US News Best Graduate Accounting Schools

The landscape of graduate accounting education in the United States is dominated by a number of prestigious institutions that consistently set the standard for excellence in the field. According to the 2010 US News & World Report ranking of the best graduate accounting schools, the University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business) stands at the top, solidifying its position as the number one accounting program in the country. Alongside it, several other renowned schools—such as the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton), the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Chicago (Booth), and the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor (Ross)—also appear among the highest ranked, underscoring the competitive nature and prestige of the accounting field. These institutions are not only well-regarded for their academic rigor but also for their strong industry connections, top-tier faculty, and the opportunities they provide for students in terms of career development and research.

The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, ranked number one in the 2010 US News graduate accounting rankings, is renowned for its outstanding faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and close ties to the accounting profession. The school’s Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) program is particularly esteemed, consistently ranked among the best in the nation for its rigorous approach to accounting education. McCombs’ faculty includes some of the leading experts in areas such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and corporate governance. These professors are not only researchers who shape the academic landscape of accounting but also professionals who engage with industry trends and practical challenges, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the real world.

A significant factor contributing to McCombs’ top ranking is its emphasis on bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application. The accounting program at McCombs provides students with a strong foundation in the core principles of accounting, while also offering the flexibility to specialize in areas such as auditing, financial reporting, and taxation. Moreover, McCombs has cultivated strong partnerships with major accounting firms, corporations, and financial institutions, offering students unparalleled opportunities for internships and job placements. The program's connections to these organizations ensure that graduates enter the job market with the skills and experience necessary to excel in competitive industries.

In addition to its outstanding academic reputation, McCombs is also highly regarded for its strong alumni network, which provides students with valuable career guidance and professional development opportunities. The school’s graduates are frequently recruited by top accounting firms, including the “Big Four” (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG), as well as multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The McCombs alumni network plays an essential role in helping current students build their careers by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to a global community of successful professionals.

Ranked second in the 2010 US News graduate accounting rankings is the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, which has long been considered one of the top business schools in the world. Wharton’s graduate accounting program emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of accounting, making it an ideal choice for students interested in a comprehensive education that prepares them for a wide range of careers. The program provides students with a solid grounding in financial accounting, auditing, and taxation, while also offering opportunities to specialize in areas such as managerial accounting and corporate governance. Wharton’s faculty is composed of some of the most respected scholars in the field, whose research influences both academic theory and real-world accounting practices.

Wharton’s position as a leader in accounting education is bolstered by its extensive resources, including state-of-the-art facilities, world-class faculty, and strong connections to the financial industry. The school’s location in Philadelphia, close to Wall Street and the heart of the U.S. financial industry, offers students access to a vast network of employers and professionals. Wharton graduates consistently secure top positions at leading accounting firms, multinational corporations, and financial institutions, thanks in part to the school’s reputation for excellence and its strong ties to the business world.

In third place is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which has a long history of producing highly skilled accounting professionals. The university’s graduate accounting program is known for its comprehensive curriculum and its emphasis on both academic research and professional practice. Illinois offers a range of specialized courses in areas such as taxation, financial accounting, and auditing, allowing students to tailor their education to their individual interests and career goals. The faculty at Illinois is highly regarded for its research in areas such as corporate governance, financial reporting, and auditing, and its work often influences both academic discourse and industry practices.

The University of Chicago (Booth) follows closely behind in fourth place, with its accounting program earning recognition for its analytical rigor and emphasis on quantitative skills. Chicago Booth offers a unique approach to accounting education by focusing on the intersection of accounting, finance, and economics. The program’s faculty includes experts in both accounting and finance, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that equips them with the skills needed to succeed in both fields. Chicago Booth’s reputation for excellence in research and its strong connections to the financial industry make it an attractive option for students interested in pursuing careers in accounting and finance.

The University of Michigan–Ann Arbor (Ross) rounds out the top five in the 2010 rankings, with a graduate accounting program that is known for its academic rigor and its focus on developing leadership skills. Michigan Ross offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers the core areas of accounting while also allowing students to specialize in areas such as auditing, financial reporting, and management control systems. The school’s faculty is renowned for its research in accounting, finance, and business strategy, and its graduates are highly sought after by top employers in the accounting, consulting, and finance sectors. Michigan’s strong alumni network and its connections to the accounting profession provide students with valuable resources for career development and job placement.

Ranked sixth in the 2010 US News graduate accounting rankings is the University of Southern California (Marshall), which offers a graduate accounting program that combines academic excellence with practical experience. USC Marshall’s accounting program is known for its focus on developing students’ problem-solving skills and their ability to apply accounting principles in real-world scenarios. The program’s faculty includes respected scholars and industry experts, and students have access to a range of resources, including internships, networking events, and career placement services. USC’s location in Los Angeles, a major financial and business hub, provides students with ample opportunities to connect with employers and professionals in the accounting and finance industries.

Stanford University, ranked seventh, offers a graduate accounting program that is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating accounting with other areas of business, economics, and law. Stanford’s program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the ethical and social implications of accounting decisions. The program’s faculty includes leading scholars in accounting and finance, and students benefit from the school’s strong connections to the tech industry and Silicon Valley startups. Stanford’s unique combination of academic excellence and industry connections makes it an attractive choice for students interested in accounting and business innovation.

Brigham Young University (Marriott), ranked eighth, has earned a reputation for producing top-tier accounting professionals, particularly in the public accounting sector. The Marriott School of Business offers a graduate accounting program that is known for its strong ethical foundation and its focus on practical experience. BYU’s accounting program consistently ranks among the top in the nation, and its graduates are highly sought after by leading accounting firms, particularly the “Big Four.”

New York University (Stern), ranked ninth, offers a graduate accounting program that is known for its global perspective and focus on financial reporting. NYU Stern’s location in New York City, one of the world’s leading financial centers, gives students access to an extensive network of professionals and employers in the accounting and finance industries. The program’s faculty is composed of experts in accounting, finance, and business law, and students benefit from the school’s focus on both academic research and practical application.

Finally, Indiana University–Bloomington (Kelley), ranked tenth, offers a graduate accounting program that emphasizes a balanced approach to education, blending academic rigor with practical experience. Kelley’s faculty is highly regarded for its expertise in accounting and business, and the program offers students a range of opportunities to specialize in areas such as financial accounting, auditing, and management control.

In conclusion, the US News 2010 rankings for graduate accounting programs highlight the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business as the top accounting school in the country. Other highly ranked schools, such as Wharton, Illinois, Chicago, and Michigan, are recognized for their academic rigor, faculty expertise, and strong industry connections. These programs provide students with the education and resources they need to succeed in the competitive field of accounting, offering opportunities for internships, career placements, and networking with industry professionals. Graduates of these top accounting programs are well-equipped to thrive in the accounting profession and contribute to the ongoing development of the field.

US News League Table 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

League Table 2009:
1 U of Texas--Austin (McCombs)
2 U of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
3 U of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign
4 U of Chicago
5 U of Michigan--Ann Arbor (Ross)
6 U of Southern California (Marshall)
7 Stanford Uni
8 Brigham Young Uni (Marriott)
8 New York Uni (Stern)
10 Northwestern Uni (Kellogg)

Source: US News & World Report