50 Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance 2024

If you’re looking to pursue a degree in accounting and finance, you’re in luck. Many Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in the U.S. offer top-notch programs in these fields. Whether you’re aiming for a career in corporate finance, public accounting, or financial consulting, these schools provide the education and resources to help you succeed. Here are the 50 Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance offering exceptional Accounting and Finance programs in 2024. Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and salary information. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.

50 Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance

1. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $85,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance and accounting firms. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Wharton offers a top-ranked program with strong faculty and resources. Students learn accounting, finance, and management.

2. University of Chicago (Booth)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $84,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in leading finance companies. They become financial managers and accountants.

Academic Highlights: Booth provides excellent education in finance and accounting. The program includes courses in investments, corporate finance, and accounting.

3. New York University (Stern)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $83,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top accounting and finance firms. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Stern offers a strong accounting and finance program. Students learn through real-world experiences and internships.

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $86,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top financial institutions. They become financial analysts and accounting managers.

Academic Highlights: Sloan provides a rigorous accounting and finance program. Students have access to top-notch faculty and resources.

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5. Stanford University

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $87,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading finance companies. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Stanford offers a top program in finance and accounting. Students benefit from small classes and expert faculty.

6. Harvard University

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $88,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance firms. They become financial managers and accountants.

Academic Highlights: Harvard offers an excellent accounting and finance program. Students learn from experienced professors and gain practical skills.

7. University of California, Berkeley (Haas)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $82,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading accounting and finance firms. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Haas offers a strong program in accounting and finance. Students benefit from hands-on learning and internships.

8. University of Michigan (Ross)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $80,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Ross provides a comprehensive accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

9. Columbia University

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Columbia offers a top program in finance and accounting. Students learn from expert faculty and gain real-world experience.

10. University of Virginia (McIntire)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 24%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $81,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top accounting and finance firms. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: McIntire offers a strong accounting and finance program. Students benefit from small classes and hands-on learning.

11. Northwestern University (Kellogg)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $84,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading finance companies. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Kellogg provides a top-notch accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

12. Duke University (Fuqua)

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top financial institutions. They become financial analysts and accounting managers.

Academic Highlights: Fuqua offers a rigorous accounting and finance program. Students benefit from small classes and expert faculty.

13. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading accounting and finance firms. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Kenan-Flagler provides a comprehensive accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

14. University of Notre Dame (Mendoza)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 19%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $82,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Mendoza offers a strong accounting and finance program. Students benefit from hands-on learning and internships.

15. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 15%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $83,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading finance companies. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Tepper provides a top-notch accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

16. University of California, Los Angeles (Anderson)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $81,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top financial institutions. They become financial analysts and accounting managers.

Academic Highlights: Anderson offers a rigorous accounting and finance program. Students benefit from small classes and expert faculty.

17. Cornell University

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 10%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $85,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Cornell offers a top program in finance and accounting. Students learn from expert faculty and gain real-world experience.

18. Emory University (Goizueta)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $82,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading finance companies. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Goizueta provides a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

19. University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $80,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: McCombs offers a comprehensive accounting and finance program. Students benefit from hands-on learning and internships.

20. Georgetown University (McDonough)

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: McDonough provides a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

21. Washington University in St. Louis (Olin)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $82,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Olin offers a strong accounting and finance program. Students benefit from small classes and hands-on learning.

22. University of Southern California (Marshall)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 13%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $81,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Marshall provides a comprehensive accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

23. University of Florida (Warrington)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 36%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $79,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Warrington offers a top program in finance and accounting. Students learn from expert faculty and gain real-world experience.

24. Indiana University Bloomington (Kelley)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $78,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading accounting and finance firms. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Kelley provides a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

25. Boston College (Carroll)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 26%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $81,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Carroll offers a comprehensive accounting and finance program. Students benefit from hands-on learning and internships.

26. Ohio State University (Fisher)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $77,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Fisher provides a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

27. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Gies)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 59%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $78,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top accounting and finance firms. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Gies offers a top-notch accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

28. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: UW-Madison offers a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

29. University of Washington (Foster)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $79,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Foster provides a comprehensive accounting and finance program. Students benefit from hands-on learning and internships.

30. Pennsylvania State University (Smeal)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $78,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Smeal offers a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

31. University of Minnesota (Carlson)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $78,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top accounting and finance firms. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Carlson provides a comprehensive accounting and finance program. Students benefit from hands-on learning and internships.

32. University of Maryland (Smith)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 47%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $77,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Smith offers a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

33. Texas A&M University (Mays)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $76,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Mays provides a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

34. Michigan State University (Broad)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $75,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading accounting and finance firms. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Broad offers a comprehensive accounting and finance program. Students benefit from hands-on learning and internships.

35. University of Arizona (Eller)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $74,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Eller provides a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

36. University of Georgia (Terry)

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Terry offers a top program in finance and accounting. Students learn from expert faculty and gain real-world experience.

37. University of Colorado Boulder (Leeds)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $74,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top accounting and finance firms. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Leeds provides a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

38. University of Iowa (Tippie)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $73,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Tippie offers a comprehensive accounting and finance program. Students benefit from hands-on learning and internships.

39. University of Utah (Eccles)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $73,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Eccles provides a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

40. University of Connecticut (School of Business)

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading accounting and finance firms. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: The School of Business offers a top program in finance and accounting. Students learn from expert faculty and gain real-world experience.

41. Arizona State University (W. P. Carey)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $73,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading finance companies. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: W. P. Carey provides a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

42. University of Oklahoma (Price)

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Price offers a comprehensive accounting and finance program. Students benefit from hands-on learning and internships.

43. Florida State University (College of Business)

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: The College of Business provides a top program in finance and accounting. Students learn from expert faculty and gain real-world experience.

44. University of Miami (Herbert)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 33%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $74,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Herbert offers a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

45. Temple University (Fox)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $72,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Fox provides a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

46. University of South Carolina (Darla Moore)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $71,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Darla Moore offers a top program in finance and accounting. Students learn from expert faculty and gain real-world experience.

47. Clemson University

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Clemson provides a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

48. University of Kentucky (Gatton)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $71,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: Gatton offers a comprehensive accounting and finance program. Students benefit from hands-on learning and internships.

49. University of Tennessee (Haslam)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $70,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top finance companies. They become financial analysts and auditors.

Academic Highlights: Haslam provides a strong accounting and finance program. Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.

50. Louisiana State University (E. J. Ourso)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $70,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at leading financial institutions. They hold positions like financial analyst and accountant.

Academic Highlights: E. J. Ourso offers a top program in finance and accounting. Students learn from expert faculty and gain real-world experience.

Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in the US – Conclusion

Choosing the right college for accounting and finance can significantly impact your career. The above list represents a diverse range of schools that offer excellent programs, each with its unique strengths and opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a program with a strong emphasis on practical skills, ethical decision-making, or global finance, there’s a college on this list that can meet your needs. Take the time to research and find the best fit for your career goals and personal preferences.