2023 Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Accounting
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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student-teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.
Do you want to acquire a bachelor’s degree in accounting but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best bachelor’s in accounting programs.
What institution did we omit from this list? Leave your suggestions in the comment section below.
- University of Texas, Austin, TX
UT maintains more than 40 programs to encourage an inclusive learning environment on campus, and learners can gain admission to 400 study abroad programs in 78 countries.
UT has a BBA in accounting that prepares learners for careers across industries, including positions with businesses and nonprofit organizations. In this program, students learn how to analyze financial records, ensure financial statements comply with regulations, and prepare tax returns. UT has one of the best accounting schools for learners who want experience; learners undertake an internship during their senior year.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers more than 150 undergraduate programs. The university has a BS in accountancy that offers a broad foundation in the field. Students learn how to collect and utilize information to help parties make sound contracting decisions. Knowledge gained during the bachelor’s degree program prepares learners to pursue specialized studies at the best graduate accounting schools. The curriculum consists of 21 hours of major coursework.
- Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Brigham Young University boasts the largest undergraduate enrollment of any private institution in the country. The bachelor of science (BS) in accounting at BYU utilizes a teaching model called the Junior Core. Accounting learners are divided into five groups, each of which receives the same instruction from a different professor.
This format makes BYU one of the finest accounting schools for providing a reliable education that builds essential skills in the field. In addition to completing coursework, accounting learners must partake in accounting clubs, undertake an internship, and attend an exit interview.
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Founded in 1740, Penn maintains a six-to-one learner-to-faculty ratio to ensure each learner receives individual attention. Penn learners can pursue a BS in economics with a concentration in accounting to get a foundation in mathematics and the humanities along with specific accounting skills. Classes required for the concentration consist of strategic cost analysis, financial measurement, and disclosure. One of the finest undergraduate accounting schools for learners planning to pursue licensure, Penn prepares learners to take the CPA exam and offers information about further licensure requirements.
- University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Notre Dame is committed to fostering pioneering research and a well-rounded learner experience. About 75 percent of undergraduate learners live on campus, where they can partake in more than 500 clubs and organizations.
Notre Dame’s BBA in accounting degree program incorporates practical skills into a curriculum that covers concepts such as financial reporting and tax planning. Learners get analytical and problem-solving skills while learning to work as part of a team. Because of the focus on inter-individual skill development, Notre Dame is one of the best accounting schools for learners who want to make connections and build their professional network through peer interactions.
- Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
With nearly 200 years of academic experience, Indiana University is home to the world’s first schools of philanthropy and informatics. Undergraduate learners can pursue a BS in accounting, which covers concepts such as auditing, cost accounting, and communication skills.
Because the highly structured curriculum requires learners to take classes in a prescribed order, IU is one of the finest accounting schools for learners who are sure of their educational path. After earning the BS, learners can enter the workforce or continue their education at IU. The institution has a master of science in accounting and a PhD with a concentration in accounting.
- New York University, New York, NY
New York University is a private institution where learners can pursue a BS in business with a concentration in accounting. NYU is one of the finest accounting schools for learners seeking a broad business foundation in addition to the crucial skills needed to launch a career in accounting. Learners also investigate the impact of business on society and join in programs to connect with future employers.
The accounting concentration comprises five classes, including three advanced accounting electives. Learners can also pursue a BS/MS dual degree program, which prepares them to sit for the CPA exam.
- University of Mississippi, University, MS
Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM) grants admission to more than 24,000 learners, nearly 60 percent of whom are from Mississippi. The University offers a bachelor of accountancy that comprises 124 semester hours, including a required minor. Learners finish coursework in areas including linear programming, marketing, and auditing. The degree program also includes an optional 10-week internship. The bachelor’s degree program offers the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the workforce, but many learners pursue further education to qualify for licensure and advanced positions. UM also has master’s degrees in accountancy and taxation and a PhD in accountancy.
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
The University of Florida demonstrates a dedication to improving the local economy and community. Many undergraduate learners who are planning to attend the best graduate schools in accounting select UF’s bachelor of science (BS) in accounting degree program. Learners approach accounting concepts from a theoretical viewpoint and get the knowledge and research skills needed to succeed in graduate studies. Accounting learners can apply for UF’s 3/2 degree program, through which learners can earn undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in accounting in five years. The BS alone does not comply with the state’s CPA requirements, so graduates commonly pursue further education, either at UF or elsewhere.
- University of Georgia, Athens, GA
UGA emphasizes both scholarly excellence as well as research and leadership opportunities. Learners have access to nearly 800 campus organizations, and the UGA maintains campus locations in England, Costa Rica, and Italy. Learners earning the BBA in accounting finish coursework in areas including taxation and auditing.
Candidates to the accounting degree program must finish a multiple-choice accounting exam. The business school also considers candidates’ grades in previous classes. Current accounting majors can apply to the dual BBA/MA degree program to earn their accounting bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
OSU is a land-grant institution located in Columbus. The university has campuses and research centers across the state and grants admission to more than 66,000 learners. OSU has a bachelor of science in business administration with 12 concentration options, including accounting. The accounting concentration includes classes such as legal business issues and tax accounting. Learners in the 121-hour degree program can also gain real-world experience through internships.
The university also has a dual BSBA/MAcc degree program that enables learners to obtain both degrees in five years. Candidates to the degree program must be current undergraduate accounting learners with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
- University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Mizzou is the state’s largest educational institution. Mizzou offers more than 300 programs, and its main campus spans 1,262 acres and is a designed botanic garden.
Mizzou’s bachelor of science (BS) in accountancy degree program stresses the acquisition of practical skills. The 150-credit curriculum consists of an internship during which learners get hands-on experience. Mizzou has master’s and PhD programs in accounting, along with a dual BSAcc/MAcc degree program.
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
The University of Wisconsin offers more than 9,000 classes with a mean class size of 30 learners. The diverse learner population includes learners from 121 countries, and the university emphasizes public service to impact the Madison community positively.
Accounting learners get a broad foundation in the field, exploring concepts such as consulting, managerial accounting, and computer applications. Learners can partake in learner organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi and the Institute of Management Accountants to establish professional connections and develop skills necessary to become effective business leaders.
- Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
The university has more than 62,000 learners at its main campus and maintains additional locations across the state. Texas A&M is one of the best accounting schools for learners who want to take the CPA exam without pursuing further education. The BBA in accounting qualifies graduates to sit for the CPA exam in Texas. Learners can get real-world experience and strengthen their resumes through internships.
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Michigan State University was established in 1855 in East Lansing. It is situated on a 5,200-acre campus and enrolls over 39,000 undergraduate learners from 134 countries. Learners earning a bachelor of arts in accounting from MSU finish the business core curriculum. Learners can also pursue an elective course in governmental and nonprofit accounting, which requires learners to sit for the state’s CPA examination.