Top Accounting Schools in the US
Accounting is one of the most reliable, well-paid and recession-resistant career paths in business — and where you study can shape your job prospects, starting salary and CPA exam success. The United States is home to many of the world's strongest accounting programs. This guide covers the top accounting schools in the US, what makes a great accounting program, and how to choose the right one for your goals.
Top Accounting Schools in the US at a Glance
| University | Business School | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Austin | McCombs | Top-ranked accounting overall |
| Brigham Young University | Marriott | High CPA pass rates |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Gies | Research & Big Four pipeline |
| University of Pennsylvania | Wharton | Prestige & finance crossover |
| University of Notre Dame | Mendoza | Strong recruiting network |
| University of Southern California | Leventhal | Dedicated accounting school |
| University of Michigan | Ross | All-round business strength |
| Indiana University | Kelley | Value & large alumni base |
What Makes a Great Accounting Program?
Rankings are a starting point, but the best accounting school for you balances several factors. Look for a strong CPA exam pass rate, which signals how well a program prepares you for licensure. Check recruiting relationships — top programs feed graduates directly into the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG) and major corporations. Consider whether the school offers an integrated five-year Master of Accountancy path, which helps you reach the 150 credit hours most states require for the CPA. Finally, weigh cost, location and class size against the value of the degree.
The University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)
UT Austin's McCombs School of Business is consistently ranked at or near the top for accounting in the United States, at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Its Master in Professional Accounting program, deep faculty research and powerful recruiting pipeline into the Big Four make it a perennial first choice for serious accounting students.
Brigham Young University (Marriott)
BYU's Marriott School is renowned for producing graduates with some of the highest CPA exam pass rates in the country, along with strong ethics-focused training and excellent value. Its School of Accountancy enjoys outstanding placement with national firms.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Gies)
Illinois has a long-standing reputation as an accounting research powerhouse and a reliable pipeline into public accounting. The Gies College of Business offers a respected Master of Accountancy and a large, well-connected alumni network.
Other Top Programs
The University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) brings unmatched prestige and a finance-accounting crossover that's ideal for students eyeing investment banking or corporate finance. Notre Dame's Mendoza College is known for ethical leadership and tight-knit recruiting. USC's Leventhal School of Accounting is one of the few dedicated accounting schools in the country. Michigan (Ross), Indiana (Kelley), NYU (Stern) and Ohio State (Fisher) all offer excellent programs with strong national placement.
How to Choose the Right Accounting School
Start with your career goal. Aiming for the Big Four or a large corporation? Prioritise schools with strong on-campus recruiting and high CPA pass rates. On a budget? Excellent public universities like Illinois, Indiana and UT Austin (for in-state students) deliver elite outcomes at lower cost. Want flexibility? Many top schools now offer online Master of Accountancy programs (Illinois and Indiana among them) for working professionals. Always confirm that the program's credit hours align with your state's CPA requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best accounting school in the US?
The University of Texas at Austin (McCombs) is consistently ranked the top accounting program in the US at both undergraduate and graduate levels, though BYU, Illinois and Penn are also routinely in the top tier. The "best" school depends on your budget, location and career goals.
Do I need a master's degree to become a CPA?
Most US states require 150 semester hours of education to earn the CPA license — about 30 hours beyond a typical bachelor's degree. Many students meet this by completing a Master of Accountancy, which is why integrated five-year programs are so popular.
Which accounting schools have the highest CPA pass rates?
Brigham Young University is well known for consistently strong CPA exam pass rates, along with schools like Illinois, Texas and Notre Dame. Pass rates are a useful signal of how well a program prepares you for licensure.
Can I study accounting online?
Yes. Several top-ranked schools, including the University of Illinois and Indiana University, offer respected online Master of Accountancy programs designed for working professionals, with the same faculty and rigor as their on-campus tracks.
Final Thoughts
A strong accounting degree opens doors to public accounting, corporate finance, consulting and beyond — and the schools above are among the best places to earn one. Focus on CPA pass rates, recruiting strength and cost, and choose the program that fits your goals and budget rather than chasing rankings alone.