Trying to decide between the best accounting schools in the country isn’t easy. Starting your career in accounting can be difficult if you don’t have the right education. Landing a job at the big 4 accounting firms isn’t easy coming from a smaller, unrecognized school or university. The big four have relationships with big universities and know what kind of students come from them. That’s why it’s so important to pick your college carefully. Your school choice will set you up for the rest of your life, either with a job or a salary. Yes, believe it or not firms are willing to give higher starting salaries to new hires that went to more prestigious schools.
So how do you know what college to go to? There are so many of them. How do you know which one is the best? That’s why I decided to compile this recourse.
I compiled my 2019 best accounting school super rankings list for undergraduate degrees and programs using other accounting school authorities like Forbes, US News, and Business Insider. All of these respected reports bring a different outlook and accounting degree ranking. I combined all of their ideas and added a little of my professional judgment and experience to come up with my top accounting college super ranking of the top accounting schools in the country.
Research the Best Accounting Schools in 2019 Below:
Contents
- Research the Best Accounting Schools in 2019 Below:
- Brigham Young University
- University of Illinois
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Michigan Ann Arbor
- University of Pennsylvania
- Indiana University
- University of Southern California
- University of Washington
- Wake Forest University
Here is a list of the top ranked accounting schools that will help you start your career in accounting, business, or finance in 2019.
- Brigham Young University
- University of Illinois
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Michigan Ann Arbor
- University of Pennsylvania
- Indiana University
- University of Southern California
- University of Washington
- Wake Forest University
Brigham Young University
Marriot School of Management
Brigham Young University’s School of Accountancy is a private school in Provo, Utah that consistently ranked in the top three accounting schools in the US because their program teaches students how to be successful in their careers and their lives. BYU believes in instilling values like integrity and honesty in their students. These values help students start careers in public accounting, industry, non-profit, and government. BYU Marriot School of Management students consistently place well in national competitions like the National Deloitte and PwC Tax Competitions.
Undergraduate Degree Program Overview and Requirements
BYU’s BS in accounting program consists of 64 credit hours including computer science, business law, economics, and accounting courses The lower level foundational course work establishes accounting and business knowledge for the rigorous Junior Core classes to build on. The Accounting Junior Core is a 24-credit hour advanced study in accounting, finance, and business. These classes are so difficult that many students don’t take any other classes their junior year. The last year’s course work is dictated by students’ goals. Some students choose to go straight into a Master’s of Accounting while others choose develop work experience before earning a graduate degree.
Here’s more information about the BYU BS in Accounting requirements.
Degrees Offered:
- BS
- MS
- PhD
BYU Marriot School of Management Statistics
Current students Enrolled: 301
Tuition
- $45,000 total program
- $11,620 per year – full-time, LDS member
- $23,240 per year – full-time, Non-LDS member
Accreditation
The BYU Marriot School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
University of Illinois
College of Business
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was founded more than 100 years ago and has grown to be one of the most respected research institutes in the world. Their top-rated accounting degree program allows students opportunities to learn knowledge, research ideas, and craft new skills. Students can gain real world experience through organizations like Illinois Business Consulting and the Kola Foundation, both student founded and ran entities. IBC is the world’s largest student run consulting firm and KF is a non-profit group.
Undergraduate Degree Program Overview and Requirements
The UIUC bachelor’s of science in accountancy degree program is a traditional four-year education. The BS program requires a minimum of 21 credit hours in accounting including classes like intermediate accounting, tax, decision making, and auditing. The course-work is designed to prepare students to sit for the CPA exam and start a career in the accounting profession. Students who want to pursue their certification can also apply for the UIUC master’s degree program to fulfill the Illinois CPA educational requirements.
Degrees Offered:
- BS
- MS
- PhD
Here’s more information about the UIUC Accounting curriculum.
UIUC College of Business Statistics
Current students Enrolled: 169
Tuition:
-
- In State
- $21,974 per year – full-time
- $22,773 per year – part-time
- $97,000 total program – executive degree
- In State
- Out of State
- $32,974 per year – full-time
- $33,743 per year – part-time
- $97,000 total program – executive degree
Accreditation
The UIUC College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
University of Texas – Austin
McCombs College of Business
The McCombs School of Business is the oldest public business school in Texas founded in 1922. It is consistently ranked one of the top three accounting colleges in the country because its innovative teachers and well-respected researches breathe new life into age-old business concepts with cutting-edge ideas. Students are trained how to research, communicate their knowledge, and interact with the business community. These are ideal skill sets for anyone looking for a future job in industry or government.
Undergraduate Degree Program Overview and Requirements
The McCombs BBA in accounting program has been rated number one by US News and World Report for several years because its core classes prepare students for the real world. The 21 required credit hours of coursework is designed to teach student how to record financial data, use that data in financial decision making, and use accounting information in the critical thinking process. Required courses include financial and cost accounting, financial statement analysis, and taxation. Finance students can choose the corporate track or the financial institution track with 9-12 required accounting courses. Both majors can also apply to the Master’s in Professional Accounting program.
Degrees Offered:
- BS
- MS
- PhD
Here’s more information about the UTA Accounting curriculum.
UTA McCombs College of Business Statistics
Current students Enrolled: 551
Tuition:
- In State
- $32,298 per year – full-time
- $99,000 total program – part-time
- $99,500 total program – executive degree
- Out of State
- $48,832 per year – full-time
Accreditation
The UTA McCombs School of Business’ accounting and business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
University of Notre Dame
Mendoza College of Business
The University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business has always been associated with integrity since it’s inception in 1921. Its students and faculty consistently win awards proving that it’s a top-rated accounting school. In fact, Bloomberg has rated Mendoza number one for five straight years because it prepares students for challenging careers in business, accounting, and finance. With the world’s largest alumni structure, graduates have no problem getting placed in respected careers. Undergraduates can also apply for their highly selective MBA and master’s in accounting degree programs.
Undergraduate Degree Program Overview and Requirements
The Notre Dame BBA in accounting gives students an experience of the real business world through their required 18 credit hours of course work. Each class is designed to help students understand high-level accounting and complex finance topics and concepts. The intense coursework challenges students and prepares them to work for a big four accounting firm. All freshman are guided through their first year and coached on possible careers paths by respected mentors. After graduating, student can either go into industry or apply to the Master of Science in Accountancy program to earn the 150 credit hour minimum CPA exam requirement.
Degrees Offered:
- BBA
- MS
- MBA
Here’s more information about the Notre Dame Accounting curriculum.
Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Statistics
Current students Enrolled: 323
Tuition:
- $46,800 per year
- $101,000 per year – executive degree
Accreditation
The UND Mendoza College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ross School of Business
The University of Michigan is the oldest and most prestigious school in Michigan dating back to 1817. U of M established The Ross School of Business in 1924 to be a research-based institute with an action oriented education model. The Stephen M. Ross School of business focuses on teaching students through real world experiences. It’s no wonder why Bloomberg and Forbes consistent rate it in the top 10 best accounting schools in the United States.
Undergraduate Degree Program Overview and Requirements
U of M takes a little different approach to its accounting program compared with many other universities. Traditionally, students receive a bachelor’s degree in accounting and either dual major or apply for a master’s in accounting to earn the 150-college credit CPA requirement. U of M integrates these two programs into one. Undergraduate students go to the Ross School of Business and receive a BBA in business administration. They can then move on to a highly intensive and dynamic eight-month master’s degree focused on teaching upper-level accounting, tax, and auditing concepts. Every accounting student leaving the Ross School is prepared to sit for the CPA exam and start a career in public accounting. In fact, U of M boasts that 93 percent of graduates have at least one job offer before their graduation day.
Degrees Offered:
- BBA
- MS
- PhD
Here’s more information about the U of M Accounting curriculum.
University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business Statistics
Current students Enrolled: 886
Tuition:
- In State
- $54,450 per year – full-time
- $1,796 per credit – part-time
- $56,400 per year – executive degree
- Out of State
- $59,450 per year – full-time
- $1,963 per credit – part-time
- $58,400 per year – executive degree
Accreditation
The U of M Ross College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
University of Pennsylvania
Wharton School
The Wharton School is a well respected private ivy league school located in Philadelphia. It was founded in 1881 by a donation from John Wharton as an extension to Penn University, a college that Benjamin Franklin established. Through its comprehensive coursework, Wharton equips students with the knowledge and skills to start a successful career. In fact, Wharton first year graduates are the highest paid out of any college business program in the United States. On average, graduates earn more $100,000 in first year compensation. Needless to say, attending Wharton will start your career out successfully.
Undergraduate Degree Program Overview and Requirements
Wharton School understanding that students need to learn skills and experiences beyond general accounting knowledge in order to succeed in the real world. That is why the undergraduate accounting program consists of accounting classes fused with economics, computer, finance, and communication skills. The required courses include intermediate and advanced financial accounting and cost accounting as well as business analysis and valuation classes. This multifaceted curriculum exposes students to new disciplines and helps them develop critical thinking skills. Students will also have the opportunity to aid faculty in researching current accounting and economic issues.
Degrees Offered:
- BS
- MBA
- PhD
Here’s more information about the UPenn Accounting curriculum.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School Statistics
Current students Enrolled: 1,711
- Tuition:
- $62,424 per year
- $97,500 per year – executive degree
Accreditation
The Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Indiana University
Kelley School of Business
The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University is one of the most well respected institutes for accounting and business education in the US. Established in 1920 as the School of Commerce and Finance, it began educating students with a well-rounded curriculum aimed at teaching more than just business. Kelley students learn oral and written skills that make them effective team members and future accounting professionals. The Kelley undergraduate program is consistently rated highly in the country proving that its graduates are in high demand.
Undergraduate Degree Program Overview and Requirements
The IU bachelor’s degree in accounting begins with freshman communication and basic education course. Sophomores start financial and managerial accounting classes before they dive into the intensive coursework of their Junior year. Juniors take courses in tax, audit, information systems, and advanced accounting. Seniors have three different choices. They can continue with the 4-year bachelor’s degree program or pick one of two ways to start a master’s in tax program. One options allows students to start the master’s program during their Senior year. This is known as the 3/2 program. The more traditional MSA programs starts after undergraduate graduation.
Degrees Offered:
- BS
- MBA
- MS
- PhD
Here’s more information about the Kelley School Accounting curriculum.
Indiana University Kelley School of Business Statistics
Current students Enrolled: 391
Tuition:
- In State
- $25,500 per year – full-time
- $728 per credit – part-time
- Out of State
- $44,460 per year – full-time
- $1,400 per credit – part-time
Accreditation
The Kelley School of Business of Indiana University is accredited in business and accounting by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
University of Southern California
Marshall School of Business
The Marshall School was founded in 1920 the Los Angeles area and is the largest USC professional school. With its curriculum designed to teach business fundamentals, students get to customize their educational experience and focus on areas of business and industry that they want to pursue. Students receive industry guidance and have the opportunity to expand their knowledge with a liberal arts minor. Marshall School prepares its graduates with a wide variety of experiences and often expands their interests beyond the traditional career paths.
Undergraduate Degree Program Overview and Requirements
Marshall School’s bachelor’s in accounting degree program is run through the Leventhal School of Accounting where freshman are admitted based on merit and standing. Students who are not accepted into either Marshall or Leventhal cannot take business or accounting courses past the introductory stages. The four-year accounting degree consists of a rigorous set of 26 credit hours of financial accounting, business information systems, auditing, taxation, and laws courses. Students must also take at least 24 credit hours of general business courses. Students can choice a duel major, minor, or even elect for early enrollment in the USC’s Progressive Master’s Degree program where they can get a head start on their MACc or MBT.
Degrees Offered:
- BBA
- MS
Here’s more information about the Leventhal School Accounting curriculum.
University of Southern California Marshall School of Business Statistics
Current students Enrolled: 431
Tuition:
- $51,786 per year – full-time
- $1,644 per credit – part-time
- $98,640 total program – executive degree
Accreditation
The Marshall School of Business of the University of Southern California is accredited in both accounting and business by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
University of Washington
Foster School of Business
The Foster Schools of Business was founded in 1917 and offers BS, MS, and PhD programs. Since its inception, more than 50,000 students have graduated with business degrees in accounting, management, entrepreneurial studies, and more. Foster focus on teaching students more than just business knowledge and accounting fundamentals. It prides itself on teaching communication and problem solving skills that propel its graduates into success careers in industry and government. Foster School ranks highly among other accounting college and even ranked number one by a Brigham Young University study for its contribution to accounting research.
Undergraduate Degree Program Overview and Requirements
The Foster School undergraduate accounting degree is focused around providing students with a solid foundation of accounting knowledge to build a career upon. The four-year program includes courses like financial accounting, accounting problem solving, and managerial accounting. Students have the option to get a bachelor’s in business administration or focus on accountancy as their major. They can also go on to the Master of Professional Accounting program where they can receive an MPAcc degree in taxation or auditing and assurance. This graduate option fulfills all the CPA exam educational requirements and allows students to sit for the exam immediately upon graduation.
Degrees Offered:
- BS
- MS
- MBA
- PhD
Here’s more information about the Foster School Accounting curriculum.
University of Washington Foster School of Business Statistics
Current students Enrolled: 248
Tuition:
- In State
- $29,250 per year – full-time
- $22,080 per year – part-time
- $47,250 – executive degree
- Out of State
- $43,086 per year – full-time
- $22,080 per year – part-time
- $47,250 – executive degree
Accreditation
The Foster School of Business at U of W is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Wake Forest University
School of Business
Wake Forest University established its School of Business in 1969 and has since ranked highly among other accounting schools and universities. The accounting bachelor degree gives students a basis to launch their early careers in the accounting industry. It also prepares students to complete the masters in accounting degree program and finish the CPA exam education requirements. Wake Forest students have held the highest CPA exam pass rate 11 years since 1997 and consistent perform among the highest scorers every year. Needless to say, Wake Forest helps bridge the gap between academic success and career success.
Undergraduate Degree Program Overview and Requirements
The Wake Forest School of business offers a BS in accounting that students can use to start a career in public or private accounting. BS coursework includes comprehensive classes about auditing, commercial and investment banking, taxation, and forensic accounting. With the knowledge and experience gained at Wake Forest, students can start any number of career paths or choice to start their own practice. Many students, however, choose to pursue their MS or MBA, so they can sit for the CPA exam. This five year option allows students to start the masters program immediately after completing the undergraduate program.
Degrees Offered:
- BS
- MS
- MBA
Here’s more information about the Wake Forest Accounting curriculum.
Wake Forest University School of Business Statistics
Current students Enrolled: 95
Tuition:
- $ 36,561 per year
Accreditation
The Wake Forest is currently accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
