Top Accounting Schools in USA

The 2009 US News & World Report rankings of top accounting schools revealed a landscape of elite institutions across the United States, offering some of the most rigorous and prestigious accounting programs in the world.

1. University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business)

The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin was ranked number one in 2009, cementing its reputation as a powerhouse in the world of accounting education. Texas McCombs has long been known for its excellent faculty, robust network of alumni, and strong industry connections, particularly in the state’s thriving economy. Its accounting program combines rigorous academic coursework with a focus on practical, real-world application, preparing students for a wide variety of roles in public accounting, corporate finance, and government.

The strength of McCombs’ accounting program lies in its holistic approach to education. The school offers several specialized tracks, including the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) program, which is particularly well-regarded for its blend of technical skills and ethical considerations. The school’s connection to the Texas business community provides students with access to numerous internship opportunities and a large network of potential employers. Furthermore, its long-standing relationships with top accounting firms such as PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Ernst & Young offer invaluable career pathways for graduates.

2. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)

Wharton is renowned for its comprehensive business programs and is often considered the pinnacle of business education. While Wharton is best known for its MBA and undergraduate business programs, its accounting department has always been highly regarded, consistently ranking near the top in national surveys. The Wharton accounting program emphasizes both the technical aspects of accounting and its broader strategic applications in the world of business.

What sets Wharton apart is its integration of accounting with broader business disciplines, especially in the fields of finance, economics, and management. Wharton’s emphasis on research and theoretical rigor is another distinguishing factor, as students are often exposed to cutting-edge academic research that shapes the future of accounting theory. Additionally, Wharton’s extensive alumni network, including leaders in private equity, corporate finance, and consulting, provides students with unparalleled access to influential industry figures and opportunities.

3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has long been a leader in accounting education, and its 2009 ranking at number three underscores its national prominence. Illinois is known for producing highly skilled accountants, many of whom go on to work for the top public accounting firms, such as Deloitte and KPMG. The school’s accounting program is distinctive for its deep focus on audit, tax, and financial reporting.

The College of Business at Illinois offers one of the country’s most comprehensive accounting curriculums, blending theoretical and practical learning. Students are able to pursue various specializations, including taxation, forensic accounting, and management accounting, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific career goals. In addition, the school’s faculty includes some of the top researchers in the field, contributing to an environment that is both academically rigorous and industry-focused. The program's high graduation rates and strong job placement statistics speak to its success in preparing students for leadership roles in accounting.

4. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of accounting education, but its accounting program has earned widespread recognition for its academic rigor and strong faculty. Chicago's unique approach to accounting is informed by the school’s broader emphasis on quantitative analysis and economic theory. Chicago Booth’s accounting program integrates insights from economics, finance, and business strategy to offer a distinctive curriculum that prepares students to think critically about the role of accounting in the broader business landscape.

What makes Chicago Booth’s program so exceptional is its interdisciplinary approach, combining the best practices in accounting with advanced quantitative methods and real-world applications. The program attracts some of the brightest students and most respected faculty in the world, making it an ideal choice for those interested in pursuing careers that involve the intersection of accounting and economic analysis.

5. University of Michigan at Ann Arbor (Ross School of Business)

The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan has consistently ranked among the top accounting schools in the country, and its position in the 2009 rankings at number five highlights its continued excellence. Michigan Ross offers a comprehensive MBA with an accounting focus, as well as an undergraduate accounting program, both of which are highly regarded by employers in the accounting and finance sectors.

The program emphasizes a practical, hands-on approach to learning, with a strong focus on teamwork, leadership, and strategic decision-making. Ross is particularly known for its action-based learning opportunities, including the Michigan Business Challenge and Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP), which allow students to work on real-world business problems, often with clients in the accounting field. Ross also benefits from its strong connections to leading accounting firms, which provide students with internships and job opportunities.

6. University of Southern California (Marshall School of Business)

Ranked sixth in 2009, the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California is known for its strong accounting faculty, its emphasis on practical experience, and its deep ties to the Los Angeles business community. Marshall’s accounting program combines a rigorous academic foundation with a focus on business strategy, entrepreneurship, and global markets, providing students with the skills needed to navigate the increasingly complex and interconnected world of accounting.

USC’s accounting program has a reputation for producing well-rounded professionals who can not only excel in technical accounting tasks but also understand the broader business environment in which they operate. The school’s location in one of the world’s largest financial and business hubs gives students unparalleled access to opportunities in accounting, corporate finance, and consulting.

7. Stanford University

Stanford University’s accounting program, though not as well-known as its programs in fields like technology, entrepreneurship, or finance, earned a spot in the 2009 rankings due to its commitment to academic excellence and innovative approaches to accounting education. Stanford’s Graduate School of Business has a unique interdisciplinary focus, combining traditional accounting education with a broader focus on business strategy, entrepreneurship, and global management.

Stanford’s location in Silicon Valley allows students to engage with a vibrant ecosystem of startups, venture capitalists, and innovators, providing them with unique opportunities to apply accounting principles in the fast-evolving tech and finance sectors. The school is also known for its strong emphasis on research and social impact, which encourages students to think about the role of accounting in fostering responsible business practices and corporate governance.

8. Brigham Young University (Marriott School of Management)

Brigham Young University (BYU), with its Marriott School of Management, is a leader in accounting education, ranking in a tie for eighth place in the 2009 rankings. BYU is known for its strong focus on ethics and values, which is closely tied to its affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The school offers a highly respected Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program that is widely recognized in the industry for producing highly skilled and ethical accounting professionals.

One of the most distinguishing features of BYU’s accounting program is its commitment to producing graduates with strong technical accounting skills as well as a deep sense of personal integrity and ethical responsibility. This emphasis on ethics is particularly important in the accounting field, where professionals are entrusted with significant responsibilities in maintaining financial transparency and accountability.

8. New York University (Stern School of Business)

Also tied for eighth in the 2009 rankings is the Stern School of Business at New York University (NYU). Known for its strength in finance, business law, and management, Stern also boasts one of the top accounting programs in the nation. Located in the heart of one of the world’s leading financial centers, NYU offers its students access to an abundance of networking and job opportunities in the accounting and finance industries.

Stern’s accounting program offers a diverse and comprehensive curriculum, with courses in areas such as financial accounting, taxation, and auditing, as well as the opportunity for students to engage in real-world case studies and consulting projects. The program’s faculty includes some of the top scholars in the field, ensuring that students receive both a solid academic foundation and exposure to the latest trends and practices in accounting.

USA Top 30 Schools in Accounting:

1 University of Texas--Austin (McCombs)
2 University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
3 University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign
4 University of Chicago
5 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor (Ross)
6 University of Southern California (Marshall)
7 Stanford University
8 Brigham Young University (Marriott)
8 New York University (Stern)
10 Northwestern University (Kellogg)
11 Indiana University--Bloomington (Kelley)
12 Ohio State University (Fisher)
12 University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)
14 Columbia Uni
14 Harvard Uni
14 Uni of Florida (Hough)
14 Uni of Notre Dame (Mendoza)
18 Cornell Uni (Johnson)
18 Uni of California--Berkeley (Haas)
18 Uni of Washington (Foster)
21 Uni of California--Los Angeles (Anderson)
22 Michigan State Univ (Broad)
22 Univ of Georgia (Terry)
24 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
24 Univ of Rochester (Simon)
26 Arizona State Univ (Carey)
26 Duke Univ (Fuqua)
26 Univ of Iowa (Tippie)
26 Univ of Wisconsin--Madison
30 Bentley College (McCallum)
30 Univ of Virginia (McIntire)

Source: US News and World Report 2009