Best Accounting Schools in New York 2023

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Updated October 18, 2023

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New York has plenty of opportunities for accountants. Find out about the state's professional landscape and how the best schools in the state capitalize on the surroundings.

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The state of New York is rich in diversity and business activity. A national and global hub for business and financial services, New York offers some of the most fertile ground for prospective accounting professionals.

The Empire State hosts more than 200,000 businesses and holds nearly $9 trillion in its financial institutions. That means there are plenty of opportunities for new graduates looking to gain footholds in the accounting industry. In fact, the state has some of the largest workforces of accountants, auditors, financial analysts, and financial managers in the country.

New York also has the second-most degree-granting institutions among states, as per the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Accounting students in the state have access to one of the widest selections of programs anywhere in the world.

Make the most of your decision by learning about the best accounting schools in New York and the many career options the state has to offer.

New York at a Glance

New York at a Glance
Population 19,835,913
Climate

Average Annual Temperature: 45.4 F

Annual Precipitation: 41.8 inches

Major Sports Teams New York Yankees, New York Mets, New York Giants, New York Jets, New York Knicks
Number of Higher Learning Institutions 283
Per Capita Income $43,208
Fortune 500 Companies 53
Accountants in New York 118,870
Sources: U.S. Census, Current Results, NCES, Statista, BLS

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Why Get an Accounting Degree in New York?

The sheer amount of educational opportunities in New York makes it one of the most desirable destinations for prospective accounting students. According to NCES, New York has over 280 colleges and universities and over 1.5 million postsecondary students.

Along with study options, New York provides financial support to its students. Per LendEDU, the state awards over $375,000 annually in need-based scholarships and grants.

The best accounting schools in New York also leverage the state's booming financial services industry. Three of the Big Four accounting firms have national headquarters in New York, including Deloitte, EY, and PwC. Accounting students may have access to internships and career opportunities with these industry-leading organizations.

The state's schools benefit from the surrounding business and financial services hub in other ways as well. College faculties recruit experienced New York accountants to teach classes, mentor students, and run workshops and speaker series.

Many of the accounting degrees in New York feature state-specific specializations and pathways. Some lead to high-growth or in-demand fields. Others meet New York's unique requirements for professional certification and licensure.

Education Statistics for New York

A national education leader, New York is home to nearly 10% of the country's four-year postsecondary schools. New York also commits more funding to its schools and its students than the national average. As a result, the state's educational attainment levels exceed the national averages at every level of postsecondary education.

New York Education Statistics
Higher Education Statistics New York Data National Data
Four-Year Colleges 225 2,520
Two-Year Colleges 58 1,216
Students Enrolled in Distance Education 52.3% 72.8%
Postsecondary Education Appropriations per Full-Time Student $12,428 $9,327
Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education $18,191 $15,959
Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree 8.9% 8.6%
Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree 21.3% 20.2%
Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher 16.8% 12.7%
Sources: NCES, SHEEO, U.S. Census ACS

Accreditation for New York Schools

Accreditation provides students with quality assurance and peace of mind. Schools must be institutionally accredited in order for learners to qualify for federal financial aid. Most professional certifying and licensing organizations also require applicants to possess degrees from accredited schools.

In New York, many schools hold accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

While not mandatory for all pathways, programmatic accreditation may be helpful for accounting students as well. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs all accredit business and accounting programs.

Delivery Formats for an Accounting Degree in New York

With so many accounting schools in New York, prospective students will find all kinds of delivery formats and program types. Online programs play a big role in accommodating New York's diverse student body.

The state has a higher-than-average percentage of students taking no online classes, but it also has a higher-than-average percentage of students taking some online classes.

To make the best decision, candidates need to factor in their scheduling and learning needs. The sections below outline what the major formats offer and how they differ. Consider how each one might affect your success and learning experience.

On-Campus Programs

New York is home to some of the nation's most diverse and prestigious schools. On-campus accounting programs give learners the chance to connect to the community and facilities. Students who want a high level of classroom engagement and interaction might choose this path.

Online Programs

Online programs typically feature evening, weekend, or completely asynchronous classes. Online students enjoy reduced travel and more independent learning experiences. This makes online programs a good option for self-motivated learners who need to fit studies around work or other commitments.

Hybrid Programs

Hybrid programs combine online and on-campus programs. Students get to experience the flexibility of online study and the interaction of on-campus learning. This option works well for busy students who live near campus.

Paying for Your Accounting Degree

New York's four-year public schools offer lower-than-average tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. Conversely, prices from the state's private schools far exceed the national average.

To cover the costs of an accounting degree, students can draw from many financial aid sources, including federal financial aid. New York students also have access to state financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs.

The links below provide more information on the different support channels available.

In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition

As in most other states, New York offers considerably lower tuition rates for in-state students than for out-of-state students. New York contributes a significant amount of funding to reduce tuition rates for in-state learners. This helps keep talented professionals near home.

While higher than the in-state rates, out-of-state tuition rates in New York are still lower than in all but five states, according to NCES. New York does not have any tuition reciprocity agreements in place with other states. However, individual schools may have tuition agreements set up for out-of-state learners.

Cost of Living in New York

Prospective students also need to consider the state's cost of living when budgeting for their education. Unfortunately for New York students, the impact can be significant.

New York has the second-highest cost of living index in the country at 148.2, nearly 50% higher than the national baseline of 100. The state has the second-highest housing and fourth-highest grocery costs.

Accounting Jobs in New York

According to the Urban Institute, New York had a slightly higher unemployment rate (4%) than the national average (3.4%) in April 2023. New York hosts more than 10% of the Fortune 500 companies. The state also has the country's highest extreme wealth concentration.

New York also has a presence of each of the Big Four firms. It has the second-largest accounting workforce and the second-highest accounting wages in the country, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It also has the third-largest business and financial workforce and second-highest wages.

Below, we spotlight three of the most popular accounting careers in the state. We examine the specifics of the accounting jobs in New York, including job requirements and outlook.

Popular Accounting Careers in New York

Accountants

Accountants provide financial analysis and management services to individuals and organizations. They may provide insight related to taxes, financial planning, risk management, and efficiency. Most accounting jobs in New York require a bachelor's degree at a minimum.

Job Outlook in New York (2020-2030): +16.5%

Bookkeepers

Bookkeepers manage the financial records for organizations. They track transactions and create reports and statements for accountants and managers. Most bookkeepers have completed some accounting-related postsecondary education.

Job Outlook in New York (2020-2030): +11.9%

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

These professionals sell various financial products, such as securities and commodities. They may connect businesses with investors or buy stocks on behalf of clients. While most securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree may be required for some jobs.

Job Outlook in New York (2020-2030): +3.6%

New York Employment Trends

Projected Job Growth for Accountants
Job Availability New York National
2020 Employment 121,960 1,392,2500
2030 Projected Employment 142,070 1,488,200
Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 +16.5% +6.9%
Source: Projections Central
Accounting Salaries by Career, 2022 — Associate Degree Recommended
Career New York Employment New York Average Annual Salary National Average Annual Salary
Bookkeeping and Auditing Clerks 94,450 $52,640 $47,440
Credit Counselors 1,710 $64,270 $51,650
Payroll Clerks 9,690 $59,140 $52,300
Source: BLS OEWS
Accounting Salaries by Career, 2022 — Bachelor's Degree Recommended
Career New York Employment New York Average Annual Salary National Average Annual Salary
Compliance Officers 21,130 $87,070 $76,980
Cost Estimators 10,790 $82,990 $76,740
Property Appraisers and Assessors 3,030 $86,320 $80,460
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents 58,140 $176,380 $100,740
Tax Examiners and Collectors 3,590 $76,510 $64,410
Tax Preparers 7,590 $70,090 $55,840
Source: BLS OEWS
Accounting Salaries by Career, 2022 — Master's Degree Recommended
Career New York Employment New York Average Annual Salary National Average Annual Salary
Accountants and Auditors 118,870 $110,320 $86,740
Budget Analysts 3,120 $96,230 $87,680
Financial Analysts 46,720 $140,880 $108,790
Financial Managers 55,560 $228,160 $166,050
Personal Financial Advisors 26,800 $203,070 $137,740
Source: BLS OEWS

The employment landscape for accounting careers looks very appealing in New York. Not only does the state house some of the largest workforces in each of the fields listed above, but the wages stand out. The average annual salaries in the state surpassed the national averages for every single occupation.

Some of the most prominent positions pay New York professionals far in excess of the national averages. Financial managers, financial services sales agents, and personal financial advisors made at least $60,000 more than the average.

Since the state has such a high concentration of major businesses, many of the top-paying accounting jobs in the country can be found in New York.

New York Requirements for Certified Public Accountants

Every state has its own requirements for certified public accountant (CPA) licensure. In most cases, CPAs need a combination of education, experience, and examination. Prospective CPAs need to verify the licensing requirements for the state they wish to practice in.

According to the New York State Education Department, New York CPAs need to qualify for the Uniform CPA Examination, pass the test, complete the education requirements for licensure, and gain the appropriate experience. The specifics include:

  • 120 postsecondary credits for the exam
  • At least one course in auditing and attestation, cost or management accounting, financial accounting, and taxation for the exam
  • Passing grade on the exam
  • 150 credits for licensure
  • At least 36 general business credits for licensure
  • At least one year of full-time or two years of part-time supervised work experience

Top Accounting Degrees in New York

Explore 2023's top accounting programs in New York. The following five schools offer a bachelor's degree in accounting. Learn more about how we rank these schools at the link below.

Learn about our ranking methodology

#1 Best Accounting Schools in New York 2023

SUNY College at Geneseo

  • Geneseo, NY
  • 4 years
  • Campus

The State University of New York (SUNY) College at Geneseo is one of 64 campuses in the SUNY system. Founded over 150 years ago, Geneseo serves over 4,200 students on its 220-acre campus. It offers three graduate programs, including one in accounting.

BS in Accounting

The undergraduate accounting degree at SUNY College at Geneseo helps equip students with analytical, quantitative, and communication skills. The core classes cover accounting, economics, and data analytics. Learners also explore fundamental topics in finance, marketing, and business law. 

Aspiring CPAs can complete the state's 150-credit educational requirement by continuing their studies through SUNY Geneseo's master's degree in accounting. For recent bachelor's in accounting graduates, the master's program takes only one year to complete. The degree's curriculum includes advanced courses in subjects like auditing and tax accounting, concluding with a capstone in financial accounting theory and research. 

Applying to Geneseo

Geneseo charges a $50 application fee, but offers waivers for students from certain New York high schools. In addition to an online application, prospective enrollees must submit high school transcripts, a cocurricular resume, a personal essay, and a recommendation letter. Geneseo does not require standardized test scores.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Tuition: $3,535/semester (in state); $8,490/semester (out of state)
  • Required Credits: 121 credits
  • Program Length: 4 years 
  • Delivery Format: On campus 
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$16,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
61%
Students Enrolled
4,911
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Accounting Schools in New York 2023

Houghton College

  • Houghton, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Originally a secondary school, Houghton College awarded its first college diploma in 1901 — 18 years after its founding. This private Christian school offers over 40 degree programs to nearly 1,000 students. 

Accounting Major

The accounting major at Houghton College helps prepare students for the CPA and CMA exams. The program's curriculum also includes hands-on learning opportunities. 

For example, enrollees can earn credit by participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant Program. Houghton College also provides opportunities for learners to create on-campus businesses and consult other student business owners.

The accounting major typically takes four years, but Houghton College also offers a three-year degree option. Students can also take advantage of the school's five-year combined bachelor's and MBA program. The bachelor's in accounting includes all the prerequisites for the MBA degree, which helps shorten the completion timeline for the master's program to one year.

Applying to Houghton College

Students submit an online application, including high school transcripts and a personal essay. Houghton College does not require standardized test scores.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Tuition: $16,690/year
  • Required Credits: 124 credits
  • Program Length: 3-4 years
  • Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,920
Out-of-state
$33,920
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,784
Out-of-state
$11,784
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
902
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
31% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 Best Accounting Schools in New York 2023

CUNY York College

  • Jamaica, NY
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Founded in 1847, the City University of New York (CUNY) houses 25 campuses across the New York City metropolitan area, including York College in the Queens borough. York College serves about 6,400 students. Accounting and business administration are among its most popular majors. 

BS in Accounting

Accounting majors at York College must complete three prerequisite courses before diving into the major's core requirements. These classes cover micro- and macroeconomics, plus one course in economic statistics or financial mathematics. 

Upon fulfilling these prerequisites, learners take core accounting classes that explore accounting, finance, and business principles. Students also take courses in business law, auditing processes, and data analytics. 

Enrollees must specialize their degree by choosing from one of three concentrations: internal audit and fraud examination, public accounting, or general accounting. Each concentration comprises four required courses and two electives. These electives can include accounting internships and independent studies. 

Applying to York College

Students complete an online application, submit high school transcripts, and pay a $65 application fee. Test scores and essays are optional.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Tuition: $3,465/semester (in state); $620/credit (out of state) 
  • Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,930
Out-of-state
$14,880
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,090
Out-of-state
$20,520
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
7,784
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Accounting Schools in New York 2023

SUNY Oneonta

  • Oneonta, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

SUNY Oneonta's 250-acre campus is located in central New York. The institution offers dozens of degrees, including a five-year accounting program with two concentrations. 

BS in Professional Accounting

SUNY Oneonta offers a 150-credit professional accounting major designed for five years of full-time study. This general accounting program includes a combination of accounting, economics, finance, law, and management classes. Enrollees can pursue a 12-credit concentration in finance or marketing to specialize their knowledge.

The finance concentration includes classes in corporate financial strategy, portfolio management, and international finance. Students must also take an upper-level finance elective to complete the concentration. 

In addition to a marketing management course, learners in the marketing concentration choose three marketing classes from options like digital marketing, consumer behavior, and international marketing. 

Applying to Oneonta

Students complete an online application, submit high school transcripts, and pay a $50 application fee. They should also submit a recommendation letter. Oneonta does not require test scores, but recommends a minimum 1100 SAT score for its accounting program. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Tuition: $7,070/year (in state); $16,980 (out of state)
  • Required Credits: 150 credits
  • Program Length: 5 years
  • Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$16,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
6,718
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
99% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Best Accounting Schools in New York 2023

Marist College

  • Poughkeepsie, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The Marist Brothers Catholic community founded this college, which now operates as a nonsectarian institution. It serves over 6,400 students at its campuses in Poughkeepsie, New York, and Florence, Italy. 

BS in Accounting

Marist College offers an accounting bachelor's program that includes real-world experience. Not only can students pursue internships, but they can gain hands-on experience at Marist's Investment Center and Bloomberg Terminals. 

Accounting majors at Marist who need 150 credits to qualify for CPA licensure can enroll in the dual-degree program at the end of their sophomore year. This path lets students complete a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting in four years and four months of full-time study.

Dual-degree enrollees start graduate courses during their senior year, including an internship class and a course about ethical organizational management. Learners complete most of the graduate-level classes in the summer following their fourth year. 

Applying to Marist

Prospective students complete an online application, send high school transcripts, and pay the $50 application fee. They also submit a recommendation letter and a personal essay. Marist does not require test scores. Applicants should also have a 3.1-3.7 GPA and rank in the top half of their class. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Tuition: $43,900/year
  • Required Credits: 121 credits
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$39,925
Out-of-state
$39,925
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,300
Out-of-state
$15,300
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
6,600
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Questions About New York Accountants

How do I become an accountant in NY?

Most New York accountants have at least a bachelor's degree. Some employers and positions require a master's degree or professional licensure.

Is NYU good for accounting?

Yes. NYU's Stern School of Business has one of the most reputable accounting programs in the nation. The program is known for its focus on financial and forensic accounting and research leadership.

How many accountants are there in NYC?

According to the BLS, there were more than 118,000 New York accountants in 2022.

How much does an accounting job pay in NYC?

According to the BLS, the average annual salary for New York accountants was $110,320 in May 2022. Only Washington, D.C., had higher wages overall.

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