Best Accounting Colleges

December 6, 2022
By AdmissionSight

Best Accounting Colleges

Acquiring a degree in accounting from one of the best accounting colleges in the country that has been authorized to award such degrees is the necessary initial step for anyone interested in pursuing a career in accounting. Even though there is a wide variety of courses of study and certifications available in the field of accounting, the majority of employers these days require at the very least a bachelor’s degree in the subject. Those job applicants who either hold a master’s degree in accounting or are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are always viewed favorably by hiring managers.

In addition, increasing one’s employability through the attainment of a specialized accounting certification, such as Certified Internal Auditor or Certified Bank Auditor, is beneficial. Programs in accounting can be found at a wide variety and the best accounting colleges and universities located all over the United States. These programs are intended to educate students in the fundamentals of bookkeeping in addition to other specialized accounting skills that are valuable in the diverse business practices of today.

In many cases, newly certified accountants will be hired as bookkeepers for a company after earning an accounting degree. However, newly certified accountants may also be hired as payroll managers, budget analysts, internal auditors, forensic accountants, and even work their way up to the highly coveted position of chief financial officer.

What is an Accounting Degree?

So, what is an accounting degree? Students who earn a degree in some of the best accounting colleges or any institution that offer accounting may have a better chance of finding successful employment in the fields of business and finance. Accountants are employed by a wide variety of organizations, including large enterprises, charitable organizations, government agencies, and small businesses. They are responsible for the production of financial reports, the analysis of income and expenses, the preparation of tax documents, and the monitoring of regulatory compliance.

Some accountants even assist law enforcement in the search for people who commit financial crimes. Others partake in investments with a high degree of risk. Depending on the specific function, a career in accounting can either be stable and predictable or exciting and dynamic. Both outcomes are possible.

The practice of accounting is nearly as old as the use of money. The field has undergone significant development since the first accountants began organizing other tokens and oblong coins. These days, we have access to computers, sophisticated banking systems, and an unprecedented level of connectedness. As a result of these facts, accounting is currently more essential, more useful, and more intriguing than it has ever been.

Before you can get dressed for your first day on the job, there are a few things that you need to take care of first. First, you need to earn a degree that was earned after four years of study. In order to earn a bachelor’s degree, students must put in a total of four years of study. It is up to you whether you want to complete your degree in four years while attending school full-time or in eight years while attending half-time. However, the majority of students majoring in accounting graduate in four to five years.

The following are some of the most notable accounting courses:

  • Accounting Control Systems
  • Principles of Taxation
  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Income Tax Problems

These accounting-focused classes are frequently combined with business courses in bachelor’s degree programs. In addition, the majority of bachelor’s degree programs in accounting require their students to complete general education requirements in areas such as the liberal arts, mathematics, science, and health.

What to Consider when Choosing an Accounting Program?

Now you have the knowledge of what an accounting degree is, so, it’s natural to ask yourself what to consider when choosing an accounting program. Well, these days, a lot of colleges provide specialized coursework as well as flexible scheduling, which enables working individuals to keep their jobs while also studying to become accountants. For a student, it’s natural to think about what to consider when choosing an accounting program. There are a wide variety of online accounting programs available for students who are unable to attend classes at a traditional university.

In point of fact, it is possible to get a certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in accounting through the study of one of the many online degree programs that are currently accessible.

Earning a degree in one of the best accounting colleges that have been granted accreditation will set you on the path to a successful and satisfying career in accounting. Locating a high-quality accounting program that caters to your individual requirements is of the utmost significance if your goals include becoming an accountant and entering a new job sector.

The following are some crucial aspects to take into consideration in your research:

  • Selectivity
  • Reputation of School
  • Types of Accounting Programs Available
  • Tuition and Costs
  • Student Reviews
  • Student-to-Faculty Ratio
  • School Amenities
  • Percent Employed at Graduation
  • Average Starting Salary after Employment

What are the Best Accounting Colleges in the US?

The field of accounting is currently ranked as the eighth most popular major in the United States, making it one of the most in-demand degree programs in the country. So, what are the best accounting colleges in the US? When it comes to obtaining a degree, this indicates that you have a wide variety of choices available to you. Your future may be greatly influenced by the kind of accounting program that you go with. Because of this, we have listed some of the best accounting colleges in the country below.

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is among the most populous educational institutions in the United States. It is comprised of a total of thirteen schools and colleges, the College of Liberal Arts being the most prominent of these. The McCombs School at the University of Texas at Austin provides a Bachelor of Business Administration degree that is of a very high standard in addition to a Master of Professional Accounting degree that is ranked very highly and offers students the opportunity to participate in an integrated five-year program.

In point of fact, the institution has held the top spot in the US News rankings for the past ten years.

Students have access to cutting-edge facilities such as Active Learning Classrooms, and they are also given the opportunity to build their professional skills through internships and other networking gatherings. McCombs Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting students report an average beginning salary of more than $54,000.

University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign

The University of Illinois can be found in east-central Illinois, namely in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign. These locations are only a few hours drive away from Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis respectively. There are fifteen different colleges and schools that make up the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

A comprehensive accounting program can be found at the highly regarded University of Illinois. This program includes a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy that can be completed in four years, as well as a Master of Accounting Science, a Master of Science in Accountancy, a Master of Science in Tax, and a Ph.D. program.

Front view of university of Illinois

Students at Champaign College, which is internationally renowned for its research, have the opportunity to specialize in any area of study they choose and also to prepare for the Certified Public Accounting exam. In addition, the institution provides students with world-class facilities, a high placement rate, and a variety of options, such as study abroad trips and the largest student-run consultancy in the world.

Brigham Young University- Provo

At Brigham Young University–Provo, a school that was established and is financially funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, religion and personal responsibility play major roles in campus life. The accounting school at Brigham Young University is distinguished by its nationally recognized reputation, high CPA exam passing rates, and innovative curriculum.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting and the Master of Accountancy programs both boast extremely effective teaching, and each year, nearly all of the graduates of the Master’s program find employment in their field of study.

View of Brigham University at day time.

In addition, individuals interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Accounting can participate in a Ph.D. prep track that is offered through the Marriott School at BYU. In addition, students are encouraged to obtain experience through participating in business-related activities such as contests, student clubs, internships, and volunteer work.

Indiana University- Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington is a state-supported educational establishment that was established in the year 1820. It is located in the middle of the city, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 34,253 students (for the autumn of 2021), and its campus spans 1,953 acres. The accounting degree program at Indiana University-Kelly Bloomington’s School of Business is consistently recognized as one of the best in the country, contributing to the institution’s stellar reputation as one of the country’s “Public Ivies.”

View of a college gate at day time.

Accounting can be studied at any level, and graduate students interested in preparing for the Certified Public Accountant exam and a successful accounting profession have the option of choosing between a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting degree. via experiential learning opportunities such as internships, field research projects, and field consultancy. Students at Kelley School have the opportunity to acquire skills that are useful in real life.

University of Michigan- Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is a public research university that was established in the year 1817. It is located in the middle of the city, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,282 students (for the autumn of 2021), and its campus spans 3,207 acres. Both an undergraduate and a master’s degree program in accounting are available through the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Both programs are meant to prepare students for the Certified Public Accountant test as well as a wide array of job paths.

Front view of the University of Michigan with an empty yard filled with different varieties of trees

This cutting-edge curriculum combines the Master of Accountancy with the Master of Corporate Administration to deliver a dynamic education that is applicable in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Additionally, strong contacts with the local business sector enhance the students’ opportunities to get work experience during their academic careers as well as to find jobs after they have completed their degrees.

University of Notre Dame

The campus of Notre Dame may be found in South Bend, Indiana, which is only around 100 miles away from Chicago. The University of Notre Dame is comprised of a total of eight schools and colleges, with the College of Arts and Letters being the largest of these. The Mendoza College of Business and the Law School at Notre Dame are both highly regarded institutions that provide graduate and professional degrees. In addition, the School of Architecture at Notre Dame is highly regarded, and both its undergraduate and graduate programs are available.

a group of college students walking side by side in a hall way

Students who enroll in this prestigious accounting program have the opportunity to major in accountancy and to prepare for the Certified Public Accountant exam by pursuing a Master of Science in Accountancy or a Master of Business Administration degree.

In addition to the first-rate education that is provided, there are also outstanding career services available, as well as extracurricular activities and a tax assistance program. Accounting research conducted by the University of Notre Dame has garnered widespread acclaim, and the accounting program offered via the Mendoza College of Business has maintained its position at the top of national rankings.

University of Pennsylvania

Benjamin Franklin is credited with being the person who initiated the establishment of the University of Pennsylvania in 1740. Undergraduate students at the esteemed Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania have the opportunity to pursue an accounting focus with a varied curriculum that includes classes in auditing, tax, and several accounting kinds.

UPenn signage

Students at Wharton School who are interested in taking the Certified Public Accountant exam can prepare for the highly regarded MBA program there and also take additional accounting classes. Students who are interested in entering the field of accounting research have the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree at the school and make use of the first-rate research facilities and experience available there.

New York University

Greenwich Village in Manhattan is home to the main campus of New York University, which can be found in that city’s borough of Manhattan. There are no walls at New York University that separate a distinct campus from the streets of New York City, making it a real city institution.

Students at New York University’s Stern School of Business have the opportunity to major or double major in accounting, which better prepares them for a variety of different occupations in business and finance. Students who are interested in taking the Certified Public Accountant exam have the option of enrolling in an undergraduate CPA track or the well-regarded Stern MBA program, both of which offer in-depth knowledge in a variety of accounting specializations.

front building of american university

New York University is not only one of the most prestigious accounting universities in the state of New York but also one of the most prestigious and largest private universities in the entire country. Furthermore, the university’s outstanding connections to the local business community put its graduates at a competitive advantage in the job market.

University of Southern California

The main campus of the University of Southern California, often known as the University Park campus, can be found in the Downtown Arts and Education Corridor of Los Angeles. There are several campuses of USC located in and around Los Angeles. in addition to locations all around Southern California, in Sacramento, California, and in Washington, District of Columbia, we also have locations.

University of Southern California campus view at day time.

Students at the highly regarded Leventhal School of Accounting, which is a component of the Marshall College of Business at the University of Southern California, have the opportunity to pursue accounting studies at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Both the Master of Accounting and the Master of Business Taxation programs provide students with an in-depth education in accounting and taxation, preparing them for professional success after graduation. This program is one of a kind at both the undergraduate and graduate levels because it features faculty members who have won awards, a curriculum that is open to interpretation, first-rate research, and an emphasis on international business practices.

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida, is a college town that is buoyed by the university’s more than 50,000 students. The University of Florida is located approximately two miles away from downtown Gainesville. The accounting program at the esteemed Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida is recognized for its exceptional CPA exam pass rates as well as its tough curriculum.

In addition to the Bachelor of Science in Accounting and the Master of Accounting degrees, students have the option of enrolling in the 3/2 Program, which combines the two degrees and requires them to complete the coursework over the course of five years. Another aspect that sets this school apart from others is its Post-Baccalaureate program, which enables students with a wide range of educational and professional experiences to fulfill the prerequisites for enrolling in the Master of Accounting program.

View of University building at day time.

Want to learn more about getting into one of the best accounting colleges and universities in the country? You’ve come to the right place. At AdmissionSight, we have over 10 years of experience guiding students through the competitive admissions process.

AdmissionSight can help you put your best foot forward when applying to college this fall. Contact us today for more information on our services.

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