Georgia has long been an influential part of the United States and a leading center of the Southern economy. Georgia-based accounting professionals can pursue many opportunities across industries. The state's strong economic outlook and high-profile presence of Fortune 500 companies anchor its thriving growth.
Georgia has a long history of educational leadership. In 1785, it became the first state to establish state-funded higher education. About 50 years later, Georgia's Wesleyan College became the world's first institution specifically chartered to grant degrees to women. The top accounting schools in Georgia function in what has become one of the nation's best higher education networks.
Georgia's tradition of academic innovation continues today. Accounting students have many options, including campus-based programs and fully online degrees. Use this guide to examine key career trends and top programs as you explore the best accounting schools in Georgia.
Population | 10,799,566 |
---|---|
Climate | Average Annual Temperature: 63.5℉; Annual Precipitation: 50.7 inches |
Major Sports Teams | Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Dream (WNBA), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Atlanta United (MLS) |
Number of Higher Learning Institutions | 108 |
Per Capita Income | $34,516 |
Fortune 500 Companies | 18 |
Accountants in Georgia | 40,470 |
Sources: U.S. Census, Current Results, NCES, Georgia Department of Economic Development, BLS
Popular Online Accounting Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Go to College for Accounting in Georgia?
Georgia's 108 degree-granting institutions tie with Virginia at ninth place for most higher education schools in a state. Given the size of Georgia's higher education network, accounting students can find programs that match their academic interests.
Degree-seekers in Georgia also benefit from strong funding opportunities aided by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). The GSFC makes postsecondary education more accessible to Georgia students through more than a dozen unique education funding programs.
The diversity of Georgia's economy creates a strong set of job opportunities for accounting professionals. As the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants notes, accountants in the state enjoy excellent cross-industry mobility, with employment options in small businesses and major corporations.
Learners who complete accounting degrees in Georgia and plan to work in the state can also benefit from networking. Many accounting programs include field-based training components, such as internships and work-study placements. These opportunities can help you land your first job and build the experience you need for certified public accountant (CPA) licensure.
Education Statistics for Georgia
As the data in the table below indicates, Georgia favorably reflects national trends in key education statistics. It aligns with national averages in virtually all major categories, with the notable exception of distance education.
Georgia's lower rates of online learning suggest the state's college student body prefers to engage with the traditional campus experience. This balance may benefit campus-based learners, especially regarding peer, faculty, and employer networking.
Higher Education Statistics | Georgia Data | National Data |
---|---|---|
Four-Year Colleges | 68 | 2,520 |
Two-Year Colleges | 40 | 1,216 |
Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 54.8% | 72.8% |
Postsecondary Education Appropriations per Full-Time Student | $9,844 | $9,327 |
Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education | $14,827 | $15,959 |
Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree | 8.2% | 8.6% |
Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree | 20.2% | 20.2% |
Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher | 12.8% | 12.7% |
Sources: NCES, SHEEO, U.S. Census ACS
Accreditation for Georgia Schools
Accreditation is an independent endorsement of a school's academic quality. This status also ensures that employers, clients, and other colleges will recognize your credentials. Students should only consider programs in accredited schools. The best accounting schools in Georgia all hold institutional accreditation.
Georgia institutions have traditionally been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Some of the top accounting schools in Georgia also feature programmatic accreditation. This optional form of accreditation extends to departments and programs meeting exceptional standards.
Major bodies that offer programmatic accreditation of accounting degrees include:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Look for accounting programs in Georgia recognized by these accreditors if you prioritize programmatic endorsements.
Delivery Formats for an Accounting Degree in Georgia
Many factors affect the college selection process, and recent years have seen course delivery formats become a top consideration for many students. Technological advancements and greater engagement have closed gaps between online and face-to-face learning, making the two methods indistinguishable in quality and rigor.
Georgia college students engage with campus-based learning at relatively high rates. However, their preference for blended online and campus-based formats reflects national averages. Accounting students can engage with various options at Georgia schools, according to their needs and preferences.
On-Campus Programs
Georgia's high rates of engagement with traditional campus-based learning suggest that students enjoy the experience. Face-to-face programs may offer more social, extracurricular, and networking opportunities than online accounting degrees in Georgia.
Online Accounting Degrees in Georgia
Some of the best accounting schools in Georgia offer 100% online formats. While these involve some social and networking trade-offs, online degrees provide more flexibility. Students can engage with coursework on their own schedules, making it easier to balance school with work and other life commitments.
Hybrid Programs
Hybrid programs combine face-to-face and distance learning. They balance the social benefits of the campus experience with the flexibility of online courses.
Despite their benefits, hybrid programs also have some downsides. Attendance requirements demand a physical presence in Georgia that does not apply to 100% online degrees.
Paying for Your Accounting Degree
The affordable nature of higher education in Georgia enhances the appeal of the state's high-quality college network. As the data in the table below indicates, Georgia undergraduates pay lower-than-average tuition rates at practically every type of institution. The lone exception applies to non-resident students attending two-year public colleges.
Despite these cost advantages, many Georgia students still need help funding their studies. Grants, fellowships, and scholarships offer the best sources of aid, since they are non-repayable. Check with the GSFC to see if you qualify for state-funded scholarships. As a last resort, you can also look into federal or private loans.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Public colleges throughout the United States usually charge out-of-state students higher tuition rates, as residents contribute to their state's higher education network through taxes.
However, non-residents may still qualify for tuition breaks. Some public colleges apply the same tuition rates to students in online courses, regardless of where they live.
Georgia also participates in the 16-state Southern Regional Education Board. This interstate compact extends in-state tuition rates to residents of other member states. If you reside elsewhere in the South, you may be able to attend a Georgia public institution without paying out-of-state premiums.
Cost of Living in Georgia
Living costs are a major student expense, especially for campus-based learners. Georgia shines in this regard: As of 2023, Georgia has the fifth-lowest cost of living of any U.S. state.
The cost of living index uses a score of 100 to represent the national average. Georgia's score of 88.8 as of 2023 means the state's living costs are 11.2% lower than the typical U.S. destination.
Combined with the state's affordable tuition rates, Georgia's low living costs can help students see strong returns on their educational investments.
Careers for Accounting Graduates in Georgia
Accountants and auditors provide what the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) calls "professional and business services." BLS data from February 2023 indicates that professional and business services form Georgia's second-largest non-farm labor market.
Georgia has long been a major regional center of corporate and commercial activity. In addition, each Big Four accounting firm maintains offices in Atlanta. These factors create a strong and stable employment base for accounting and auditing professionals.
Accountants and auditors in Georgia also appear poised to benefit from favorable trends in the 2020s. Projections Central, a BLS-affiliated analysis organization, anticipates a 16% increase in the number of accounting and auditing jobs in Georgia from 2020-2030. This more than doubles the national projection of 6.9% job growth in the same professional category over the same period.
The following subsections profile some of Georgia's prominent accounting career paths.
Popular Accounting Careers in Georgia
Accountants and Auditors
Accountants examine financial data, prepare financial documents, and participate in strategic planning and tax management. Auditors specialize in analyzing financial statements and documents for accuracy to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2020-30): +16%
Bookkeeping and Auditing Clerks
Also known as accounting clerks, these professionals mainly focus on tracking and recording financial transactions. They also make sure their client's financial records remain up to date and accurate. The role requires intermediate mathematics skills and strong attention to detail.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2020-30): +4.3%
Financial Managers
Financial managers observe and analyze key indicators of their employers' or clients' financial health. They track financial metrics to detect trends, risks, and opportunities. Financial managers also develop strategies to advance immediate and long-term monetary goals.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2020-30): +27.8%
Georgia Employment Trends
Job Availability | Georgia | National |
---|---|---|
2020 Employment | 35,860 | 1,392,2500 |
2030 Projected Employment | 41,580 | 1,488,200 |
Projected Job Growth, 2020-30 | +16.0% | +6.9% |
Source: Projections Central
Career | Georgia Employment | Georgia Average Annual Salary | National Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Associate Degree Recommended | |||
Bookkeeping and Auditing Clerks | 38,640 | $45,500 | $45,140 |
Credit Counselors | 270 | $54,500 | $51,650 |
Payroll Clerks | 4,570 | $46,540 | $52,300 |
Bachelor's Degree Recommended | |||
Compliance Officers | 13,080 | $69,710 | $76,980 |
Cost Estimators | 5,860 | $71,970 | $76,740 |
Property Appraisers and Assessors | 2,970 | $61,590 | $80,460 |
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 13,740 | $91,460 | $100,740 |
Tax Examiners and Collectors | 1,410 | $57,710 | $64,410 |
Tax Preparers | 1,780 | $40,380 | $55,840 |
Master's Degree Recommended | |||
Accountants and Auditors | 44,700 | $86,220 | $86,740 |
Budget Analysts | 1,830 | $86,580 | $87,680 |
Financial Analysts | 8,940 | $93,440 | $108,790 |
Financial Managers | 19,630 | $164,320 | $166,050 |
Personal Financial Advisors | 7,650 | $128,920 | $137,740 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Accounting careers in Georgia tend to pay salaries that align with national averages. When factoring in the state's low cost of living, professionals at all stages of their careers can find financially advantageous job opportunities.
Career paths open to master's degree-holders, including financial managers, accountants, and auditors, typically pay the most. As such, emerging professionals might want to consider the benefits of earning an advanced accounting degree in Georgia.
Georgia Requirements for Certified Public Accountants
Each state maintains unique requirements for becoming a licensed CPA. Standards cover education and work experience, and all aspiring CPAs must pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
In Georgia, you must have a bachelor's degree and at least 150 semester hours of college education to qualify for a CPA license. Bachelor's programs typically cover about 120 semester hours. As such, candidates may need to complete additional course sequences or graduate certificates. Earning a master's degree is another option.
You do not need to major in accounting to become a CPA. However, your college education must cover at least 30 semester hours in upper-level accounting credits. You also must complete at least 24 additional semester hours in business coursework.
Aspiring CPAs must also complete at least 2,000 hours of relevant work experience. Accounting, auditing, and teaching experience may all qualify if they satisfy Georgia's guidelines. For further state-specific information, refer to the Georgia State Board of Accountancy.
Questions About Accounting Programs in Georgia
Is UGA a good school for accounting?
The University of Georgia (UGA) website states that nearly 100% of its accounting graduates secure employment within three months. This exceptional placement rate suggests UGA is one of the best accounting schools in Georgia.
How do I become an accountant in Georgia?
To become a licensed CPA in Georgia, you need at least 150 semester hours of college credit and a bachelor's degree. Your degree must include significant accounting and business coursework, and you also need to accrue 2,000 hours of work experience in accounting and pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination.
How much do accountants earn in Georgia?
According to BLS data from May 2022, accountants and auditors earn an average base salary of $86,220 per year in Georgia.
What accounting jobs are there in Georgia?
BLS data from May 2022 indicates that the top accounting careers in Georgia include accountants and auditors, bookkeeping clerks, financial managers, compliance officers, and securities sales agents.
How long does it take to become an accountant in Georgia?
Full-time students can complete the educational requirements for CPA licensure in Georgia in about five years. They also need at least one year of full-time work experience. In total, this puts the minimum timeline for becoming a CPA in Georgia at about six years.
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