Top 25 Best Accounting College and School Programs

Search Programs

If you’re looking to enter college and earn yourself an accounting degree, you may be wondering where the best place would be to start this step in your academic career. If that’s the case, then you’re in the right spot. Not only have we listed the top colleges and universities for an accounting degree in the US, but you’ll also be able to compare them based on school size, tuition, graduation rate, etc. Take a look through our list and see if you can find the right school for you, whether it’s the most prestigious, the most likely to get you a job, or just the closest one to home.

Top 25 Colleges

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame is more than one of the top Catholic universities in the nation. The Indiana school also offers a superb accounting program for undergraduates, as well as a masters’ of science in accounting. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is $53,391. The school boasts a graduation rate of 97% and a total enrollment of approximately 12,600 students. Accountancy undergraduates have a 98% placement rate, while those earning their master’s degree have a 100% placement rate. Learn more

Tuition
- In-State:$53,391
- Out-of-State:$53,391

Rank: #1 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:12,607
Graduation Rate:97%
Diplomas Awarded: 134

University of Florida

Students enrolled in the bachelor of science in accounting program are eligible to apply for early admission to the university’s graduate school. After completing the combined bachelor’s/master’s program, students may sit for the Uniform CPA exam and, upon passing, find work as a CPA. Tuition for Florida resident is $6,381, while out-of-state students are charged $28,659. The graduation rate is 90%, with a total enrollment of approximately 52,200 students. Learn more

Tuition
- In-State:$6,381
- Out-of-State:$28,659

Rank: #2 in Accounting
Total Enrollment: 52,218
Graduation Rate: 90%
Diplomas Awarded: 147

Villanova University

This Catholic university, located in Pennsylvania, allows accounting students to earn not just an undergraduate degree, but also a Master of Accounting with Data Analytics, in five years or less. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is $53,308. The graduation rate is 91%, with a total enrollment of approximately 11,000 students. Business students may want to minor in accounting, as this degree complements any sort of business degree. Learn more

Tuition
- In-State:$53,308
- Out-of-State:$53,308

Rank: #3 in Accounting
Total Enrollment: 11,030
Graduation Rate: 91%
Diplomas Awarded: 77

University of Southern California

Located in Los Angeles, the Leventhal School of Accounting offers a BS in accounting, along with a one-year, full-time program leading to a master’s in accounting or an MS in accounting degree, with an emphasis on data and analytics. There is also a master of business taxation degree available. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is $56,225. The graduation rate is 92%, with a total enrollment of approximately 47,300 students. Learn more

Tuition
- In-State:$56,225
- Out-of-State:$56,225

Rank: #4 in Accounting
Total Enrollment: 47,310
Graduation Rate: 92%
Diplomas Awarded: 236

University of Maryland, College Park

The university’s Robert H. Smith School of Business offers a “plus one” program, in which students may earn their undergraduate and master’s degrees in accounting in five years. Maryland requires a 150 credit-hour minimum for students to sit for the CPA exam. Tuition for Maryland residents is $10,595, while out-of-state students must pay $35,216. The graduation rate is 86%, with a total enrollment of approximately 41,200 students. Learn more

Tuition
- In-State:$10,595
- Out-of-State:$35,216

Rank: #5 in Accounting
Total Enrollment: 41,200
Graduation Rate: 86%
Diplomas Awarded: 234

University of Connecticut

Recognized as one of the top and most innovative accounting programs in the country, the university offers undergraduate accounting degrees as well as a master of science in accounting and a PhD program. Tuition for Connecticut residents is $15,730, while out-of-state students must pay $38,098. The graduation rate is 85%, with a total enrollment of approximately 27,400 students. Learn more

Tuition
- In-State:$15,730
- Out-of-State:$38,098

Rank: #6 in Accounting
Total Enrollment: 27,412
Graduation Rate: 85%
Diplomas Awarded: 149

Lehigh University

This Pennsylvania university offers an undergraduate degree in accounting and a master’s degree in accounting and informational analysis. The accounting major allows students to explore various fields, including public accounting assurance and tax services, corporate accounting, financial services, and information systems. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is $52,930. The graduation rate is 87%, with a total enrollment of approximately 6,850 students.

Tuition
- In-State:$52,930
- Out-of-State:$52,930

Rank: #7 in Accounting
Total Enrollment: 6,849
Graduation Rate: 87%
Diplomas Awarded: 78

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce offers an accounting undergraduate degree, along with a master of science in accounting. The latter is a full-time, nine-month program with a focus on either tax consulting or financial reporting and assurance. Tuition for Virginia residents is $17,635, while out-of-state students pay $49,032. The graduation rate is 94%, with a total enrollment of approximately 24,600 students.

Tuition
- In-State:$17,653
- Out-of-State:$49,032

Rank: #8 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:24,639
Graduation Rate:94%
Diplomas Awarded: NA

Binghamton University

Part of the State University of New York system, Binghamton offers a BS in accounting, as well as a five-year program in which students can earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously. Tuition for New York residents is $9,853, while out-of-state students pay $26,648. The graduation rate is 81%, with a total enrollment of approximately 17,750 students. Many top companies in New York City and nationally look to this school to recruit employees.

Tuition
- In-State:$9,853
- Out-of-State:$26,648

Rank: #9 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:17,768
Graduation Rate:81%
Diplomas Awarded: 202

University of Washington, Seattle Campus

The university’s Foster School of Business offers an undergraduate accounting degree, as well as a master of professional accounting, a master of science in taxation, and a PhD in accounting. Tuition for Washington residents is $11,207, while out-of-state students pay $36,588. The graduation rate is 84%, with a total enrollment of approximately 47,400 students. Graduate students taking the CPA exam have an average pass rate of 77%, the highest in the state.

Tuition
- In-State:$11,207
- Out-of-State:$36,588

Rank: #10 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:47,400
Graduation Rate:84%
Diplomas Awarded: 163

Full Ranking Report

Rutgers University, New Brunswick

Students enrolled as accounting majors take classes at the university’s main, New Brunswick campus. The school also offers a Masters in Accountancy in Professional Accounting, a 30-credit, part-time accounting degree. Tuition for New Jersey residents is $14,974, while out-of-state students pay $31,282. The graduation rate is 80%, with a total enrollment of approximately 50,250 students. Many of the Big Four accounting firms recruit at Rutgers.

Tuition
- In-State:$14,974
- Out-of-State:$31,282

Rank: #11 in Accounting
Total Enrollment: 50,254
Graduation Rate: 80%
Diplomas Awarded: 173

University of Scranton

This Pennsylvania school offers both an undergraduate accounting degree and a master of accountancy. Students can complete a dual bachelor’s and master’s degree in either four years, attending classes during the summer, or five years. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is $44,532. The graduation rate is 82%, with a total enrollment of approximately 5,300 students. Over 90% of accounting majors soon find full-time employment in their field.

Tuition
- In-State:$44,532
- Out-of-State:$44,532

Rank: #12 in Accounting
Total Enrollment: 5,286
Graduation Rate: 82%
Diplomas Awarded: 53

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business offers undergraduate, masters and PhD degrees in accounting. Tuition for Michigan residents is $15,262, while out-of-state students pay $49,350. The graduation rate is 92%, with a total enrollment of approximately 46,700 students. Those earning master’s degrees in accounting have consistently had 100% offers of employment within six months of graduation.

Tuition
- In-State:$15,262
- Out-of-State:$49,350

Rank: #13 in Accounting
Total Enrollment: 46,716
Graduation Rate: 92%
Diplomas Awarded: NA

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The university’s Gies College of Business offers several undergraduate and graduate accounting degrees, including a BS in accountancy, a masters of accounting science, an MS in accountancy, an online master of science in accountancy, and a PhD in accountancy. The accounting faculty is considered among the best in the nation. Tuition for Illinois residents is $15,094, while out-of-state students pay $31,664. The graduation rate is 84%, with a total enrollment of approximately 49,700 students.

Tuition
- In-State:$15,094
- Out-of-State:$31,664

Rank: #14 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:49,702
Graduation Rate:84%
Diplomas Awarded: 404

Bentley University

This Massachusetts school offers bachelors, masters, and PhD degrees in accounting and is considered the top accounting university in the state. The Princeton Review ranks it number one in internship opportunities for accounting students. Students may focus on specialized accounting fields, such as information technology or auditing. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is $49,880 and the graduation rate is 89%, with a total enrollment of approximately 5,450 students.

Tuition
- In-State:$49,880
- Out-of-State:$49,880

Rank: #15 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:5,460
Graduation Rate:89%
Diplomas Awarded: 141

Brigham Young University

This Utah university offers an undergraduate accounting degree, as well as an integrated five-year program in which students can also receive their masters in accountancy. Another option is the joint Juris Doctorate and master of accountancy degree. Undergraduates are expected to “secure a meaningful internship” in the summer between the junior and senior year. Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students at $5,620. The graduation rate is 86%, with a total enrollment of approximately 34,500 students.

Tuition
- In-State:$5,620
- Out-of-State:$5,620

Rank: #16 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:34,499
Graduation Rate:86%
Diplomas Awarded: 197

College of William and Mary

Along with an undergraduate accounting degree, the school offers a master of accountancy degree that students may complete within nine months. The average number of students enrolling in the master’s program is approximately 100 annually. For flexibility purposes, enrollment periods are available in the spring and fall. Tuition for Virginia residents is $23,400, while out-of-state students pay $45,272. The graduation rate is 91%, with a total enrollment of approximately 8,800 students.

Tuition
- In-State:$23,400
- Out-of-State:$45,272

Rank: #17 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:8,817
Graduation Rate:91%
Diplomas Awarded: NA

University of Georgia

Accounting undergraduates may opt to apply for the dual degree BBA/MAcc program during their senior year and earn their master’s degree the following year. Eligible students must have completed the first two semesters of the BBA accounting program. Tuition for Georgia residents is $11,830, while out-of-state students pay $30,404. The graduation rate is 86%, with a total enrollment of approximately 38,650 students.

Tuition
- In-State:$11,830
- Out-of-State:$30,404

Rank: #18 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:38,652
Graduation Rate:86%
Diplomas Awarded: 185

Indiana University

In addition to an undergraduate accounting degree, the university’s Kelley School of Business offers a Master in Business Administration in Accounting, a combined five-year program for those seeking an accounting MBA, and a one-year Master of Science in Accounting. A PhD in accounting is also available. Tuition for Indiana residents is $10,681, while out-of-state students pay $35,456. The graduation rate falls below 80 here, with 78% of students graduating as expected, and total enrollment includes approximately 43,500 students.

Tuition
- In-State:$10,681
- Out-of-State:$35,456

Rank: #19 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:43,503
Graduation Rate:78%
Diplomas Awarded: NA

Florida State University

Located in Tallahassee, FSU’s College of Business offers an undergraduate major in accounting, along with a master of accounting degree for accounting majors, a separate master of accounting degree for non-accounting majors, and a PhD in accounting. Tuition for Florida residents is $5,656, while out-of-state students pay $18,786. The graduation rate is relatively high at 83%, with a total enrollment of approximately 41,000 students.

Tuition
- In-State:$5,656
- Out-of-State:$18,786

Rank: #20 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:41,005
Graduation Rate:83%
Diplomas Awarded: 208

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC’s Kenan Flagler Business School offers an undergraduate accounting degree, along with a master in accounting available in either an online or traditional classroom format. There is also a rigorous, five-year PhD program in accounting available. Tuition for North Carolina residents is $8,987 but out-of-state students pay $35,170. The graduation rate is high at 89%, with a total enrollment of approximately 30,000 students.

Tuition
- In-State:$8,987
- Out-of-State:$35,170

Rank: #21 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:30,011
Graduation Rate:89%
Diplomas Awarded: NA

University of Wisconsin

The Wisconsin School of Business offers an undergraduate degree in accounting and information systems. Students may opt for a five-year program leading to a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree as an Integrated Master of Accountancy, and there is also a two-year master’s in accounting program available for non-accounting majors, the Graduate Master of Accountancy. There is also a PhD in Accountancy available. Tuition for Wisconsin residents is $10,555, while out-of-state students pay $36,805. The graduation rate is high, with 87% of the student body, numbering at 43,450 students, graduating on time.

Tuition
- In-State:$10,555
- Out-of-State:$36,805

Rank: #22 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:43,463
Graduation Rate:87%
Diplomas Awarded: 119

Michigan State University

MSU’s accounting department is officially known as the Department of Accounting and Information Systems. Along with undergraduate accounting degrees, the Eli Broad College of Business offers masters and doctoral degrees in accountancy. Tuition for Michigan residents is $14,460, while out-of-state students pay $39,766. The graduation rate is 80% and the school has a total enrollment of approximately 50,350 students.

Tuition
- In-State:$14,460
- Out-of-State:$39,766

Rank: #23 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:50,351
Graduation Rate:80%
Diplomas Awarded: 248

The College of New Jersey

Long considered one of the best accounting schools in the country, TCNJ accounting majors have high pass rates on the CPA exam and a 70% recruitment rate with accounting firms. Because TCNJ is close to New York City and Philadelphia, it is able to offer internships to top companies. Tuition for New Jersey residents is $16,551, while out-of-state students pay $28,266. The graduation rate is 86% and the school has a total enrollment of approximately 7,700 students, making it a relatively small campus.

Tuition
- In-State:$16,551
- Out-of-State:$28,266

Rank: #24 in Accounting
Total Enrollment:7,686
Graduation Rate:86%
Diplomas Awarded: 44

Purdue University, Main Campus

Along with an undergraduate accounting degree, Purdue’s Krannert School of Management offers a one-year master of science in accounting degree. Those students interested in the field can tailor their coursework to become a certified fraud examiner. Tuition for Indiana residents is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay $28,794. The graduation rate is 81% across the total student body, which totals approximately 44,475 students enrolled.