Top 25 Accounting Programs (Undergraduate)

The field of accounting is a highly specialized discipline within the world of business, requiring a deep understanding of financial regulations, analytical skills, and the ability to interpret and manage financial data. For students looking to pursue a career in accounting, choosing the right undergraduate program is critical to ensuring success in a competitive industry. The 26th Annual Professor’s Survey conducted by the Public Accounting Report in 2007 listed the top 25 undergraduate accounting programs, which have since been recognized for their academic rigor, strong faculty, and significant industry connections. These programs have proven to provide students with the necessary foundation to launch successful careers in accounting, finance, and business management.

At the top of the list is the University of Texas-Austin, which has consistently been a leader in the field of accounting education. The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas has built a reputation for academic excellence, offering a challenging and comprehensive undergraduate accounting program. With its rigorous curriculum, the program prepares students for a wide range of careers, from public accounting to corporate finance and internal auditing. The school’s strong connections to the accounting profession, including collaborations with major firms such as PwC, Deloitte, and Ernst & Young, provide students with valuable internship opportunities and exposure to real-world financial management. The University of Texas-Austin’s strong academic reputation, coupled with its active alumni network, ensures that its graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in the accounting profession.

Brigham Young University (BYU) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign both share the second spot in the rankings, and for good reason. BYU’s accounting program is known for its combination of rigorous academic training and a strong emphasis on ethical leadership. The program prepares students to excel in both technical accounting skills and in understanding the broader business environment. In addition, BYU’s accounting graduates are highly sought after by top firms, thanks to the university’s reputation for producing well-rounded, ethically-minded professionals. The school’s affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints adds a unique cultural and ethical perspective to its curriculum, and this emphasis on integrity makes its graduates particularly attractive to employers in the field of accounting.

Similarly, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s accounting program is highly respected for its comprehensive approach to accounting education. Housed in the Gies College of Business, the program combines traditional accounting instruction with an emphasis on analytical thinking, financial reporting, and management strategies. The University of Illinois boasts one of the largest and most distinguished faculties in accounting, many of whom are internationally recognized experts in their fields. Students at the University of Illinois benefit from a strong connection to the business world, with access to internships, networking opportunities, and career services that assist them in securing top positions at major accounting firms.

The University of Notre Dame follows closely in fourth place, with its Mendoza College of Business offering a renowned undergraduate accounting program. The program is known for its emphasis on ethical leadership, a strong business foundation, and a deep understanding of financial and managerial accounting. Notre Dame’s Catholic values of integrity and social responsibility permeate the curriculum, making the program attractive to students who are not only interested in excelling in accounting but who also seek to make a positive impact in the world of business. The school’s reputation for academic excellence and its network of influential alumni make it a desirable destination for prospective accounting students.

The University of Southern California (USC) is ranked fifth and is known for its rigorous accounting program, which prepares students for careers in both the public and private sectors. The USC Leventhal School of Accounting offers students a thorough understanding of accounting principles and practices, along with exposure to the latest developments in the field, including technology and data analysis. The program’s emphasis on global business makes it particularly attractive for students interested in international accounting and finance careers. USC’s proximity to major business hubs in Los Angeles also provides students with valuable opportunities for internships and networking with leading accounting firms, corporations, and financial institutions.

Texas A&M University, ranked sixth, has a well-established accounting program that emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting. The Mays Business School at Texas A&M is renowned for its strong faculty, many of whom are experts in various areas of accounting, including auditing, taxation, and forensic accounting. The program’s connection to the business community in Texas, a state with a booming economy, offers students numerous opportunities for internships, job placements, and networking. Texas A&M’s extensive alumni network also provides graduates with strong professional connections, increasing their chances of securing prestigious positions in accounting firms and corporations.

Indiana University Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business ranks seventh and is known for its strong undergraduate accounting program. The program provides students with a solid foundation in accounting principles while also emphasizing the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Indiana University’s diverse curriculum includes courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing, and the program is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of career paths. Kelley’s emphasis on data analytics and technology is increasingly important in the accounting profession, and the school’s robust connections to the industry ensure that its graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of today’s business environment.

Michigan State University, ranked eighth, offers an undergraduate accounting program that focuses on the integration of accounting knowledge with business strategy. The Broad College of Business provides students with a rigorous curriculum that includes courses in financial reporting, managerial accounting, and auditing, as well as exposure to the latest trends in technology and data analytics. Michigan State’s extensive alumni network and strong relationships with major accounting firms ensure that students have access to valuable internship and job placement opportunities.

Ohio State University follows closely in ninth place with its Fisher College of Business offering an accounting program that focuses on developing both technical skills and strategic thinking. Ohio State’s accounting curriculum includes courses in financial reporting, taxation, and auditing, and the program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of accounting careers. The school’s strong connection to the business world, including internships and career services, allows students to gain hands-on experience and build professional networks that help them succeed in the competitive job market.

The University of Georgia ranks tenth, offering an undergraduate accounting program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and practices. The program is known for its strong faculty, who are experts in areas such as financial accounting, auditing, and taxation. The University of Georgia’s proximity to major accounting firms in Atlanta provides students with valuable internship opportunities, and the school’s alumni network is an important resource for graduates looking to advance their careers.

Miami University (Ohio), ranked eleventh, offers an accounting program that combines strong academic instruction with practical business experience. The university’s Farmer School of Business provides students with a rigorous accounting curriculum, as well as access to internships, networking opportunities, and career services that help them launch successful careers in accounting. The program is known for its focus on ethical leadership and its strong connections to the accounting profession, making it a desirable choice for prospective students.

Other notable universities in the top 25 accounting programs include the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Northern Illinois University, the University of Florida, the University of Virginia, and the University of Alabama. These schools provide a variety of accounting specializations, including financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation, and offer students the chance to gain practical experience through internships, networking, and exposure to the latest trends in the industry.

In conclusion, the top 25 undergraduate accounting programs as ranked by the Public Accounting Report’s 26th Annual Professor’s Survey offer students access to high-quality education, robust industry connections, and opportunities for career advancement. These programs are recognized for their rigorous academic standards, expert faculty, and strong ties to the business community, making them ideal choices for students looking to pursue a career in accounting. By attending one of these prestigious institutions, students can ensure they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the accounting profession and succeed in today’s competitive business environment.

26th Annual Professor’s Survey (2007):
- Top 25 Undergraduate Programs in Accounting

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
11 Miami University (Ohio)
12 University of Wisconsin-Madison
12 Northern Illinois Univ
14 Univ of Florida
15 Univ of Virginia
15 Univ of Alabama
17 Arizona State Univ
18 Univ of Washington
19 Pennsylvania State Univ
20 Univ of Missouri-Columbia
21 Bentley College
21 Boston College
21 Virginia Tech
21 College of William & Mary
25 Baylor Univ
25 Florida State Univ
25 Univ of Tennessee-Knoxville

Source: Public Accounting Report