Accounting Courses in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Accounting courses in USA focus on financial reporting, auditing, and taxation, preparing students for roles in firms, banks, and corporate finance. Top universities like the University of Pennsylvania, NYU, University of Michigan, and UC Berkeley typically charge $30,000–$55,000 (₹27–50 L) per year. Graduates often secure roles within months, with starting salaries around $60,000–$85,000 (₹53–75 L).

Accounting Courses USA is one of the most lucrative study options for students who want to build their careers as auditors, tax specialists, corporate fund managers, and financial advisors. The accounting sector of USA earns over $145.5 billion every year, with great career options, fair salary packages, and long-term security. Accountancy professionals earn between $66,189 (INR 57L) and $74,478 (INR 62L) per annum on average, which makes it a very lucrative option for foreign students. 

Top universities in US offer internationally recognized accounting programs that blend sound theoretical foundations with real-world exposure through internships and case studies. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Texas at Austin, and Bentley University are top schools for studying accounting, with specialized concentrations in financial reporting, auditing, and taxation. 

• Most of the students start with a bachelors in USA and afterwards move to an MBA in USA for specialization. 
• Scholarships and student aid in USA reduce the cost of studying for international students. 
• Adequate knowledge about living expenses in USA is needed for planning and budgeting along with fee charges. 

Overall, USA accounting programs not only offer world-class education but also a solid foundation for international careers with leading finance, audit, and consulting companies. 

Accounting courses in USA: Overview

US accounting programs offer globally recognized education with strong career prospects in both the public and private sectors. Degrees are structured for CPA certification, requiring 120-150 credit hours. 

Students benefit from flexible admissions, competitive tuition, and scholarship opportunities. Graduates enjoy above-average median salaries and excellent job prospects driven by steady industry growth.

Here's a detailed overview of Accounting courses in the USA:

Let’s explore why studying accounting courses in the USA are worth your time.

Why Pursue Accounting Courses in the USA?

Top universities offer comprehensive undergraduate and graduate accounting programs designed to prepare students for CPA certification and careers in public accounting, corporate finance, and related fields, which can allow you to apply for more lucrative job positions.

Higher education in accounting opens diverse career opportunities in the US, providing a median annual wage for accountants of $81,680 (INR 70.4L). 

Here are some key benefits of pursuing accounting courses in the USA:

• Financial Literacy: Accounting builds a solid understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and investment, helping individuals manage personal or business finances wisely.
• Business Insight: Learn to track income/expenses, record transactions, and interpret financial reports essential for assessing business performance and planning.
• Better Decision-Making: Develop critical thinking skills and analytical skills to evaluate trends, forecast outcomes, and make data-driven financial decisions.
• Stronger Communication Skills: Clearly present and interpret financial information, valuable in meetings, reports, and stakeholder discussions.
• Career Growth: Accounting skills open doors in finance, consulting, business analysis, and entrepreneurship. BLS projects 9% job growth in financial occupations by 2029.
• Accurate Reporting: Produce reliable financial statements for decision-making, performance analysis, and investor communication.
• Regulatory Compliance: Understand tax laws, GAAP standards, and legal requirements to maintain proper records and avoid penalties.
• High Demand & Stability: Accountants enjoy strong job security across industries. The employment of accountants/auditors is projected to grow by 6% (2022–2032).

Now, let’s discuss Accounting courses in the USA and the top universities that offer them on both a full-time and part-time basis. 

Top Universities Offering Accounting Courses in USA

Top US accounting programs offer prominent education with high-level curricula, expert faculty, and strong industry connections. 

Highly ranked by QS World Ranking, THE, and US News (including the University of Pennsylvania at 11th in QS rankings), these programs prepare students for CPA certification through specialized courses in auditing, taxation, and financial reporting. 

Below is a breakdown of the top universities offering accounting courses in the USA:

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Let’s discuss the most popular universities offering accounting courses in USA

Popular Universities for Accounting Courses in USA

Top picks include the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University. Notre Dame offers a BS and 1-year MS in Accountancy (tuition: $54,040/ INR 46.7L), with deadlines in Jan and Mar. Indiana offers a 4-year BS and MS in Accounting (tuition: $55,695/ INR 48L), with deadlines in September and November.

Below is a breakdown of the popular universities offering accounting courses in the USA:

Now, let's understand the admission requirements for different Accounting courses in USA. 

Eligibility Criteria for Accounting courses in USA

Eligibility criteria for US accounting programs ensure students have the necessary academic background, language proficiency, and documentation for success. The quality US education system attracted over 1.1 million international students in 2023-2024, with business and management consistently popular fields.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria for pursuing accounting courses in the USA:

Now that you have covered the eligibility criteria for enrollment in accounting courses in the USA, let's understand the application process to apply for these programs. 

Application Process for Accounting courses in USA

Applying for US accounting programs involves several steps, with many universities offering flexible options like online programs and year-round enrollment. 

Approximately 47,070 students earned bachelor's degrees in accounting, and 18,238 earned master's degrees, making it one of the most in-demand courses.

Here's a step-by-step application process to apply for Accounting courses in the USA; 

Step 1: Research & Choose a Program
Explore accredited programs from reputed universities like Arizona State, National University, or the University of West Florida. Many offer online and flexible formats, with year-round enrollment and CPA/CMA exam preparation.

Step 2: Check Eligibility & Prerequisites

• Bachelor's: High school diploma; some require a 2.5–2.75 GPA.
• Master's: Bachelor's degree (not necessarily in accounting); bridge or prerequisite courses may be required.
• Some schools (e.g., Rutgers) require a B or better in intro accounting; others (e.g., Cincinnati) need a 2.5 GPA for major declaration.

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

• Online Application: Most schools offer online forms; some waive fees (e.g., National University).
• Transcripts: Required from all prior institutions; translations needed for international credentials.
• Personal Statement: Explains your interest in accounting and goals.
• Resume/CV: Highlights academic and professional experience.
• Letters of Recommendation: Often required or encouraged.
• Test Scores: SAT/ACT for undergrad; GMAT/GRE may be waived for high-GPA applicants.
• English Proficiency: TOEFL (min. 79), IELTS (6.5), or Duolingo for non-native speakers.
• Financial Docs: International applicants are required to show funding.

Step 4: Submit & Monitor Application

• Apply before deadlines (often earlier for international students).
• Track your portal for updates; most decisions arrive 3–4 weeks post-submission.

Step 5: After Admission

• Accept your offer and review enrollment steps.
• Explore financial aid.
• International students should arrange visas and housing according to university guidance.

Let's now explore the details of the Accounting courses in the USA, including the specializations and their total duration.

Accounting courses in USA: Course Details & Specialization

Accounting is a highly in-demand degree in the United States, offering strong career prospects and competitive salaries. Some 47,067 students earned a bachelor's degree in accounting in the 2021-22 school year, and the median annual salary of accountants and auditors was $73,560 (INR 63L) as of May 2020, significantly higher than the average of $41,950 (INR 35.9L) across all occupations.

Here's a list of popular Accounting courses in USA: 

Now, let's take a closer look at the costs of doing Accounting courses in USA. 

Cost of Pursuing Accounting Courses in USA

Accounting program costs vary significantly by institution type and residency status. In 2022-2023, public four-year colleges averaged $9,750 (INR 8.4L) for in-state students, $28,297 (INR 24.4L) for out-of-state students, and private colleges charged $35,248 (INR 30.4L). 

Below is the breakdown of the cost of living in the USA for international students: 

Note: Cost estimates are yearly and may vary by city and university.

Next, let's explore the various scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to help support your accounting courses in USA.

Scholarships for pursuing Accounting courses in USA

Financial aid is crucial for accounting students, with over 70% receiving some form of assistance according to U.S. News & World Report. Scholarship availability has increased 35% over five years, and recipients graduate with 25% less student loan debt on average than non-recipients, significantly improving their financial outcomes.

Below is the list of scholarships that you can avail while taking admission in Accounting courses in the USA: 

Next, see the job options you will have after completing your accounting course in USA. 

Job Opportunities After Accounting courses in USA

Accounting careers in the USA offer various roles, from entry-level to advanced positions, reflecting a strong and consistent demand across multiple sectors.

The employment of accountants and auditors is projected to increase at the rate of 6% by 2033, which is considered faster than the average for all occupations, with approximately 91,400 job openings expected annually during this period.

Here's a detailed look at some of the high-demand job opportunities after doing Accounting courses in USA: 

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

Note: Salaries and roles may vary based on experience, location, and employer.

Next, let's have a look at some of the top recruiters for accounting graduates. 

Top Recruiters for Accounting Graduates in USA

Top US accounting recruiters connect skilled graduates with opportunities in the finance industry. These firms address complex hiring needs, from tax seasons to financial reporting and audits, offering temporary staffing, temp-to-hire, and full-time placement services to strengthen accounting teams.

Here are some of the top recruiters in the US:

• Korn Ferry: Leading finance recruiter offering consultative strategies and deep vetting for right-fit placements
• Accounting Principals (LHH): Part of LHH (Lee Hecht Harrison), offering international reach and career development services
• Kforce: Combines technology with finance/accounting staffing contracts, temp-to-hire, direct hire
• Adecco: Global HR leader offering finance/accounting roles from entry to management
• Beacon Hill: Custom staffing for accounting, serving leading startups to Fortune 500 with agile solutions
• Vaco: Boutique service with global reach, permanent, executive search, and project staffing
• SNI Companies: SNI Financial (direct hire), Accounting Now (temp/project), SNI Certes (senior/executive)
• ManpowerGroup: Global workforce solutions staffing, assessment, training with a focus on accounting specialists