which college offers a better education in accounting?

Hi Alondra,

Excellent that you are interested in accounting. My path to accounting was not typical but I will tell you how I chose accounting.

I started my undergraduate career interested in Biology but eventually took an elective class in accounting and really liked it. Then I researched post graduate programs where you could get enough credits to sit for the CPA exam.

Most state and large universities have great accounting programs, the big thing to focus on is to find a fit for you personally based upon your preferences (budget, geography, size, etc).

Let me know if that helps.

Hey Alondra,

The truth is that most colleges in the have accounting programs that have produced extremely successful accountants. While you can view rankings that other have posted, the truth is the accounting curriculum at most schools is fairly similar and what separates those who succeed and those who don't is what you make of it. Study hard, ask good question and network with professors and professionals who visit your school. You never know when a linkedin connection or a friend of a friend can help you get a job.

Hope this helps!

-Cody

Hi Alondra,

I personally attended Bryant University as it has a nationally renowned accounting program. However, there are plenty of excellent schools with accounting programs that can get you a good education and a job coming out of school. I would recommend doing plenty of research online to see what schools near you have accounting programs and also if there are any schools you are particularly interested in, check their website to see if they have an accounting program and you can apply there.

Best of luck in your college search and pending years at school!

Hi Alondra,

There are many good schools for accounting that would be good options for you. When I applied for college, I looked at different ranking lists of undergraduate business schools (US News, Bloomberg, etc.) to see which were considered the "best" in accounting based on feedback from professors, students, and other professionals. I would then consider other important factors for your college choice - city/suburb/rural, region, financial aid, etc. Many schools will have a good accounting program, as well as other features that are important to you. Finally, I would think about what future career you might want to work in - what companies interest you? Consider looking on company websites or LinkedIn to see where common "feeder" schools are that are hired by the companies that you want to work for.

Hello Alondra,

It is great to hear that you are interested in accounting and I want to share my perspectives with you.

I graduated from Texas A&M University and I have to admit that it is the school for me. On top of school traditions and organizations in general, Mays business school is very competitive in the field and it is known for the Professional Program in Accounting (PPA). Basically it is a five year program that gives you both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree of your choice (audit, tax, marketing, financial management, etc.). In your first year, like in all other schools, you will be taking general courses and maybe a few business classes; in your second year, you will be exposed to more accounting classes and this is when you make a decision whether or not you want to stay in accounting. In your third year, if you would like to be part of the PPA program, this is when you apply. Fourth year and fifth year are for more advanced accounting classes and internships, etc.

One thing I really like about the accounting program at A&M is that it really prepares you for your internship, the CPA exams, and full-time job; the department can work with your time and class schedule to help you figure out the most feasible way for you to successfully complete an internship before graduation.

People at A&M are extremely nice, and in the business school, you are more than likely to meet some people that you can be friends with for a long time. There are different organizations within the business school where you can find peers sharing similar interests and career goals.

Just as a side note, more universities have started to offer the 5-year program, and I'm pretty sure they have their own advantages. It seems important for you to visit the campus and see which school atmosphere you like the most. Good luck!

Many schools around the country offer great experiences in accounting. Northeastern University in Boston, MA is unique because it offers a "co-op" experience where they set you up with an internship while you are working on your degree and you have a great hands on experience.