most careers in accounting, such as a CPA, at least a bachelor's degree is required, but students can choose to continue their education and pursue a master's degree. This degree prepares students to work in more advanced positions. This can include working for government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Fortune 500 companies. A master's degree in accounting allows students to work in high-level positions in taxation, banking and insurance. This degree consists of around 30-40 credits and can be completed in 1 to 2 years.
Doctoral Degrees in Accounting
A Ph.D. in Accounting allows students to work as academic researchers. Students will learn about research methods and do research of their own. Another requirement for this degree is completing a dissertation. They may also produce other publishable work during this time. As a Ph.D. student, they will also be able to communicate with others in the academic community and share their research. Most programs require the completion of several courses but allow students to choose their area of interest within accounting for their dissertation. It takes between 3 and 7 years to complete this degree.
Certificates in Accounting
Many universities offer undergraduate or graduate certificates in accounting that can be completed at a university in person or online. Undergraduate certificates can help students work in entry-level positions in business or accounting while graduate certificates can help to boost a career. A certificate helps students develop an understanding of the type of coursework included in their degree program or specialize in a particular aspect of accounting.
Students can find broad options such as a certificate in accounting or financial accounting. Alternatively, students can find certificates in specific areas such as strategic financial management, financial planning and analysis, or accounting technology and analytics. Certificate programs at any level are typically between 10 and 30 credit hours and can be completed in one or three semesters.
Accounting Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
When majoring in accounting, students can sometimes choose a concentration that allows them to take courses in a specific subject area in their degree. One common concentration is managerial accounting which introduces students to different levels of management for businesses or organizations such as budgeting and cost control. Some universities also offer a concentration in internal auditing or forensic accountancy. These concentrations teach students about the auditing process and different types of auditing, including financial audits and tax audits.
Prerequisites for a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
Most bachelor's programs in accounting only require the completion of a high school degree or GED and the official transcript of courses taken and grades received. Previously to earning their bachelor's degree students should have taken advanced math courses and performed well in these classes. Other courses that serve as prerequisites for a degree in accounting are statistics, economics, finance, business, and computer science. Students should also examine their skills to figure out if this is a good career path for them. People who work in accounting are analytical and detail-oriented. Much of their work includes working with numbers, so they need to be able to make accurate calculations. It is also important to have good organizational, communication, and time management skills.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
The curriculum for an accounting degree often includes introductory business courses with an emphasis on accounting. These courses include:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Business Law
- Macroeconomics
- Principles of Finance
- Principles of Marketing
Students should also expect to take courses in mathematics. This includes statistics as well as courses in auditing, taxation, and marketing. The curriculum typically includes seminars that allow students to focus on a specific subject matter in a small class setting.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Accounting?
The length of time it takes for a student to earn their degree depends on if they choose to take classes full-time or part-time. It typically takes four years to earn a bachelor's in accounting. However, some universities offer accelerated programs where students can complete their degree in three years, though these are typically only available online.
How to Choose a University and Program in Accounting
When selecting a college or university, students must consider several factors. This includes what type of degree they want to obtain and what programs are available. Once a student finds a program, they should look at the format in which it is offered. Students should consider if the program is in person, online, or a hybrid of the two. Students should look for the option that best fits their schedule and allows them to balance their schoolwork with other responsibilities. Students should also look into the curriculum and concentrations available. In order to work in this field, many students choose to earn their Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting which establishes an understanding of business and includes elements of accounting. However, if a student decides they want the focus of their studies to be strictly on accounting, they can choose a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting or a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. While a Bachelor of Science degree is more common and prepares students for traditional careers in the field, a Bachelor of Arts is a liberal arts degree. If a student does not have a specific accounting related job in mind, a Bachelor of Arts may be a good fit because it covers a wide range of subject areas and career options.
In addition, a student should look at the resources and facilities the university offers. When it comes closer to making a final decision, students can learn more information about the specific program by contacting the admissions department or visit the university and taking a tour to get a feel of the campus environment.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees
In the U.S., colleges and universities receive accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In order to gain accreditation, the process includes a review of the school's educational programs and services for students. An institution's accreditation impacts a student's eligibility for federal financial aid as well as course credit transferability. Students should look for the college or university to have earned national or regional accreditation.
Students may also want to look into program accreditation. For an accounting degree, business school accreditation is provided by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The AACSB accredits accounting and business programs at Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels. The association also works to help educators improve instruction and help students get the most out of the program they are studying in so they can have successful careers upon graduation.
Accounting Licensure & Certification
Depending on the job you plan on pursuing, you may need to obtain a license. While you do not need a license to be an accountant, you do need a license to be a CPA which is a Certified Public Accountant. The requirements for a license vary depending on the state in which you are located. The general requirements include a bachelor's degree, a certain number of credit hours of education and work experience as well as the completion of an exam.
In addition to the CPA certification, The American Institute of CPAs, the world's largest member association representing the accounting profession, offers a range of credentials to professionals working in the field. This includes certification in Financial Forensics (CFF) which allows professionals to work in forensic accounting. Another credential is the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) which is for someone working in technology and finance.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting?
A bachelor's degree in accounting allows you to work in a variety of careers in the world of accounting, business, and finance.
There are many career options for accounting majors including staff accountants, certified public accountants, auditors, financial examiner, budget analysis, and business consultant. Another type of accountant is a chartered accountant, which is a professional who is qualified to perform a variety of tasks related to accounting and work in different countries outside of the United States.
Accountants and auditors examine and prepare official documents involving financial records. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of accountants and auditors is expected to increase 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is about the average growth. The employment of accountants and auditors is connected to the success of the economy. As of May 2019, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $71,550.
How to Become a Personal Financial Advisor
Personal financial advisors work to help individuals by providing advice on how they can manage their finances and establish a plan for their finances in the future. In order to work in this position, you typically must earn a bachelor's degree. In addition, a master's degree and certification can help to advance a career. When starting to work in this career, personal financial advisors often began a training period. This involves new advisors working under the supervision of senior advisors. This teaches them how to perform tasks and establish a network of clients.
The employment of personal financial advisors is expected to increase by 4 percent from 2019 to 2029 as projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of May 2019, the median annual wage, according to the BLS, for personal financial advisors was $87,850.
How to Become a Financial Analyst
Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. These professionals use micro and macroeconomics to make predictions about how businesses will perform in the future. They examine types of investments such as stocks and bonds. The requirement to work in this position is typically a bachelor's degree. However, in order to sell financial products, a license is required and can be provided by the The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). As they gain experience financial analysts can advance and become portfolio managers and fund managers.
As projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of financial analysts is expected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029. The median annual wage, according to the BLS for financial analysts is $81,590 as of May 2019.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if they qualify for any federal aid. There are many scholarships available depending on the area of focus, experience, background, and degree level. The American Institute of CPAs offers a variety of scholarships to students majoring in accounting and accounting-related fields. This includes the AICPA/Robert Half Student Scholarship Award for full-time students who have completed at least 30 hours of coursework and maintained at least a 3.0 GPA. Another option available is the Two-Year Transfer Scholarship Award which is for students completing courses at a two-year college/university planning to transfer to a four-year college/university with a declared major in accounting.
