66 Excellent Schools for Accounting Majors
Accounting is one of the most practical majors out there, with clear career paths, strong job prospects, and a direct route to CPA licensure. But the best program for you depends on more than a school's overall ranking. This list highlights colleges with excellent accounting programs, along with what makes each one stand out, so you can compare them on what matters to you. As you research, look for details you can use in your supplemental essays, such as specific courses, student organizations, internship pipelines, and faculty research that connect to your goals.
Agnes Scott College: A women's liberal arts college in Decatur, GA, that pairs accounting with a broad liberal arts education. Small classes and Atlanta's business community make internships accessible.
Alfred University: A small, close-knit university in western New York where accounting students get personal attention from faculty. A good fit for students who want a tight community and hands-on advising.
Assumption University: A Catholic liberal arts university in Worcester, MA, where accounting is paired with a strong core curriculum. Its location gives students access to Boston-area internships.
Auburn University: Accounting is taught in Auburn's School of Accountancy, which has strong ties to Big Four and regional firms. A great option for students who want SEC-level school spirit alongside serious CPA preparation.
Babson College: A business-only school outside Boston, known for its entrepreneurial focus. Accounting students learn alongside future founders, so it suits those interested in startups or advisory work.
Baylor University: Baylor's Hankamer School of Business has a well-regarded accounting program with a long record of CPA exam success. An integrated bachelor's-to-master's path can help students reach the 150-hour requirement.
Bentley University: A business-focused school in Waltham, MA, with a reputation for strong career outcomes. Accounting is a flagship, with robust ties to Boston-area firms and a path to a master's degree.
Boston College: Accounting is offered through the Carroll School of Management, with a Jesuit emphasis on ethics and service. Students benefit from Boston's finance and accounting job market.
Boston University: Accounting students study at the Questrom School of Business in the middle of Boston. A strong choice for those who want a big-city campus and access to a wide range of firms.
Brigham Young University (UT): BYU's Marriott School is nationally known for its School of Accountancy and its master's program. Best suited to students comfortable with BYU's honor code and campus culture.
Bryant University: A business-centered university in Rhode Island with a strong accounting reputation and a pipeline to major firms. Its compact campus keeps classes small and focused.
Bucknell University: A selective liberal arts school in Pennsylvania that offers accounting within its Freeman College of Management. Good for students who want business training with a liberal arts foundation.
Calvin University: A Christian liberal arts university in Grand Rapids, MI, where accounting is taught with an emphasis on ethics and vocation. Students can connect with West Michigan employers.
City University of New York—Baruch College: Part of CUNY's Zicklin School of Business, with one of the best-known accounting departments in New York City. It sends many graduates to Big Four firms, and its affordable tuition is a major draw.
City University of New York—Brooklyn College: An affordable option in Brooklyn with a business school that offers accounting. Students get access to New York City firms and a diverse student body.
City University of New York—Hunter College: A Manhattan campus offering accounting coursework at CUNY prices. A good option for students who want internships in the city while managing costs.
City University of New York—Queens College: An affordable, commuter-friendly option in Queens with an accounting program that places graduates at New York firms. It has a diverse student body and a strong local reputation.
Claremont McKenna College: Offers an economics-accounting major within a highly selective liberal arts college. Students can also cross-register at the other Claremont Colleges.
Clemson University: Accounting is offered through Clemson's business college, with a strong reputation in the Southeast and a path to a master's degree. Good for students who want a large, spirited campus.
College of Charleston: A public liberal arts college in historic Charleston, SC, where students can study accounting within its School of Business. Its location offers internships with local and regional firms.
Cornell University: Accounting coursework is available through Cornell's Dyson School within its applied economics and management offerings. A good fit for students who want accounting within a rigorous, research-driven Ivy.
DePaul University: Located in Chicago, with an accountancy program connected to the city's many firms. Its urban setting and flexible scheduling suit students who want real-world experience early.
Drexel University: Known for its co-op program, which gives accounting students paid, full-time work experience before graduation. A strong choice for students who want to graduate with a résumé.
Duquesne University: A Catholic university in Pittsburgh with a respected business school and accounting program. Students benefit from Pittsburgh's firms and a supportive campus.
Elon University: Known for engaged learning, with accounting students encouraged to pursue internships and study abroad. A good fit for students who want a mid-sized school with close faculty relationships.
Emory University: Accounting is available through Goizueta Business School, one of the country's top business programs. Atlanta's corporate scene provides strong internship options.
Fairfield University: A Jesuit school in Connecticut with an accounting program in the Dolan School of Business. Its proximity to New York City helps with recruiting.
Fordham University: Fordham's Gabelli School of Business has a strong accounting reputation and close ties to New York's major firms. Students can choose between the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses.
George Mason University: A large public university in northern Virginia with an accounting program near Washington, DC. Good for students interested in public accounting or government and consulting work.
Georgetown University: Accounting is offered through the McDonough School of Business. Students benefit from the school's global focus and its location in Washington, DC.
Hofstra University: A Long Island university with an accounting program in the Zarb School of Business. Its proximity to New York City supports internships and recruiting.
Illinois Wesleyan University: A small liberal arts school in Bloomington, IL, offering accounting with personalized advising. Good for students who want business training in a small-school environment.
Indiana University—Bloomington: Accounting is offered through the Kelley School of Business, one of the most respected business schools in the country. Kelley has a strong recruiting network and robust career services.
Iowa State University: A large public university where accounting students learn in the Ivy College of Business. Known for a strong career fair and supportive advising.
James Madison University: A well-regarded public university in Virginia with a respected accounting program. Students value its collaborative culture and its reputation with employers.
Lehigh University: Accounting is available through Lehigh's College of Business, within a selective, research-oriented university in Pennsylvania. Good for students who want business and analytical training.
Le Moyne College: A Jesuit college in Syracuse, NY, offering accounting through the Madden School of Business. Small classes and a service-oriented culture are highlights.
Marquette University: A Jesuit university in Milwaukee with a well-regarded accounting program. Students have access to firms in Milwaukee and Chicago.
Miami University (OH): Miami's Farmer School of Business is widely known for strong undergraduate business education. Accounting students benefit from a high-achieving cohort and an active alumni network.
New York University: Accounting is offered through NYU Stern in Greenwich Village. Students have unmatched access to New York City's firms and financial industry.
Northeastern University: Northeastern's co-op model lets accounting students work in paid roles during their studies. A strong match for students who want hands-on experience in Boston.
Pace University: Pace's Lubin School of Business is located near New York's financial district. It offers accounting with strong ties to firms in the city.
Penn State University Park: Accounting is offered through Penn State's Smeal College of Business, with a large alumni network and strong recruiting. A good fit for students who want a big-campus experience.
Pepperdine University: A private university in Malibu, CA, offering accounting at its Seaver College. Small classes and a values-driven campus culture are highlights.
Rider University: A New Jersey university with an accounting program located between New York City and Philadelphia. Its location supports internships at firms in both cities.
Rochester Institute of Technology: RIT's accounting program is housed in the Saunders College of Business and features required co-op experience. A good option for students who want technical and hands-on training.
St. Bonaventure University: A Franciscan university in western New York with a business school that offers accounting. Students find close faculty mentorship and a tight-knit campus.
Seton Hall University: A Catholic university in South Orange, NJ, with an accounting program in the Stillman School of Business. Its closeness to New York City opens up internships and job opportunities.
Siena College: A Franciscan college near Albany, NY, with a well-regarded accounting program and a strong record of firm placement. Small classes and personal advising are a plus.
Southern Methodist University: Accounting is offered through SMU's Cox School of Business in Dallas. Students benefit from the city's corporate and professional services community.
Stonehill College: A small Catholic college in Massachusetts offering accounting with close faculty support. Its proximity to Boston helps with internships.
Suffolk University: Suffolk's Sawyer Business School is located downtown Boston, near firms and government offices. A good fit for students who want an urban campus.
Temple University: Accounting is offered through the Fox School of Business in Philadelphia. A large public university with strong local recruiting and a diverse student body.
Texas A&M University—College Station: The Mays Business School's accounting program is known for strong CPA preparation and Big Four recruiting. Its Aggie network is a major advantage in Texas.
Transylvania University: A small liberal arts college in Lexington, KY, where students can study accounting within a business program. Personal attention and a close campus community are highlights.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham: UAB's Collat School of Business offers accounting in a major medical and business center. A good fit for students who want an urban campus and local internships.
University of Houston: The Bauer College of Business offers accounting in one of the country's largest business hubs. Strong ties to the energy, healthcare, and professional services sectors.
University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign: Gies College of Business is home to one of the nation's most respected accountancy programs. Students benefit from strong CPA exam results and heavy recruiting by top firms.
University of Michigan—Ann Arbor: Accounting is offered through the Ross School of Business, which has a strong reputation and a deep alumni network. Good for students who want a top-tier business school at a large research university.
University of Mississippi: Ole Miss's Patterson School of Accountancy is nationally recognized for its accounting program. A strong choice for students looking for a standalone accounting school with a strong CPA focus.
University of Oklahoma: Accounting is offered through the Price College of Business in Norman. A good fit for students who want a large campus and strong Oklahoma and Texas recruiting.
University of Pennsylvania: Accounting is available through Wharton, one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. Students get rigorous training and access to Philadelphia and New York firms.
University of Southern California: Home to the Leventhal School of Accounting within the Marshall School of Business. A standout for students who want a dedicated accounting school in Los Angeles.
The University of Texas at Austin: McCombs School of Business has one of the top-ranked accounting programs in the country. Students benefit from strong recruiting and an active Texas alumni network.
The University of Texas at Dallas: The Naveen Jindal School of Management offers a highly regarded accounting program with strong Big Four recruiting. It's well positioned in the Dallas business community.
Washington & Jefferson College: A small liberal arts college in Pennsylvania offering accounting with close faculty support. Good for students who want a personalized, small-college experience.
