Study Accounting in USA: Universities, Fees & CPA Guide

Choosing to study accounting in USA means deciding more than where to earn a degree. You need a programme that matches your academic background, a budget you can manage and a clear understanding of where the qualification could take you.

For school-leavers, that usually means a bachelor’s degree. Graduates can explore a Master of Accounting, Master of Science in Accountancy or another specialist qualification. Some programmes welcome applicants without an accounting degree; others expect substantial previous coursework.

For 2027 entry, start with the course itself. Compare prerequisites, tuition, available intakes and professional requirements before committing to a university. This guide brings those decisions together, including accounting courses in USA for international students, programme comparisons, funding, CPA planning and career options.

Accounting degrees in the USA at a glance

The right qualification depends on what you have already studied and what you want to do next.

Qualification	Usual duration	Suitable starting point	Main purpose
Bachelor’s in Accounting	Around four years	Secondary-school qualification or equivalent	Build accounting and business foundations
Master’s in Accounting	Often eight to twelve months; some routes take longer	Bachelor’s degree, with programme-specific prerequisites	Develop specialist knowledge and professional preparation
Integrated bachelor’s and master’s	Commonly around five years overall	Eligible undergraduate students at the institution	Combine undergraduate and postgraduate accounting study
PhD in Accounting	Commonly four to six years or longer	Strong academic and research preparation	Prepare for research and university teaching
Certificate or short course	Varies considerably	Depends on the provider and subject	Develop specific skills or address selected learning gaps

A short accounting course, a university degree and a CPA licence serve different purposes. Before applying, check which qualification your intended career actually requires.

If you are still organising the wider move, consider the academic and practical requirements for studying abroad in America alongside your course shortlist.

Why study accounting in the USA?

Accounting connects financial information with business decisions. Students learn how organisations report performance, control costs, assess risk and meet their obligations.

The attraction of studying in the USA lies partly in the choice of programmes. You can pursue traditional accounting, combine it with analytics or study within a broader business-school environment.

Career preparation matters too. Look for opportunities to practise professional communication, analyse business cases and meet employers. An accounting graduate needs to explain why a financial result matters, not simply calculate it.

There is a useful distinction here: a strong university name can help you attract attention, but relevant coursework, practical skills and a realistic employment plan determine whether the programme fits your needs.

Which accounting course should you choose?

Bachelor’s in Accounting

A bachelor’s degree suits students who need their first university qualification. Universities may offer a BS in Accounting, a BBA with an accounting major or a similarly named degree.

You will usually combine accounting subjects with economics, business law, finance and general education. Later study may include auditing, taxation and accounting information systems.

For example, the University of Illinois offers an undergraduate accountancy major within its business curriculum. When comparing undergraduate options, examine progression requirements as well as first-year admission criteria.

Master’s in Accounting

Accounting master’s programmes suit graduates seeking deeper technical knowledge or a move into the profession.

Common titles include:

• Master of Accounting, often abbreviated to MAcc.
• Master of Science in Accountancy, often abbreviated to MSA.
• Master of Accountancy.
• Master in Professional Accounting, or MPA.
• Master of Accounting Science, or MAS.

The initials do not tell you everything. Compare the actual curriculum, entry requirements and completion time.

A graduate with an accounting background may move directly into advanced subjects. A history or engineering graduate may need introductory accounting and finance first. Both could eventually study at the same institution through different routes.

If you are deciding between accounting, finance and analytics, compare the different postgraduate subject options available before choosing a specialisation.

PhD in Accounting

A doctoral degree in accounting focuses on research. It can involve economics, statistics, research methods and questions about reporting, auditing, taxation or business behaviour.

Choose this route because you want to investigate accounting problems and produce original research. It is not simply a more advanced substitute for a professional master’s degree.

Universities and accounting programmes to compare

The best accounting schools in the US will not produce the same shortlist for every applicant. A school-leaver needs a different comparison from a graduate changing careers.

The options below illustrate different routes. They are not a numbered national ranking.

University and route	Published programme features	What to examine before applying
University of Texas at Austin, traditional MPA	One-year professional accounting route; STEM-designated	Prerequisites, programme format and total cost
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, MSA	Twelve-month, on-campus, STEM-designated programme	Introductory coursework requirements and June entry
University of Michigan, MAcc	Eight-month, STEM-designated programme with MBA electives	Prerequisites, optional analytics concentration and any preparatory study
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, undergraduate accountancy	Bachelor’s-level business and accounting study	Undergraduate admission, curriculum progression and four-year funding
University of Texas at Austin, integrated MPA	Combined route for eligible McCombs undergraduates	Internal eligibility and the relationship between undergraduate and graduate study

University of Texas at Austin

Texas McCombs offers several MPA formats. Its traditional route accepts applicants who will hold a bachelor’s degree in any academic discipline before starting, and it does not require previous work experience.

The university describes its professional accounting degree and available formats as STEM-designated. Applicants should distinguish the traditional programme from the integrated and bridge routes, which serve particular groups of current UT students.

That distinction saves time. A course appearing on the same university page may not be open to an external international applicant.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Gies offers a twelve-month MSA with customised study plans and CPA preparation. Its on-campus accountancy programme welcomes graduates from different disciplines and identifies the degree as STEM-designated.

This makes it relevant for applicants considering a change of field. However, admission still depends on academic preparation and the programme’s prerequisites.

The MSA is also useful as an example of why you should check the start month. Its published 2027 cohort begins in June, rather than September.

University of Michigan

Michigan Ross describes its eight-month accounting master’s as STEM-designated, combining accounting coursework with MBA electives. Students can also explore an Accounting Analytics Concentration.

Ross offers a summer immersion option to help students from non-accounting backgrounds complete prerequisites and build familiarity with the industry.

If you need that preparation, include its time and cost in your comparison. The advertised degree duration does not necessarily represent your entire study commitment.

Building a wider shortlist

Start with programme fit, then broaden your search. When comparing universities that welcome overseas applicants, filter by accounting degree availability, entry requirements and affordability.

Do not assume a university offers a standalone accounting master’s because it has a prestigious MBA. An accounting concentration within an MBA can serve a different career stage and require different professional experience.

Accreditation and choosing the right accounting school

Check institutional recognition and the business school’s accreditation. AACSB distinguishes business accreditation from additional accounting accreditation; its accredited-school directory lets you examine institutions directly.

Accreditation provides useful evidence, but it does not guarantee admission, employment or CPA eligibility.

Use these questions to compare top accounting programmes in the US:

1. Can I enter with my current qualifications? Check prerequisites and degree equivalence.
2. Does the curriculum match my intended work? Audit, tax and analytics require different emphases.
3. What will the full course cost? Include compulsory fees and preparatory study.
4. What support can international students actually use? Ask about recruitment and employer sponsorship policies.
5. Does the programme support my intended professional route? Check licensing requirements separately.

One practical observation: an attractive fee on a university website may cover an academic year rather than the complete degree. Always check the period attached to the number.

What will you study?

Accounting courses combine technical rules with judgement. Core subjects commonly include financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, business law and accounting information systems.

A useful way to compare specialisations is to connect each one with the work it supports.

Study area	Skills and applications
Financial reporting	Interpret statements, recognise transactions and assess accounting policies
Auditing and assurance	Evaluate evidence, controls and financial reporting risks
Taxation	Analyse tax obligations and the consequences of business decisions
Management accounting	Prepare budgets, analyse costs and support internal planning
Accounting information systems	Understand financial data flows, systems and controls
Forensic accounting	Investigate irregularities and potential financial misconduct
Accounting analytics	Examine datasets, identify patterns and communicate findings

For example, an audit project might ask you to investigate unusual sales entries near year-end. You would need accounting knowledge, data analysis and a clear explanation of the evidence.

When reviewing modules, look for coverage of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, relevant international reporting concepts and ethical decision-making. Then check how the programme assesses those skills.

Admission requirements for international students

There is no single national GPA, English score or entrance test requirement for an accounting degree in the USA. Each institution sets its own criteria.

Undergraduate entry

Universities normally assess secondary-school qualifications, transcripts and English proficiency. They may also request essays, references or standardised test results, depending on their policy.

Check how the institution evaluates qualifications from your country. Do not purchase a credential evaluation unless the university asks for one.

Master’s entry

Graduate applicants commonly submit:

• A recognised bachelor’s degree and academic records.
• A CV showing relevant education, employment or projects.
• Application essays or a statement of purpose.
• Academic or professional references.
• English proficiency evidence, unless an exemption applies.
• GMAT or GRE results where required.
• Evidence of prerequisite coursework.

Requirements can be more specific than the general list suggests. For instance, Illinois identifies introductory financial accounting and finance prerequisites, while listing GMAT or GRE submission as optional. Its current MSA application requirements also explain the programme’s document and language policies.

If you have a break in education, prepare a factual explanation of what you did during that period. Understanding how universities assess study gaps can help you organise the evidence.

English-language evidence

Check the exact degree’s accepted tests and score requirements. University-wide policies and departmental expectations can differ.

Students considering institutions that accept Duolingo results should still confirm acceptance for their chosen accounting programme. The same applies when using PTE for admission.

An IELTS exemption does not automatically remove every language requirement. Before relying on previous English-medium education, check the conditions for alternative ways to demonstrate English proficiency.

Planning for 2027 intakes and application deadlines

For 2027 entry, organise your calendar around each programme’s actual start date. Spring, summer and autumn availability varies, particularly for specialist master’s degrees.

A verified 2027 deadline example

Illinois has published the following MSA schedule for its June 2027 cohort:

Application round	Deadline
Round 1	28 October 2026
Round 2	13 January 2027
Round 3	3 March 2027
Round 4	31 March 2027

The university identifies 3 March 2027 as the final deadline for international applicants, with the later round available to domestic applicants and international students who do not need a new visa. Confirm your category against the published summer-entry timetable.

These dates apply to Illinois MSA only.

Your application sequence

Begin by matching your academic record to five or six realistic programmes. Then record deadlines for admission, scholarships, references and test results in one place.

Request documents early. Write programme-specific essays that explain your goals, and follow each university’s rules about authorship and AI assistance.

After receiving offers, compare the complete financial package before paying a deposit. The lowest tuition does not always produce the lowest total cost, especially when the programmes differ in length.

How much does it cost to study accounting in the USA?

Separate three numbers: tuition, compulsory university charges and living expenses. Combining them too early can make two offers look comparable when they are not.

A published tuition example

The Illinois MSA programme page currently displays approximately US$62,000 in international tuition for its twelve-month programme. This is a published programme figure, not a national average or a confirmed fee for every future cohort. Check the university’s tuition and scholarship information before making a funding commitment.

For other universities, request the fee schedule for your intended entry year. Avoid treating a previous cohort’s tuition as a confirmed 2027 price.

Building your full budget

Include accommodation, utilities, food, transport, books and equipment. Add medical cover and related student expenses, flights, application charges and any required preparatory courses.

The example below shows the calculation. The figures are hypothetical planning assumptions, not a university quotation.

Expense	Example amount
Programme tuition	US$40,000
Housing, food and local transport	US$18,000
Insurance, books and compulsory charges	US$4,000
Initial subtotal	US$62,000
Illustrative 10% contingency	US$6,200
Working budget before separately priced travel and visa costs	US$68,200

Replace each assumption with your university’s published cost of attendance and your own circumstances.

For a bachelor’s degree, build a multi-year budget. For a master’s, check whether the fee covers all credits, summer study and prerequisite modules.

Comparing public institutions and their fee structures can help widen your options, but public status alone does not guarantee the cheapest international price.

Scholarships and funding for accounting students

Scholarships can reduce the cost, but plan around confirmed awards.

Universities may offer merit scholarships, departmental funding or assistantships. Availability differs between undergraduate, professional master’s and research programmes.

Texas McCombs explains funding opportunities through its MPA tuition and financial aid guidance. Check whether an award requires a separate application, an earlier deadline or continued academic performance.

Ask four questions before counting funding in your budget:

• Can international students apply?
• Does the award cover one term or the whole programme?
• Does it reduce tuition or provide a living stipend?
• What conditions must you meet to retain it?

Compare the net cost after funding. A hypothetical US$10,000 award against US$60,000 tuition still leaves US$50,000 to pay, before living expenses.

Explore funding opportunities across US institutions, and check whether awards open to Bangladeshi applicants fit your degree level. Keep scholarship-dependent choices separate from options you can already afford.

Accounting degrees and the CPA pathway

A university awards your degree. A state board of accountancy awards a CPA licence.

That difference matters. NASBA explains that candidates must meet education, examination and experience requirements in the jurisdiction where they seek licensure. Review the licensing framework before choosing coursework.

The 150-semester-hour route is familiar in US accounting education, but you should not use that number as a complete eligibility checklist. Verify the rules and effective dates that apply to your intended jurisdiction and graduation timeline.

Ask the relevant board:

• Which education pathway applies to me?
• How many accounting and business credits must I complete?
• How will it evaluate my overseas qualifications?
• Do examination eligibility and licensing requirements differ?
• What experience and ethics requirements apply?

Use NASBA’s directory to find the board responsible for your intended jurisdiction.

Here is the counterintuitive point: additional credits alone may not solve a licensing gap. You could reach a total-credit threshold while still missing a required subject. Match the content of your studies as well as the number of credits.

Applicants with ACCA or another overseas professional qualification should also request an individual assessment rather than assume automatic equivalence.

Internships, OPT and STEM considerations

International applicants should distinguish programme admission from permission to work.

Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, concerns eligible practical training connected to the curriculum. Optional Practical Training, or OPT, concerns eligible work related to the field of study. Ask your university’s designated school official about the authorisation you need before accepting or starting work.

STEM designation is another separate question. Illinois identifies its MSA as a STEM programme and explains that eligible graduates may access an extended OPT period. That possibility remains subject to immigration requirements; it does not guarantee employment or approval. Check the programme’s STEM and practical-training information with its international student office.

Before paying a deposit, ask about the programme’s classification, practical-training eligibility and the timing of internships.

A short degree can be attractive academically, but you also need enough time to prepare applications, interview and build professional contacts. Ask career services when recruitment begins.

Careers and salaries after an accounting degree

Accounting graduates can pursue several kinds of work, depending on their preparation and employment eligibility.

Career direction	Typical responsibilities
Audit associate	Examine evidence and support financial-statement audits
Tax associate	Prepare calculations, research rules and assist with compliance
Corporate accountant	Support reporting, reconciliations and financial close
Management accountant	Analyse budgets, costs and operating performance
Internal auditor	Assess controls, processes and organisational risks
Forensic accounting specialist	Investigate financial irregularities
Accounting analyst	Interpret financial data and support decisions

The current BLS outlook reports a median annual wage of US$83,680 in May 2025 for accountants and auditors. It projects 5% employment growth between 2025 and 2035, with about 115,300 openings annually on average. These figures describe the occupation overall, not guaranteed graduate salaries. See the official employment and earnings outlook.

Consider national and regional accounting firms as well as the Big Four: Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC. Compare job responsibilities, training and sponsorship policies instead of focusing only on employer names.

Frequently asked questions

Is the USA a good place to study accounting?

It can be, particularly if the programme matches your academic background, professional goals and budget. Compare curriculum, total cost, recruitment support and licensing requirements before deciding.

What are the best accounting courses in USA for international students?

School-leavers usually need a bachelor’s degree. Graduates can consider MAcc, MSA, Master of Accountancy or MPA programmes. Applicants seeking academic careers should investigate a PhD.

Can I study accounting without an accounting bachelor’s degree?

Yes, some programmes accept other academic backgrounds. Texas McCombs and Illinois offer relevant routes, but you must still meet their admission and prerequisite requirements.

How long does a master’s in accounting take?

The programmes discussed here include an eight-month Michigan MAcc and twelve-month Illinois MSA. Preparatory coursework can increase your total commitment, so check the complete route.

Which are the best colleges for accounting?

There is no universal answer. Compare specific degrees at institutions such as UT Austin, Illinois and Michigan against your entry qualifications, costs and career plans. Undergraduate and postgraduate shortlists may differ.

Are online accounting courses suitable for studying in the USA?

Online courses can develop skills, but do not assume they provide the same immigration route as an eligible on-campus programme. Confirm the study format and student-status arrangements before enrolling.

Does completing a master’s make me a CPA?

No. You must meet the relevant jurisdiction’s licensing requirements, including the applicable examination, education and experience conditions.

Should I wait until 2027 to apply?

Not necessarily. Some 2027 programmes have application rounds in 2026. Illinois, for example, lists an October 2026 first-round deadline for its June 2027 MSA cohort.

Choose your programme before committing your budget

To study accounting in USA successfully, start with a course you can enter, afford and connect to a realistic professional goal.

Build a shortlist showing the exact degree, prerequisites, start date, full cost and funding position. Add CPA requirements if licensure forms part of your plan, then compare the offers on the same basis.

If you need help organising those decisions, request individual guidance on your university shortlist and application. Bring your transcripts, intended intake and budget so the discussion starts with suitable options.