Best Accounting Degrees

Overview

The University of Georgia (UGA) is based in one of the nation’s best college towns: Athens. It is a public university and classified as a highly active research institute. Over 35k undergraduate and grad students attend UGA.

Features

Whether you want to be an auditor, budget analyst, or tax consultant, the Terry College of Business at UGA will help you get there. The BS in Accounting program covers everything from basic accounting standards to risk assessment, control, and financial strategy. This traditional four-year degree is comprised of classes such as:

• Managerial Accounting
• Auditing, Risk Assessment, and Control
• Taxation
• Principles of Accounting
• Plus an internship and research experience

Notables

UGA is a Public Ivy and a flagship university. It is one of the oldest state-founded universities in the country, and is thus referred to as the birthplace of the American system of higher education. It is ranked 18th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Overview

An enormous research university based in Gainesville, the University of Florida is home to over 50k students. Campus is organized into 16 schools and colleges and over 150 research centers. UF is one of Florida’s best universities.

Features

At UF, the Warrington College of Business houses the Fisher School of Accounting. Through this school you can earn a BS in Accounting degree that provides a sturdy foundation both in accounting fundamentals and business foundations. You’ll graduate ready to immediately enter a career or go on to graduate school. UF classes include:

• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Financial Accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• Federal Income Tax
• Introduction to Auditing

Notables

UF is an elected member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and the site of intense research focus. It is especially well-regarded for its contributions in the food and agricultural science, health science, technology, and business fields.

Overview

The University of California in Berkeley is among the most elite, prestigious, and well-ranked universities on the West Coast. UC Berkeley offers over 130 academic programs throughout its 14 schools, including the Haas School of Business. 40k students attend Berkeley.

Features

The Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley offers a BS in Accountancy degree. While taking classes on accounting and business you will also have the opportunity to enroll in the Berkeley Charter of Professional Accountancy summer program. You can also pair your degree with another field (e.g., Economics or English) for further specialization. Classes at UC Berkeley include:

• Operating and Financial Reporting Issues
• Financial Information Analysis
• Managerial Accounting
• Strategic Cost Management

Notables

A flagship university and a founding member of the Association of American Universities, a Berkeley education is hard to beat. It is ranked among the top 20 best universities in the nation by ARWU, U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly. Its worldwide rankings are as impressive.

Overview

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is located in Cambridge. It was founded as a polytechnic school, and its reputation is still steeped in its technology and science programs. But MIT now offers hundreds of academic programs across fields and disciplines. Around 12k combined undergraduate and grad students attend MIT.

Features

Distinctively, the MIT program for accounting brings together a number of fields. Technically a degree in Finance, the MIT program meets at the intersection of economics, accounting, and business strategy. This is a great option for those who want a broader, more interdisciplinary degree experience, with classes such as:

• Options and Future Markets
• Fixed Income Securities and Derivatives
• Analytics of Finance
• Corporate Financial Accounting

Notables

MIT is one of the most active research universities in the nation. Its alumni have won Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes, become MacArthur Fellows, and received genius grants. U.S. News & World Report ranks MIT as 7th in the nation among all colleges and universities.

Overview

St. Joseph’s University (SJU) is a private, Roman Catholic university. It is located in Philadelphia and has under 10k students enrolled. Founded by the Society of Jesus, SJU is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.

Features

SJU prepares its accounting students in numerous ways: through internship opportunities, with a broad-based curriculum, and the guarantee you’ll graduate ready to tackle the CPA exam. Alumni from the SJU program have found work in both private and public sectors and across industries. Some classes you’ll take as a SJU student include:

• Accounting and Consulting in the Global Community
• Contemporary Topics in Financial Accounting
• Fund Accounting
• Auditing and Assurance Services

Notables

SJU’s Erivan K. Haub School of Business is one of the best business schools in the nation. As a whole, it is consistently well-ranked, but so are many of its individual departments and fields. For example, U.S. News & World Report places it first in the nation for its undergraduate programs in risk management and insurance.

Overview

Located in the Connecticut town of the same name, Fairfield University was also founded by the Society of Jesus. It is also a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Around 5k students attend Fairfield, enrolled in one of the 35 majors.

Features

Proffered through the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, the accounting program is a unique blend of liberal arts education and integrated business studies. You will learn how to develop, implement, and analyze financial information while also developing your communication and leadership skills. Fairfield’s curriculum includes classes such as:

• Cost Management
• Federal Income Taxation
• Introduction to Management Accounting
• Intermediate and Advanced Accounting

Notables

Many of the schools on our list are sprawling research powerhouses, but Fairfield provides its students with a liberal, humanistic, and interdisciplinary approach to education. Fairfield also has a number of distinct research centers, such as the Center for Faith and Public Life, the Center for Catholic Studies, and the Center for Microfinance.

Overview

Located in Seattle, the University of Washington (UW) is a public, flagship institution. It is one of the oldest West Coast universities and has more than 45k students. UW offers hundred of degree programs through its 140 academic departments.

Features

UW’s Foster School of Business offers a BA in Business Administration that can be paired with specialization in accounting. Though not technically an accounting degree, this is still a great option for those who want a broader understanding of business principles in addition to their skills in and knowledge of accounting. UW classes cover:

• Financial Accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• Business Finance
• Global Business Perspectives

Notables

UW is a member of the Association of American Universities. It has graduated Nobel Prize laureates, Fulbright Scholars, and Pulitzer Prize winners. UW is consistently ranked among the top 15 best universities in the nation by an array of publication and ranking systems.

Overview

The Madison branch in the highly regarded University of Wisconsin System is the flagship campus. It is a public, research institution comprised of 20 colleges and schools. Nearly 30k graduate students and undergraduates attend UW Madison.

Features

Not only will you receive a highly praised education in accounting at UW Madison, you will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience while helping people. In addition to UW’s classes on business tax, individual and estate tax, auditing, etc., students can also participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, helping low-income taxpayers file their returns. UW Madison graduates have secured jobs as:

• Staff Accountants
• Tax Associates
• Financial Analysts
• Mortgage Bankers

Notables

Like many of the other prestigious schools on our list, UW Madison was a founding member of the Association of American Universities. It is well-ranked by Forbes, ARWU, U.S. News & World Report, and more.

Overview

A leading member in the State University System of Florida, Florida State University (FSU) is a major hub for research activity. It has a beaming reputation for its work in the STEM fields as well as in business, social work, and medicine. More than 40k students attend FSU on the Tallahassee campus.

Features

FSU’s College of Business offers a BS in Accounting degree that covers both public and private accounting. At FSU you will equally gain skills in research methods and analytics as you will in leadership formation and persuasive communication. FSU’s program ensures you graduate ready to sit for the CPA exam, with classes covering:

• Microcomputer Applications for Business
• Business Analytics
• Basic Marketing Concepts
• Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions

Notables

In addition to the dozens of renowned research facilities sprawled throughout campus, FSU has a number of popular museums, libraries, and recreation centers. FSU is ranked 81st in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Princeton Review and USA Today designate FSU as one of the “Best Value” public universities in the U.S.

Overview

Michigan State University (MSU) is based in Lansing, the state’s capital. It is a public research institution known for launching unique academic programs, such as those in hospitality business and communication science. Over 50k students attend MSU.

Features

MSU offers a BA in Accounting and Information Systems program that is the state’s largest provider of CPAs. That means you’re getting a solid education that creates vocational results. MSU’s curriculum is notably industry-connected, so you will take classes such as:

• Law of Commercial Transactions
• Preparing for an Accounting Career
• Cost and Managerial Accounting
• Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting

Notables

MSU is a member of the Association of American Universities. Its Eli Broad College of Business is consistently well-ranked, as are its individual programs and departments. For example, U.S. News & World Report ranks its accounting programs 13th in the nation.

Overview

Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is a nonprofit, private university known for its research in the medical fields. Wake Forest is a moderately sized school with around 8k students.

Features

If you attend Wake Forest University for the accounting degree then you are entering a program that ranks first in the nation for its CPA pass rate. You will also, in five years, earn both your BS and MS in Accounting through Wake Forest’s unique, integrated and accelerated program. Some of the classes you’ll take include:

• Auditing and Assurance
• Taxation
• Business Advisory Services
• Forensic Accounting

Notables

Wake Forest has graduated several Rhodes, Marshall, and Fulbright Scholars. It is consistently well ranked by U.S. News & World Report, where it’s considered one of “America’s Best Colleges.” And recently Businessweek ranked the Wake Forest’s business school as one of the top in the nation.

Overview

A member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is located in west Los Angeles. LMU is one of the West Coast’s largest Roman Catholic Universities. Nearly 10k combined graduate and undergraduates attend.

Features

Loyola Marymount’s BS in Accounting program allows students to pursue careers in public, corporate, or governmental accounting. You will learn the strategies and techniques of efficient accounting while also studying the larger impact of accounting in a global world. Over 80 percent of graduates have found direct careers in accounting. Coursework covers:

• Legal and Regulatory Environment
• Cost Management
• Accounting Information Systems
• Accounting Ethics, Professionalism, and the Public Interest

Notables

The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report each name LMU as one of America’s top colleges. LMU’s College of Business Administration is equally well-regarded. Entrepreneur Magazine and The Princeton Review include it in their top 20 best business schools in the nation.

Overview

This member of the 23-campus California State System is located in Northridge, a neighborhood of Los Angeles. Around 40k students attend Cal State Northridge and are enrolled in one of the nine colleges. It is a public university and one of the largest in the state.

Features

At Cal State Northridge, the BS in Accounting degree is demanding and rigorous, but it incites a deep understanding of accounting theory, technical procedures, and professional development. You will graduate ready for a career in the non-profit, public, or governmental sectors. Some of the Cal State Northridge courses include:

• Business Law
• Operations Management
• Communication for Accountants
• Contemporary Ethical Issues

Notables

Cal State Northridge is regionally well-ranked by U.S. News & World Report. It has also earned a reputation for its commitment to a diverse student body, sustainability, and interdisciplinary education. Campus is also home to the beautiful CSUN Botanic Garden.

Overview

The University of North Carolina (UNC) is a public research institution and one of the oldest schools in the nation, having been chartered in 1789. UNC is organized into fourteen colleges and offers more than 70 areas of academic study. Approximately 30k students attend UNC.

Features

UNC’s Kenan-Flager Business School offers an undergraduate degree experience in business that provides a broad foundation in business communication, teamwork, leadership, and analysis. It also allows you to select a number of accounting electives in order to specialize. These courses include:

• Managerial Accounting
• Financial Accounting and Analysis
• Global Financial Statement Analysis
• Business Taxation

Notables

A flagship university, UNC is world-renowned for its research initiatives in the areas of medicine, sustainability, and business. It is a Public Ivy and ranked 30th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Overview

Seattle University (SU) is a Jesuit Catholic school based in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle. It is also a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and is one of the largest independent universities in the Pacific Northwest with its 8k students. Seattle University offers around 100 academic programs through its eight schools and colleges.

Features

Seattle University’s BS in Accounting degree is academically excellent and faith-based. You’ll take classes such as Religion in a Global Context, Ethical Reasoning Business, and Theological Explorations to fulfill your general core. Then you will delve into the world of accounting with classes such as:

• Global and Domestic Macroeconomics
• Quantitative Methods and Applications
• Principles of Accounting I and II
• Business Finance

Notables

In addition to its academic excellence, Seattle University has a reputation for its unwielding commitment to sustainability. It has initiated projects on composting and water conservation as well as installed solar panels and built a central recycling facility. SU thus received the Sustainability Innovator Award from the Sustainable Endowments Institute.

Overview

Located in the Pennsylvanian city of the same name, the University of Scranton is a private, Catholic, Jesuit research university. It is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and keeps close ties with the Scranton Jesuit Community. It is a small school with only three colleges and under 6k students.

Features

At the University of Scranton the undergraduate accounting program uniquely allows students to choose among three tracks: General Accounting, Forensic Accounting, and Accounting Information Systems. So while you attain a strong foundation in business and accounting principles you will also be able to specialize in a way that will differentiate you in the job market. Indeed, Scranton graduates have found careers as:

• Accounting Managers
• Asset Managers
• Auditors
• Budget Analysts

Notables

Because of its small size, the University of Scranton offers students a vibrant liberal arts education. Students work closely with faculty because of low student to teacher ratios (12:1). And they all, regardless of major, take classes in philosophy, theology, and composition.

Overview

Also a private Jesuit school, Santa Clara University is located in California and proffers degrees at all academic levels through its six colleges. Campus includes a number of elite research centers, most notably, the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship. More than 8k students attend Santa Clara.

Features

Santa Clara University’s BS in Accounting degree leads to certification by preparing you to take the CPA or CMA (Certified Management Accounting) exams. While being vocationally trained you will also develop important leadership qualities, such as communication skill building and effective decision making. Santa Clara’s curriculum includes:

• Recording Financial Transactions
• Accounting Information Systems
• Peer Educator in Accounting
• Accounting Ethics

Notables

Santa Clara’s alumni have gone on to accomplish a variety of impressive feats: while some won Pulitzer Prizes, others become mayors and governors, and some even got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Santa Clara University is ranked 2nd for its region by U.S. News & World Report.

Overview

Brooklyn College is a leading member of the City University of New York (CUNY) System. When it was founded it initiated a “Core Studies” curriculum that is till very much a part of the university’s academic experience. More than 16k students attend Brooklyn College.

Features

Like some of the other schools on our list Brooklyn College recognizes the need students have for advanced degrees. They therefore offer a BS in Accounting degree that can be used in conjunction with a MS in Accounting. At Brooklyn College you’ll learn all about taxation, auditing, and finance, and you’ll graduate ready to find a career in:

• Federal Income Taxation
• Auditing and Analysis
• Finance
• Budget Analysis

Notables

CUNY’s Brooklyn College is ranked among the top ten in the areas of value, diversity, and location by The Princeton Review. It also boasts the longest standing honors program in the greater CUNY system, which has served as a model for other honors programs around the country.

Overview

The Bernard M. Baruch College is a member of the CUNY system and is located in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of New York City. It is organized into three schools: the Zicklin School of Business, the School of Arts & Sciences, and the School of Public Affairs. More than 13k students attend Baruch College.

Features

The Baruch College offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree that can be supplemented with specialization in Accounting. You will gain both a foundation in the liberal arts and in business practice while developing a holistic understanding of accounting theory and applications. In addition to the traditional accounting core, you will take business classes such as:

• Business Policy
• Fundamentals of Business Law
• Marketing Foundations
• Service Operations

Notables

The Baruch College campus is the site of many prestigious research centers and facilities. Included among them are the Lawrence N. Field Center for Entrepreneurship, the Center for Nonprofit Strategy and Management, and the Weissman Center for International Business.

Overview

Pennsylvania State University is easily one of the largest schools on our list with over 100k students across its many campuses, including its highly regarded World Campus. Penn State offers more than 160 academic programs and is organized into dozens of colleges. The Smeal College of Business is one of its most renowned schools.

Features

Penn State offers a degree in accounting through the Smeal College of Business that not only trains students to become public accountants and business professionals, it allows students to apply accounting to a diverse array of fields. At Smeal you’ll be introduced to the accounting and business theory principles you’ll need to become a CPA in education, healthcare, government and more. Courses cover:

• Business Writing
• Principles of Taxation
• Financial Accounting
• Supply Chain Management

Notables

Penn State is a Public Ivy and a flagship university. It is well-ranked as a whole by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and ARWU. But additionally, over a dozen of its individual departments and programs are equally well-ranked. Even Penn State’s libraries are considered among some of the best in the country.

Overview

The largest and one of the most elite universities in New Jersey, Rutgers is a public, research institution. It offers nearly 300 academic programs at all degree levels through its 29 schools and colleges. Nearly 70k students attend Rutgers.

Features

Graduates from Rutgers’ accounting degree program have gone on to become everything from actuaries to FBI agents. That’s because this BS in Accounting degree introduces you to the full spectrum of accounting concepts and theories. That is, you learn how to examine, organize, manage, and design important financial statements. Courses include:

• Accounting Information Systems
• Concepts of Auditing
• Business Law
• Cost Accounting

Notables

Rutgers is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Association of American Universities. It is one of the oldest universities in the country having been chartered before the American Revolution. Rutgers is consistently ranked among the top 100 best universities in the U.S.

Overview

Canisius College is small, with under 4k students, and is located in Buffalo, New York. Despite its size, Canisius offers nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees. It is a private school and a Jesuit institution.

Features

The Richard J. Wehle School of Business offers an Accounting degree that is accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. At Canisius you will take on the fundamentals of accounting while pursuing either a general or professional accounting degree. You’ll also have the option to choose between a BA or BS, depending on your areas of interest. Courses at Canisius include:

• Basic Taxation
• Corporate Finance
• Operations Analysis
• Accounting Information Systems

Notables

Canisius shows up frequently on the rankings of U.S. News & World Report. It is consistently recognized as one of the best in its region as well as one of the most affordable. On top of that, Canisius is considered one of the most military and veteran friendly schools in the nation.

Overview

The University of Minnesota (UMN) is a large, public research institution. It is based in the Twin Cities and is the oldest and largest member of the greater University of Minnesota System, which has campuses around the state. UMN is comprised of 19 colleges and schools and nearly 50k students.

Features

UMN’s Carlson School of Management offers a degree in accounting that prepares students specifically for careers in public accounting, private corporate finance, or government agencies. Further, UMN’s program emphasizes the balanced relationship between auditing and tax accounting. Among some of the core accounting classes you can expect to take while at UMN are:

• Auditing Principles and Procedures
• Fundamentals of Federal Tax Income
• The Law of Contracts and Agency
• Management Accounting

Notables

A flagship university and a Public Ivy, UMN is both nationally and globally ranked. The Center for Measuring University Performance places UMN 14th among the nation’s top research universities.

Overview

Located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Boston, Boston College is a private, research university. As a Jesuit Catholic school, it is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Boston College, though now home to more than 14k students, was founded as a small, liberal arts school and it still maintains that focus.

Features

Boston College provides one of the more broad-based approaches to accounting education. It’s an intentional move meant to guarantee students job opportunities in a range of fields. Unsurprisingly, graduates have become leaders in public accounting, banking, government, the tech industries, non-profit, and more. Among the many classes you’ll take as a Boston College student are:

• Managerial Cost and Strategic Analysis
• Federal Taxation
• Audit and Other Assurance Services
• Financial Statement Analysis

Notables

Included among Forbes list of “America’s Top Colleges,” Boston College is ranked 31st among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report. It has graduated an impressive number of Fulbright Scholars (15 this year alone), making Boston College one of the top producers of the award.

Overview

This mammoth of a university is located in College Station, Texas. More than 60k students attend Texas A&M University (TAMU) and are enrolled in one of the hundreds of academic degree programs. Though Texas A&M University was founded as an agricultural and mechanical school, it now offers degrees in a diverse range of areas.

Features

The Mays Business School at Texas A&M University has one of the best accounting programs in the nation. Not only does it prepare you to sit for (and pass) the CPA exam, it gives you hands-on learning experience. While at TAMU you’ll intern with a great company and gain professional experience. Graduates have gone on to become:

• Certified Public Accountants
• Auditors
• Consultants
• Financial Analysis

Notables

As a land, sea, and space-grant university, Texas A&M maintains relationships with the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and more. It is ranked 68th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Overview

Creighton University is located in Omaha, Nebraska. It was founded by the Society of Jesus and is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. It is the largest religious university in the state of Nebraska.

Features

Creighton University offers a BS in Business Administration degree that features a focus in Accounting. Here you will learn the functions of accounting as well as its underlying concepts and theories. You will learn how to apply this knowledge to complex business problems and make economical financial decisions.

• Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
• Principles of Taxation
• Accounting Information Systems
• Auditing

Notables

Creighton is ranked first among all universities and colleges in its region by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to its academic excellence, Creighton is also known for its commitment to community service and advancement. Its Center for Service and Justice connects students with service projects, leadership opportunities, and social justice education.

Overview

The University of Virginia (UVA) is the flagship school for the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is a top-of-the-line research institution with over 20k undergraduate and graduate students. UVA is located in Charlottesville.

Features

The McIntire School of Commerce at UVA is a highly regarded business school. It first provides students with a liberal arts education, and from there it gives students a broad business foundation. At UVA you’ll learn to analyze quantitative information and solve intricate business problems through classes such as:

• Financial Statement Analysis
• Strategic Cost Management
• Federal Taxation
• Intermediate Accounting I and II

Notables

The first Southern elected member of the Association of American Universities, UVA was founded by Thomas Jefferson. It is also ranked 25th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report, on top of a deluge of other impressive national and global recognitions.

Overview

The Amherst branch in the greater University of Massachusetts System is a public research institution with a long reputation for academic excellence. UMass Amherst is one of the largest public schools in New England with 30k combined undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in one of the 200 degree programs.

Features

You can earn your accounting degree in the classroom or online through UMass Amherst’s elite Isenberg School of Management. There is one phenomenal reason to choose this program: it allows you to gain professional experience through internships that are both paid and credited. Classes include:

• Corporate Finance
• Financial Accounting
• Auditing
• Accounting Information Systems

Notables

UMass Amherst is the flagship school in the wider university system. Carnegie designates it as a top research university with notable contributions and active, ongoing research initiatives. And U.S. News & World Report ranks it 74th among all colleges and universities in the U.S.

Overview

Gonzaga University is located in Spokane, Washington. It was founded by the Society of Jesus and remains today a private, Roman Catholic university. Gonzaga is organized into seven colleges and schools and is home to approximately 7k students.

Features

At Gonzaga you can earn an accounting degree that is either CPA certified, setting you up to become an accountant in the state of Washington, or non-CPA certified. The latter still readies you a for successful career in banking, big industries, and government. And both tracks are comprised of classes such as:

• Cost Accounting
• Federal Taxation
• Auditing
• Intermediate Accounting I and II

Notables

Gonzaga is ranked 4th in its region by U.S. News & World Report. Likewise, it was recently included in The Princeton Review’s and Fiske Guide to Colleges’ best college rankings.

Overview

Located in Columbia, the University of Missouri (Mizzou) is a public, land-grant institution and the largest of its kind in the state. More than 33k students attend Mizzou. It is one of only a handful of universities in the country that has a school of medicine, engineering, agriculture, law, and vet medicine all on the same campus.

Features

Mizzou’s BS in Accounting degree is integrated with a master’s degree. So after 150 credits of business and accounting courses, you’ll graduate with an advanced degree from a prestigious business school. The accounting core includes classes such as cost management, taxation, auditing, and information systems. But you’ll also take at least 27 credit hours in business classes too, including these:

• Economics
• Business and Society
• Marketing Principles
• Business Law

Notables

The University of Missouri is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and highly regarded by all the ranking publications. Indeed, Mizzou consistently shows up on the rankings put forth by Forbes, ARWU, U.S. News & World Report, and more.

Overview

The University of Alabama (UA) is located in Tuscaloosa. It is a large, public school as well as the oldest and largest university in the state. UA is comprised of 13 academic divisions and departments that proffer over 100 degrees.

Features

UA’s Culverhouse School of Accountancy offers an accounting degree that trains students to work in media, hospitals, law firms, manufacturing companies, nonprofits, and much more. This is a thorough accounting program that introduces you to all the analysis and planning skills you’ll need to be a successful accountant, regardless of industry. UA classes include those on:

• Cost Analysis for Planning and Control
• Corporate Governance, Risk Assessment, and Assurance Services
• Taxation
• Accounting Information Systems

Notables

UA is a flagship university and is consistently ranked as one of the top 50 best public universities in the country, by U.S. News & World Report. UA was founded in 1820 and is known for being a center of activity during the Civil War.

Overview

A Jesuit Catholic school, John Carroll University (JCU) is located in a suburb adjacent to Cleveland, Ohio. It is a small school, founded on a liberal arts core, with under 4k students. Despite its size, John Carroll offers more than 70 academic degree opportunities.

Features

At JCU you’ll learn how to advocate for long-term accounting strategy while modeling ethical leadership and management skills. The internships program through JCU gives you hands-on, professional experience. And it is part of the reason there’s a near 100 percent job placement rate for all Accountancy graduates. Some of the classes you’ll take at JCU include:

• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Cost Analysis and Budgetary Control
• Business Law
• Auditing

Notables

John Carroll University is regionally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. It is among the top 10 best schools in the Midwest and regularly recognized as one of “America’s Top Colleges.” It is also known for its emphasis on social justice and community service.

Overview

Miami University is located north of Cincinnati, Ohio in Oxford. It is a public research university and one of the oldest of its kind in the nation. Miami offers nearly 200 graduate and undergraduate degrees through its eight colleges. Over 25k students attend Miami.

Features

Miami’s BS in Accounting degree is steeped in a business curriculum an accredited by the prestigious AACSB. Through Miami you’ll graduate ready to sit for the CPA exam and you will have the opportunity to earn your masters alongside the bachelors. A few of the classes you can anticipate taking while at Miami include:

• Federal Income Tax Accounting
• Financial Accounting Research
• Managerial Accounting
• Accountancy Career Exploration and Planning

Notables

This highly ranked university has earned a reputation for its commitment to liberal arts education. Miami is also known for its beautiful campus and for being located in a top U.S. college town. It is ranked 79th among all universities in the nation.

Overview

Arizona State University (ASU) is a large, elite, research university. It has multiple campuses throughout downtown Phoenix and across Arizona. ASU offers hundreds of degree options, has dozens of renowned research facilities, and is affiliated with major medical schools and hospitals.

Features

The W.P. Carey School of Business is a renowned business school. It offers an accounting bachelors degree that explores real-world business software, trends, and technologies. This will undeniably give you a leg up once you graduate and enter the industry or sector of your interest. Some of the ASU classes you’ll get to take include:

• Ethics for Professional Accountants
• Taxes and Business Decisions
• Internal Reporting
• Organization and Management Leadership

Notables

Arizona State University’s reputation is anchored to many things: being one of the largest universities in the country with an enrollment of over 80,000 students, its commitment to sustainability efforts, and for being nationally and globally ranked by U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly, the Wall Street Journal, and more.

Overview

Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University (SLU) is one of the oldest Jesuit universities in the United States. It is a private research institution affiliated with Roman Catholic tradition. Over 13k students attend SLU.

Features

At Saint Louis University you will get a sturdy foundation in both technical and professional accounting. The John Cook School of Business has students explore the micro and macro of business, analysis, and problem-solving. And you can graduate with both a BS and MS degree at the same time. The core is comprised of classes such as:

• Financial Reporting I and II
• Cost Management
• Accounting Information Systems
• Federal Income Tax

Notables

Saint Louis University is known for its emphasis on community service, integrating it into nearly all of its academic degrees. Further, US News & World Report ranks SLU among the top 100 research universities. And over two dozen of its individual departments and degree programs are ranked among the top programs in the country.

Overview

Known as Ole Miss, the University of Mississippi is a public research institution based in Oxford (Mississippi, of course). It enrolls approximately 25k combined undergraduate and graduate students, and is classified as a high research university. Ole Miss is a sea and space-grant university.

Features

Ole Miss provides an accounting education that allows students to explore the world of accounting in government, industry, nonprofit, and public practices alike. You will engage both theory and application at Ole Miss, meaning your academic experience will be one marked by balance. For example, classes include:

• Financial Accounting I and II
• Cost Control
• Business Law
• Management of Strategic Planning

Notables

Forbes, the Chronicle of Higher Education, U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly are just some of the publications allocating their praise and rankings to Ole Miss. The University of Mississippi is considered an excellent school with an affordable price tag. Its Patterson School of Accountancy is ranked 4th in the nation.

Overview

Located in Tampa, the University of South Florida (USF) is a large public research institution. It has a total student body of more than 48k, making it the fourth-largest university in Florida. USF is a member of the well-regarded State University System of Florida.

Features

With USF’s accounting degree you will be able to sit for a variety of professional certification exams. And you’ll get a distinctively diverse academic experience, as USF emphasizes innovation and dynamic learning experiences in addition to the traditional lecture. Explore everything from forensics to consulting at USF through a curriculum that covers:

• Concepts of Federal Tax Income
• Cost Accounting and Control
• Accounting Information Systems
• Financial Accounting I and II

Notables

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education has designated USF with a gold rating for its commitment to sustainability. USF is also ranked among the top 100 universities nationally by ARWU and Washington Monthly.

Overview

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Xavier University is a Catholic school. It is one of the oldest Jesuit universities in the country, having been founded in 1831. Xavier is a small liberal arts school with a total student enrollment of under 7k.

Features

With a 95 employment rate for Xavier accounting graduates, and within 90 days of graduation no less, this program is an excellent choice. You can take on an internship or get involved in community outreach. You can earn a master’s degree too. All in addition to taking foundational accounting classes such as:

• Nonprofit and Governmental Accounting
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Accounting Information Systems
• Auditing

Notables

U.S. News & World Report ranks Xavier 4th among all colleges in the Midwest region. Forbes ranks it among “America’s Top Colleges” and Kiplinger’s calls it one of the best valued private universities in the nation.

Overview

The University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) straddles the border of Washington DC and Maryland. It is a large public university with around 38k students. Because of its proximity to the nation’s capital, UMCP degree programs integrate research opportunities with federal programs and agencies in Washington DC.

Features

If you’re specifically hoping to work in public accounting, the UMCP program could be an ideal fit for you. Though specializing in public accounting, they also train their students for potential future employment within corporate business, consulting, or government. Students graduate ready to take the CPA exam through coursework such as:

• Business Finance
• Marketing Principles
• Strategic Management
• Managing People and Organizations

Notables

UMCP’s Robert H. Smith Business School is ranked 47th according to US News & World Report. In addition to this, Business Insider recently listed the university as among the top ten “Smartest Public College in America.”

Overview

Loyola University in Chicago is a private Catholic university. It is one of the largest Catholic institutions of higher learning in the U.S. with its 16k combined undergraduate and graduate student population. Loyola offers over 200 academic programs at all degree levels.

Features

Loyola’s Quinlan School of Business offers a BBA in Accounting degree that helps students conquer a whole array of certification exams. Additionally, you will learn how to apply financial and managerial accounting concepts to critical business decisions and you will be able to cogently convey your technical knowledge of accounting theory. Classes include:

• Business & Professional Speaking
• Strategic Management
• Business Statistics
• Accounting I and II

Notables

Loyola University is ranked 99th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report. It is also often included in rankings for value and community service. Many of Loyola’s individual schools, such as the School of Business, are also well-ranked.