Top 10 Accounting Undergraduate Programs in 2027
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The Best Overall accounting undergraduate program in the U.S. is the University of Texas at Austin's McCombs School of Business, whose integrated Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) pathway, top-tier CPA exam pass rates, and direct recruiting pipelines to the Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) consistently place it at the top of national rankings. The Best Value pick is Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Business, which delivers elite CPA outcomes and placement rates at a fraction of the cost of private competitors, with tuition far below the national average for a program that rivals the Ivy League in accounting rigor. This list is built for high school seniors and transfer students weighing where to enroll across the U.S., with a focus on career outcomes, CPA exam preparation, cost, and recruiting strength. Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the AACSB, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), U.S. News, and individual university sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each program against the priorities that accounting firms, CPA licensure boards, and students tell us matter most, drawing on published figures from U.S. News, Public Accounting Report, NASBA, the AACSB, and the Big Four's own recruiting lists. The weighting:
- CPA exam pass rate and first-time candidate performance — 25%
- Career placement (Big Four, mid-tier, and industry) — 20%
- Value (tuition vs. starting salary) — 15%
- Curriculum rigor and 150-hour pathway integration — 15%
- Faculty expertise and research output — 10%
- Student support and alumni network — 10%
- Reputation among recruiters — 5%
A program that sends graduates to top firms but has low CPA pass rates, or charges high tuition without corresponding placement, drops fast. The winners balance all seven.
1. University of Texas at Austin — McCombs School of Business 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Public University | Tuition (in-state): ~$11,000/year | Tuition (out-of-state): ~$41,000/year | Best for: Students seeking the strongest Big Four recruiting pipeline and a seamless 150-hour CPA pathway
Located in Austin, Texas, the McCombs School of Business enrolls roughly 1,200 accounting majors across its BBA and MPA programs. The integrated MPA pathway allows students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's in five years, meeting the 150-credit-hour requirement for CPA licensure without extra time. McCombs consistently posts first-time CPA pass rates above 80% , well above the national average. The school's Career Management Center places over 90% of accounting graduates within three months of graduation, with the Big Four hiring more than half of each class. Average starting salaries for accounting graduates hover around $65,000–$75,000, with bonuses for those entering public accounting. The faculty includes leading researchers in auditing, taxation, and financial reporting, and the alumni network of over 100,000 business graduates spans every major firm. Student organizations like Beta Alpha Psi and the Accounting Leadership Council provide networking and mentorship.
2. Brigham Young University — Marriott School of Business 🏆 BEST VALUE
Type: Private University (LDS-affiliated) | Tuition (LDS): ~$6,000/year | Tuition (non-LDS): ~$12,000/year | Best for: Students wanting elite CPA outcomes at a fraction of the cost of peer programs
Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Business is a perennial powerhouse in accounting, regularly ranking among the top five programs nationally for CPA exam pass rates and Big Four placement. The School of Accountancy offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program that integrates the 150-hour requirement. First-time CPA pass rates often exceed 85%, among the highest in the country. The Big Four recruit heavily from BYU, with many students securing internships and full-time offers before senior year. Tuition is remarkably low — even for non-LDS students, it is a fraction of private competitors. The student-to-faculty ratio of about 20:1 allows for personalized mentorship. The Accounting Advisory Council connects students with alumni at top firms. BYU's honor code and community-focused culture create a disciplined, supportive environment, though the religious affiliation may not suit everyone.
3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Gies College of Business
Type: Public University | Tuition (in-state): ~$16,000/year | Tuition (out-of-state): ~$35,000/year | Best for: Students seeking a massive alumni network and top-tier research faculty
The Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a national leader in accounting, with its Department of Accountancy consistently ranked among the top five in the U.S. The program offers a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and a Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA), with a five-year combined pathway to satisfy the 150-hour requirement. First-time CPA pass rates are strong, often above 75%, and the school's iMBA and iMSA online programs expand access. The alumni network of over 100,000 business graduates includes partners at every Big Four firm. The Career Services office places over 95% of accounting graduates within six months, with many entering public accounting at starting salaries of $60,000–$70,000. Faculty are renowned for research in auditing, financial accounting, and tax policy. The Champaign-Urbana campus offers a classic college town experience with low cost of living.
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Book a Call4. University of Michigan Ann Arbor — Ross School of Business
Type: Public University | Tuition (in-state): ~$17,000/year | Tuition (out-of-state): ~$55,000/year | Best for: Students wanting a prestigious brand and a broad business education with accounting depth
The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in accounting, as well as a Master of Accounting (MAcc) program for the 150-hour requirement. Ross is known for its action-based learning approach, including the MAP (Multidisciplinary Action Projects) course. First-time CPA pass rates are strong, often above 75%, and the school's Career Development Office places over 90% of accounting graduates within three months. The Big Four recruit heavily, and the alumni network includes leaders at top firms. Tuition is high for out-of-state students, but the return on investment is strong, with starting salaries averaging $65,000–$75,000. The Ann Arbor campus offers a vibrant college town with strong extracurriculars and networking opportunities.
5. University of Southern California — Marshall School of Business
Type: Private University | Tuition: ~$60,000/year | Best for: Students seeking a West Coast pipeline to Big Four and entertainment accounting
The Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accounting (MAcc) program. USC's Leventhal School of Accounting is highly regarded, with first-time CPA pass rates above 75% and strong Big Four placement, especially in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The alumni network is powerful in entertainment accounting and tech finance. Tuition is high, but financial aid and scholarships are available. The Los Angeles location provides access to internships at top firms and companies. Starting salaries average $65,000–$75,000, with higher potential in consulting or industry roles.
6. Indiana University Bloomington — Kelley School of Business
Type: Public University | Tuition (in-state): ~$12,000/year | Tuition (out-of-state): ~$38,000/year | Best for: Students wanting a strong balance of academics and a lively campus social scene
The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). Kelley is known for its strong Big Four recruiting and high CPA pass rates, often above 75%. The Kelley Career Services is among the best in the country, placing over 90% of accounting graduates within three months. The Bloomington campus offers a vibrant social life with strong sports and Greek life. Tuition is reasonable for in-state students. Starting salaries average $60,000–$70,000.
7. University of Florida — Warrington College of Business
Type: Public University | Tuition (in-state): ~$6,000/year | Tuition (out-of-state): ~$29,000/year | Best for: Students seeking a low-cost, high-quality program in the Southeast
The Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accounting (MAcc) program. UF is a top value, with in-state tuition among the lowest in the top 10. First-time CPA pass rates are strong, often above 75%, and the Big Four recruit heavily from the Gainesville campus. The alumni network is strong in Florida and the Southeast. Starting salaries average $60,000–$70,000. The campus offers a classic college experience with strong sports and school spirit.
8. University of Notre Dame — Mendoza College of Business
Type: Private University (Catholic) | Tuition: ~$60,000/year | Best for: Students wanting a values-based education with strong ethics training
The Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accountancy, as well as a Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA). Notre Dame is known for its strong ethical focus and high CPA pass rates, often above 80%. The Big Four recruit heavily, and the alumni network is loyal and powerful. Tuition is high, but financial aid is generous. The South Bend campus offers a tight-knit community with strong traditions and sports. Starting salaries average $65,000–$75,000.
9. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Kenan-Flagler Business School
Type: Public University | Tuition (in-state): ~$9,000/year | Tuition (out-of-state): ~$37,000/year | Best for: Students seeking a top public program in the Research Triangle
The Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, as well as a Master of Accounting (MAC) program. UNC is a top public school with strong Big Four recruiting and CPA pass rates above 75%. The Research Triangle location provides access to internships at top firms and companies. Tuition is low for in-state students. Starting salaries average $60,000–$70,000. The Chapel Hill campus offers a vibrant college town with strong sports and social life.
10. University of Georgia — Terry College of Business
Type: Public University | Tuition (in-state): ~$10,000/year | Tuition (out-of-state): ~$30,000/year | Best for: Students wanting a strong regional program with excellent placement in the Southeast
The Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting, as well as a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program. UGA is a top value with strong Big Four recruiting from Atlanta and the Southeast. First-time CPA pass rates are solid, often above 70%. The Athens campus offers a lively college town with strong sports and music scene. Starting salaries average $55,000–$65,000. The alumni network is strong in Georgia and the Southeast.
FAQ
What is the 150-hour requirement for CPA licensure? Most states require 150 semester credit hours of education to sit for the CPA exam, which is typically 30 hours beyond a standard bachelor's degree — many programs offer integrated master's pathways to meet this.
Which program has the highest CPA pass rate? Brigham Young University and University of Texas at Austin consistently report the highest first-time CPA pass rates, often above 80%, based on NASBA data.
Is a master's in accounting necessary for a good job? No, but many students pursue a Master of Accounting (MAcc) or Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) to meet the 150-hour requirement and boost recruiting prospects.
How much do accounting graduates earn starting out? Starting salaries for accounting graduates entering public accounting typically range from $55,000 to $75,000, with higher pay in consulting or at top firms in major cities.
What is the difference between a BBA and a BS in Accounting? A BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) includes broader business courses, while a BS in Accounting focuses more narrowly on accounting coursework — both can lead to CPA licensure.
Which schools have the strongest Big Four recruiting? University of Texas at Austin, Brigham Young University, University of Illinois, and University of Michigan are among the top targets for Big Four recruiting.
Sources
- U.S. News & World Report — Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs
- National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) — CPA Exam Pass Rates
- Public Accounting Report — Annual Survey of Accounting Professors
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) — Accredited Programs
- Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) — Target School Lists
- College Board — Tuition and Fee Data
- University-specific career services and admissions offices
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