Accounting Courses in the USA

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Academically, the number of projected bachelor's, master's, and PhD accounting enrollments was down by 4%, 6%, and 23%, respectively, in 2018 compared to 2016. However, in Fall, undergraduate accounting enrollment increased by 12%, adding 28,672 students to total enrollment.

The US accounting industry offers strong career prospects for aspiring professionals. The field provides solid earning potential with $145.5 billion in industry revenue and average salaries ranging from $66,189 (INR 57L) to $74,478 (INR 4.2L) annually.

Employment will grow 6% from 2023-2033, creating new positions yearly. Higher education in accounting through top US universities opens doors to diverse opportunities in this in-demand sector.

To understand the course outcomes, let's explore accounting courses to study in the US, their salaries, and career scope.

Now, let's look at the basic details about accounting courses in USA before discussing them further.

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:

Criteria	Details
Course Duration	Bachelor's degrees typically take 3-4 years (120 credits) Master's degrees 1-2 years
Intakes	Multiple intakes per year, commonly fall, spring, and summer semesters
Average Tuition Fees	Public universities: approx. $9,800 (INR 8.4L) per year (in-state) Private universities can range from $30,000 (INR 25.9L) to over $60,000 (INR 51.8L) per year.
Eligibility	High school diploma or equivalent A bachelor's requires prior secondary education Graduate programs require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. CPA eligibility requires 150 credit hours
Top Universities	University of Texas (McCombs) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Gies) Brigham Young University, University of Notre Dame NYU Stern
Scholarships	Merit- and need-based scholarships available from universities and organizations such as AICPA, NABA Awards range from $1,000 (INR 86.2K) to $30,000+(INR 25.9L)
Job Prospects	Accountants Auditors Staff Accountant Book-keeper Controller

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:

University	Course Name	Annual Tuition Fees (USD / INR)	Duration & Deadline (2025)
University of Pennsylvania	BS in Accounting (Wharton) MBA	$71,236 (INR 61.4L)	4 years Deadline: 1 January (Closed)
New York University (NYU)	BS in Accounting MS in Accounting	$64,430 (INR 55.5L)	4 years Deadline: 3 Jan (Closed)
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor	BBA Accounting Master of Accounting	$59,310 (INR 51.1L)	8 months Deadline: Jan, Feb, Apr (Closed)
University of Texas at Austin	BBA in Accounting Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc)	$53,818 (INR 46.4L)	4 years Deadline: 3 Dec, Jan
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	BS in Accountancy MS in Accounting	$34,000 (INR 29.3L)	4 years Deadline: 3 Sep, Oct
University of Washington	BS in Accounting Master of Professional Accounting	$43,209 (INR 37.2)	4 years Deadline: 3 Jan, Feb (Closed)

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:

University	Course Name	Annual Tuition Fees (USD / INR)	Duration & Deadline (2025)
University of Southern California	BS in Accounting Master of Accounting (MAcc)	$79,893 (INR 68.9L)	4 years Deadline: 2 Jan, Apr (Closed)
University of Florida	BS in Accounting Master of Accounting	$28,658 (INR 24.8L)	4 years Deadline: 2 Jan, May (Closed)
University of Notre Dame	BS in Accountancy Master of Science in Accountancy	$54,040 (INR 46.7L)	1-12 months Deadline: 2 Jan, March (Closed)
Indiana University	BS in Accounting Master of Science in Accounting	$55,695 (INR 48 L)	4 years Deadline: 2 Sep, Nov
University of Georgia	BBA in Accounting Master of Accountancy	$34,236 (INR 29.5L)	4 years Deadline: 2 Nov, Jan
Brigham Young University	BS in Accounting Master of Science	$15,528 (INR 13.3L)	4 years Deadline: 1 June (Closed)

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:

Category	Requirement	Details
Academic Qualification	Undergraduate (UG)	High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0.
	Postgraduate (PG)	Bachelor's degree (preferably in accounting or related field) with minimum GPA of 3.0.
	Coursework Prerequisites	Graduate programs may require prior coursework in accounting, business, statistics, and finance.
Standardized Tests	UG	SAT or ACT (varies by institution).
	PG	GRE or GMAT may be required (university-specific).
English Language Proficiency Levels	TOEFL (iBT)	Minimum: 92
	IELTS	Minimum: 7.0 (no band below 6.0)
	Duolingo	Minimum: 120
Supporting Documents	Letters of Recommendation	Required for graduate programs.
	Statement of Purpose	Personal essay explaining goals and motivation (PG level).
	Academic Transcripts	Needed for all programs.
	Test Scores & Proof of Language	TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo + SAT/GRE/GMAT as applicable.
	Work Experience	Sometimes required for PG admissions or CPA eligibility.
CPA Exam Eligibility	Education	Bachelor’s degree + 150 credit hours in accounting and business subjects.
Visa Requirements	F-1 visa	F-1 visa holders can work part-time on campus during studies and for up to 12 months on OPT after graduation. STEM graduates are eligible for a 24-month extension, which allows them to work up to 36 months in approved STEM fields.

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 (scholarships, grants, loans).
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:

Program Type	Duration	Key Specialization(s)
Master's Degree	9 months (full-time)	Business Analysis & Reporting (BAR)
		Accounting Analytics
	10 months (Accounting Majors)
		Forensic Accounting
		Government Accounting
	14 months (Non-Accounting Majors)
		Accounting for Government Contracts
	11 months (full-time) or 22 months (part-time)
		Data Analytics
		Tax Compliance & Planning (TCP)
	18–60 months (flexible pace)
		Information Systems & Controls (ISC)
Bachelor's Degree	4 years	Financial Accounting
		Managerial Accounting
		Governmental Accounting
		Management Accounting (Concentration in Accounting & Finance)
		Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination (Concentration)
		Public Accounting – Audit
		Public Accounting – Tax
	Can be completed in 2 years with 4 full-time semesters and 2 summers	Corporate Accounting
		Taxation
		Auditing
		Nonprofit Accounting
Certificate	Less than a year	Accounting Analytics
		Accounting for Government Contracts
		Government Accounting
		Forensic Accounting

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).

Online degree programs offer significant savings, with annual tuition around $6,017 (INR 5.1L) annually, nearly $4,000 (INR 3.4L) less than public in-state schools.

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

Cost Category	Details	Estimated Cost (USD/INR)
Tuition Fees	Average tuition for undergraduate accounting programs (2025)	$29,407 (INR 25.3L)
Living Expenses	Estimated annual cost of living (average)	$12,615 (INR 10.8L)
Books	Course Materials, Supplies, Equipment	$1,235 (INR 1L)
Transportation	Average cost for a public transport monthly pass in the U.S. (2019)	$1,660 (INR 1.4L)
Miscellaneous	Estimated annual miscellaneous expenses	$2,234 (INR 1.9L)

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 US scholarships that you can avail while taking admission in Accounting courses in the USA:

Scholarship Name	Eligibility
AICPA Foundation CPA Exam Scholarship	Eligibility: AICPA member ready to take the CPA license exam. U.S. citizen or permanent resident Benefits: Up to $1,000 (INR 86.2K) reimbursements for CPA exam licensure costs and preparatory materials.
AICPA Foundation Fellowship for Accounting Doctoral Students	Eligibility: Current/potential enrollee in an AACSB-accredited accounting doctoral program. Full-time student with a minimum of one year remaining Benefits: $15,000 (INR 12.9L) fellowship, renewable for up to three consecutive years.
AICPA Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs	Eligibility: Full-time UG/PG accounting student pursuing the CPA license. AICPA Student Affiliate member. Completed 30+ college credits (including 6+ accounting credits) Benefits: $5,000-$10,000 (INR 4.3L- INR 8.6L) nonrenewable scholarship. The AICPA awards this to 26 aspiring CPAs.
AICPA Foundation Two-Year Transfer Scholarship	Eligibility: Full-time student in a two-year program. Declared intent to transfer to a four-year accounting program and pursue a CPA license Benefits: An award amount of $5,000 (INR 4.3L) per year.
AICPA/PCPS George Willie Ethnically Diverse Student Scholarship	Eligibility: Full-time UG/PG accounting student pursuing CPA licensure. Member of a historically excluded ethnic group. AICPA Student Affiliate member Benefits: A $10,000 (INR 8.6L) award is annually offered to 10 students.

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:

Job Role	Avg Annual Salary (USD)	Avg Annual Salary (INR)
Accountant	$66,189	INR 57 L
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)	$91,805	INR 79.1L
Staff Accountant	$64,286	INR 55.4L
Financial Accountant	$71,046	INR 61.2L
Tax Accountant	$77,071	INR 66.4L
Accounting Analyst	$88,930	INR 76.7L
Junior / Entry-Level Accountant	$51,587	INR 44.4L

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

Now, if you're ready to take the next step in pursuing your accounting courses in USA, upGrad can provide you with the support and resources to guide you through the process.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Accounting Courses in USA?

upGrad offers expert guidance from skilled instructors with specialized GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, SAT, and IELTS test preparation modules. Students receive interactive courses, dedicated mentorship, visa and scholarship assistance, and comprehensive admission preparation support.

We provide end-to-end assistance, including documentation support, essay writing guidance, education loan facilitation, budget planning, and complete process management for your study abroad journey.

Ready to pursue your accounting degree in the USA? Book a free one-on-one counseling session with upGrad's experts today to enhance your chances of admission to top American universities.

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