Top 10 Accounting Schools

According to the U.S. News & World Report 2010 rankings of graduate accounting programs in the United States, the top 10 schools in 2010 were led by the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business, followed closely by elite programs at institutions like Wharton, Chicago Booth, and Michigan Ross.

1. University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)

The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business held the number one spot in the U.S. News & World Report 2010 rankings, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading institutions for graduate accounting education. McCombs has long been known for its exceptional accounting program, which emphasizes research excellence, practical skills, and a strong connection to industry. The school’s graduate accounting program is highly regarded for producing graduates who are well-equipped for leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.

The strength of McCombs’ program lies not only in its academic rigor but also in its close ties to the accounting profession. With numerous opportunities for internships, collaborative research, and engagement with industry leaders, McCombs ensures that students graduate with both theoretical expertise and practical experience. Its faculty members, many of whom are recognized as leaders in the field, focus on cutting-edge areas of research, such as financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and corporate governance. Furthermore, the school’s location in Austin, a growing hub for technology and business, provides students with unique opportunities to connect with startups and corporations in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

2. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

Ranked second in the 2010 U.S. News survey, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania has long been one of the most prestigious and influential business schools in the world. Its graduate accounting program is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, which blends deep accounting knowledge with an emphasis on strategic thinking and global business insights. The Wharton Accounting Department is home to some of the most distinguished scholars in the field, and its faculty regularly publish influential research in leading academic journals.

Wharton’s strength lies in its ability to provide students with both technical accounting skills and broader business acumen. The school offers a multidisciplinary approach to accounting education, encouraging students to explore the intersections between accounting, finance, economics, and management. This broad perspective is essential for students who wish to pursue careers in corporate finance, financial consulting, or business strategy, where an understanding of accounting principles is critical for decision-making. Wharton’s global reputation, access to top-tier employers, and extensive alumni network further enhance its status as one of the top graduate accounting programs in the nation.

3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Ranked third, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is one of the top choices for graduate accounting education in the United States. Known for its rigorous curriculum, UIUC’s accounting program is well-respected for its deep focus on analytical and technical skills in areas such as auditing, financial reporting, and taxation. The university’s strong emphasis on research is also a key differentiator, with faculty regularly contributing to both theoretical and applied accounting literature.

What sets UIUC apart is its strong tradition of research excellence, particularly in the areas of financial accounting and auditing. The university’s faculty members are known for their cutting-edge work in areas like capital markets and financial disclosures, and students benefit from being exposed to the latest developments in the field. UIUC’s accounting program is also known for producing graduates who are highly skilled in data analysis and financial modeling, which are essential competencies in today’s technology-driven accounting environment. The school’s extensive network of alumni in both academia and industry also provides students with valuable career opportunities.

4. University of Chicago (Booth)

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business ranked fourth in 2010 and is widely regarded as one of the top institutions in the world for both business and accounting education. Chicago Booth’s PhD program in accounting has earned international recognition for its emphasis on empirical research and its rigorous approach to financial theory. Booth’s graduate accounting program is equally strong, with a particular focus on the application of economic theory to accounting problems.

Chicago’s accounting program emphasizes the integration of quantitative techniques with accounting principles, which prepares graduates to analyze complex financial data and make informed decisions in a wide range of business contexts. Booth’s location in the heart of Chicago, a global financial center, also provides students with unparalleled opportunities for networking, internships, and post-graduation employment. With an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and a collaborative learning environment, Booth’s graduate accounting program is designed for students who want to combine technical expertise with a broader understanding of business strategy.

5. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Ross)

The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business has consistently ranked among the top graduate accounting programs in the U.S., and its 5th place ranking in the U.S. News 2010 survey solidified its reputation for excellence. Michigan Ross offers a comprehensive accounting curriculum that covers financial accounting, management accounting, and auditing, as well as a wide range of specialized courses in areas like corporate governance, taxation, and international accounting.

What sets Ross apart is its focus on leadership development and its commitment to preparing students for senior roles in accounting and business. Ross encourages students to develop a global mindset and prepares them to navigate the complexities of accounting in multinational corporations. The school’s proximity to major financial hubs like Detroit also provides students with unique access to the accounting and financial services industries. With a strong network of alumni and extensive relationships with leading accounting firms, Michigan Ross is a top choice for those interested in both public accounting and corporate finance.

6. University of Southern California (Marshall)

Ranked sixth, the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California has built a strong reputation for its graduate accounting programs, especially in areas like taxation and financial reporting. USC Marshall offers a dynamic environment for students, combining traditional accounting education with a focus on innovation and leadership development. The program emphasizes real-world applications, allowing students to gain hands-on experience through internships and collaborative projects with industry leaders.

USC Marshall is particularly well-known for its connections to the entertainment, technology, and real estate industries, which makes it an attractive option for students interested in accounting careers within those sectors. The school also boasts a strong network of alumni in senior positions across major accounting firms and corporations, further enhancing its reputation as a leading institution for graduate accounting education.

7. Stanford University

Stanford University, ranked seventh in the 2010 survey, is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and offers a graduate accounting program that benefits from its strong reputation in business and economics. The Stanford Graduate School of Business offers a unique perspective on accounting by integrating it with the broader field of managerial economics and business strategy. This interdisciplinary approach makes Stanford’s accounting program an attractive option for students who are interested in the strategic aspects of accounting and its role in corporate decision-making.

Stanford’s proximity to Silicon Valley also provides students with opportunities to work with high-tech companies, startups, and venture capital firms, where innovative accounting practices are often applied in fast-changing business environments. Stanford’s emphasis on collaborative learning, entrepreneurship, and global business makes it an ideal choice for students interested in pursuing leadership roles in accounting and business.

8. Brigham Young University (Marriott)

Ranked eighth in 2010, Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management is a top destination for accounting students, particularly those interested in public accounting and audit. The program is well-regarded for its strong technical focus, particularly in taxation, financial reporting, and auditing. Marriott’s accounting program is known for producing highly skilled graduates who are well-prepared for the CPA exam and successful careers in both public and corporate accounting.

The school also boasts a close-knit community and a reputation for producing graduates who possess strong ethical standards and a commitment to social responsibility. Marriott’s accounting faculty is highly experienced, and the program’s emphasis on both technical and leadership skills ensures that graduates are equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing accounting landscape.

9. New York University (Stern)

New York University’s Stern School of Business has long been known for its strength in finance, but its graduate accounting program is equally impressive. Ranked ninth in the 2010 U.S. News survey, Stern offers a rigorous accounting curriculum combined with strong connections to the finance and business communities in New York City. This location provides Stern students with access to top financial firms, consulting companies, and global businesses, making it an ideal choice for those interested in accounting careers in the financial services and investment banking sectors.

Stern’s faculty includes world-renowned experts in areas such as financial reporting, capital markets, and taxation, and the school offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in research and internships. The school’s reputation and proximity to the financial capital of the world further enhance its standing as a leading institution for graduate accounting education.

10. Indiana University – Bloomington (Kelley)

Ranked tenth in the U.S. News & World Report 2010, Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business rounds out the top 10 accounting programs in the U.S. Kelley’s accounting program is highly respected for its rigorous curriculum, strong emphasis on practical skills, and connections to leading accounting firms. The program offers both an MBA in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), providing flexibility for students to tailor their education to their career goals.

Kelley is known for its collaborative culture, which encourages students to work together on projects and case studies, fostering an environment of teamwork and peer learning. The school’s location in Bloomington, along with its strong relationships with major firms and alumni, ensures that graduates have access to valuable networking and career opportunities.