Kelley School - Top 10 in Accounting

The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University – Bloomington has long been recognized as one of the top business schools in the United States, with a particular reputation for its accounting programs. Over the years, Kelley’s graduate and undergraduate accounting programs have consistently ranked among the best in the nation, reflecting the school’s strong academic foundations, robust research output, and strong ties to the business community. According to the U.S. News & World Report 2010, the Kelley School’s graduate accounting program ranked 10th in the country, marking a notable improvement from the previous year’s ranking.

Kelley School of Business: A Historical Overview

The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University has built its reputation as a top-tier institution through decades of excellence in education, research, and industry collaboration. With a rich history dating back to 1920, the school has consistently produced some of the brightest minds in the business world, many of whom have gone on to assume leadership positions in prominent organizations across industries. While Kelley is known for its broad range of business programs, its accounting department has been particularly well-regarded, consistently securing high rankings in both national and international surveys.

Kelley’s accounting programs have a strong focus on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of accounting. The programs are designed not just to prepare students for careers in accounting, but also to equip them with the broader business acumen necessary for leadership positions in accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The school’s strong emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making has helped it to maintain its place among the top business schools in the U.S.

Graduate Accounting Programs

The U.S. News & World Report 2010 ranked the Kelley School’s graduate accounting program as 10th nationally, a solid position that continues to reflect the school’s commitment to academic excellence. This ranking was a step up from the 2009 ranking, showcasing the school’s efforts to improve its curriculum, faculty, and resources in order to better prepare students for the competitive accounting job market. The Kelley School has been successful in achieving this continuous upward momentum by regularly reviewing and revising its program offerings to align with current trends in the accounting profession, including globalization, technology integration, and corporate responsibility.

Kelley’s graduate accounting program is known for its balance of theoretical and practical learning. Faculty members bring real-world experience to the classroom, helping students gain insight into the practical applications of accounting concepts. Furthermore, Kelley’s close relationships with major accounting firms, including the “Big Four” (Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, and KPMG), as well as its extensive network of alumni in senior positions across industries, provides students with valuable opportunities for internships, job placements, and career advancement. This combination of academic rigor, industry ties, and a global perspective makes Kelley’s graduate accounting program highly sought after by both prospective students and employers alike.

CPA Personnel Report’s 23rd Annual Professor’s Survey

In addition to its performance in the U.S. News & World Report, the Kelley School has been consistently recognized in other key rankings, including the CPA Personnel Report’s 23rd Annual Professor’s Survey, which assesses the strength of graduate accounting programs. In the 2004 survey, Kelley’s graduate accounting program ranked 8th nationally, a significant improvement from the 9th position it held in 2003. This steady upward trend is indicative of Kelley’s ongoing efforts to innovate and improve its accounting offerings, ensuring that its graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the modern accounting profession.

By 2005, the Public Accounting Report had ranked Kelley’s undergraduate accounting program 9th and its graduate accounting program 6th nationally. These rankings demonstrated the school’s broad strengths across both levels of education, reinforcing its position as a leader in accounting education. The improvements in the graduate program’s ranking were attributed to a combination of factors, including an increase in research output, the development of a more comprehensive curriculum, and the success of its students in securing high-profile internships and job placements.

A Reputation for Success

The success of the Kelley School of Business’s accounting programs is reflected not only in its consistently high rankings but also in the career outcomes of its graduates. Kelley’s accounting students consistently secure top positions at prestigious firms, including the Big Four, financial institutions, and corporations. The school’s robust alumni network, combined with its strong ties to the accounting industry, ensures that graduates have access to unparalleled career support and networking opportunities.

The program’s ability to attract high-caliber students, combined with the school’s commitment to academic excellence, industry relevance, and leadership development, ensures that Kelley will remain at the forefront of accounting education in the U.S. for years to come.