Top Accounting Programs - UT Austin ranked No. 1
The U.S. News & World Report's 2017 undergraduate “Best Colleges” rankings highlighted the top accounting programs across the United States, offering valuable insights into the universities that lead in academic rigor, faculty expertise, and student outcomes in this discipline. Among the top universities were The University of Texas-Austin, the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, and Brigham Young University-Provo, which secured the top three positions for their excellence in accounting education. Additionally, other notable institutions like The University of Scranton, Saint Louis University, and their respective accounting and business programs demonstrated their competitiveness by earning rankings among the nation’s most esteemed programs.
The University of Texas-Austin was ranked number one in the nation for undergraduate accounting programs according to the U.S. News & World Report's 2017 rankings. This prestigious recognition underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its leadership in providing students with the resources, instruction, and opportunities necessary to prepare them for successful careers in accounting. As one of the premier institutions in the United States, the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas-Austin boasts world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dynamic learning environment that enables students to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in accounting.
The program at The University of Texas-Austin emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum grounded in both traditional accounting principles and modern financial strategies. Its faculty members are leaders in their respective fields, contributing groundbreaking research and offering students mentorship and guidance throughout their academic journey. Additionally, the university's location in Austin, Texas, provides students access to one of the most innovative and economically vibrant areas in the United States. This combination of academic strength, research opportunities, and real-world application has solidified The University of Texas-Austin’s position as the number one institution for undergraduate accounting programs in the nation.
Following The University of Texas-Austin is the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, which secured the second spot in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for undergraduate accounting programs. The University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign has earned a reputation as one of the top public research universities in the country, with its business and accounting programs recognized for their academic rigor and innovation. Its accounting program is a well-established pathway for students looking to prepare for careers in corporate finance, tax planning, auditing, and other accounting-related disciplines. The university combines a strong theoretical foundation with practical application, offering students opportunities to work with faculty members on research projects and internships that enhance both their education and career prospects.
The University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign is celebrated for its dedication to producing highly skilled graduates who excel in both professional and academic settings. Its distinguished faculty members bring years of experience and expertise to the classroom, ensuring that students gain access to contemporary research and real-world perspectives. The business school’s curriculum offers diverse areas of study and specialization within accounting, providing students with flexibility and choice in tailoring their academic paths to their career goals. Furthermore, its reputation for fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation ensures that its graduates are well-prepared for the dynamic and ever-changing business landscape.
Brigham Young University-Provo ranked third among undergraduate accounting programs in the United States, according to the 2017 U.S. News rankings. Brigham Young University (BYU) offers a robust and comprehensive accounting program that is distinguished by its emphasis on faith, values, and academic excellence. The accounting program at BYU is part of its nationally recognized Marriott School of Business, which is known for producing students who excel in accounting, management, and finance careers. The university’s unique approach combines rigorous academic instruction with a focus on ethical leadership and moral development, preparing students not just for accounting careers but for successful and ethical leadership roles in the business world.
The program at Brigham Young University-Provo emphasizes both foundational financial accounting principles and contemporary areas of research and practice. Its faculty members are highly regarded for their expertise in financial reporting, auditing, and tax planning, offering students access to both practical application and cutting-edge academic theory. Additionally, students benefit from the program's emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and ethical decision-making. The reputation of Brigham Young University-Provo’s accounting program demonstrates its ability to prepare students for success in their professional careers, with many graduates going on to work in public accounting firms, corporate financial roles, or leadership positions.
Beyond these top three institutions, The University of Scranton has also demonstrated impressive strength in the field of accounting. Its business programs in entrepreneurship, finance, and accounting were all ranked among the top 25 nationally, as per the 2017 U.S. News rankings. The University of Scranton’s accounting program tied at No. 20 alongside institutions like the University of Virginia and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, emphasizing its role as one of the nation’s leading undergraduate accounting programs. This ranking underscores the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and career preparation.
The University of Scranton is unique for being one of only three Pennsylvania colleges and one of six Jesuit colleges that earned a spot on this prestigious national list. This demonstrates its emphasis on academic rigor and ethical leadership, both of which are key components of the Jesuit educational tradition. The University of Scranton’s program combines a strong foundation in accounting principles with practical, hands-on experience through internships, research opportunities, and partnerships with leading accounting firms. These opportunities ensure that students leave the program equipped with both technical knowledge and practical business experience.
Saint Louis University (SLU) also made its mark on the U.S. News rankings with its undergraduate business programs offered through the John Cook School of Business. SLU was ranked No. 94 among nearly 500 business schools across the United States, demonstrating its competitive presence in the business education sector. Furthermore, SLU’s accounting program was also ranked in the top 25, coming in at No. 23, among undergraduate accounting programs nationwide. This distinction speaks to the quality of education offered by Saint Louis University’s accounting faculty and its commitment to preparing students for careers in a variety of accounting specialties.
SLU’s accounting program is notable for its combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and a strong focus on leadership development. Through its comprehensive curriculum and emphasis on ethical decision-making, the university ensures that its graduates are not only well-versed in the technical aspects of accounting but are also prepared to navigate complex financial challenges in ethical and innovative ways.
The rankings from the U.S. News & World Report in 2017 highlight the dynamic range of institutions excelling in the accounting field. Institutions like The University of Texas-Austin, the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, Brigham Young University-Provo, The University of Scranton, and Saint Louis University all exemplify strong leadership in education and prepare their students to make meaningful contributions to the financial world. These universities’ accounting programs emphasize rigorous academics, research opportunities, practical learning experiences, and ethical leadership—all key factors in ensuring that their graduates are equipped to thrive in the fast-paced, competitive world of accounting and business.
