35 Best Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting
Earning a Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting is one of the most promising opportunities a college student can pursue. Best Value Schools can help you decide which degree program can best help you achieve your goals!
Back in 2014, Forbes reported how, upon graduation, 61.2 percent of accounting student applicants had at least one job offer. The only other two majors with higher percentages were Economics and Computer Science - with Economics at a close 61.5 percent - and Computer Science leading with 68.7 percent.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the growth outlook for accountants and auditors will grow by 10 percent over the next decade, and with typical entry-level candidates having achieved only a baccalaureate degree. The U.S. Dept. also reports the median annual pay in 2017 was a whopping $69,350!
Students who earn a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting should expect to receive advanced training in the discourse and the tools to master skills desirable for professional employment, such as oral and writing communication, knowledge-based decision making, quantitative reasoning, and more. Upon graduation, undergraduate accounting students can also expect to be an average 30-credits away from being able to earn CPA certification. A Bachelor's in Accounting is a reliable major designed for dedicated and hardworking students who are ready to tackle the discipline and ready themselves for the competitive professional field.
Selection Criteria
Best Value Schools publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one's higher education should be, both, affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:
- Degree Investment Return (25%)
- Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
- Cost Value (25%)
- Matriculation (10%)
- Academic Success (15%)
No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!
#1 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL |
#2 | University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL |
#3 | North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC |
#4 | Binghamton University Vestal, NY |
#5 | University of Delaware Newark, DE |
#6 | University of Maryland College Park College Park, MD |
#7 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ |
#8 | SUNY at Albany Albany, NY |
#9 | Indiana University Bloomington Bloomington, IN |
#10 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC |
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
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University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignLocation
Champaign, IL
Tuition$16638
The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign is known to prepare students for not only professional careers in the field, but graduate programs in accounting and even law. The curriculum emphasizes a conceptual structure that focuses on all aspects of the discipline. This structure teaches using not only information, and it's utility, but the information's production and dissemination. Students will also master the skills of oral and written communication, professional communication and presentation, and informed decision making. The Internship Program allows students to complete a professional project with the guidance and support of trained faculty and professionals outside of the university.
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University of Illinois at ChicagoLocation
Chicago, IL
Tuition$11884
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago teaches students using the most modernized research theories in the field. Students will also have many opportunities for practice of real-world application in the way that courses are designed. There are specialization areas in the program, like Corporate Accounting, Government Accounting, Nonprofit Accounting, Public Accounting-Tax, and Public Accounting-Audit. The program readies graduates for work in all types of organizations and businesses, from nonprofits and government agencies to shareholders and small businesses. Students will meet General and Basic Course Requirements, Business Core Requirements and Major Requirements upon graduation, as well as fulfilling Business Electives.
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North Carolina State UniversityLocation
Raleigh, NC
Tuition$13442
Students who graduate with their Bachelor of Science in Accounting from North Carolina State University receive advanced trained in dealing with all aspects of an organization from a top-down perspective. Graduates are ready for careers in public accounting, business, and not-for-profit organizations, having to complete courses in business, accounting, and an accounting concentration area. Concentrations include Financial Analysis, Information Systems, Internal Auditing, Managerial Accounting, and Government and Nonprofit. The required courses will all work to prepare students for a multifaceted understanding of the field and industry, with courses like Professionalism, Diversity & Academic Success in Management.
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Binghamton UniversityLocation
Vestal, NY
Tuition$16775
Binghamton University designed their Bachelor of Science in Accounting program for students who will pursue careers in public and corporate accounting after graduation, and for those pursuing graduate and professional school. Students are encouraged to complete internships to strengthen their skills and to network professionally. The university works with many big-time and mid-size companies and firms in New York to offer students hands-on industry practice, such as a media strategy course taught in conjunction with ZenithOptimedia. Many students in the undergraduate program end up pursuing the five-year program to earn both their bachelor's and Master of Accounting.
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University of DelawareLocation
Newark, DE
Tuition$16286
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting offered by the University of Delaware is a 123-credit program, preparing students to take for the CPA exam or pursue professional careers. The university also offers a master's program to those hoping to earn CPA certification. Students compelled to may work towards Honors in Accounting, following the university honors baccalaureate requirements. In 2017, 96 percent of accounting graduates from the program were employed with a median starting salary of $57,000, or pursuing further education. Those graduates went on to become staff accountants, auditors, federal tax associates, corporate accountants, and more. Admissions are competitive, with the one-year average and mid-50 percent of students who were generally admitted have a GPA between 3.6-3.99.
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University of Maryland College ParkLocation
College Park, MD
Tuition$17241
The Bachelor's of Accounting from University of Maryland College Park is offered with a Public Accounting Track, the only specialization offered in the major at this time. Graduates are skilled in analysis, classification, and recording of financial events, using tools such as financial planning, budgeting, accounting systems, and more. UMD offers a "Plus 1" program to those hoping to take the CPA exam, allowing students to get their bachelor's and master's degree in five years. The degree is a total of 120 credits, consisting of General Education courses, the Business school required courses in math, business management, and more, and Accounting major requirements. Students will also have to take a Professional Writing course, an Economics course, and electives.
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Northern Arizona UniversityLocation
Flagstaff, AZ
Tuition$14901
Students who pursue the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program at Northern Arizona University will gain a solid foundation in the field, readying them for competitive career opportunities post-graduation. NAU also offers a postgrad MBA-Accounting Program to those who plan on taking the CPA exam. Students in the BS program will complete not only the 42 business core requirements and 30 Accounting major requirements, but NAU's University Requirements. Those University Requirements include courses in liberal studies, diversity, junior-level writing, and a capstone. The accounting program has additional requirements after admittance to NAU, which are available on the major's webpage.
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SUNY at AlbanyLocation
Albany, NY
Tuition$16100
SUNY at Albany designed their Bachelor of Science in Accounting program for dedicated, competitive students who are eager to earn their degree and enter the professional field. Admission is selective, with at least a 3.25 GPA required. Only high school seniors, current SUNY Albany students, and sophomore-standing transfer students can apply. Upon graduation, students will have completed 120 credits and therefore qualify for New York State's CPA "sit" rule, allowing them to take the CPA Examination but not gain licensure. Most graduates, however, continue into master's Accounting programs, both at SUNY Albany and elsewhere. Students are trained in financial and managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, information systems, and more. The program places a particular focus on ethical values and awareness of societal obligation in the field.
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Indiana University BloomingtonLocation
Bloomington, IN
Tuition$12488
Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Indiana University Bloomington are trained in auditing, taxation, systems management, and more. They'll also be equipped with professional oral communication and writing skills, to ensure effective teamwork and clientele service in postgrad careers. The degree curriculum is highly structured, meaning many courses have to be taken in a stated order. This means that those who apply to the program should be dedicated to the accounting major and ready to begin it as early as possible. Many internships are offered through the school, leading to job opportunities after graduation.
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University of North Carolina at CharlotteLocation
Charlotte, NC
Tuition$14811
The Bachelor Science in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is AACSB accredited provides students with advanced training and preparation for professional careers, or for continuing education in CPA preparation. For this reason, the university also offers a Master's in Accounting program. The undergraduate program is a total of 120 credits, and students must have earned at least a 2.0 overall GPA before graduation. There's also a Business Honors Program available to students pursuing the degree, and internships can be used towards credit. Students will complete both Business Core Course requirements, and the major elements in Accounting courses.
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University of North Carolina at GreensboroLocation
Greensboro, NC
Tuition$10496
The AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro prepares students for postgraduate professional careers or CPA preparation. Students will graduate with advanced skills in the analysis of financial statements, preparing and utilizing information for decision making, and will have also explored the fields of taxation and auditing. Courses offer real-world examples from dedicated faculty, all of whom hold relationships with the accounting profession, alumni, and community in ways beneficial to society. There is also a Beta Alpha Psi branch on campus. Course topics focus on the through-and-throughs of accounting, but also of the field's critical role in business all types of organizations.
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Colorado Mesa UniversityLocation
Grand Junction, CO
Tuition$14309
The Accounting degrees from Colorado Mesa University is provided as, either, a Bachelor of Science in General Accounting or a BS in Public Accounting. There is also a three-plus-two year program where students can earn both a BS in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration. Graduates have found careers in public, private, and government accounting, as well as tax return preparation, audition, and financial statement preparation. Faculty in the Accounting department are all not only certified academically but also experienced accountants. Students in the program have also been known to participate in internships, usually during the tax season to earn hands-on experience with CPA firms. Many graduates have jobs even before they finish the program!
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University of UtahLocation
Salt Lake City, UT
Tuition$12363
To earn a Bachelor's in Accounting from the University of Utah students must be accepted to the university and apply seperately to the university's Eccles School of Business. Admission is granted after achieving at least a C in business courses, have earned a 3.3 GPA or greater thus far, and meeting other requirements listed on their website. The Accounting program is 24 Core credits, and then six credits in a topic called Global Perspectives, which focuses on international accounting and finance. Students will also complete the course requirements of the Business School. Many undergraduates continue into the university's Master of Accounting program to prepare for the CPA examination, or they're employed within financial management, business transaction tracking, merger and acquisition strategy, information systems development, and more.
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The University of West FloridaLocation
Pensacola, FL
Tuition$11550
Students who are interested in attending the University of West Florida can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Accounting. UWF prides itself on offering small class sizes and mentorships from caring and expert faculty, all of whom have real-world experience in the field as well as being qualified academically. The program has proudly been accredited by the AACSB. Graduates may go onto the university's Master of Accountancy program, or the Certificate Program offered to prepare students for the CPA Exam in Florida. Degree requirements include courses in Accounting, Management, Marketing, Finance, and Business.
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Michigan State UniversityLocation
East Lansing, MI
Tuition$16684
The Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University is a 120-credit program with course requirements in accounting, business, economics, and general education. While the program is only 120 credits, graduates may take an offered government and not-for-profit accounting course, and then meet the requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Michigan. Course topics will cover all aspects of the field, including Federal Income Tax Accounting, Intermediate Financial Accounting, Auditing, and more. Business courses include Business Law and Ethical Leadership and Managing Human Resources and Organizational Behavior. Students are well-versed in everything they may encounter in the professional field.
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University of North TexasLocation
Denton, TX
Tuition$12053
The University of North Texas does not offer a standalone Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree, but rather a 150-credit BS/MS program to prepare students to sit for the CPA. There is a BBA program at the university with an accounting major available in that degree. For an undergraduate student to be admitted into the Master's program upon completion of the BS, they must have earned a 3.0 overall GPA or better, and submit GMAT or GRE scores. If applicants have an undergraduate GPA of 3.6 or better, test scores may be voided. The undergraduate part of the program focuses on teaching students how to identify ethical dilemmas, research current accounting issues, communicate effectively both orally and written, and thoroughly use Microsoft Excel.
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San Diego State UniversityLocation
San Diego, CA
Tuition$13636
San Diego State's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting is offered as a stand-alone undergraduate major or in conjunction with the university's Master of Science in Accounting. The undergraduate program is dedicated to transforming its students into readied business leaders, with competitive skills desirable in the accounting profession. Students will receive foundational and advanced knowledge in accounting topics, with skill focuses on written and oral communication skills, technology competency, critical thinking, team building, and independent learning and decision making. Students admitted to SDSU while have to further apply to the Business program, having completed at least 60 units of college-level work, nine preparation courses for the major with at least a C grade, and an overall GPA at the university thus far of at least 2.9.
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Towson UniversityLocation
Towson, MD
Tuition$15250
The Bachelor's in Accounting from Towson University is a competitive 89-credit program, and transitions seamlessly into the university's Master of Science in accounting and Business Advisory Services so that students can sit for the CPA exam. The major prepares students for careers in auditing, tax accounting, cost accounting, or managerial accounting, as well as other options in government agencies or corporations. Course topics cover accounting basics, advanced accounting topics, economics, and business. The Accounting program is a screened major, meaning that students must apply to the program after completing other courses at the university with a minimum GPA of 2.7.
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Weber State UniversityLocation
Ogden, UT
Tuition$11098
Weber State University's Bachelor's in Accounting is AACSB accredited, with small class sizes and 35 scholarship opportunities for students in the program. In 2016, 130 jobs were offered through their career services to accounting graduates. The program prepares students for careers as staff accountants, financial analysts, operations analysts, forensic accountants, and more. The School of Accounting & Taxation at the university focuses on the interconnectedness between accounting, business, economic theory, and contemporary practice. The interdisciplinary nature of the accounting program prepares students for careers in the growing global and diverse field. ACT/SAT score submission is not mandatory for applicants.
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University of TulsaLocation
Tulsa, OK
Tuition$25086
The University of Tulsa offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting. It is also offered in conjunction with a Master's in Accounting, in a "4+1" year program that students can apply for towards the end of their bachelor's degree. Students in the undergraduate program will graduate with skills necessary to become a successful professional in the field, including familiarity with information technology. The campus is also home to a chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an International Honor Organization for Financial Information Students and Professionals. There is no listed minimum high school GPA, but an admission interview is strongly recommended.
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The University of Texas at ArlingtonLocation
Arlington, TX
Tuition$12533
The University of Texas at Arlington offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Both are a total of 122 credits. The BS is designed for those who wish to focus on accounting-related career options in industry or government, while the BBA provides a broader foundational education for careers in the same fields. UTA also has offered an MPA degree, a Master of Science in Accounting, and a Master of Science in Taxation for those who wish to continue education for CPA preparation. There is a Professional Program in Accounting designed for those students who aim for CPA certification, which allows them to concurrently pursue both a bachelor's and master's degree.
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University of KentuckyLocation
Lexington, KY
Tuition$19361
Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Kentucky earn a minimum of 120 credits and with 30 credit stemming from the Accounting program, alone. Postgraduates are ready for professional careers in public and private accounting, business and industry, universities, and government. Those who desire CPA certification have the option of continuing into UK's Master's program - which is actually offered - is a mere Four Year Professional BSBA-MSACC Program from the university. Students in the undergraduate program are provided schedule flexibility and elective choices, as the UK general education requirements are only 31 credit hours alongside the 30 Accounting credits.
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Southern Illinois University CarbondaleLocation
Carbondale, IL
Tuition$16431
Southern Illinois University Carbondale designed its program in Accounting to either prepare students for career options post-graduation, or to continue seamlessly into their one-year Masters in Accounting program for CPA prep. Students in the undergraduate program are prepared for both work in team environments and computer-based environments, having skills in oral and writing communication. They will also be thoroughly trained in all facets of accounting concepts, including financial, taxation, auditing, managerial, and accounting information systems. Students will graduate with a total of 120 credits, 30 of which are core Accounting courses. There is no named minimum GPA for those entering from high school, but ACT or SAT scores are required, as is an official high school transcript.
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Chaminade University of HonoluluLocation
Honolulu, HI
Tuition$20975
The Bachelor Science in Accounting program at the Chaminade University of Honolulu designed their program to prepare graduates for the legal and ethical responsibilities of professional accountancy, using the Generally Accepted Account Principles in their teachings. Courses provide hands-on experience in how they teach students how to deal with real-world problems one may encounter in the profession. Students may also participate in FAFSA Projects and tax clinics, which are integral parts of the program. This introduces them to real-world tax application scenarios while also familiarizing them with the local community and economy. A suggested four-year plan of the program puts students at graduating with 129 credits, with course topics in economics, accounting, business and professional writing, and more.
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University of Southern IndianaLocation
Evansville, IN
Tuition$13130
The Bachelor's in Accounting program at the University of Southern Indiana is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which only accredits less than six percent of all business schools worldwide. Classes are small, taught by experienced faculty who are dedicated to paying personalized attention to students. Students will graduate with foundational knowledge, skills, and professional orientation with the accounting profession, including tax conscious practices, analytical procedures, and ethical decision making. The campus is also home to the Accounting and Professional Services Club, a professional organization for students in the program. It's an excellent opportunity to establish camaraderie amongst like-minded peers, and help develop professional habits in social relationships.
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Northwestern CollegeLocation
Orange City, IA
Tuition$23335
Northwestern College trains its accounting students to be competitive candidates for careers in public, private, or government accounting, or for success on the CPA exam. In 2017, 89.3 percent of Northwestern graduates passed the CPA exam, which was the second-best exam pass rate from a university that year. Graduates consistently earn positions at Big Four Firms, and students will often complete credited internships during their time in the program. Northwestern College is a proud Christian university, and all undergraduate students are required to take a First-Year Seminar focused on the Christian liberal arts and eight credits on Christian story and tradition.
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University of South FloridaLocation
Tampa, FL
Tuition$11766
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of South Florida readies students for careers in industry, non-profit organizations, public accountancy, or for admission to the Master of Accountancy program, both at USF and at other universities. Admission to the College of Business at the university is competitive and based upon availability. Students must complete general education prerequisites with the university before applying to the College, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on all college-level work. On top of this application, the School of Accountancy within the College of Business requires two additional requirements: 75 percent or more on an accounting competency exam, and completion of two accounting courses with a minimum C grade.
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Baker UniversityLocation
Baldwin City, KS
Tuition$22393
Baker University is proud of how its undergraduate Accounting program gives students the opportunity to learn hands-on, both inside the classroom and out with internship opportunities. Baker prepares its students to approach real-life situations confident in their foundation and knowledge in accounting. Graduates are ready, either, for competitive employment or to pursue a graduate degree, with experience already had due to Baker's required internship of all accounting majors. The program is set up to allow graduation with 150 credits in only four total years, including summer internships. Those who follow this route are ready for CPA certification upon graduating.
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Washington State UniversityLocation
Pullman, WA
Tuition$17885
The Bachelor's in Accounting at Washington State University is the largest of their undergraduate programs. Students will graduate from the bachelor's program with a strong foundation in management fundamentals, accounting information systems, and accounting practices. Many students continue into the Master of Accounting program at WSU upon graduation, while others pursue professional careers. Graduates of the Bachelor's in Accounting program are consistently given positions in Big Four international and national public accounting firms, corporations, and government agencies. Prior to taking upper-level accounting courses, admitted students must apply further to become certified as a business major. Admissions for business major certification are competitive, and course enrollment is limited.
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Southern Illinois UniversityLocation
Edwardsville, IL
Tuition$15090
While most students in the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program at Southern Illinois University are aspiring CPA's, the bachelor's program moves seamlessly into SIU's 30-credit Master of Science in Accounting, which allows students to earn the 150 required credits to become a CPA and earn two degrees simultaneously. The BS program on its own is 120 credits, where students will focus on economic, social, political, and legal impacts in business operations. Students are encouraged to pursue internships during school to gain hands-on experience or participate in other co-curricular activities on campus. Courses are rigorous and admitted undergraduate students are required to apply to the Accountancy program after all university general education courses are completed and with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
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Felician UniversityLocation
Lodi, NJ
Tuition$19225
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at Felician University receive extensive training in critical reasoning, effective communication, ethical decision making, quantitative reasoning, and more. The program is designed for those who wish to become a CPA or pursue a professional career, combining course topics to create a solid business foundation with an intense focus in accounting. Students can work on case studies individually and in teams, building a portfolio of their work by graduation. Because Felician is located close to New York City, many students take advantage of internship opportunities in NYC. Applicants may submit SAT/ACT scores, but it is not required.
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University of North DakotaLocation
Grand Forks, ND
Tuition$14478
The Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of North Dakota prepares students who wish to become a Certified Public Accountant. The program is offered to undergraduate students on its own, or in conjunction with UND's Master of Accountancy program that can be completed alongside the BAcc in only five years. Aside from the university's general education in English and mathematics, students will take a course in both American Government and Psychology, Sociology, or Cultural Anthropology. There is both a CPA track and a non-CPA track, with the CPA track consisting of 153 credits while the non-CPA is 126.
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Northern Illinois UniversityLocation
DeKalb, IL
Tuition$19379
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program at Northern Illinois University will complete 76-80 credits before graduation, with course requirements in the subjects of business, economics, finance, psychology, and more. All students pursuing a degree in Accountancy also meet the core requirements of the university's College of Business. The program's interdisciplinary nature will ensure that students graduate with a grasp on all the concepts that intersect in the field. The program is competitive, with applicants needing at least a 3.0 GPA from all universities attended before NIU. There are also opportunities to earn an Enforced Internal Audit Certificate while completing the program.
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University of AlabamaLocation
Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuition$19993
The University of Alabama created their Bachelor of Science in Accounting program to prepare graduates for jobs in public and private businesses, government agencies like the IRS or FBI, and more. UA recognizes that the skills necessary for the promotion and success of accounting majors includes respectful and professional communication, research, problem-solving, and staying in tune with global and domestic news and trends. Students are thoroughly equipped with skills involving a solid accounting education through courses such as Cost Analysis for Planning & Control and Introduction to Taxation.
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Brigham Young UniversityLocation
Provo, UT
Tuition$12979
The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at BYU is set-up in what they call a Junior Core system, something the university created in the early â90s and that other colleges have tried to copy, unsuccessfully. The Junior Core divides the students in that year's BS in Accountancy class in five sections their junior year. All sections receive the same instruction although maybe different instructors, which ensures all students are being educated consistently and accessible, by the collaborative efforts of extraordinary faculty. Students are expected to pursue an internship between their junior and senior year. Graduates from the program have gone onto careers in public and private accounting firms, the government, and nonprofits.
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