California, nicknamed the Golden State, is the most populous state in the U.S. California also has the largest GDP in the country and more accountants than any other state.
California created 96,700 new jobs in January 2023 or 18.7% of all new jobs in the U.S., according to its state government. As companies grow, so does their need for accountants.
Accountants can choose from many possible industries and careers, including financial analysts, cost estimators, or auditors.
Becoming an accounting student in California offers you many choices. This page will explore the top accounting schools in California, along with costs and potential benefits.
California at a Glance
| Population |
39,237,836 |
| Climate |
Average Annual Temperature: 59.4℉
Annual Precipitation: 22.2 |
| Major Sports Teams |
Los Angeles Lakers, San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Galaxy |
| Number of Higher Learning Institutions |
384 |
| Per Capita Income |
41,276 |
| Fortune 500 Companies |
53 |
| Accountants in California |
151,320 |
Sources: U.S. Census, Current Results, NCES, Statista, BLS
Popular Online Accounting Programs
Why Go to College for Accounting in California?
California is home to many renowned public and private schools. The state also has over 2.5 million university students, which represent 13.6% of all college students in the U.S., according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). California college students can find scholarships through organizations and schools. Each scholarship's qualifications, amount, and limitations vary.
Students wanting to work in California after graduation should consider a school within the state. California students can network among students, meet professionals, and intern at local companies, helping to increase their chances of landing a job in the state.
Education Statistics for California
California has approximately 10% of the two-year and four-year colleges in the U.S. The percentage of California students enrolled in distance education is almost equivalent to the national average.
The amount of adults in California over 25 with an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree is similar to the U.S. average. The tax revenue allocated to California is less than the national average.
California vs. National Education Statistics
| Higher Education Statistics |
California Data |
National Data |
| Four-Year Colleges |
247 |
2,520 |
| Two-Year Colleges |
137 |
1,216 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education |
71.2% |
72.8% |
| Postsecondary Education Appropriations per Full-Time Student |
$9,859 |
$9,327 |
| Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education |
$12,392 |
$15,959 |
| Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree |
8.0% |
8.6% |
| Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree |
21.9% |
20.2% |
| Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher |
13.4% |
12.7% |
Sources: NCES, SHEEO, U.S. Census ACS
Accreditation for California Schools
WSCUC accredits California's most reputable universities. As for accounting programs, students should look for accreditation from the AACSB or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Prospective accounting students should choose an accredited college or university to qualify for federal aid. Accreditation means that the school meets educational students. Choosing an accredited program is optional — it confirms that the curriculum meets industry standards.
Delivery Formats for Accounting Programs in California
If you are searching for an accounting program in California, you are likely considering multiple factors, among which may be remote learning.
California has more students enrolled in remote and hybrid programs than the national average. Additionally, the amount of students not enrolled in any remote learning courses is lower than the national average.
To help you with your decision, we gathered data on some of the most important college-related factors. The following sections cover information on remote learning, tuition, and the cost of living in California.
On-Campus Programs
On-campus programs offer a more traditional college experience. Enrollees must live on or near campus to regularly attend in-person classes. On-campus courses create opportunities for peer bonding and collaboration. Students in on-campus programs may need flexible working hours to attend classes at scheduled times.
Online Accounting Degrees in California
Online accounting programs allow for more flexibility and convenience. Distance learners in asynchronous programs can study from anywhere at any time. If a program is 100% online, students may avoid transportation expenses. Online students should be self-starters.
Hybrid Programs
Students enrolled in hybrid programs attend classes online and in-person. Enrollees in fully online programs complete all their work online. Hybrid students must be located near their campus to complete in-person requirements.
Paying for Your Accounting Degree
If you are considering accounting programs in California, you have multiple methods to help pay for your degree. You can use a combination of financial aid, scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans.
- Financial Aid: Financial aid includes any funds that come from outside sources, including the federal government, state government, and private organizations.
- Scholarships: Schools and organizations award funds to students based on various criteria. Scholarships do not require repayment.
- Fellowships: Schools award fellowships to graduate students based on merit.
- Grants: Organizations and schools award grants based on financial need or merit. Grants do not require repayment.
- Loans: The federal government and private banks offer student loans that require repayment, usually with interest.
Public four-year tuition for in-state students is cheaper in California than the national average. However, California also has a higher average out-of-state tuition for public schools than the national average.
Although California tuition can be expensive, the state also offers the Cal Grant, a needs-based grant that offers up to $14,000 annually. If you are interested in additional information regarding financial aid options and scholarships for the best accounting schools in California, please see our relevant links below.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Tuition is based on several factors, including if you are an in-state or out-of-state student. Out-of-state students often pay higher tuition. Many schools receive funding from states, partially paid for by taxes. Since out-of-state students and their families do contribute to those taxes, they pay a higher fee at public colleges and universities.
California, a member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), offers discounted tuition to residents of other WICHE states. WICHE offers different discounts for undergraduate, graduate, and health professional programs. Residents of a WICHE state attending a participating public university's undergraduate program benefit from a tuition ceiling. Qualified students will have to pay a maximum of 150% of the in-state tuition.
Cost of Living in California
California students preparing their budget should consider housing, food, and transportation costs. Locations across the U.S. have different costs for basic living expenses.
California has a cost of living index score of 142.2, which is one of the highest in the country. The cost of living index compares a state's cost of living with the national average. In California, costs are 42.2% higher than the national average. Future California students should account for the higher cost of living when budgeting their expenses or considering moving to the state.
Careers for Accounting Graduates in California
California has a strong economy pre-Covid, with 11 years of economic growth and a 3.5% unemployment rate. The Big Four accounting firms also have a presence in the state.
Since California has the largest economy in the U.S., it is home to many industries. A few of California's major industries include film, tech, and construction. Accounting professionals in California are projected to grow 8.8% between 2020-2030, according to the California Employment Development Department.
California, the third-largest in the country by area, is diverse. Regions within California have different industries. Some examples of regional specialties include technology in Silicon Valley and film in Hollywood.
Popular Accounting Careers in California
Bookkeepers help organize a company's internal financial records. Professional bookkeepers track transactions, record changes, and cross-check internal values. Depending on the role, bookkeepers can also assist with payroll and accounts receivable. People interested in a bookkeeping career can start with an associate degree in bookkeeping.
Job Outlook in California (2020-30): +4%
Accountants can refer to multiple professions, including investment accountants, cost accountants, and certified public accountants. Accountants' duties differ, but they often prepare and analyze financial records. Prospective accountants usually need a bachelor's degree.
Job Outlook in California (2020-30): +13%
Financial managers are responsible for an organization's financial activities. They have varying tasks, including preparing financial statements, planning investment strategies, and overseeing cash flow. Generally, a financial manager position requires a bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience.
Job Outlook in California (2020-30): +27.0%
California Employment Trends
Projected Job Growth for Accountants
| Job Availability |
California |
National |
| 2020 Employment |
160,600 |
1,392,2500 |
| 2030 Projected Employment |
181,300 |
1,488,200 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-30 |
+13% |
+6.9% |
Source: Projections Central
Accounting Salaries by Career
| Career |
California Employment |
California Average Annual Salary |
National Average Annual Salary |
| Associate Degree Recommended |
| Bookkeeping and Auditing Clerks |
170,580 |
$51,080 |
$45,140 |
| Credit Counselors |
1,930 |
$57,260 |
$50,430 |
| Payroll Clerks |
20,850 |
$56,200 |
$49,560 |
| Bachelor's Degree Recommended |
| Compliance Officers |
42,230 |
$86,030 |
$75,810 |
| Cost Estimators |
26,900 |
$81,510 |
$73,740 |
| Property Appraisers and Assessors |
5,060 |
$84,260 |
$70,050 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents |
55,090 |
$83,850 |
$93,260 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors |
8,490 |
$71,310 |
$63,200 |
| Tax Preparers |
8,310 |
$60,140 |
$51,080 |
| Master's Degree Recommended |
| Accountants and Auditors |
151,320 |
$92,840 |
$83,980 |
| Budget Analysts |
4,570 |
$93,400 |
$84,240 |
| Financial Analysts |
35,360 |
$108,060 |
$103,020 |
| Financial Managers |
99,790 |
$166,220 |
$153,460 |
| Personal Financial Advisors |
32,990 |
$126,480 |
$119,960 |
Source: BLS OEWS
Most accounting professions have a higher average salary in California than the national average. However, you should also factor in the higher cost of living in the state.
If you're interested in becoming an accounting professional in California, consider earning a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting. Graduates with a bachelor's degree or above in a relevant field can pursue higher-paying careers and advancement opportunities.
California Requirements for Certified Public Accountants
Becoming a CPA requires passing the Uniform CPA Exam and meeting specific requirements, which vary by state. The California Board of Accountancy (CBA) offers information on the CPA exam and licensure for California residents. According to the CBA, candidates will need to meet the criteria below to be eligible for licensure.
-
Complete a bachelor's degree and 150 total semester units:
- 24 semester units in business-related courses
- 24 semester units in accounting courses
- 20 semester units in accounting study
- 10 semester units in ethics
-
12 months of experience in accounting, under the supervision of an active CPA
-
Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
-
Pass the Professional Ethics for CPAs Exam
-
Receive state and federal fingerprint clearance
Top Accounting Schools in California
The following ranked list highlights the five top accounting programs in California for 2023. In generating our rankings, we use a data-driven methodology. To learn more about how our methods, please follow this link:
#1 Best Accounting Schools in California 2023
Claremont McKenna College
- Claremont, CA
- 4 years
- Campus
Claremont McKenna College (CMC) opened in 1947 to provide educational opportunities to returning veterans of World War II. CMC has since become a leading liberal arts school focused on undergraduate education.
Economics-Accounting Major
The economics-accounting major at Claremont McKenna College focuses on theory and practice. CMC delivers theoretical and technical aspects of economics and accounting through a liberal arts framework.
Core requirements cover seven courses, including economics, accounting, and econometrics. Economics coursework covers macroeconomics, microeconomics, and economic analysis techniques. Accounting coursework covers financial valuations, methods for tracking income and assets, and decision-making principles.
Students supplement these courses with electives in targeted accounting topics and skills. Options include auditing, international taxation, tax strategy, financial statement analysis, and business law. The program culminates in a senior thesis project. Enrollees can also configure the degree as a double major in economics and accounting.
Applying to CMC
CMC applies a holistic and selective admissions process. The school considers factors beyond academic achievement, including leadership abilities and the student's potential to become a responsible citizen.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Tuition: $30,240/semester (full time)
- Required Credits: Visit school website for details
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Accounting Schools in California 2023
Menlo College
- Atherton, CA
- 4 years
- Campus
Situated in the San Francisco Bay area, Menlo College offers appeal to students of diverse backgrounds. Menlo self-reports its learning community as including 52% students of color. Along with Hispanic-Serving Institution status, the school is an officially recognized Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institution.
Accounting Degree Program
Menlo College configures its accounting degree program as an accounting major leading to a bachelor of science in business. It features a dual focus that combines accounting and general business curricula. All Menlo business students follow the same business curriculum, while the accounting curriculum is unique to this major.
Courses in the accounting curriculum cover the upper-level study of key topics, including:
- Accounting information systems
- Auditing
- Cost accounting
- Financial accounting
- Taxation
Accounting programming comprises 30 of the 69 total credits covered by the combined business and accounting curricula. Students can also select a general or certified public accountant (CPA) track. The CPA pathway includes additional accounting major unit requirements, reflecting California State Board of Accountancy licensing standards.
Applying to Menlo
A first-year candidate must submit an institutional application, high school transcripts, and a nonrefundable $40 fee. SAT and ACT scores are optional for applicants from the United States.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $50,190/academic year
- Required Credits: 124
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Best Accounting Schools in California 2023
Point Loma Nazarene University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a Christian university with a student-to-teacher ratio of 14-to-1, allowing students to benefit from one-on-one interactions with expert instructors.
Accounting
The Point Loma Nazarene University accounting program leads to a bachelor of science in business administration. PLNU specializes in training students for CPA licensure. In 2023, PLNU reported that it has ranked among the top three schools in California for CPA exam pass rates or overall scores in four of the previous five years.
PLNU emphasizes practical training through required internships, and the program offers many built-in professional networking opportunities. The curriculum focuses heavily on technical accounting skills. Graduates can also spend an additional semester at PLNU and upgrade to a master's degree. The upgrade option satisfies the academic requirements for CPA licensure in California.
Applying to PLNU
PLNU uses a holistic application evaluation method. Each candidate must submit academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation, including one faith-based endorsement. SAT/ACT scores and admissions interviews are optional.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $21,300/semester (full time)
- Required Credits: 70 (for the accounting major)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Best Accounting Schools in California 2023
Pepperdine University
- Malibu, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
This Christian institution, noted for its elevated academic standards, occupies a scenic campus in the Malibu hills. Pepperdine University offers 87 degrees and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13-to-1.
Accounting Degree
Offered through the Seaver College of Liberal Arts, Pepperdine University's accounting degree delivers detailed instruction in financial and managerial accounting. The program prepares students to pursue CPA licensure and other accounting specializations.
The accounting degree offers two options: a standard course sequence and a year-abroad option. Both paths emphasize core accounting skills, allowing students to specialize in financial or managerial accounting.
According to Pepperdine, 90% of its bachelor's graduates land a job within six months of graduation. A further 5% continue into graduate programs, bringing Pepperdine's overall placement rate to an impressive 95%.
Applying to Pepperdine
First-year undergraduates apply to Pepperdine through the CommonApp platform. Required materials include high school transcripts and at least one academic recommendation. Students can optionally submit SAT/ACT scores and/or request admissions interviews.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Tuition: $65,990/academic year
- Required Credits: 128
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Accounting Schools in California 2023
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established in 1897, San Diego State University (SDSU) is the city's oldest degree-granting college. Situated just north of the U.S.-Mexico border, SDSU is a recognized Hispanic Serving Institution. Its diverse learning community includes approximately 36,000 students.
Accountancy
The Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy at San Diego State University administers this renowned accounting program. The curriculum guides students through a foundational course sequence and business core, along with 24 units of accounting requirements and electives.
Foundational prep classes cover introductions to financial accounting and managerial accounting, in addition to business and economics courses. The business core delves deeper into ethics, statistical analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
After completing the 18-unit accounting major, learners study intermediate accounting, business taxation, auditing, accounting information systems, and cost management. Degree-seekers supplement the accounting major with six additional accounting electives of their choice.
The program is a combined bachelor's-to-master's program, covering all 150 educational units required to obtain CPA licensure in California.
Applying to SDSU
SDSU considers all applications on an individual basis. California residents and graduates of California high schools require a minimum GPA of 2.5, while a minimum GPA of 3.0 applies to other candidates. SDSU also grants special consideration to applicants whose life histories include overcoming significant personal or academic challenges.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $2,871/semester (full time)
- Required Credits: 150
- Program Length: 5 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Questions About Accounting in California
Is accounting a good career in California?
Yes. Accountants in California have a positive job outlook and competitive salary. Accountants can seek work in many industries across the state, including technology, construction, and film.
How much do accountants earn in California?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors in California earn an average annual salary of $92,840 — more than $8,000 above the national average.
What accounting jobs are there in California?
Accounting professionals in California can apply to Fortune 500 companies and the Big Four accounting firms. Top-paying accounting jobs include financial management, personal financial advising, and financial analysis.
Are there good accounting schools in Southern California?
Yes. There are many good accounting schools in Southern California that offer competitive accounting degrees and concentrations. For example, the University of Southern California and the University of California, Irvine offer AACSB-accredited accounting programs.
