Best Accounting Colleges and Programs in Arizona for 2025

In Arizona, 25,840 accountants and auditors are employed. This includes those in the accounting profession working in specialized roles such as controllers, financial analysts, cost accountants, and internal auditors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also says the employment of accountants and accountants and auditors is going up all across the country, with an increase of 6% expected between 2023 and 2033.

The number of employees and managers within business and financial operation occupations stands at 218,120 in Arizona. This overall field encompasses a diverse field of specializations that organizations benefit from: tax preparers, financial and investment analyst, financial examiners, CPAs, budget analysts, accounts payable and receivable, and bookkeepers.

Most colleges and universities respond to their state’s needs, noting employment forecasts for different occupations. Using this information, schools can adjust their focus on accounting programs to respond to new employment conditions. This means that, if you are planning to work in Arizona, it may be a good idea to attend a college within the state, or at least the region. This way, you are sure to gain an education that will allow you to enter the field prepared for the jobs that are available in your area.

What is Accounting?

An accountant is a professional who works mostly with numbers. This may be in the form of their organization’s finances and ensuring that it is earning revenues and profits, the form of taxes and making sure that all laws have been followed, or in the form of tracking re-numeration to employees or vendors for their efforts on behalf of the company. There are many levels of employment under the “accountant” umbrella. After completing their accounting degree program, an accountant will often maintain and/or interpret an organization’s financial records, called bookkeeping, and may also be responsible for many more tasks related to finance such as payroll, tax preparation, accounts payable and receivable, etc.

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Top Ranked Campus & Online Accounting Programs in Arizona

1

University of Arizona

Score: 89.24

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,626
- Out-of-State:$41,095
Net Price: $17,075
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 68%
Total Enrollment: 49,403
Undergrad Students: 38,751
Graduate Students: 10,652
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

2

Arizona State University

Score: 88.01

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State:$32,193
Net Price: $14,808
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 80,065
Undergrad Students: 65,492
Graduate Students: 14,573
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

3

Northern Arizona University

Score: 80.59

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,652
- Out-of-State:$28,900
Net Price: $17,115
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 59%
Total Enrollment: 28,086
Undergrad Students: 23,204
Graduate Students: 4,882
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

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4

Grand Canyon University

Score: 72.11

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,450
- Out-of-State:$17,450
Net Price: $21,939
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 101,816
Undergrad Students: 66,769
Graduate Students: 35,047
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

5

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Score: 61.89

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,552
- Out-of-State:$9,552
Net Price: $13,319
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 42%

Graduation Rate: 18%
Total Enrollment: 88,891
Undergrad Students: 69,866
Graduate Students: 19,025
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 110:1

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6

Yavapai College

Score: 57.79

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State:$9,344
Net Price: $7,217
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 6,997
Undergrad Students: 6,997
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,200
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

7

Brookline College-Tempe

Score: 55.89

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,387
- Out-of-State:$31,387
Net Price: $25,350
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 269
Undergrad Students: 269
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $31,600
Student-to-faculty: 45:1

8

Pima Community College

Score: 53.32

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,370
- Out-of-State:$7,686
Net Price: $3,523
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 18%
Total Enrollment: 15,293
Undergrad Students: 15,293
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,400
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

9

Ottawa University-Surprise

Score: 53.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,300
- Out-of-State:$35,300
Net Price: $35,402
Acceptance Rate: 29%
Retention Rate: 47%

Graduation Rate: N/A
Total Enrollment: 1,736
Undergrad Students: 1,106
Graduate Students: 630
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

10

Scottsdale Community College

Score: 52.51

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $13,627
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 22%
Total Enrollment: 7,065
Undergrad Students: 7,065
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $44,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

11

GateWay Community College-Phoenix

Score: 51.17

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $12,786
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 55%

Graduation Rate: 19%
Total Enrollment: 4,699
Undergrad Students: 4,699
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $44,400
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

12

Estrella Mountain Community College

Score: 50.9

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $11,420
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 18%
Total Enrollment: 9,620
Undergrad Students: 9,620
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,300
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

13

Rio Salado College

Score: 50.89

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $6,834
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 10%
Total Enrollment: 17,078
Undergrad Students: 17,078
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $45,300
Student-to-faculty: 28:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

14

Phoenix College

Score: 50.72

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $11,555
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 12%
Total Enrollment: 9,649
Undergrad Students: 9,649
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $44,700
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

15

Mohave Community College

Score: 50.61

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,136
- Out-of-State:$7,248
Net Price: $5,576
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 4,038
Undergrad Students: 4,038
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $32,600
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

16

Paradise Valley Community College

Score: 49.84

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $12,116
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 13%
Total Enrollment: 5,676
Undergrad Students: 5,676
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $43,100
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

17

Mesa Community College

Score: 49.51

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $12,360
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 13%
Total Enrollment: 15,772
Undergrad Students: 15,772
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $43,300
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

18

Glendale Community College-Arizona

Score: 49.11

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State:$8,958
Net Price: $11,359
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 12%
Total Enrollment: 13,342
Undergrad Students: 13,342
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $41,600
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

19

Central Arizona College

Score: 48.13

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,250
- Out-of-State:$4,500
Net Price: $6,945
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 57%

Graduation Rate: 18%
Total Enrollment: 4,652
Undergrad Students: 4,652
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $33,400
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

20

Arizona Western College

Score: 48.09

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,020
- Out-of-State:$9,830
Net Price: $9,487
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 21%
Total Enrollment: 8,050
Undergrad Students: 8,050
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $32,600
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

Online Accounting Education in Arizona

An accountant may be employed by an organization, an accounting firm, or they could freelance and work for individual clients. Depending on a student’s career interests, they may choose to specialize in a specific area of accounting.

Possible specializations include:

Public Accounting
Management Accounting
Internal audit Accounting
Government Accounting
Forensic Accountant
International Accountant
Comptroller
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Accountants should have skills in math, be attentive, analytical, organized, and know how to communicate well. They should also operate by the ethics of the accounting profession. Their responsibilities might include creating general ledger entries, creating financial reports, compiling financial information, managing payroll, or sending out invoices, depending on what position they hold within a company. Smaller companies may only have a couple of general accountants who perform all of these tasks, but larger companies have entire accounting departments, where each employee has a smaller set of tasks to perform to maintain the company as a whole.

Online Associate (AS)

Students earning their associate degree in accounting will benefit by obtaining a good foundation in business. They may take courses in financial accounting, business and tax law, managerial accounting, marketing, and macroeconomics, among others. The roles they may enter after earning an associate degree in accounting may only be entry-level, but they are still vital due to the support they provide to higher-level accountants in their organizations. If the student can’t go to school in person, online accounting programs are available because this type of degree lends itself well to virtual learning. An associate degree in accounting usually takes around two years to complete as students complete around 60 credit hours of courses in accounting and some general education.

Check out our National Rankings for AS in Accounting

Online Bachelors (BS)

At a higher level, a bachelor’s degree program expands on the material a student may have been taught in an associate degree program. For those students who did not first earn an associate degree, all of the necessary courses will be included in their baccalaureate. Liberal arts and general education courses will help to prepare students for most professional settings. Students at the best accounting schools in Arizona may learn management science, advanced business and tax law, and accounting software solutions. By taking advantage of internship opportunities, students can increase their employability. A bachelor’s degree usually takes around four years as students complete 120 credit hours in general education and accounting-specific courses.

Check out our National Rankings for BS in Accounting

Online Masters (MS)

Students earning their master’s accounting degree in Arizona have usually worked for a few years before returning to school. In fact, many master’s programs ask for your resume when you apply, though they don’t usually require that you have work experience as an MBA program may do. This experience shows professionals that they can take their career into a new direction if they are willing to gain a bit more education. Accounting master’s graduates often expand their potential career opportunities. In graduate studies, accounting is a common degree.

For those who are looking to strengthen their careers with business knowledge and find their way into management of anything other than the accounting department, a master of business administration (MBA) will give you everything you need. Many MBA accounting programs require that you have a resume and a certain amount of experience in the working world. The degree builds on this experience and prepares you to lead.

Check out our National Rankings for MS in Accounting

Online PhD (PhD)

A PhD degree in accounting often marries the study of financial information with cognitive psychology, economics, decision theory, and finance. The courses cover two research paths. The first looks at the role of accounting information in contracting and capital markets; the second uses judgment and decision making (behavioral decision theory research). This second path is based on psychology, with controlled experiments using human subjects. Doctoral degrees in accounting that blend these disciplines allow students to expand on their research.

Graduates from PhD programs may still work in business, but many of them find their way into teaching at the college level and even leading mathematics departments within universities.

Check out our Financial Aid Guide Learn more about accounting resources and scholarships

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CPA Exam Education Requirements in Arizona

To obtain a full CPA license in Arizona, candidates must earn a bachelor's degree along with 150 semester hours of coursework, including 24 hours in accounting. The Arizona State Board of Accountancy requires accounting to be your major and for you to complete advanced accounting courses.

They include:

12 semester hours worth of coursework in upper level accounting classes
18 semester hours in accounting-related courses such as:

Marketing
Management
Business Law
Ethics
Statistics
Mathematics
Computer Science
Business
Speech communication
Other courses are accepted provided that they are closely related to accounting, pending Board approval.
One of the first steps is to obtain an Associates Degree In Accounting.

Since a standard BS degree is 120 hours, you'll need an additional 30 hours to meet the 150-hour requirement. These hours can include graduate coursework in accounting or related fields, such as computer science for IT audits or tax accounting. You can also take a for-credit CPA exam prep course, but note that non-credit prep courses won't count toward the Board's academic requirements. Additionally, prep courses cannot be used to duplicate credits you've already earned, so it’s a good idea to consult your academic adviser before enrolling in any preparatory courses.

Accreditation:

Your education must be at a standard recognized by the Arizona board. Therefore, make sure that your school is fully accredited at the time you enroll, and be aware if your school loses accreditation so you can transfer to a recognized institution. The accrediting body for Arizona is the Higher Learning Commission, but if you attend a school from another state online, here are the other accreditation agencies in the US.
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Colleges and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Taking the Certified Public Accounting Exam

The CPA exam in Arizona is the same as in other states. To sit for the exam, you must be at least 18 years old and have completed a bachelor's degree with a concentration in accounting, although you can take the exam with just 120 hours of undergraduate coursework.

While you won't qualify for a full license until you meet all academic requirements, it's beneficial to take the exam early due to its difficulty and low pass rate for first-time takers. To begin the process, submit an application and fees (currently $100) via the Arizona Board of Accountancy website. You'll also need to provide official transcripts to verify you've completed the required 120 semester hours in accounting.

Continuing Professional Education Requirements

To maintain your hard-won CPA license, you need to study and submit proof of continuing education to the Arizona State Board of Accountancy. The Board requires 80 continuing professional education hours every two years. To fully comply with the Board, make sure that these hours are spent in courses that specifically pertain to your profession and that you adhere to their specific rules:

Minimum 16 hours in live/interactive environments including classrooms or webinars
40 hours studying one or all of the following:
- Auditing
- Accounting
- Taxation
- Business Law
- Management advisory services
A minimum of 16 hours must cover auditing, accounting, or taxation
4 hours of ethics that are above and beyond the 80 CPE hours, including:
- One hour dedicated to accounting and the AICPA professional code of conduct
- One hour dedicated to the ASBA statutes and administrative rules

Becoming an Accountant and Specializations

As students pursue their accounting degrees, they should not only learn general accounting skills but also the specific requirements of any specialty they plan to pursue. The key to becoming an accounting specialist is education. Earning an associate or bachelor’s degree can help you start your career or move up quickly. Additionally, certifications from various professional associations can demonstrate your expertise to employers. These certifications can be earned through online or in-person courses, helping you be prepared when a desirable job opportunity arises.

Certified Public Accounting (CPA) is a highly sought-after career in accounting, typically involving work at public accounting firms serving a range of clients. CPAs handle financial statements, tax preparation, budget analysis, and financial guidance. Graduate studies in accounting are essential for those pursuing this career, as most states require CPA candidates to complete some master's-level coursework before sitting for the exam. In Arizona, candidates must complete 150 hours of college-level education with specific accounting and business coursework, and gain 2,000 hours of work experience under a licensed CPA, which can be completed after passing the CPA exam.

Forensic accounting involves examining a company's financial records to detect financial crimes. This specialty requires strong technical skills as accountants look for criminal evidence hidden in numbers. Forensic accounting can be an exciting field, but in Arizona, only CPAs can work independently in this role. If you're not a CPA, you may need a Private Investigator’s license or must be employed by an attorney to legally gather and present evidence in criminal cases.

Financial management involves overseeing a company's funds, strategic planning, and resource allocation, often using financial data. While no specific licenses are required to work in this role in Arizona, many financial managers earn certifications, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), CPA, or Chartered Financial Manager (CFM) certification, to demonstrate their expertise.

Potential Careers for Accounting Graduates in Arizona

Financial Analyst

These professionals gather and organize financial information and reviewing internal databases and government reports. They’ll also examine financial statements, determining the organization’s value. They make recommendations on investments and may create a portfolio that stresses their recommendations to shareholders and company officials.

Learn more

Benefits Specialist

This trained professional works in the human resources office in an organization. They are responsible for creating benefits and compensation packages for the employees, management, and officers of the company. They may also carry out job analysis and classify job positions for the company as well as creating job announcements. These professionals may also work in other areas of HR, giving them opportunities for cross-training.

Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable Specialist

An accounts payable clerk may work in nearly any organization and industry, even for government agencies, from local to federal. Their role includes work with outgoing and incoming invoices for the company. These may be inventory invoices, utility payments, reimbursements, and employee expense accounts. In some organizations, this professional may also help with payroll.

Staff Accountant

Staff accountants keep and interpret financial records, such as financial statements, ledgers, and expense reports. They can be responsible for a range of tasks related to finances either for individual clients or their company. Distinguishing this role from that of bookkeeper is that an accountant has usually earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting or gained a great deal of experience.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts help organizations, public and private, to plan their finances. They also prepare budget reports and oversee organizational spending. This professional keeps track of the accounting cycle and may also roll program and department budgets into a consolidated budget for the entire organization. They assist top managers in analyzing proposed plans; if the projected results aren’t satisfactory, they help find alternatives.

Manager/Controller

Management accounting stresses both documentation and compliance. An accounting manager’s goal is to compile and summarize the operational performance indicators. These include inventory levels and costs and whatever else is necessary to keep the company running smoothly. Controllers oversee the company’s overall accounting operations. This includes budget creation and tracking, development of financial reports, tracking and overseeing accounting variables, and the creation/implementation of the operational controls related to accounting and their department’s best practices.

Check out additional accounting career paths

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How to Become a CPA or Accountant in Arizona

What is Accounting?

Top Ranked Campus & Online Accounting Programs in Arizona

University of Arizona

Arizona State University

Northern Arizona University

Grand Canyon University

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Yavapai College

Brookline College-Tempe

Pima Community College

Ottawa University-Surprise

Scottsdale Community College

GateWay Community College-Phoenix

Estrella Mountain Community College

Rio Salado College

Phoenix College

Mohave Community College

Paradise Valley Community College

Mesa Community College

Glendale Community College-Arizona

Central Arizona College

Arizona Western College

Online Accounting Education in Arizona

Online Associate (AS)

Online Bachelors (BS)

Online Masters (MS)

Online PhD (PhD)

CPA Exam Education Requirements in Arizona

Taking the Certified Public Accounting Exam

Continuing Professional Education Requirements

Becoming an Accountant and Specializations

Potential Careers for Accounting Graduates in Arizona

Financial Analyst

Benefits Specialist

Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable Specialist

Staff Accountant

Budget Analyst

Manager/Controller

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