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What are the best colleges to attend in a major of accounting What are the required requirements of classes to attend to get my associates for accounting? How do I make sure I pick the right class so I don’t end up in debt or taking the wrong classes that makes me not qualified in university? Why is it better to do community college for basic and extra improvement than transfer to a university to complete my major. How many years does it take to get an accounting degree is a the cpa exam worth to get if I don’t want to do public accounting or taxes? What is a high paying job in the accounting field that I should really consider to get.?
I am currently a junior in high school going on to senior year graduate 2026. I better want to know what’s to come so I’m better ready for college. My major is business field in accounting.
21 answers
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Hi Juliana,
It is awesome to see you are already being proactive and know what you want next!
I currently work at a Big 4 (one of four multi-national public accounting firms) and was in your shoes a few years ago. I wanted to add a little perspective from someone who actually works in the industry from the answers you have already received. To make it easier, please see answers to your questions reproduced below:
Q: What are the best colleges to attend in a major of accounting?
A: There is no such thing as a bad college for accounting. You can find a job in public accounting from any college. If you are looking to work at a specific firm, talk to the career counselors at the college you are thinking of attending to confirm if that firm recruits from the school. That would be the only "limitation" to a specific college.
Q: What are the required requirements of classes to attend to get my associates for accounting?
A: The college you choose to attend will indicate the requirements for receiving a major in accounting. From there, make sure the courses align with providing you enough credits to sit for the CPA exam (even if you later choose to not pursue). You can confirm these details with the career center or others in the major within the college you decide to attend.
Q: How do I make sure I pick the right class so I don’t end up in debt or taking the wrong classes that makes me not qualified in university?
A: Talk to the career center to make sure the classes you are taking meet the requirements for general ed, your major, and then ultimately the CPA exam. As long as the courses fall into those requirements, there is no wrong class.
Q: Why is it better to do community college for basic and extra improvement than transfer to a university to complete my major.
A: This is purely personal decision. The answer could be cost driven, grades driven, or other. Know that attending a community college first does NOT impact any future job opportunities. Most firms are strictly looking at overall grades (GPA), that you are taking appropriate courses to obtain your major and sit for the CPA, and then personality to make sure you are a good fit. The schools or journey to a specific school does not come into play.
A: How many years does it take to get an accounting degree
A: Typically 4 years. However, some programs offer a masters in accounting to ensure each person has enough credits to sit for the CPA exam, in this case it would be 5 years. Personally, I was able to complete in 4 years by taking extra credits each semester to ensure I met the CPA course unit requirements.
Q: is a the cpa exam worth to get if I don’t want to do public accounting or taxes?
A: Being a CPA is a prestigious title and universally known. If you choose to go into public accounting, it is recommended to be a CPA as then you are eligible for certain promotions within the firm. Note this is required if you choose auditing as well, not just tax. If you would prefer to be an in-house accountant at a private (or public) company, a CPA is not always required, although it is an added title that speaks of your abilities and would always be valuable. If you are on the fence on getting it, make sure to align your classes and credits so you are at least eligible to sit for the exam. This way you will have the accurate number of credits and can make the ultimate decision at a later date to study and sit for the exam.
Q: What is a high paying job in the accounting field that I should really consider to get.?
A: Entry jobs are typically not high-paying, but the pay-scale increases quickly in the accounting field. Note, the entry level position will vary depending on where you live. If you go on LinkedIn, some open positions will list the pay range for specific jobs. This will give you an idea of the salary ranges.
I know many people who have started in public accounting and then used their experience to get a job doing something completely different.
Know that no matter what you choose, you will be successful if you put your mind to it. Continue to be proactive by asking these questions at the college of your choosing and making sure to get the answers so you stay informed.
Best of luck and enjoy your senior year!
It is awesome to see you are already being proactive and know what you want next!
I currently work at a Big 4 (one of four multi-national public accounting firms) and was in your shoes a few years ago. I wanted to add a little perspective from someone who actually works in the industry from the answers you have already received. To make it easier, please see answers to your questions reproduced below:
Q: What are the best colleges to attend in a major of accounting?
A: There is no such thing as a bad college for accounting. You can find a job in public accounting from any college. If you are looking to work at a specific firm, talk to the career counselors at the college you are thinking of attending to confirm if that firm recruits from the school. That would be the only "limitation" to a specific college.
Q: What are the required requirements of classes to attend to get my associates for accounting?
A: The college you choose to attend will indicate the requirements for receiving a major in accounting. From there, make sure the courses align with providing you enough credits to sit for the CPA exam (even if you later choose to not pursue). You can confirm these details with the career center or others in the major within the college you decide to attend.
Q: How do I make sure I pick the right class so I don’t end up in debt or taking the wrong classes that makes me not qualified in university?
A: Talk to the career center to make sure the classes you are taking meet the requirements for general ed, your major, and then ultimately the CPA exam. As long as the courses fall into those requirements, there is no wrong class.
Q: Why is it better to do community college for basic and extra improvement than transfer to a university to complete my major.
A: This is purely personal decision. The answer could be cost driven, grades driven, or other. Know that attending a community college first does NOT impact any future job opportunities. Most firms are strictly looking at overall grades (GPA), that you are taking appropriate courses to obtain your major and sit for the CPA, and then personality to make sure you are a good fit. The schools or journey to a specific school does not come into play.
A: How many years does it take to get an accounting degree
A: Typically 4 years. However, some programs offer a masters in accounting to ensure each person has enough credits to sit for the CPA exam, in this case it would be 5 years. Personally, I was able to complete in 4 years by taking extra credits each semester to ensure I met the CPA course unit requirements.
Q: is a the cpa exam worth to get if I don’t want to do public accounting or taxes?
A: Being a CPA is a prestigious title and universally known. If you choose to go into public accounting, it is recommended to be a CPA as then you are eligible for certain promotions within the firm. Note this is required if you choose auditing as well, not just tax. If you would prefer to be an in-house accountant at a private (or public) company, a CPA is not always required, although it is an added title that speaks of your abilities and would always be valuable. If you are on the fence on getting it, make sure to align your classes and credits so you are at least eligible to sit for the exam. This way you will have the accurate number of credits and can make the ultimate decision at a later date to study and sit for the exam.
Q: What is a high paying job in the accounting field that I should really consider to get.?
A: Entry jobs are typically not high-paying, but the pay-scale increases quickly in the accounting field. Note, the entry level position will vary depending on where you live. If you go on LinkedIn, some open positions will list the pay range for specific jobs. This will give you an idea of the salary ranges.
I know many people who have started in public accounting and then used their experience to get a job doing something completely different.
Know that no matter what you choose, you will be successful if you put your mind to it. Continue to be proactive by asking these questions at the college of your choosing and making sure to get the answers so you stay informed.
Best of luck and enjoy your senior year!
Updated
Shreya’s Answer
Top Colleges for Accounting:
Look for AACSB-accredited schools like UT Austin, Illinois, Michigan, or strong state universities. Starting at a community college is a smart, affordable option.
Associate’s in Accounting Requirements:
Typical classes include Intro/Managerial Accounting, Business Law, Economics, Math, Computer Applications, and general education courses.
How to Pick the Right Classes:
Meet with an academic advisor, follow transfer/articulation agreements, and plan your transfer early to avoid wasted credits and extra debt.
Community College First—Why:
Lower cost, smaller classes, and a smoother transition to a four-year university.
Degree Timeline:
Associate’s: 2 years. Bachelor’s: 4 years total (2+2 if you transfer).
CPA Exam—Worth It?
Yes, even if not doing taxes or public accounting; it opens more career doors and higher pay.
High-Paying Accounting Jobs:
Financial Analyst, Internal Auditor, Controller, Forensic Accountant, CFO, IT Auditor
Look for AACSB-accredited schools like UT Austin, Illinois, Michigan, or strong state universities. Starting at a community college is a smart, affordable option.
Associate’s in Accounting Requirements:
Typical classes include Intro/Managerial Accounting, Business Law, Economics, Math, Computer Applications, and general education courses.
How to Pick the Right Classes:
Meet with an academic advisor, follow transfer/articulation agreements, and plan your transfer early to avoid wasted credits and extra debt.
Community College First—Why:
Lower cost, smaller classes, and a smoother transition to a four-year university.
Degree Timeline:
Associate’s: 2 years. Bachelor’s: 4 years total (2+2 if you transfer).
CPA Exam—Worth It?
Yes, even if not doing taxes or public accounting; it opens more career doors and higher pay.
High-Paying Accounting Jobs:
Financial Analyst, Internal Auditor, Controller, Forensic Accountant, CFO, IT Auditor
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Hi Julianna, I have listed your questions with my thoughts below! For reference, I went to Miami University (Ohio) and graduated in 2023, and I currently work at Deloitte as an Audit Senior.
Q: What are the best colleges to attend in a major of accounting?
A: There are many great colleges, so I wouldn't get too concerned with this. You can find online rankings with the best accounting programs, but I personally don't think that is always the most important. If you are looking to get recruited at a top accounting firm or go into accounting at a big public company, I would just focus on schools that have some name recognition and a good program (doesn't have to be "the best"). Big firms/companies will typically send recruiters out to the bigger schools near their offices (i.e. Cincinnati based companies will probably send recruiters to University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, Miami University, Ohio State University, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, etc), and connecting with recruiters in one of the most important aspects of finding the job you want. You don't need to spend a boatload to be in a good accounting program that will get you where you want to go.
Q: What are the required requirements of classes to attend to get my associates for accounting?
A: This depends on your college, but here is a general outline. You will have 2-3 basic accounting classes (intro to financial accounting, intro to managerial accounting, etc), 3-5 intermediate classes (intermediate financial accounting, intermediate managerial accounting, accounting information systems, tax accounting, etc), and a few upper level classes that are more specialized. Also, if you are interested in obtaining your CPA (which you should be interested in if you are serious about accounting), consider your state's hours requirements. Here is a helpful link: https://www.becker.com/cpa-review/requirements
Q: How do I make sure I pick the right class so I don’t end up in debt or taking the wrong classes that makes me not qualified in university?
A: Refer to my answer above. Just talk to your counselor at your school about what classes you need to graduate, and then consider the hours requirements for the CPA if that interests you.
Q: Why is it better to do community college for basic and extra improvement than transfer to a university to complete my major?
A: I don't have any experience with this personally, but starting at a community college for a year or two is probably a good way to save money! Just think about what school you want to go to next and how the credits will transfer.
Q: How many years does it take to get an accounting degree is a the cpa exam worth to get if I don’t want to do public accounting or taxes?
A: An accounting degree should take four years, and if you want your CPA it may take 5 years to get enough credits (unless you take AP classes or college credit classes in high school). The CPA exam is still worth it I would say even if you don't want to go into public accounting. Certain jobs will require or strongly encourage a CPA certification, so it will open doors for you, and by your mid/late career there will be jobs that require you to have a CPA.
Q: What is a high paying job in the accounting field that I should really consider to get?
A: Starting salaries are usually okay, so it is mid/late career in accounting where you will get to be "high paying" in my opinion. Starting a big accounting firm will land you a solid starting salary with a lot of hours, however if you do a good job and stick with it you can be making a lot of money by your 30s/40s. If you start in industry (i.e. a non-accounting firm), you may have slightly slower career advancement, but if you make your way up to Controller/CFO you will be doing very well.
Q: What are the best colleges to attend in a major of accounting?
A: There are many great colleges, so I wouldn't get too concerned with this. You can find online rankings with the best accounting programs, but I personally don't think that is always the most important. If you are looking to get recruited at a top accounting firm or go into accounting at a big public company, I would just focus on schools that have some name recognition and a good program (doesn't have to be "the best"). Big firms/companies will typically send recruiters out to the bigger schools near their offices (i.e. Cincinnati based companies will probably send recruiters to University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, Miami University, Ohio State University, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, etc), and connecting with recruiters in one of the most important aspects of finding the job you want. You don't need to spend a boatload to be in a good accounting program that will get you where you want to go.
Q: What are the required requirements of classes to attend to get my associates for accounting?
A: This depends on your college, but here is a general outline. You will have 2-3 basic accounting classes (intro to financial accounting, intro to managerial accounting, etc), 3-5 intermediate classes (intermediate financial accounting, intermediate managerial accounting, accounting information systems, tax accounting, etc), and a few upper level classes that are more specialized. Also, if you are interested in obtaining your CPA (which you should be interested in if you are serious about accounting), consider your state's hours requirements. Here is a helpful link: https://www.becker.com/cpa-review/requirements
Q: How do I make sure I pick the right class so I don’t end up in debt or taking the wrong classes that makes me not qualified in university?
A: Refer to my answer above. Just talk to your counselor at your school about what classes you need to graduate, and then consider the hours requirements for the CPA if that interests you.
Q: Why is it better to do community college for basic and extra improvement than transfer to a university to complete my major?
A: I don't have any experience with this personally, but starting at a community college for a year or two is probably a good way to save money! Just think about what school you want to go to next and how the credits will transfer.
Q: How many years does it take to get an accounting degree is a the cpa exam worth to get if I don’t want to do public accounting or taxes?
A: An accounting degree should take four years, and if you want your CPA it may take 5 years to get enough credits (unless you take AP classes or college credit classes in high school). The CPA exam is still worth it I would say even if you don't want to go into public accounting. Certain jobs will require or strongly encourage a CPA certification, so it will open doors for you, and by your mid/late career there will be jobs that require you to have a CPA.
Q: What is a high paying job in the accounting field that I should really consider to get?
A: Starting salaries are usually okay, so it is mid/late career in accounting where you will get to be "high paying" in my opinion. Starting a big accounting firm will land you a solid starting salary with a lot of hours, however if you do a good job and stick with it you can be making a lot of money by your 30s/40s. If you start in industry (i.e. a non-accounting firm), you may have slightly slower career advancement, but if you make your way up to Controller/CFO you will be doing very well.
Updated
Clare’s Answer
Hi! Juliana,
I did quick research on your questions and the answers are below! I myself obtained a degree in Accounting from UT Dallas which I believe provide ample amount of education and experience that you need to be successful for next career path. They help me to find my new pathway too which for me internal audit! You have amazing life experience ahead and I would like to say take all in when you are involved with every activity and ask yourself do I like/enjoy to do this? You will know whether is this path even what you really want.
Clare Kwon
1. Best Colleges for Accounting Majors
Top U.S. Universities for Accounting:
University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Gies)
Brigham Young University (Marriott)
University of Southern California (Marshall)
Indiana University Bloomington (Kelley)
University of Michigan (Ross)
University of Notre Dame (Mendoza)
New York University (Stern)
University of Florida (Warrington)
Boston College (Carroll)
Note: These schools are highly ranked, but many state universities and regional schools also have excellent accounting programs. Consider cost, location, and transfer agreements if starting at a community college.
2. Typical Associate’s Degree Requirements in Accounting
Common Courses:
Principles of Accounting I & II (Financial & Managerial)
Business Law
Microeconomics & Macroeconomics
Introduction to Business
Computer Applications/Information Systems
College Algebra or Statistics
English Composition
Electives (e.g., Speech, Psychology, Humanities)
Credit Hours: Usually 60 credits (about 2 years full-time).
3. How to Pick the Right Classes & Avoid Debt
Tips:
Meet with an Academic Advisor: They can help you map out classes that transfer to a four-year university.
Use Transfer Agreements: Many community colleges have “articulation agreements” with universities—these guarantee your credits will transfer.
Follow a Degree Plan: Stick to the recommended course sequence for your major.
Apply for Financial Aid: Fill out the FAFSA and look for scholarships.
Avoid Unnecessary Electives: Only take classes required for your degree or transfer plan.
4. Community College vs. University for Accounting
Benefits of Starting at Community College:
Lower Cost: Tuition is much cheaper.
Smaller Classes: More personalized attention.
Flexible Schedules: Good for working students.
Easier Transition: Build academic skills before transferring.
Why Transfer Later?
You save money on general education classes.
You can improve your GPA before applying to a competitive university.
You still earn your bachelor’s degree from the university you transfer to.
5. How Long Does It Take to Get an Accounting Degree?
Associate’s Degree: 2 years (full-time)
Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years (full-time, including transfer credits)
Master’s Degree (optional): 1–2 additional years
6. Is the CPA Exam Worth It If Not Doing Public Accounting or Taxes?
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) License: Highly respected, opens doors in many fields.
Not Just for Taxes: CPAs work in corporate accounting, auditing, consulting, and government.
Career Flexibility: Even if you don’t want to work in public accounting, having a CPA can boost your salary and promotion potential.
Downside: Requires 150 college credits (often a master’s degree or extra coursework), passing four exams, and meeting experience requirements.
Summary: CPA is valuable, but not always necessary for private/corporate accounting roles.
7. High-Paying Jobs in Accounting to Consider
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Controller
Forensic Accountant
Internal Auditor (especially at large companies)
Financial Analyst (with accounting background)
Management Accountant (Cost Accountant)
IT Auditor/Cybersecurity Accountant
Consultant (e.g., mergers & acquisitions, risk management)
Note: Many of these roles require experience and sometimes additional credentials (CPA, CMA, CIA, etc.).
I did quick research on your questions and the answers are below! I myself obtained a degree in Accounting from UT Dallas which I believe provide ample amount of education and experience that you need to be successful for next career path. They help me to find my new pathway too which for me internal audit! You have amazing life experience ahead and I would like to say take all in when you are involved with every activity and ask yourself do I like/enjoy to do this? You will know whether is this path even what you really want.
Clare Kwon
1. Best Colleges for Accounting Majors
Top U.S. Universities for Accounting:
University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Gies)
Brigham Young University (Marriott)
University of Southern California (Marshall)
Indiana University Bloomington (Kelley)
University of Michigan (Ross)
University of Notre Dame (Mendoza)
New York University (Stern)
University of Florida (Warrington)
Boston College (Carroll)
Note: These schools are highly ranked, but many state universities and regional schools also have excellent accounting programs. Consider cost, location, and transfer agreements if starting at a community college.
2. Typical Associate’s Degree Requirements in Accounting
Common Courses:
Principles of Accounting I & II (Financial & Managerial)
Business Law
Microeconomics & Macroeconomics
Introduction to Business
Computer Applications/Information Systems
College Algebra or Statistics
English Composition
Electives (e.g., Speech, Psychology, Humanities)
Credit Hours: Usually 60 credits (about 2 years full-time).
3. How to Pick the Right Classes & Avoid Debt
Tips:
Meet with an Academic Advisor: They can help you map out classes that transfer to a four-year university.
Use Transfer Agreements: Many community colleges have “articulation agreements” with universities—these guarantee your credits will transfer.
Follow a Degree Plan: Stick to the recommended course sequence for your major.
Apply for Financial Aid: Fill out the FAFSA and look for scholarships.
Avoid Unnecessary Electives: Only take classes required for your degree or transfer plan.
4. Community College vs. University for Accounting
Benefits of Starting at Community College:
Lower Cost: Tuition is much cheaper.
Smaller Classes: More personalized attention.
Flexible Schedules: Good for working students.
Easier Transition: Build academic skills before transferring.
Why Transfer Later?
You save money on general education classes.
You can improve your GPA before applying to a competitive university.
You still earn your bachelor’s degree from the university you transfer to.
5. How Long Does It Take to Get an Accounting Degree?
Associate’s Degree: 2 years (full-time)
Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years (full-time, including transfer credits)
Master’s Degree (optional): 1–2 additional years
6. Is the CPA Exam Worth It If Not Doing Public Accounting or Taxes?
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) License: Highly respected, opens doors in many fields.
Not Just for Taxes: CPAs work in corporate accounting, auditing, consulting, and government.
Career Flexibility: Even if you don’t want to work in public accounting, having a CPA can boost your salary and promotion potential.
Downside: Requires 150 college credits (often a master’s degree or extra coursework), passing four exams, and meeting experience requirements.
Summary: CPA is valuable, but not always necessary for private/corporate accounting roles.
7. High-Paying Jobs in Accounting to Consider
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Controller
Forensic Accountant
Internal Auditor (especially at large companies)
Financial Analyst (with accounting background)
Management Accountant (Cost Accountant)
IT Auditor/Cybersecurity Accountant
Consultant (e.g., mergers & acquisitions, risk management)
Note: Many of these roles require experience and sometimes additional credentials (CPA, CMA, CIA, etc.).
Updated
Tim’s Answer
On common approach is to take the non-core accounting courses at a community college, transferring the credits to a mainstream university to complete the accounting bachelor degree requirements. Your longer term career goals should be factored into your overall college plans. For example, if your end goal is to have a career at a Big 4 Accounting Firm (e.g., Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG), there are a number of universities across the United States that are known as being feeder schools for interns / candidates - Wake Forrest, Fairfield University, Lehigh University, University of Southern California, Texas A&M University, College of William and Mary, Penn State University). That is not to say that the Big 4 accounting firms do not recruit from other Universities. I went to LaSalle University in Philadelphia and my degree from there was welcomed by my Firm.
For the most part, if you would like to obtain a Certified Public Accountant license, then you would likely be required to obtain a Masters Degree in most states in the United States. In contrast, if you would like to work in industry where a CPE license is not required, then an Associates Degree would suffice. The bottom like is you should first consider what type of accountant you would like to be (e.g., auditor, tax accountant, managerial accountant), then decide what type of business you would like to work in (e.g., public accounting field, industry, governmental, not-for-profit), and then finally what size company you would like to work for (e.g., Large multi-national accounting firm with 100,000+ professionals, a regional firm, or a local firm versus working for a company in industry, etc,)
Research type of accountant you would like to be.
Decide where you would like to work (geography).
Figure out what type of company you would like to work for (public accounting firm, industry, governmental, not-for-profit)
Determine what size company you want to work for (large-, mid-, small-sized).
Identify a college or university that will help you achieve your goals!
For the most part, if you would like to obtain a Certified Public Accountant license, then you would likely be required to obtain a Masters Degree in most states in the United States. In contrast, if you would like to work in industry where a CPE license is not required, then an Associates Degree would suffice. The bottom like is you should first consider what type of accountant you would like to be (e.g., auditor, tax accountant, managerial accountant), then decide what type of business you would like to work in (e.g., public accounting field, industry, governmental, not-for-profit), and then finally what size company you would like to work for (e.g., Large multi-national accounting firm with 100,000+ professionals, a regional firm, or a local firm versus working for a company in industry, etc,)
Tim recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
Hey Julianna!
Personally, I would not worry about which college or what you can do to prepare for being an accounting major. For some background I personally went to community college and then transferred to a 4 year university. By doing this, I was able save a ton of money, figure out what I wanted to do specifically within accounting, and then come into a 4 year university with a focused mind. The fact is, you asking these questions so early on is fantastic and shows that you are the type of individual to ensure you are prepared for the future. My advice is to definitely get your CPA, or at least try to, if you are going to be an accounting major. For example, many jobs, although may not require it, having it may lead to extra promotions and a higher salary. In fact, a lot of companies won't let you proceed in the corporate ladder unless you have your CPA. Additionally, if you are going to spend serious money and time (4 years) in getting your accounting degree, at that point just get the designation as it shows professionality and a certain level of knowledge of the profession. Also, if you look up the statistics on CPA's, you will see about 60% of CPA's are within 5 years of retirement. That is to say that there is a massive need for CPA's, which will lead to massive pay increases for even entry level accounting jobs.
Some may say AI will replace accounting, however if you have a four year degree and the CPA, AI will never replace your credentials nor what we do. As for colleges to chose, I believe the college doesn't matter anymore. Currently, the big four accounting firms (most prestigious firms to work for) are hiring from every college (although more from certain target schools). What they are seeing is someone who is taking the job seriously despite what school you attend. Good luck with your senior year and most importantly have fun!!
Personally, I would not worry about which college or what you can do to prepare for being an accounting major. For some background I personally went to community college and then transferred to a 4 year university. By doing this, I was able save a ton of money, figure out what I wanted to do specifically within accounting, and then come into a 4 year university with a focused mind. The fact is, you asking these questions so early on is fantastic and shows that you are the type of individual to ensure you are prepared for the future. My advice is to definitely get your CPA, or at least try to, if you are going to be an accounting major. For example, many jobs, although may not require it, having it may lead to extra promotions and a higher salary. In fact, a lot of companies won't let you proceed in the corporate ladder unless you have your CPA. Additionally, if you are going to spend serious money and time (4 years) in getting your accounting degree, at that point just get the designation as it shows professionality and a certain level of knowledge of the profession. Also, if you look up the statistics on CPA's, you will see about 60% of CPA's are within 5 years of retirement. That is to say that there is a massive need for CPA's, which will lead to massive pay increases for even entry level accounting jobs.
Some may say AI will replace accounting, however if you have a four year degree and the CPA, AI will never replace your credentials nor what we do. As for colleges to chose, I believe the college doesn't matter anymore. Currently, the big four accounting firms (most prestigious firms to work for) are hiring from every college (although more from certain target schools). What they are seeing is someone who is taking the job seriously despite what school you attend. Good luck with your senior year and most importantly have fun!!
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
What are the best colleges to attend in a major of accounting?
I would say to focus your search on schools with an accounting program. Additionally, when touring schools see which schools have relationships with local or national accounting firms and what the placement rate for students in that program. This will be helpful to set you up with networking opportunities to learn more about different accounting career paths.
What are the required requirements of classes to attend to get my associates for accounting? How do I make sure I pick the right class so I don’t end up in debt or taking the wrong classes that makes me not qualified in university?
Similarly here, I would recommend a school that has a specific accounting program and/or strong academic advising programs that can help work with you to ensure you are taking the correct courses and will graduate timely.
Why is it better to do community college for basic and extra improvement than transfer to a university to complete my major.
This is a personal decision and I feel there is no right or wrong path here, whether you start at a community college and/or transfer, whatever works best for your situation.
How many years does it take to get an accounting degree is a the cpa exam worth to get if I don’t want to do public accounting or taxes?
Typically it takes 4-5 years to get an accounting degree and complete the requirements to sit for the CPA exam. Ensure you are looking at the requirements in your state (as they differ) and this would be something to discuss with a college advisor. Completing the CPA exam is a huge accomplishment and can help you show your skills despite not wanting to do public accounting or taxes.
What is a high paying job in the accounting field that I should really consider to get.?
After studying accounting you are truly set up to understand and have a strong foundation for any business job. This can lead to a large range of jobs and promotions over your career. Consider looking on linkedin to see ranges for certain career paths.
I would say to focus your search on schools with an accounting program. Additionally, when touring schools see which schools have relationships with local or national accounting firms and what the placement rate for students in that program. This will be helpful to set you up with networking opportunities to learn more about different accounting career paths.
What are the required requirements of classes to attend to get my associates for accounting? How do I make sure I pick the right class so I don’t end up in debt or taking the wrong classes that makes me not qualified in university?
Similarly here, I would recommend a school that has a specific accounting program and/or strong academic advising programs that can help work with you to ensure you are taking the correct courses and will graduate timely.
Why is it better to do community college for basic and extra improvement than transfer to a university to complete my major.
This is a personal decision and I feel there is no right or wrong path here, whether you start at a community college and/or transfer, whatever works best for your situation.
How many years does it take to get an accounting degree is a the cpa exam worth to get if I don’t want to do public accounting or taxes?
Typically it takes 4-5 years to get an accounting degree and complete the requirements to sit for the CPA exam. Ensure you are looking at the requirements in your state (as they differ) and this would be something to discuss with a college advisor. Completing the CPA exam is a huge accomplishment and can help you show your skills despite not wanting to do public accounting or taxes.
What is a high paying job in the accounting field that I should really consider to get.?
After studying accounting you are truly set up to understand and have a strong foundation for any business job. This can lead to a large range of jobs and promotions over your career. Consider looking on linkedin to see ranges for certain career paths.
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Lauren’s Answer
There is no "best" college to attend to major in accounting. I went to Baylor as I went into college knowing that I wanted to go into public accounting, and Baylor had a five-year Bachelor's and Master's program to qualify for the Texas CPA Exam. Which college you actually attend is a personal decision, and you want to find a college that you can thrive in, both academically and socially. The graduation requirements for degree plans vary depending on which school you attend, but most four-year colleges require the basic business courses, some general education, and intermediate financial accounting, audit, and tax. If you end up wanting to sit for the CPA, you have to do some coursework beyond your traditional four-year work in order to sit, and requirements vary by state. I would sit with your college advisor once you commit to a school to set up your degree plan. I found that a university was beneficial for accounting because they required certain foundational business courses that helped you understand accounting and business environments. They also had a structured accounting degree program and I had no issue obtaining my requirements to sit for the CPA. I work at a Big 4 and want to progress, so the CPA certification is essential for my career progression. Most smaller industry positions do not require the CPA certification, but it makes you more marketable as a job candidate and gives you extra knowledge that non-CPAs may not have.
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Jerry’s Answer
Hello and thank you for your questions! It seems as though you have considered the accounting pathway quite a bit. In terms of the college environment and which schools have the best accounting programs, I would recommend performing your research. I believe you are in San Antonio, and the schools that come to mind with great accounting programs are UT Austin, Texas A&M, University of Houston, UT Dallas, Texas Tech. I work for a public accounting firm and we routinely recruit from these schools and thus, I would think these are great options to help you kickstart your accounting career.
With respect to selection of the right courses - I would suggest you working with your guidance counselors in college. Each degree has a minimum number of courses/requirements with options to select electives. Design the college course pathway before you enroll in your first semester so that you have a roadmap for your time in college. Then, you can tweak this foundation as you go as different classes interest you.
You also ask about whether it's a good idea to enroll in community college first to take care of your basic courses. This is a good strategy to save some money - community college is cheaper than a 4-year university. However, if you have the financial means and resources to start straight with a university, I would highly suggest that pathway. You will develop many more skills such as independence, responsibility, etc., just by being in this type of environment. Scholarships will also help so keep up the hard work in high school.
As far as the CPA - this is a great certification. You will significantly boost your marketability for your ENTIRE career if you obtain it. So, regardless of whether you are in public accounting or not, I highly recommend pursuing. Once you are in an accounting program in college, they will make sure you have the right amount of credits and coursework to obtain the certification.
You also ask about the financial compensation. Accounting can be a very lucrative career and provide sufficient compensation to support you and your future family. In my experience, the highest paid accounting professionals are generally in public accounting, where salaries are quite high when you get to the partner/director levels. In private industry, you may also end up as a CFO or CAO, which is similarly very lucrative. However, don't get into accounting just for the compensation. Figure out if this field is something you want to devote your life to and if so, there are other riches that will come with it. :)
With respect to selection of the right courses - I would suggest you working with your guidance counselors in college. Each degree has a minimum number of courses/requirements with options to select electives. Design the college course pathway before you enroll in your first semester so that you have a roadmap for your time in college. Then, you can tweak this foundation as you go as different classes interest you.
You also ask about whether it's a good idea to enroll in community college first to take care of your basic courses. This is a good strategy to save some money - community college is cheaper than a 4-year university. However, if you have the financial means and resources to start straight with a university, I would highly suggest that pathway. You will develop many more skills such as independence, responsibility, etc., just by being in this type of environment. Scholarships will also help so keep up the hard work in high school.
As far as the CPA - this is a great certification. You will significantly boost your marketability for your ENTIRE career if you obtain it. So, regardless of whether you are in public accounting or not, I highly recommend pursuing. Once you are in an accounting program in college, they will make sure you have the right amount of credits and coursework to obtain the certification.
You also ask about the financial compensation. Accounting can be a very lucrative career and provide sufficient compensation to support you and your future family. In my experience, the highest paid accounting professionals are generally in public accounting, where salaries are quite high when you get to the partner/director levels. In private industry, you may also end up as a CFO or CAO, which is similarly very lucrative. However, don't get into accounting just for the compensation. Figure out if this field is something you want to devote your life to and if so, there are other riches that will come with it. :)
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Nicole’s Answer
If you are interested in accounting I would strongly suggest a 4 year degree vs. a 2 year degree. You will be able to get a much better job with a 4 year degree. The university you go to is not that big of a deal. You want to make sure they have an accounting 4 year program. Related to what classes you should take, you should work with the college's career counselor to make sure you are taking the right classes. Accountants are in high demand right now. If you end up being a CPA (Certified Public Accounting) and obtain this license - you can get an event better job. You cannot obtain your CPA license until after you graduate from college. Prior to this year, many states required an extra year of college to sit for the CPA exam but this is definitely changing. Many states are starting to propose a 4 year degree is sufficient. It won't surprise me if over the next 1-2 years most states will say a 4 year degree is sufficient to sit for the CPA exam/accreditation after college.
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Bill’s Answer
Attending a community college offers many benefits, depending on what you prefer and your situation. One major benefit is the lower cost of attendance compared to public or private four-year universities. In the first two years of college, you usually take general education courses, which can be completed at either a community college or a four-year institution. If you spend two years at a community college and then transfer to a four-year university, you will earn the same degree as those who attended the public or private university for all four years. Another advantage is that community colleges often have easier admission requirements, which can be helpful for some students. If you choose to start at a community college, it's a good idea to know which four-year university you want to transfer to, so you can ensure your credits will be accepted.
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Connor’s Answer
The University of Texas at Austin, the University of Florida, and the University of Notre Dame are all outstanding choices for students pursuing an accounting major, each offering unique strengths that make them stand out. The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business is consistently ranked among the top accounting programs in the nation, known for its rigorous curriculum, strong connections to major accounting firms, and impressive job placement rates. The University of Florida’s Fisher School of Accounting provides excellent value, combining high-quality instruction with affordable tuition, and is recognized for its supportive faculty and robust internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. Meanwhile, the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business is renowned for its commitment to ethical leadership, close-knit community, and a powerful alumni network that opens doors in both public accounting and corporate finance. Choosing any of these universities means access to top-tier education, professional development resources, and a pathway to a successful accounting career.
Any of these options will prepare you for a career in accounting, no matter the job you pursue. There are many other great universities with great accounting programs, but these are 3 with especially strong reputations in their region.
Any of these options will prepare you for a career in accounting, no matter the job you pursue. There are many other great universities with great accounting programs, but these are 3 with especially strong reputations in their region.
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Aidan’s Answer
Hi Julianna,
I wanted to let you know that there are countless of schools that are great for accounting. I wouldn't say that there is a bad college out there for it. Accounting is an incredibly valuable degree that allows you to work in any area of business that you see fit. I was in your shoes once, and I had no idea where I wanted to go to school. I attended Fairfield University in CT, and absolutely loved my experience there. I encourage you to visit as many schools as possible whether virtually or in person, to see what speaks to you, and where would be the best fit. When you enter college, you will be appointed an advisor that guides you through course requirements, and makes sure you are on the right track. Additionally, you will meet so many people that are also in your shoes. Building a support system from the community around you is essential to your college experience. Deciding between community college and University right away is completely up to you. It is important to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities and resources that different schools have to offer. Accounting is a field that is currently in demand, and firms are always recruiting at various universities. You will learn so much through the process and eventually at University. I encourage you to keep looking and work through the college admissions process. You can't go wrong with an accounting major. Best of luck to you!
I wanted to let you know that there are countless of schools that are great for accounting. I wouldn't say that there is a bad college out there for it. Accounting is an incredibly valuable degree that allows you to work in any area of business that you see fit. I was in your shoes once, and I had no idea where I wanted to go to school. I attended Fairfield University in CT, and absolutely loved my experience there. I encourage you to visit as many schools as possible whether virtually or in person, to see what speaks to you, and where would be the best fit. When you enter college, you will be appointed an advisor that guides you through course requirements, and makes sure you are on the right track. Additionally, you will meet so many people that are also in your shoes. Building a support system from the community around you is essential to your college experience. Deciding between community college and University right away is completely up to you. It is important to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities and resources that different schools have to offer. Accounting is a field that is currently in demand, and firms are always recruiting at various universities. You will learn so much through the process and eventually at University. I encourage you to keep looking and work through the college admissions process. You can't go wrong with an accounting major. Best of luck to you!
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Rachel’s Answer
Hi Julianna,
I am working at a Big 4 public accounting firm currently, and I would definitely recommend doing community college for basic classes then transferring to a university to complete your major. I did 55 hours at a local community college, which is equivalent to about two years. The key here is to look at the universities you want to go to, and check the course equivalency of the courses at your community college. My mom helped me with this. I went to Baylor University, and they have a course equivalency tool on their website. This allowed me to only take the courses at my community college that they would accept credit for, and made sure I did not waste time and money on classes that Baylor would not accept.
One thing to be careful of, the community college will push you to get an associate's degree. Do not get an associate's degree. If you are going to finish your bachelor's degree at a university, the associate's degree will not get you anything, and you will have to take extra classes that the community college requires for an associate's that will not transfer into your university for your bachelor's degree. As such, the associate's degree is a waste of time and money, take only the classes that will transfer into your university degree.
I saved tens of thousands of dollars by doing my first two years at community college, and it allowed me to graduate college debt-free. Both of my parents and sibling did community college for the first two years, and I highly recommend it.
In Texas, I think the best colleges for accounting are Texas, Texas A&M, and Baylor. University of Houston is also a lower cost option that has good job connections in Houston. I would say these are the best colleges for accounting that I know of based on the connections to jobs and preparation for the CPA exam that they provide in coursework. I know my classes at Baylor prepared me for the CPA exam very well, and Baylor had excellent connections to the Big 4 accounting firms, which helped me get the job I have now.
Accounting jobs can pay very well, depending on skills and experience. I would consider looking at jobs on LinkedIn and seeing those salaries, and also look at the experience required to have such a job. The accounting field has a lot of great opportunities!
I am working at a Big 4 public accounting firm currently, and I would definitely recommend doing community college for basic classes then transferring to a university to complete your major. I did 55 hours at a local community college, which is equivalent to about two years. The key here is to look at the universities you want to go to, and check the course equivalency of the courses at your community college. My mom helped me with this. I went to Baylor University, and they have a course equivalency tool on their website. This allowed me to only take the courses at my community college that they would accept credit for, and made sure I did not waste time and money on classes that Baylor would not accept.
One thing to be careful of, the community college will push you to get an associate's degree. Do not get an associate's degree. If you are going to finish your bachelor's degree at a university, the associate's degree will not get you anything, and you will have to take extra classes that the community college requires for an associate's that will not transfer into your university for your bachelor's degree. As such, the associate's degree is a waste of time and money, take only the classes that will transfer into your university degree.
I saved tens of thousands of dollars by doing my first two years at community college, and it allowed me to graduate college debt-free. Both of my parents and sibling did community college for the first two years, and I highly recommend it.
In Texas, I think the best colleges for accounting are Texas, Texas A&M, and Baylor. University of Houston is also a lower cost option that has good job connections in Houston. I would say these are the best colleges for accounting that I know of based on the connections to jobs and preparation for the CPA exam that they provide in coursework. I know my classes at Baylor prepared me for the CPA exam very well, and Baylor had excellent connections to the Big 4 accounting firms, which helped me get the job I have now.
Accounting jobs can pay very well, depending on skills and experience. I would consider looking at jobs on LinkedIn and seeing those salaries, and also look at the experience required to have such a job. The accounting field has a lot of great opportunities!
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Lauren’s Answer
Hi Julianna, That’s a great question, and it’s one that many professionals in accounting have asked themselves at some point. We all want to know which programs will set us up for the best possible outcomes. The most important thing to remember is that there’s no single “right” choice—there are many different paths that can lead to your goals. If you’re set on a career in accounting, I recommend focusing on schools known for producing well-rounded graduates and future professionals. Choosing a program that emphasizes both technical skills and personal growth will support your development and help you advance in your career.
Additionally, while student debt can feel overwhelming, you might be surprised by the number of scholarships available, as well as the excellent accounting programs offered by schools with more affordable tuition. Ultimately, a career in accounting often leads to financial stability, so while it’s wise to minimize debt where possible, don’t be discouraged if you can’t avoid it entirely. Trust in the process, stay committed to your goals, and your hard work is likely to pay off in the long run.
Additionally, while student debt can feel overwhelming, you might be surprised by the number of scholarships available, as well as the excellent accounting programs offered by schools with more affordable tuition. Ultimately, a career in accounting often leads to financial stability, so while it’s wise to minimize debt where possible, don’t be discouraged if you can’t avoid it entirely. Trust in the process, stay committed to your goals, and your hard work is likely to pay off in the long run.
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Michael’s Answer
Hi Julianna:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Accounting. Physics and chemistry will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, statistics, geometry and calculus will be needed. Other classes to take will be computer science, economics, business, finance and applied technology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Accounting. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Accounting.
An Associate Degree in Accounting can be earned at a local community college/2 year educational institution. At a community college, the general requirements can be achieved like English, Math, Science, etc. Entry level or introductory Accounting courses can be completed.
Costs at a local community college are less expensive than a 4 year university. The classes are smaller. 1 on 1 interaction with professors is higher.
A Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting will take 4 years to complete at a college or university. Upon completion, one has earned the designation of a Public Accountant (PA). From a public accounting firm, a PA will cover services such as audits, consultations and taxes.
After gaining years of accounting experience, the career path of a PA will lead one to pursue the CPA designation. CPA means Certified Public Accountant. In order to achieve this designation, one has to successfully pass the CPA exam as administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA). The CPA exam consists of four parts:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG)
Additional testing will be dependent upon the State where the CPA will be practicing. Per year, there will be a minimum of 40 hours of professional training for the maintenance of the CPA license. CPAs usually handle financial matters for clients; preparing and filing tax documents and creating detailed financial analysis reports.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a list of the top Accounting Programs in the United States:
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- Brigham Young University (Provo)
- Indiana University (Bloomington)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Pennsylvania
- New York University
- University of Southern California
- University of Florida
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/websites-to-kick-off-your-scholarship-search
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Best wishes for your education and future career as an Accountant!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Accounting. Physics and chemistry will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, statistics, geometry and calculus will be needed. Other classes to take will be computer science, economics, business, finance and applied technology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Accounting. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Accounting.
An Associate Degree in Accounting can be earned at a local community college/2 year educational institution. At a community college, the general requirements can be achieved like English, Math, Science, etc. Entry level or introductory Accounting courses can be completed.
Costs at a local community college are less expensive than a 4 year university. The classes are smaller. 1 on 1 interaction with professors is higher.
A Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting will take 4 years to complete at a college or university. Upon completion, one has earned the designation of a Public Accountant (PA). From a public accounting firm, a PA will cover services such as audits, consultations and taxes.
After gaining years of accounting experience, the career path of a PA will lead one to pursue the CPA designation. CPA means Certified Public Accountant. In order to achieve this designation, one has to successfully pass the CPA exam as administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA). The CPA exam consists of four parts:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG)
Additional testing will be dependent upon the State where the CPA will be practicing. Per year, there will be a minimum of 40 hours of professional training for the maintenance of the CPA license. CPAs usually handle financial matters for clients; preparing and filing tax documents and creating detailed financial analysis reports.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a list of the top Accounting Programs in the United States:
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- Brigham Young University (Provo)
- Indiana University (Bloomington)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Pennsylvania
- New York University
- University of Southern California
- University of Florida
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/websites-to-kick-off-your-scholarship-search
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Best wishes for your education and future career as an Accountant!
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Minori’s Answer
If you are interested in Accounting, I would highly recommend the Master of Accounting program in the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) Ross school of business. The admission office is very helpful in informing you what the required courses are and any questions you may have about other pre-requisites and the program details. In order to sit for CPA exams, you would need 150 credits. Some people can complete these credits in 4 years of college, but others, including myself, would go to a one-year master program, in addition to the 4 year in undergraduate, to complete these credits. I believe that having a CPA is very beneficial for you as it opens up a lot of career options for you. The typical career options for accounting students are auditors, tax specialists, financial advisory, etc. Good luck!
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Julianna !
I am happy to hear of your plans to further your education and happy to see that you are exploring it now. Although the specific college you'll attend is authorized to provide you with the information you've asked about, I think I can give you some initial advice that will hopefully provide some insight for you and help you navigate things.
For an Associates Degree in Accounting, you are going to find that mostly all community colleges offer a major in Accounting, so you may have a wide choice of colleges to choose from. They're all good. In all my born days, I have never seen or heard of a bad college, they may be out there, but you can rely on your local community colleges as being accredited, having credentialed professors and professors who have been in the profession that they teach. It's all good. Take orientations to tour various campuses and see which one you like best.
Once you have chosen a college to attend, read about their Accounting Program. Go to their website. The website will describe the program and list not only what is required to take for your major, but also the required General Education courses you must take. Each college has different requirements so you need to choose some colleges to explore as what you should take cannot be generalized. It depends on the Accounting Program and the college.
Some students, after reading their General Education and Major Requirements at their particular college, are able to map out what courses to take. If you feel that you need assistance with this, visit the Academic Advisory office at your college and a counselor can help you map it out. Start reading the course requirements of your college and see if you can write them all down and coordinate what you may want to take in your first semester. That is sort of how I designed my semesters, taking a mix of heavy and light courses - not all heavy courses.
About the courses you take that, you said "qualify", but is more like the courses that are transferrable, most likely this will not be an issue if you transfer to a nearby University. You will have to ask your community college which Universities they have guaranteed transfer with. So call the community college and ask about what Universities in the area have guaranteed transfer from their community college.
The path that you choose - going to a community college first - is totally up to you and your preferences. If you choose this path, the biggest perk is that your first two years of college will be less expensive as community colleges tend to be less expensive. Millions of students successfully take this path and it all boils down to what you personally want to do.
It should take you four years to obtain your Bachelors Degree in Accounting. As for getting your CPA certification, without a doubt, no questions asked, you must go for your CPA and become a Certified Public Accountant. You will see that you'll need this no matter where you work. Other applicants will have their CPA qualifier for career jobs and if you do not obtain your CPA, it may put you on the back burner when it comes to getting hired. Every accountant I know has their CPA certification. It doesn't matter where you work or what accounting work you do. Having your CPA will show that you have a high level of expertise and adherence to ethical standards in the field of accounting. Employers want that. Having the CPA will make it possible for you to work anywhere, even in executive positions or for the government. Definitely go for your CPA. You're going to need it. (Keep in mind that if you work at a business, you just may be required to do their taxes and other duties). Also keep in mind that there is no major called Business In Accounting. You will need to Major in Accounting in order to be an accountant.
You can start looking for CPA career jobs in your Senior Year of college. At this time, no one knows what will be available five years from now, so you can get some ideas about this by reading CPA notices on employment websites. Salary is going to depend on what the company offers and how many jobs you have at any given time. So it's really not possible to know right now where the highest paying job will be five years from now. Many CPA's freelance and get work that way, too, so it's just a matter of exploring this once you are almost finished with your degree and planning to go for the CPA certification.
Keep in mind that you can work in "business" but if you want to be the Accountant, you will need to be a CPA. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best moving forward !
I am happy to hear of your plans to further your education and happy to see that you are exploring it now. Although the specific college you'll attend is authorized to provide you with the information you've asked about, I think I can give you some initial advice that will hopefully provide some insight for you and help you navigate things.
For an Associates Degree in Accounting, you are going to find that mostly all community colleges offer a major in Accounting, so you may have a wide choice of colleges to choose from. They're all good. In all my born days, I have never seen or heard of a bad college, they may be out there, but you can rely on your local community colleges as being accredited, having credentialed professors and professors who have been in the profession that they teach. It's all good. Take orientations to tour various campuses and see which one you like best.
Once you have chosen a college to attend, read about their Accounting Program. Go to their website. The website will describe the program and list not only what is required to take for your major, but also the required General Education courses you must take. Each college has different requirements so you need to choose some colleges to explore as what you should take cannot be generalized. It depends on the Accounting Program and the college.
Some students, after reading their General Education and Major Requirements at their particular college, are able to map out what courses to take. If you feel that you need assistance with this, visit the Academic Advisory office at your college and a counselor can help you map it out. Start reading the course requirements of your college and see if you can write them all down and coordinate what you may want to take in your first semester. That is sort of how I designed my semesters, taking a mix of heavy and light courses - not all heavy courses.
About the courses you take that, you said "qualify", but is more like the courses that are transferrable, most likely this will not be an issue if you transfer to a nearby University. You will have to ask your community college which Universities they have guaranteed transfer with. So call the community college and ask about what Universities in the area have guaranteed transfer from their community college.
The path that you choose - going to a community college first - is totally up to you and your preferences. If you choose this path, the biggest perk is that your first two years of college will be less expensive as community colleges tend to be less expensive. Millions of students successfully take this path and it all boils down to what you personally want to do.
It should take you four years to obtain your Bachelors Degree in Accounting. As for getting your CPA certification, without a doubt, no questions asked, you must go for your CPA and become a Certified Public Accountant. You will see that you'll need this no matter where you work. Other applicants will have their CPA qualifier for career jobs and if you do not obtain your CPA, it may put you on the back burner when it comes to getting hired. Every accountant I know has their CPA certification. It doesn't matter where you work or what accounting work you do. Having your CPA will show that you have a high level of expertise and adherence to ethical standards in the field of accounting. Employers want that. Having the CPA will make it possible for you to work anywhere, even in executive positions or for the government. Definitely go for your CPA. You're going to need it. (Keep in mind that if you work at a business, you just may be required to do their taxes and other duties). Also keep in mind that there is no major called Business In Accounting. You will need to Major in Accounting in order to be an accountant.
You can start looking for CPA career jobs in your Senior Year of college. At this time, no one knows what will be available five years from now, so you can get some ideas about this by reading CPA notices on employment websites. Salary is going to depend on what the company offers and how many jobs you have at any given time. So it's really not possible to know right now where the highest paying job will be five years from now. Many CPA's freelance and get work that way, too, so it's just a matter of exploring this once you are almost finished with your degree and planning to go for the CPA certification.
Keep in mind that you can work in "business" but if you want to be the Accountant, you will need to be a CPA. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best moving forward !
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Saxon’s Answer
Hi Julianna,
Lots of things to consider here. I would start by looking up which universities in Texas are the most heavily recruited from by the Big 4 and apply for accounting degrees in those universities. You can read online on websites like reddit and other forums to gather this information. In California, Big 4 does a lot of recruiting from Cal Poly SLO, UCSB, UCLA, Santa Clara, and a bit of USC and Berkeley. Find equivalents to these in your state. Going to school in-state will also help you save a ton of money. If you want to attend a UC, just make sure you are weighing the pros and cons of student loans and/or other financial help if applicable.
Once you pick these universities, apply to as many as possible to maximize your chances of getting in. If the Big 4 recruits heavily from these schools, it is likely that they have resources to help guide you in the right direction so that you are taking the proper courses and not wasting time/money taking classes that you don't need to take. I always recommend going straight to 4-year university if you can afford it or are getting good financial aid. Reason being, a lot of the community college students I met during my undergrad came in during their junior year confused and struggling to adjust to the rigorous coursework of my major at UCSB. Additionally, those students needed to pass one of the hardest classes to get into the major as the only grade that counted towards their major-specific GPA. If they didn't pass that class with at least a B, they were exiled from the major. This is why I always recommend starting out in university rather than CC, but everybody's situation is different.
Your accounting degree will take the full 4 years. It is possible but very challenging to graduate a year early in an accounting major (at least it was relatively unheard of at my school). This also depends on how extensive the coursework is, but to be CPA qualified you will need a certain number of credits. You can research what that number is in the state of Texas. I think the CPA exam is worth it, but it is a grind. You will need to be extremely focused and dedicated to your studies if you want to achieve a CPA license. However, with a CPA license you will have a ton of doors opened for you as exit opportunities in case you decide public accounting is not for you.
"High-Paying" and "accounting" aren't necessarily synonymous. I wouldn't pursue this career thinking that you will be getting rich quick. By pursuing a career in accounting you will get SO much more along the way that is not monetary in nature, along the lines of experience, connections, opportunities, and knowledge that will help push you further in your future career. I know quite a few people who pursued different careers with higher starting pay than me. Pursue this career because you want to foster growth, learning, and opportunities that will take you farther in the long run.
Lots of things to consider here. I would start by looking up which universities in Texas are the most heavily recruited from by the Big 4 and apply for accounting degrees in those universities. You can read online on websites like reddit and other forums to gather this information. In California, Big 4 does a lot of recruiting from Cal Poly SLO, UCSB, UCLA, Santa Clara, and a bit of USC and Berkeley. Find equivalents to these in your state. Going to school in-state will also help you save a ton of money. If you want to attend a UC, just make sure you are weighing the pros and cons of student loans and/or other financial help if applicable.
Once you pick these universities, apply to as many as possible to maximize your chances of getting in. If the Big 4 recruits heavily from these schools, it is likely that they have resources to help guide you in the right direction so that you are taking the proper courses and not wasting time/money taking classes that you don't need to take. I always recommend going straight to 4-year university if you can afford it or are getting good financial aid. Reason being, a lot of the community college students I met during my undergrad came in during their junior year confused and struggling to adjust to the rigorous coursework of my major at UCSB. Additionally, those students needed to pass one of the hardest classes to get into the major as the only grade that counted towards their major-specific GPA. If they didn't pass that class with at least a B, they were exiled from the major. This is why I always recommend starting out in university rather than CC, but everybody's situation is different.
Your accounting degree will take the full 4 years. It is possible but very challenging to graduate a year early in an accounting major (at least it was relatively unheard of at my school). This also depends on how extensive the coursework is, but to be CPA qualified you will need a certain number of credits. You can research what that number is in the state of Texas. I think the CPA exam is worth it, but it is a grind. You will need to be extremely focused and dedicated to your studies if you want to achieve a CPA license. However, with a CPA license you will have a ton of doors opened for you as exit opportunities in case you decide public accounting is not for you.
"High-Paying" and "accounting" aren't necessarily synonymous. I wouldn't pursue this career thinking that you will be getting rich quick. By pursuing a career in accounting you will get SO much more along the way that is not monetary in nature, along the lines of experience, connections, opportunities, and knowledge that will help push you further in your future career. I know quite a few people who pursued different careers with higher starting pay than me. Pursue this career because you want to foster growth, learning, and opportunities that will take you farther in the long run.
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Aron’s Answer
Hi Julianna,
Thank you for your questions. Here are my answers based on my personal experience :)
Q: What are the best colleges to attend in a major of accounting:
A: I think you can go to any business schools with accounting program. It's always a good approach to search for good schools with top accounting programs, but consider the practicality and your situation. I firmly believe that wherever you go and you put the hard work to any accounting programs, you'll achieve your goals and desired career.
Q: What are the required requirements of classes to attend to get my associates for accounting?
A: I went to a community college and got my Associates in Accounting - I think it depends on the school but one thing of an advice that I regretted not doing was taking extra classes to cover the need of 150 credits, if the state requires you to have that for your CPA, cause community colleges are practically cheaper and will save you a lot in the long run.
Q: How do I make sure I pick the right class so I don’t end up in debt or taking the wrong classes that makes me not qualified in university?
A: I'm sure each school would have their own counselor who would help you track your classes so its in the right order. Every semester before registering to a class, I would have a counselor (there should be one dedicated to your major/department) that would help you determine what classes you should be taking, and they're normally in sequence ( pre-requisites of next level classes).
Q: Why is it better to do community college for basic and extra improvement than transfer to a university to complete my major.
A: Definitely way cheaper. Im proud to say that I graduated without any debt and its definitely possible. During my community college days, I was also working part time jobs to support myself and family. Still, I recommend transferring to a University after your 2 years in community college if you're seeking for bigger opportunities.
Q: How many years does it take to get an accounting degree is a the cpa exam worth to get if I don’t want to do public accounting or taxes?
A: Normally it takes 4 years (same as other programs) to get a bachelors degree, and another year if you want to pursue a masters degree. Towards the end of your program, that's where your options are narrowed down to align to the job offerings in the market which are usually public accounting roles (audit or tax) or private accounting.
Q: What is a high paying job in the accounting field that I should really consider to get.?
A: Definitely lots of high paying jobs in accounting field and it can even led you towards an even higher paying roles.
C-Suite Levels (CFO, CAO, etc), Risk Management, Auditors, Controllers, etc. Accounting is a great training ground because it covers a whole lot of field within a business.
Thank you for your questions. Here are my answers based on my personal experience :)
Q: What are the best colleges to attend in a major of accounting:
A: I think you can go to any business schools with accounting program. It's always a good approach to search for good schools with top accounting programs, but consider the practicality and your situation. I firmly believe that wherever you go and you put the hard work to any accounting programs, you'll achieve your goals and desired career.
Q: What are the required requirements of classes to attend to get my associates for accounting?
A: I went to a community college and got my Associates in Accounting - I think it depends on the school but one thing of an advice that I regretted not doing was taking extra classes to cover the need of 150 credits, if the state requires you to have that for your CPA, cause community colleges are practically cheaper and will save you a lot in the long run.
Q: How do I make sure I pick the right class so I don’t end up in debt or taking the wrong classes that makes me not qualified in university?
A: I'm sure each school would have their own counselor who would help you track your classes so its in the right order. Every semester before registering to a class, I would have a counselor (there should be one dedicated to your major/department) that would help you determine what classes you should be taking, and they're normally in sequence ( pre-requisites of next level classes).
Q: Why is it better to do community college for basic and extra improvement than transfer to a university to complete my major.
A: Definitely way cheaper. Im proud to say that I graduated without any debt and its definitely possible. During my community college days, I was also working part time jobs to support myself and family. Still, I recommend transferring to a University after your 2 years in community college if you're seeking for bigger opportunities.
Q: How many years does it take to get an accounting degree is a the cpa exam worth to get if I don’t want to do public accounting or taxes?
A: Normally it takes 4 years (same as other programs) to get a bachelors degree, and another year if you want to pursue a masters degree. Towards the end of your program, that's where your options are narrowed down to align to the job offerings in the market which are usually public accounting roles (audit or tax) or private accounting.
Q: What is a high paying job in the accounting field that I should really consider to get.?
A: Definitely lots of high paying jobs in accounting field and it can even led you towards an even higher paying roles.
C-Suite Levels (CFO, CAO, etc), Risk Management, Auditors, Controllers, etc. Accounting is a great training ground because it covers a whole lot of field within a business.
Updated
Nicholas’s Answer
Hello, I currently work in Big 4 accounting as an Auditor; here are some of my insights and personal experiences:
What are the best colleges to attend in a major of accounting?
A: I attended UCLA, which does not actually have an accounting major, rather it has only a minor instead. Typically, you have to do the Economics/ Business-Economics major and do the Accounting minor alongside it. However, the Accounting program was very robust and provided every class you needed to be eligible to take the CPA exam. To be very honest, some of the classes were challenging and a lot of studying/ time is needed to do well. However, your understanding of accounting afterwards will be very thorough, which is ultimately good for either applying to accounting jobs or attending grad school. I also have many friends in accounting who attended USC, which has a dedicated accounting school. Definitely a good option to consider.
What are the required requirements of classes to attend to get my associates for accounting? How do I make sure I pick the right class so I don’t end up in debt or taking the wrong classes that makes me not qualified in university?
A: Knowing what classes are required is specific from school-to-school so the best point of contact would be a counselor at that school. From personal experience, UCLA had an accounting-department specific counselor that specialized in those types of questions which you could easily set Zoom or in-person appointments with. There was also a website that had a checklist of required classes which was helpful. It would also be helpful to find peers in your same boat by joining an accounting club on campus and get advice directly from other students.
Why is it better to do community college (CC) for basic and extra improvement than transfer to a university to complete my major.
A: Across many majors, a lot of people do community college first mainly to save money or because they want a smoother transition from high-school to college. College isn't cheap, unfortunately, so doing 2 years in CC and only having to take out a student loan for 2 years at a university will save you tons of money in the long run. CC is also a good time to explore different career options without fear of "wasting money" or not graduating on-time, which a lot of people feel when they switch majors at a university.
How many years does it take to get an accounting degree. is a the cpa exam worth to get if I don’t want to do public accounting or taxes?
A: An accounting program is generally only 4 years, like a typical associate's degree. You could finish it in less time, too if you take more classes per quarter/ semester if graduating early is something you want to do. If you don't want to work in public accounting, a CPA license is not necessary to get an entry-level job. A CPA license is good mainly for working in public accounting companies as they require it at some point in the promotion ladder. Outside of public accounting, it's still good to have for easily transitioning to other accounting / accounting-related positions at other companies as employers would strongly consider you over other applicants. Studying for the CPA exam is a long and time-consuming process and the study materials aren't cheap - so make sure you're confident in your decision to work in the accounting field before pursuing it.
What is a high paying job in the accounting field that I should really consider to get.?
A: Generally, Big 4 / Mid-tier accounting firms would be your best bet. I'd recommend to really shoot to get a job in those companies once you graduate, not only for pay, but also the prestige the name brand itself gives, which will look good on a resume.
What are the best colleges to attend in a major of accounting?
A: I attended UCLA, which does not actually have an accounting major, rather it has only a minor instead. Typically, you have to do the Economics/ Business-Economics major and do the Accounting minor alongside it. However, the Accounting program was very robust and provided every class you needed to be eligible to take the CPA exam. To be very honest, some of the classes were challenging and a lot of studying/ time is needed to do well. However, your understanding of accounting afterwards will be very thorough, which is ultimately good for either applying to accounting jobs or attending grad school. I also have many friends in accounting who attended USC, which has a dedicated accounting school. Definitely a good option to consider.
What are the required requirements of classes to attend to get my associates for accounting? How do I make sure I pick the right class so I don’t end up in debt or taking the wrong classes that makes me not qualified in university?
A: Knowing what classes are required is specific from school-to-school so the best point of contact would be a counselor at that school. From personal experience, UCLA had an accounting-department specific counselor that specialized in those types of questions which you could easily set Zoom or in-person appointments with. There was also a website that had a checklist of required classes which was helpful. It would also be helpful to find peers in your same boat by joining an accounting club on campus and get advice directly from other students.
Why is it better to do community college (CC) for basic and extra improvement than transfer to a university to complete my major.
A: Across many majors, a lot of people do community college first mainly to save money or because they want a smoother transition from high-school to college. College isn't cheap, unfortunately, so doing 2 years in CC and only having to take out a student loan for 2 years at a university will save you tons of money in the long run. CC is also a good time to explore different career options without fear of "wasting money" or not graduating on-time, which a lot of people feel when they switch majors at a university.
How many years does it take to get an accounting degree. is a the cpa exam worth to get if I don’t want to do public accounting or taxes?
A: An accounting program is generally only 4 years, like a typical associate's degree. You could finish it in less time, too if you take more classes per quarter/ semester if graduating early is something you want to do. If you don't want to work in public accounting, a CPA license is not necessary to get an entry-level job. A CPA license is good mainly for working in public accounting companies as they require it at some point in the promotion ladder. Outside of public accounting, it's still good to have for easily transitioning to other accounting / accounting-related positions at other companies as employers would strongly consider you over other applicants. Studying for the CPA exam is a long and time-consuming process and the study materials aren't cheap - so make sure you're confident in your decision to work in the accounting field before pursuing it.
What is a high paying job in the accounting field that I should really consider to get.?
A: Generally, Big 4 / Mid-tier accounting firms would be your best bet. I'd recommend to really shoot to get a job in those companies once you graduate, not only for pay, but also the prestige the name brand itself gives, which will look good on a resume.
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