The best accounting programs produce graduates who pass the CPA exam at high rates and have direct recruiting pipelines to the Big 4 firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and major regional firms. Unlike many majors, accounting program quality can be measured by concrete outcomes: CPA pass rates and firm placement.
Accounting is one of the most career-connected undergraduate majors. Unlike English or history, where the link between major and job is loose, accounting students know exactly what career they are preparing for. That clarity makes choosing a program straightforward in one way and high-stakes in another: the quality of your accounting program directly affects whether you pass the CPA exam and where you get hired.
The CPA exam is the gatekeeper. Every state requires it for licensure, and most accounting firms strongly prefer or require it for advancement. Programs that prepare students well for this exam, that help them meet the 150-credit-hour requirement most states mandate, and that have active recruiting from major firms produce the best career outcomes.
Our Methodology
CPA exam pass rates. This is the clearest measure of accounting program quality. Programs whose graduates pass the CPA on their first attempt at rates above 60% are performing well. The national first-time pass rate hovers around 45-50%, so programs significantly above this threshold are providing superior preparation.
Big 4 and major firm recruiting. The Big 4 accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and national firms (BDO, Grant Thornton, RSM) recruit from specific programs. Schools with active firm relationships provide a direct path to these employers.
150-hour program structure. Most states require 150 credit hours for CPA licensure, more than a typical bachelor's degree provides. Programs that offer integrated five-year programs or a clear bachelor's-to-master's pathway make meeting this requirement smoother.
Net cost and salary outcomes. Accounting starting salaries are strong and predictable. We evaluate whether programs deliver good returns relative to their cost using College Scorecard data.
The 150-credit-hour requirement catches many students off guard. If your state requires it (most do), you will need either a fifth year of undergraduate coursework, a master's in accounting, or an MBA. Research your target state's requirements early and choose a program that makes meeting the requirement straightforward, ideally with a combined bachelor's-master's option.
Top Accounting Programs
University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)
UT Austin's accounting program has been considered the gold standard for decades. The program consistently produces graduates with among the highest CPA pass rates in the country. The Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) program integrates seamlessly with the undergraduate degree, meeting the 150-hour requirement efficiently. Big 4 recruiting is extensive, and the alumni network in accounting is massive. In-state tuition makes it one of the best values in accounting education.
Brigham Young University (Marriott)
BYU's accounting program produces CPA pass rates that rival any program in the country, and it does so at tuition rates that are a fraction of most competitors. The School of Accountancy has deep connections to the Big 4 and national firms. The program's emphasis on ethics, communication skills, and technical proficiency produces graduates who employers consistently rate highly. The low tuition makes the return on investment exceptional.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
UIUC's accountancy program is one of the largest and most respected in the country. The department has produced a significant number of accounting professors at other universities, which reflects the depth of its academic preparation. Big 4 recruiting is active, and the Master of Accounting Science program provides a streamlined path to the 150-hour requirement. In-state tuition is competitive.
University of Notre Dame (Mendoza)
Notre Dame's accounting program benefits from the university's tight-knit community and legendary alumni loyalty. The Big 4 recruit actively on campus, and the alumni network in professional services is particularly strong. The Master of Science in Accountancy program is well-integrated with the undergraduate curriculum. Financial aid is generous relative to the sticker price.
Indiana University (Kelley)
Kelley's accounting program consistently ranks among the top programs nationally and offers the Master of Science in Accounting as a smooth continuation from the undergraduate degree. The Kelley brand carries particular weight with accounting firms in the Midwest and nationally. Indiana's low tuition, even for out-of-state students relative to peers, makes the accounting degree an excellent financial investment.
University of Michigan (Ross)
Ross produces accounting graduates who are well-prepared for both public accounting and corporate finance roles. The program's emphasis on business strategy alongside technical accounting gives graduates a broader perspective than purely technical programs. Big 4 recruiting is active. The combined MAcc program meets the 150-hour requirement efficiently.
University of Georgia (Terry)
Georgia's J.M. Tull School of Accounting is one of the largest and most well-resourced accounting departments in the Southeast. CPA pass rates are consistently strong, and the Big 4 recruit heavily from the program. Georgia's very competitive in-state tuition makes it one of the best values in accounting education nationally.
University of Southern California (Leventhal)
USC's Leventhal School of Accounting benefits from its location in Los Angeles, which provides access to entertainment industry accounting, real estate accounting, and the West Coast offices of all major firms. The program has strong CPA preparation and active Big 4 recruiting. The alumni network in accounting is concentrated on the West Coast but extends nationally.
Some programs advertise high CPA pass rates but only report results for their Master's students, not their undergraduate accounting majors. Ask specifically about the pass rate for graduates of the program you are considering (bachelor's, MAcc, or combined) to get an accurate picture.
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest's accounting program is smaller than many on this list, which means more personalized attention from faculty and career advisors. The Master of Science in Accountancy program has a strong track record with CPA pass rates. The Big 4 recruit on campus, and the alumni network in professional services is active in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic.
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga is an under-the-radar choice that consistently produces accounting graduates with high CPA pass rates. The small class sizes mean strong faculty relationships and individualized career advising. The program's cost is lower than many private university alternatives, and the Pacific Northwest regional firms recruit actively from the program.
What to Look For in an Accounting Program
CPA pass rates by program. Ask for the first-time CPA pass rate for graduates of the specific program (bachelor's or master's) you are entering. Rates above 60% indicate strong preparation. Rates below 40% should concern you.
150-hour pathway. Understand exactly how the program helps you meet the 150-hour requirement. Integrated five-year bachelor's-master's programs are the most efficient path. Some schools offer the option to complete extra undergraduate credits instead.
Firm recruiting calendar. Big 4 recruiting for full-time positions begins in fall of senior year, and internship recruiting begins even earlier. Programs with structured recruiting calendars and firm-sponsored events on campus provide a clear advantage.
Technology integration. Modern accounting increasingly involves data analytics, automation, and ERP systems. Programs that incorporate Excel modeling, data visualization, and accounting software (SAP, Oracle, etc.) into the curriculum prepare graduates for the profession as it exists today, not as it existed 20 years ago.
Accounting internships are more important than in almost any other major because they frequently convert to full-time offers. Big 4 firms extend full-time offers to 80-90% of their interns. Landing a sophomore or junior year internship at a target firm is effectively landing your first job. Prioritize programs where recruiting for these internships is well-supported.
Affordable Options Worth Considering
Brigham Young University offers what is arguably the best cost-to-outcome ratio in accounting education. Low tuition combined with top-tier CPA pass rates and firm placement is hard to beat.
University of Georgia provides excellent accounting preparation at very competitive in-state rates, with strong Big 4 and regional firm recruiting.
University of Texas at Austin (in-state) combines the top-ranked accounting program with affordable in-state tuition. Out-of-state costs are higher but still competitive with private alternatives.
University of Florida has a solid accounting program at one of the lowest in-state tuition rates for a top-50 business school. Florida's lack of state income tax also benefits graduates who stay in-state.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of accountants and auditors to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations1. However, the demand for accountants with data analytics and technology skills is growing much faster than for those with only traditional audit and tax preparation skills. Programs that integrate technology into the curriculum position you for the higher-growth segment of the profession.
For more on the accounting career path, see our accounting degree guide and accounting careers. Students comparing accounting to related fields should read our finance vs accounting comparison. For salary data, see our accounting salary breakdown and our overview of the business degree.
FAQ
Is accounting a good major?
Accounting provides one of the most predictable career paths of any major. The CPA credential creates a clear professional track with steady demand across industries. Starting salaries are strong, job security is high, and the skills are transferable across every sector of the economy. The work can be detailed and repetitive during busy season, so the students who thrive in accounting are those who genuinely enjoy working with numbers and systems.
How long does it take to become a CPA?
Most states require 150 credit hours of education, which is typically a bachelor's degree plus either a master's degree or additional undergraduate coursework (about five years total). After meeting the education requirement, you must pass the four-part CPA exam, which most candidates complete in 12-18 months of studying while working. Many states also require 1-2 years of supervised work experience.
What is the difference between Big 4 and regional firms?
Big 4 firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) serve the largest multinational corporations and offer the highest starting salaries and most prestigious brand names. Regional and mid-size firms serve smaller clients, often provide more varied experience earlier in your career, and typically offer better work-life balance. Both paths lead to successful accounting careers. The choice depends on whether you prioritize brand prestige and exit opportunities or early responsibility and lifestyle.
How much do accountants make?
The median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $79,880 in May 20241. Starting salaries at Big 4 firms range from $60,000 to $75,000 depending on location. Senior managers and partners at accounting firms earn $150,000 to $500,000+. Corporate CFOs, many of whom started in public accounting, earn significantly more. The salary trajectory in accounting is steady and predictable.
Can I be an accountant without a CPA?
You can work in many accounting roles without a CPA, including corporate accounting, financial analysis, and bookkeeping. However, you cannot sign audit reports, and your advancement at public accounting firms will be limited. Most employers view the CPA as the baseline professional credential, similar to how the bar exam functions for lawyers. Without it, your career options and earning potential are constrained.
Is accounting being automated away?
Routine tasks like data entry, bank reconciliations, and basic tax preparation are being automated. However, the judgment-intensive parts of accounting, including tax strategy, audit investigation, financial reporting interpretation, and advisory services, still require human professionals. The profession is changing, not disappearing. Accountants who can work with automation tools and provide strategic advice are more in demand than ever.
- Accounting Degree Guide — Overview
- Is It Worth It?
- Career Paths
- Salary Data
- Requirements
- How Hard Is It?
- Internships
Footnotes
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Accountants and Auditors. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm ↩ ↩2
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National Center for Education Statistics. (2025). Digest of Education Statistics, 2024. U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/ ↩
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U.S. Department of Education. (2025). College Scorecard Data. https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/ ↩