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If you’re thinking about a career in accounting, choosing the right school can make all the difference. The best accounting schools in the USA not only offer top-ranked programs but also provide real-world experience, high job placement rates, and strong industry connections. From UT Austin to Notre Dame and UF, these schools are known for helping students build successful careers with impressive starting salaries. In this blog, you’ll learn what makes each of these top universities a smart choice for your accounting future.
The University of Texas—Austin
If you’re looking for one of the best accounting programs in the country, the McCombs School of Business at UT Austin is hard to beat. It’s ranked #1 in the U.S. for both undergraduate and graduate accounting programs by U.S. News & World Report. With over 51,000 students and an acceptance rate of 32%, it’s a large, competitive school that offers students lots of opportunities. Graduates also do very well after finishing school, with an average starting salary of around $73,495. Below are the key details of McCombs School of Business at UT Austin:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Founded | 1883 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 32% |
| Students | Over 51,000 |
| Programs | Bachelor’s (BBA), Master’s (MPA), and Ph.D. in Accounting |
| Famous Alumni | Rex Tillerson (Former CEO of ExxonMobil), Michael Dell (Founder of Dell Technologies) |
| Tuition | $11,448 (in-state); $40,032 (out-of-state) |
| Class Size | 18:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | High job placement; $73,495 average starting salary |
| Website | McCombs School of Business – Accounting |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Gies College of Business at UIUC is known for being one of the top accounting schools in the country. Located in Champaign, Illinois, UIUC stands out for its modern curriculum that focuses on data, technology, and real-world skills. With an acceptance rate of around 24.17% and more than 33,000 undergraduates, it’s competitive but welcoming. The school has a 99% success rate for accounting graduates finding jobs or continuing their studies, and they earn an average starting salary of about $66,678. Below are the key details Gies College of Business at UIUC:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Champaign, Illinois |
| Founded | 1867 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 24.17% |
| Students | Over 33,000 undergraduates |
| Programs | Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Accounting |
| Famous Alumni | Jack Welch (Former CEO of General Electric), Larry Ellison (Co-founder of Oracle Corporation) |
| Tuition | $16,866 (in-state); $34,316 (out-of-state) |
| Class Size | 20:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 99% job placement; $66,678 average starting salary |
| Website | Gies College of Business – Accountancy |
Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University (BYU), located in Provo, Utah, is one of the top schools for students. The universities Marriott School of Business is famous for high CPA exam pass rates and a near-100% job placement rate after graduation. BYU has over 33,000 students and an acceptance rate of around 67%, offering a friendly and supportive community. Many BYU accounting graduates land jobs with top companies like Deloitte, KPMG, and PwC, which shows how respected the program is. Below are the key details of BYU’s Marriott School of Business:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Provo, Utah |
| Founded | 1875 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 67% |
| Students | Over 33,000 |
| Programs | Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Accounting |
| Famous Alumni | Mitt Romney (U.S. Senator), Kevin Rollins (Former CEO of Dell Inc.) |
| Tuition | $5,970 (LDS members); $11,940 (non-LDS) per year |
| Class Size | 20:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | Nearly 100% job placement after graduation |
| Website | Marriott School of Business – School of Accountancy |
Indiana University-Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business is a top pick for students who want a well-rounded business education with a strong focus on accounting. Located in Bloomington, Indiana, and founded in 1820, the Kelley School is known for helping students build both technical accounting skills and business leadership abilities. With over 32,000 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of about 80%, IU Bloomington offers a large and lively campus with lots of opportunities. Below are the key details of Indiana University Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Bloomington, Indiana |
| Founded | 1820 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 80% |
| Students | Over 32,000 undergraduates |
| Programs | Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Accounting |
| Famous Alumni | Mark Cuban (Entrepreneur and Owner of Dallas Mavericks), John T. Chambers (Former CEO of Cisco Systems) |
| Tuition | $11,220 (in-state); $37,600 (out-of-state) per year |
| Class Size | 17:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Website | Kelley School of Business – Accounting |
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame, located in Notre Dame, Indiana, is a great place for students who want both strong academic and ethical leadership training. The Mendoza College of Business is known across the country for its top accounting program. With about 12,000 students and an acceptance rate of 19%, Notre Dame is selective but offers a close-knit and welcoming environment.
Many accounting graduates from Notre Dame work for big companies like Deloitte, KPMG, and PwC, with starting salaries often above $70,000. Thanks to a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive lots of guidance, helping them become leaders in the accounting world. Below are the key details of University of Notre Dame- Mendoza College of Business:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Notre Dame, Indiana |
| Founded | 1842 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 19% |
| Students | Around 12,000 |
| Programs | Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Accounting |
| Famous Alumni | Condoleezza Rice (Former U.S. Secretary of State), Regis Philbin (TV Personality) |
| Tuition | $58,843 per year |
| Class Size | 10:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | High job placement with top firms; salaries over $70,000 |
| Website | Mendoza College of Business – Accountancy |
University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF), located in Gainesville, Florida, is home to the highly respected Fisher School of Accounting. With a 30% acceptance rate and over 50,000 students, UF is one of the largest universities in the country, but the Fisher School still provides personalized support for accounting students.
UF graduates are very successful, with over 95% finding jobs or continuing their education. The average starting salary for accounting grads is around $61,000, and the school is well-known for its high CPA exam pass rates. Below are the key details of University of Florida- Fisher School of Accounting:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Gainesville, Florida |
| Founded | 1853 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 30% |
| Students | Over 50,000 |
| Programs | Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Accounting |
| Famous Alumni | Marco Rubio (U.S. Senator), Bob Graham (Former Governor of Florida) |
| Tuition | $6,380 (in-state); $28,658 (out-of-state) per year |
| Class Size | 17:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | Over 95% job or grad school placement; $61,000 average salary |
| Website | Fisher School of Accounting |
Conclusion
A great accounting education opens the door to a successful and rewarding career. These top universities—like BYU, Indiana University, and UIUC—offer strong programs, supportive communities, and excellent job opportunities after graduation. Whether you’re aiming to work for a global firm or start your own business, these schools give you the skills and experience you need. With high CPA pass rates, strong alumni networks, and real-world training, any of these schools can help you take the next step toward your accounting goals.
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