Bachelor's degrees in accounting teach students how to track and record financial transactions and evaluate organizations' financial health. These degrees typically require 4-5 academic years of full-time study. Graduates can pursue careers as accountants, business and management consultants, financial analysts, and personal financial advisors.
Explore our ranked list of the best accounting undergraduate programs. You can also learn about the required coursework in most accounting programs.
Top Accounting Bachelor's Programs
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School
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At a Glance
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By the Numbers
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1. College of the Ozarks | Point Lookout, MO
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- Accounting major, BS
- 4 years
- ACT/SAT scores required
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- Tuition: $19,500/year
- Admission Rate: 14%
- Retention Rate: 80%
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2. Washington and Lee University | Lexington, VA
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- BS in accounting
- 4 years
- ACT/SAT scores required
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- Tuition: $56,170/year
- Admission Rate: 25%
- Retention Rate: 97%
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3. Alice Lloyd College | Pippa Passes, KY
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- Bachelor of arts in accounting and business management
- 4 years
- ACT/SAT optional
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- Tuition: $12,000/year; $0 with guaranteed tuition
- Admission Rate: 21%
- Retention Rate: 65%
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4. Taylor University | Upland, IN
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- BS in accounting
- 4 years
- SAT/ACT
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- Tuition: $36,535/year
- Admission Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 89%
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5. Wofford College | Spartanburg, SC
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- Accounting major
- 4 years
- ACT/SAT optional
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- Tuition: $46,010/year
- Admission Rate 53%
- Retention Rate: 89%
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What to Expect From a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
Accounting degrees are popular and widely available at most colleges and universities. Though programs vary by school and type, accounting degrees include a bachelor of science (BS), bachelor of arts (BA), bachelor of accountancy, and bachelor of accounting science. Schools also offer BS in accounting or bachelor of business administration (BBA) degrees with concentrations in accounting or other accounting specialties.
Most bachelor's in accounting comprise 120 credits. Some of the best accounting undergraduate programs include optional practicums or internships, and many culminate in capstone seminars, exams, or senior projects. While college programs strongly recommend practical experience, many bachelor's in accounting degrees offer most coursework online.
Most accounting degrees emphasize core business skills, including communication, leadership, and attention to detail. A bachelor's in accounting takes around four years to complete, though online programs may offer accelerated paths to graduation. Online programs may use synchronous (live) or asynchronous (pre-recorded) course delivery.
Accounting Degree Requirements for Admission
Most bachelor's in accounting programs require a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some require SAT or ACT scores. Like many undergraduate programs, accounting degrees generally prefer applicants with minimum GPAs of 2.0-3.0.
Accounting schools offering BBAs may require applicants to complete prerequisites in business or accounting. Completing an associate in accounting or accounting certificate often covers some general education requirements of a bachelor's degree.
Bachelor's programs may require additional application materials like essays, statements of purpose, or letters of recommendation. While some schools require an application fee, many programs waive costs based on need. Students can apply online to some programs through the Common App.
Explore Accounting Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Popular Accounting Undergraduate Courses
Schools develop their accounting curricula. However, most programs focus on a common set of core accounting skills. Students develop these skills through required courses, electives, and capstone projects.
The following list offers a snapshot of common courses in bachelor's accounting programs:
- Financial Accounting: This core course covers the basic techniques accountants use to create financial records. Coursework also covers the theories and procedures relevant to key accounting topics. At this introductory stage, learners focus mainly on general asset, liability, and equity accounts.
- Managerial Accounting: Managerial accounting courses apply accounting to organizational decision-making. Students explore theories, concepts, and real-world case studies of accounting's practical applications in business management.
- Strategic and Ethical Issues: Bachelor's accounting degrees often include opportunities for students to deepen their learning in targeted areas. This elective offers students the chance to develop advanced managerial accounting insights. It also covers the complex ethical questions accountants can face in carrying out their duties and how to navigate them.
- Advanced Financial Reporting: Accounting students often complete at least one intensive course or module covering financial reporting standards. This elective provides an opportunity for learners to further develop their financial reporting knowledge and skills. Content covers international business accounting and interim reporting.
- Auditing: In finance and accounting, auditing describes the process of independently verifying the accuracy and completeness of financial records. Auditing is a useful skill for generalist accountants and a specialized accounting area. This elective introduces students to the auditing process and covers the essential techniques and best practices auditors use.
How Much Do Accounting Bachelor's Programs Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition and required fees at a public four-year college averaged $9,375 in 2020-21. Private schools were priced higher at $32,825 for that same year. Accounting students can generally expect their costs to line up with these national averages.
Many factors impact a school's cost of attendance at a particular school. Beyond the school's status as a private or public institution, these may include:
- School prestige
- Program delivery format(s)
- Students' in-state or out-of-state residency status
Students who need help meeting their educational costs should first consider nonrepayable forms of aid, such as:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Fellowships
Reserve repayable federal and private loans as a last resort. For more information on financial aid, consult the links below:
Selecting the Right Undergraduate Program
Aspiring accountants and finance professionals should consider several factors before deciding on the best accounting undergraduate programs for them. Some considerations include curriculum, accreditation, and student outcomes: It is vitally important to compare programs to find a suitable learning opportunity.
Depending on your situation and career goals, other important considerations may include:
- Student Outcome Data: Consider metrics like year-over-year retention rates and graduation rates, which schools often publish on their program websites. These metrics are important indicators of student satisfaction and success.
- Career Services and Recruitment: Some business and finance programs link students with potential employers through recruitment campaigns and work-study placements.
- Alumni and Networking Opportunities: Networking is especially important in the business world. Schools with strong, large alumni networks may offer advantages to graduates.
- Accreditation: Only consider a school with accreditation. Additional endorsements from program accreditors can add prestige and value.
- Future Educational Opportunities: Some schools offer dual-degree accounting programs that confer both a bachelor's and a master's. If this option appeals to you, seek out an institution that offers it.
Program delivery formats are also increasingly important to students. You can learn more about online programs and their accounting degree requirements using the link below:
Top Accounting Bachelor's Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs
The following ranking explores the five best accounting undergraduate programs in the United States. We base our rankings on academic standards, school reputation, affordability, and accreditation. Click the link below to learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1 Best Accounting Undergraduate Programs 2023
College of the Ozarks
- Point Lookout, MO
- 4 years
- Campus
Founded as a high school in 1906, College of the Ozarks has operated as a private Christian college since 1965. The institution is best known for its zero-tuition program.
Accounting Major, B.S.
The College of the Ozarks' features one of the best accounting undergraduate programs, which develops an understanding of accounting principles and their application to business transactions. In this full-time program, students explore auditing and tax accounting concepts, generally accepted accounting principles in monetary transactions, and marketing and corporate finance.
The program provides real-world, practical experience while developing a Christian worldview of accounting.
Applying to C of O
Online applications to C of O must include high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and reference forms. Each candidate should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and rank in the top half of their graduating class. Selected candidates have to appear for an interview.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $19,800/year; $0 with tuition assurance
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Accounting Undergraduate Programs 2023
Washington and Lee University
- Lexington, VA
- 4 years
- Campus
The Virginia-based liberal arts university Washington and Lee (W&L), founded in 1749 as the Augusta Academy, now counts an undergraduate enrollment of 1,857 students as one of the country's oldest higher education institutions.
B.S. in Accounting
The bachelor of science degree in accounting and finance at Washington and Lee University aims to boost analytical and communication skills while building knowledge and skills for careers in business. Accounting majors take a combination of business administration, accounting, and economics courses.
Offered by the Williams School, topics included in this program include forensic accounting, auditing, corporate social responsibility, and gaming accounting. W&L claims that a third of their graduates go on to work with the Big Four accounting firms.
Applying to W&L
Applications to W&L must be made online through the Common Application or QuestBridge National College Match application. The application must include official high school transcripts, two teacher recommendations, the Common App Secondary School Report form, and SAT or ACT scores. A minimum GPA of 3.96 is required.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $60,590/year
- Required Credits: Contact school for exact requirement
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Accounting Undergraduate Programs 2023
Alice Lloyd College
- Pippa Passes, KY
- 4 years
- Campus
Founded by journalist Alice Spencer Lloyd and educator June Buchanan in 1923, Alice Lloyd College is a private college based in Kentucky. Formerly called Caney Junior College, this small institution had a total enrollment of 613 students as of fall 2021.
Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business Management
The accounting and business management major at Alice Lloyd College is part of the Business and Entrepreneurship program. This pathway prepares students for careers in accounting, taking the CPA examination, or future graduate studies.
The degree, as one of the best accounting undergraduate programs, combines principles of accounting and business to help students gain a basic understanding of accounts, taxes, practical applications of auditing, and analysis and interpretation of accounting data and its utilization in management planning.
ALC has a guaranteed tuition policy for students from 108 Central Appalachian counties. The college is a residential institution, and students are required to live and work on campus.
Applying to ALC
Applications to Alice Lloyd College can be submitted online. The institution requires a minimum GPA of 2.25, interviews selected applicants, and is test-optional for ACT or SAT scores.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $14,230/year; $0 with guaranteed tuition
- Required Credits: 128
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Accounting Undergraduate Programs 2023
Taylor University
- Upland, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Counted among the oldest evangelical Christian universities in the country, Indiana-based Taylor University offers over 90 majors and minors across various disciplines. The institute was founded in 1846 and named after Bishop William Taylor.
B.S. in Accounting
A major in accounting at Taylor University prepares students for the CPA exam, develops practical and analytical skills, and provides professional training. The university offers accounting internships, allowing enrollees to earn academic credit and qualify for potential job offers later.
Courses include cost accounting, investments, federal taxes, fraud examination, corporate finance, and problem-solving. Enrollees must also take foundational core courses that include biblical literature, aesthetic literacy, social science, mathematics, and history.
Applying to TU
While applying online, candidates need to submit a personal essay on the role of faith in their lives. Also required are high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, Christian character reference, and a GPA higher than 2.9.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $38,140/year
- Required Credits: 128
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Accounting Undergraduate Programs 2023
Wofford College
- Spartanburg, SC
- 4 years
- Campus
Founded in 1854, liberal arts institution Wofford College is known for its botanical campus, study abroad participation, and over 68 prestigious programs. The college maintains an affiliation with the United Methodist Church.
B.S. Accounting
The accounting major at Wofford College combines general education topics with courses in accounting principles, financial statement analysis, marketing research, and portfolio management. If sponsored by the faculty, students may take honors courses within their majors.
Wofford is a four-year institution. Single students must live on campus or commute. All enrollees are eligible for merit-based scholarships and financial aid.
Applying to Wofford
Online applications to Wofford should be submitted through the Common App. Applications must also include a school report form and high school transcripts. The minimum required GPA for admission is 3.64.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $66,450/year
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Common Questions About Accounting Bachelor's Degrees
How long does it take to get a bachelor's in accounting?
Accounting programs run around 4-5 full-time academic years. Some programs are longer because many states require 150 college credits to qualify for licensure as a certified public accountant. A fifth academic year helps graduates meet these elevated requirements.
How much does an accounting bachelor's program cost?
NCES tracks data related to higher education costs in the United States. In the 2020-21 school year, NCES put the average annual cost of a public four-year college at about $9,375. Private colleges cost an average of approximately $32,825.
Can you get an accounting bachelor's degree online?
Yes. Studying accounting online offers students more flexibility and convenience compared to in-person programs. Since accounting material is technical, having the option to review difficult concepts in pre-recorded lectures may be beneficial to some students.
What's the difference between an accounting bachelor's and certification?
A bachelor's degree in accounting is an academic credential. It does not entitle a degree-holder to practice as a licensed accountant. CPAs must obtain formal certification by passing a rigorous and comprehensive examination issued by the state.
