Top Accounting School Rankings

The field of accounting is critical in the world of business, and accounting programs are integral to preparing students for a successful career in this ever-evolving industry. Both the United States and the United Kingdom are home to some of the most prestigious institutions that offer exceptional accounting programs. According to various reputable rankings, these institutions provide students with rigorous academic training, access to vast networks of professionals, and opportunities for career advancement. Among these top schools, the University of Texas at Austin (McCombs) stands out as a leader in the U.S., while in the UK, institutions such as Bath, Warwick, and the London School of Economics lead the way.

In the U.S., the University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business) is widely recognized as the best graduate accounting school, according to the US News Best Graduate Accounting Schools ranking in 2010. McCombs has consistently maintained its strong position in accounting education, offering one of the most comprehensive and respected Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) programs in the country. Its program is known for its rigorous curriculum, outstanding faculty, and connections to the business world, which ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the competitive accounting job market. The program is particularly celebrated for its depth in areas such as auditing, financial reporting, and taxation, and it provides students with ample opportunities for hands-on experience through internships and research projects. Moreover, McCombs’ proximity to the Texas capital and its strong ties to accounting firms and corporations enhance students’ prospects for career advancement upon graduation.

Following closely behind McCombs, the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School ranks second in the U.S. for graduate accounting programs. Wharton, renowned for its business education, offers an accounting program that emphasizes a combination of theoretical foundations and practical applications. Wharton’s program is particularly strong in financial accounting, managerial accounting, and financial reporting, and it provides students with an opportunity to specialize in areas such as taxation, auditing, and corporate governance. The Wharton School has long been a leader in preparing students for leadership positions in accounting, with its graduates securing top positions at major accounting firms and multinational corporations worldwide. Additionally, Wharton’s prime location in Philadelphia offers students proximity to one of the country’s most influential financial and business hubs, providing opportunities for internships, networking, and recruitment.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, ranked third in the U.S., has long been considered one of the leading accounting schools in the country. Its graduate program in accounting is highly respected for its academic rigor and strong faculty expertise. Illinois offers students a wide range of specialized courses, covering topics such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, and taxation. The program places a strong emphasis on research, with students encouraged to engage in academic inquiry and contribute to the development of accounting theory. Illinois has strong industry ties, and its accounting students benefit from access to a robust network of professionals, employers, and alumni who are actively involved in the accounting profession. This network plays a crucial role in helping students secure internships and jobs in leading firms.

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, ranked fourth, offers a unique approach to accounting education by integrating accounting with finance and economics. Chicago Booth's graduate accounting program is known for its rigorous analytical training and its emphasis on developing students' quantitative and problem-solving skills. The program provides a solid foundation in financial accounting, managerial accounting, and auditing, while also offering opportunities for students to explore advanced topics such as corporate finance and business strategy. Chicago Booth’s world-renowned faculty and its reputation as a hub for academic research make it an ideal destination for students interested in combining accounting with other fields of business, economics, and finance.

The University of Michigan–Ann Arbor (Ross), ranked fifth, is another elite institution that offers an outstanding graduate accounting program. Michigan Ross’s accounting program is renowned for its strong academic curriculum and its focus on leadership development. The program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of accounting careers, from auditing and financial reporting to tax planning and corporate governance. Michigan Ross places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with students gaining hands-on experience through internships, case studies, and real-world business projects. Additionally, Michigan Ross’s faculty is composed of some of the most respected scholars in the accounting field, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest research and emerging trends in the discipline.

In the UK, the Complete University Guide 2012 ranks Bath, Warwick, and the London School of Economics (LSE) as the top three universities for accounting and finance. Bath, ranked first, has established itself as one of the premier institutions in the UK for accounting education. The university’s accounting program is known for its strong academic foundation and its focus on developing practical skills in areas such as financial accounting, auditing, and management accounting. Bath’s accounting graduates are highly sought after by employers, with many securing positions at leading accounting firms, banks, and corporations. The university’s modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and strong industry connections make it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in accounting.

Warwick University, ranked second in the UK, also offers a highly regarded accounting program that combines academic rigor with practical applications. Warwick’s program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of accounting principles and practices, while also giving them the skills needed to succeed in the global business environment. Warwick’s faculty is made up of experts in accounting and finance, and the university offers a wide range of specialized courses in areas such as taxation, financial reporting, and auditing. Warwick’s strong reputation in the accounting field, coupled with its global connections, ensures that its graduates are well-equipped to succeed in the competitive accounting job market.

The London School of Economics (LSE), ranked third, is one of the world’s leading institutions for the study of economics and finance. LSE’s accounting program is renowned for its academic excellence and its strong emphasis on the theoretical aspects of accounting. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of accounting principles, as well as the analytical and critical thinking skills required to succeed in the accounting profession. LSE’s location in London, a global financial center, offers students unparalleled access to job opportunities, internships, and networking events in the accounting and finance industries.

Other highly ranked UK institutions for accounting and finance include Lancaster University (4th), Strathclyde University (5th), and Loughborough University (6th). These universities offer comprehensive accounting programs that prepare students for a variety of roles in accounting, finance, and business. Strathclyde, for example, is known for its strong focus on applied learning and its connections to the financial services industry in Glasgow. Loughborough, on the other hand, is renowned for its strong emphasis on leadership development and its commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education in accounting.

The ranking of accounting programs in both the US and the UK highlights the importance of choosing a program that not only offers academic rigor but also provides students with practical experiences, networking opportunities, and access to top employers. Institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin (McCombs), the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton), Bath, Warwick, and the London School of Economics have earned their places at the top due to their commitment to excellence in accounting education and their ability to prepare students for success in the global accounting profession.

US News Best Graduate Accounting Schools (2010):
1 University of Texas--Austin (McCombs) Austin, TX
2 University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) Philadelphia, PA
3 University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL
4 University of Chicago (Booth) Chicago, IL
5 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor (Ross) Ann Arbor, MI
6 University of Southern California (Marshall) Los Angeles, CA
7 Stanford University Stanford, CA
8 Brigham Young University (Marriott) Provo, UT
9 New York University (Stern) New York, NY
10 Indiana University--Bloomington (Kelley) Bloomington, IN

Complete University Guide 2012 - Accounting & Finance:
1 Bath
2 Warwick
3 London School of Economics
4 Lancaster
5 Strathclyde
6 Loughborough
7 Exeter
8 Leeds
9 Nottingham
10 Bristol

Top 10 Undergraduate Programs in Accounting:
(Public Accounting Report 2007)
1 University of Texas-Austin
2 Brigham Young University
2 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4 University of Notre Dame
5 University of Southern California
6 Texas A&M University
7 Indiana University Bloomington
8 Michigan State University
9 Ohio State University
10 University of Georgia

Top 10 Graduate Programs in Accounting:
(Public Accounting Report 2007)
1 University of Texas-Austin
2 Brigham Young University
3 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4 University of Southern California
5 University of Notre Dame
6 Texas A&M University
7 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
7 Indiana University Bloomington
9 Michigan State University
10 University of Florida