Accounting Programs in Ohio

Ohio is home to thriving business and financial services industries, offering an encouraging employment landscape for aspiring accounting professionals. According to the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the state has nearly 1 million small businesses, and continued business development initiatives should help stimulate further growth. Ohio also hosts one of the nation’s largest accountant and bookkeeper workforces.

Along with ample career opportunities for accounting professionals, Ohio makes the profession more accessible as the first state to lower the 150-credit requirement to 120 for certified public accountants (CPAs). Ohio accountants can pursue careers in taxation, auditing, and corporate finance, among many others.

Discover what makes accounting such a promising career choice in Ohio and the opportunities you can encounter along the way in this helpful guide.

With more than 150 colleges and universities, including some of the country’s best business schools, Ohio offers prospective accounting students plenty of study options. According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the state enrolls more than 422,000 students in its public schools alone. The state’s 71% six-year graduation rate is also impressive.

While Ohio’s average tuition rates are slightly higher than the national average, the state’s well-below-average cost of living may help offset this disparity. Ohio also offers financial support to accounting students through scholarships from the Ohio Society of CPAs, Ohio Regional Council of the Institute of Management Accountants, and various organizations.

Ohio’s evolving CPA requirements could also cause enrollment numbers to jump in the accounting field. Beginning in Jan. 2026, prospective CPAs will no longer need a master’s-level education to qualify for licensure in the state.

Ohio’s accounting programs reflect the needs of the state’s job market, preparing students for regional opportunities and industries. Many schools offer in-state networking events, mentorship from local CPAs, and internships with nearby organizations.

Ohio has approximately 4% of the nation’s four-year colleges and two-year institutions. While the state invests tax revenues to its postsecondary system on par with the national average, it offers less per-student funding.

Still, this fact hasn’t stopped Ohio’s population from pursuing degrees — a higher-than-average number of students in the state enroll in distance education and receive associate degrees. Ohio’s adults over 25 hold a lower-than-average number of bachelor’s and graduate degrees, but only by a small margin.

The accreditation process for schools and programs includes a review of the quality of education, faculty, and outcomes to ensure students receive a legitimate and widely recognized degree.

Institutional accreditation can affect your access to financial aid, employment, and postgraduate credentials. While there are no longer regional borders for institutional accreditation, the Higher Learning Commission is still Ohio’s most common accreditation organization.

As for programmatic accreditation in accounting, reputable organizations include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Programmatic accreditation is not mandatory for accounting programs, but it may be helpful for landing employment.

Many factors contribute to finding the right accounting school and program, including delivery format. Your learning modality affects how and when you study, which can also influence your travel and work schedule.

In Ohio, online education plays a larger role than in most states. One-third of all students in the state take some online classes, which is nearly 6% higher than the national average. Many of the state’s schools have introduced online and hybrid programs to increase accessibility to higher education.

Here’s a closer look into delivery formats and their benefits.

The average tuition prices in Ohio align closely with national averages, with in-state tuition just above the national average and out-of-state tuition just below for two- and four-year schools.

To help cover education costs, Ohio students can access federal aid, state grants, and scholarships. The state has need-based funding programs, along with options for returning students and high-achieving learners.

Accounting students can also pursue scholarships and grants from their schools, along with national, state, and regional accounting organizations. Check out the links below for more information about your financial aid options.

In-state students generally pay lower tuition than out-of-state students at Ohio’s public schools. Some schools, particularly those with online programs, may feature a standard tuition for all students. Most private schools also charge a standard rate for students, regardless of where they live.

As a Midwest Student Exchange Program member, participating Ohio schools charge out-of-state students from other member states no more than 150% of the in-state tuition rate. This policy results in an average annual tuition savings of $7,000.

The cost of living in your state affects how much you spend on everyday items like transportation, food, and housing. A higher cost of living, though it may come with increased pay, can result in your income not covering as much of your needs.

Ohio’s cost of living index sits at 94.2 — nearly 6% lower than the national average. Housing is particularly affordable in the state, sitting at nearly 15% lower than the national average.

Ohio may have one of the lowest-ranked economies in the nation, but the state still provides ample career opportunities. According to Ohio’s Bureau of Labor Market, professional and business services is one of the state’s fastest-growing sectors. The Buckeye Institute reports that Ohio added 25,000 private sector jobs in Feb. 2025 alone.

For aspiring accountants, Ohio is home to offices for each of the Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG). Major city centers like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati offer the majority of jobs in this sector.

A 2025 Bank of America report listed Columbus as the fastest-growing city in the country. However, employment and business growth in Cincinnati and Cleveland have surpassed the state’s most populous city.

The following sections explore the state’s employment trends and popular accounting careers.

Accountants and auditors develop and analyze financial records for organizations, ensuring their accuracy and compliance with all required laws and regulations. Accountants may oversee payroll, taxation, budgeting, and financial reporting efforts. They also help organizations make sound financial decisions.

Job Outlook in Ohio (2023-33): +3.3%

Bookkeepers oversee financial transaction record-keeping, and auditing clerks ensure the accuracy of the financial records. These professionals may handle financial ledgers, process payroll, and prepare financial reports for management. They also help accountants with day-to-day financial tasks.

Job Outlook in Ohio (2023-33): -6.8%

These managers oversee organizations’ financial activities, including maintaining a healthy budget, developing financial strategies, and tracking growth and goals. They may supervise other financial professionals, including accountants and bookkeepers.

Job Outlook in Ohio (2023-33): +15.4%