Accounting Schools in Michigan
This guide to accounting schools in Michigan will help you find a school that is a suitable match for your skills, interests, and career goals. Michigan’s colleges and universities offer a variety of accounting degrees, and students can choose between different program lengths, degree concentrations, and curriculum options. Schools offer accounting degrees on a full-time or part-time basis, and for those requiring more flexibility, online degree options are available. Read on below to find out more information about accounting school rankings, individual programs, and accounting career outlooks in Michigan.
Quick Facts
- 65 not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Michigan.1
- 19 schools offer a certificate in accounting.1
- 30 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.1
- 36 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.1
- 23 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.1
- 9 schools ranked in College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023.2
- 2 schools ranked in the Princeton Review’s Best Colleges for Accounting Majors 2023.3
- 2 programs ranked in US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs 2023.4
- 4 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023.5
- 2 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2022-2023.6
- 5 schools are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in Business and Accounting.7
- 9 schools have accounting programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).8
- 3 schools have accounting programs accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).9
Comparison of Michigan Accounting Schools and Programs
The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Michigan to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options. For further school statistics, including median SAT, ACT, and GMAT scores, see the tables on our Michigan business schools page, which break out information at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
| School | Accreditation | Accounting Degree(s) | Acceptance Rate10 | Grad Rate1 | Avg Net Price1 | Median Debt*10 | Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian College | — | BBA-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting; MBA-Accounting; MS-Accountancy | 76.0% | 51% | $24,870 | $27,000 | $52,959 |
| Albion College | — | BA-Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 69.3% | 59% | $19,351 | $27,000 | $57,501 |
| Alma College | — | BA-Accounting; BA-Professional Accounting | 68.8% | 62% | $23,995 | $27,000 | $51,997 |
| Alpena Community College | — | AAS-Accounting | N.Av. | 44% | $4,001 | $9,024 | $36,142 |
| Andrews University | IACBE | BBA-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BBA/MBA | 81.5% | 71% | $24,194 | $26,000 | $50,391 |
| Aquinas College | — | BA-Accounting; BA-Professional Accountancy; Minor-Accounting | 89.0% | 61% | $18,605 | $23,000 | $45,282 |
| Baker College | IACBE | BBA-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BBA/MBA; MBA-Accounting | 41.0% | 20% | $13,719 | $25,000 | $33,440 |
| Bay de Noc Community College | — | AA-Accounting; AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 32% | $10,108 | $12,618 | $35,027 |
| Calvin University | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; MAcc | 75.1% | 77% | $25,775 | $23,250 | $54,153 |
| Central Michigan University | AACSB | BA-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BA/MBA; MBA-Accounting | 77.1% | 62% | $15,605 | $27,000 | $52,440 |
| Cleary University | — | ABA-Accounting; BBA-Corporate Accounting; BBA-Public Accounting | 75.9% | 64% | $27,209 | $19,500 | $57,487 |
| Concordia University Ann Arbor | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; MS-Accountancy; MBA-Accounting; Grad Cert-Accounting | 62.8% | 52% | $26,353 | $25,750 | $51,567 |
| Cornerstone University | ACBSP | BS-Accounting | 91.3% | 62% | $20,935 | $25,000 | $45,033 |
| Davenport University | IACBE | ABA-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting Skills; BBA-Accounting; BBA-Accounting Fraud Investigation; MBA-Managerial Accounting; Grad Cert-Accounting and Financial Analysis; Grad Cert-Managerial Accounting | 98.3% | 50% | $18,350 | $26,000 | $42,432 |
| Delta College | — | ABS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting Fast Track | N.Av. | 15% | $6,113 | $10,978 | $37,362 |
| Eastern Michigan University | — | BBA-Accounting; BBA-Accounting Information Systems; BBA-International Business: Accounting; BBA-International Business: Accounting Information Systems; Minor-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BBA/MS-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BBA/MS-Accounting Information Systems/Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BBA/MS-Accounting/Tax Counsulting; MS-Accounting | 84.6% | 45% | $15,826 | $25,000 | $47,087 |
| Ferris State University | ACBSP | AAS-Accountancy; BS-Accountancy; BS-Accountancy: Computer Information Systems; BS-Accountancy: Finance; Minor-Accountancy; UG Cert-Forensic Accounting; Grad Cert-Advanced Studies in Accounting | 84.8% | 49% | $13,978 | $21,000 | $53,019 |
| Glen Oaks Community College | — | UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 36% | $8,236 | $10,794 | $37,594 |
| Gogebic Community College | — | UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 29% | $7,698 | $10,925 | $35,858 |
| Grand Rapids Community College | — | ABA-Accounting | N.Av. | 19% | $9,059 | $9,000 | $36,524 |
| Grand Valley State University | AACSB | BBA-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BBA/MSA; MS-Accounting; MS-Taxation; Grad Cert-Advanced Tax Practice | 91.7% | 66% | $17,105 | $24,500 | $53,292 |
| Henry Ford College | — | ABA-Accounting | N.Av. | 11% | $3,178 | $14,250 | $35,210 |
| Hillsdale College | — | BA-Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 23.7% | 87% | $24,196 | N.Av. | N.Av. |
| Hope College | — | BA-Accounting; BA-Public Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 92.4% | 80% | $25,800 | $26,800 | $56,309 |
| Jackson College | ACBSP | AAS-Accounting | N.Av. | 16% | $9,773 | $13,875 | $36,083 |
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College | — | AAS-Accounting | N.Av. | 23% | $5,418 | $9,699 | $35,957 |
| Kellogg Community College | — | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 8% | $4,685 | $17,000 | $36,602 |
| Kirtland Community College | — | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting Clerk Specialist | N.Av. | 34% | $9,422 | $13,067 | $34,316 |
| Lake Michigan College | — | AAS-Accounting | N.Av. | 21% | $9,567 | $9,000 | $32,857 |
| Lake Superior State University | ACBSP | AAS-Technical Accounting; BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting/Finance | 73.3% | 51% | $14,336 | $23,250 | $47,666 |
| Lansing Community College | — | ABA-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting; UG Cert-Bookkeeping | N.Av. | 19% | $4,371 | $12,700 | $39,312 |
| Lawrence Technological University | ACBSP | BSBA-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BSBA/MBA | 81.1% | 66% | $32,641 | $27,000 | $69,190 |
| Macomb Community College | — | ABA-Accounting | N.Av. | 12% | $5,082 | $6,000 | $39,386 |
| Madonna University | ACBSP | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; MS-Accountancy | 52.3% | 49% | $18,344 | $23,000 | $54,408 |
| Michigan State University | AACSB | BA-Accounting; MS-Accounting; MS-Accounting and Data Analytics; PhD-Accounting; Grad Cert-Accounting Analytics | 83.3% | 82% | $22,803 | $23,250 | $64,566 |
| Michigan Technological University | — | BS-Accounting; MS-Accounting; Grad Cert-Accounting Analytics | 85.8% | 68% | $18,235 | $24,990 | $77,293 |
| Mid Michigan College | — | AAS-Accounting | N.Av. | 12% | $7,749 | $13,750 | $36,313 |
| Monroe County Community College | — | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 31% | $4,585 | $12,296 | $38,889 |
| Montcalm Community College | — | AAS-Accounting | N.Av. | 38% | $7,625 | $16,500 | $33,301 |
| Mott Community College | ACBSP | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 16% | $8,071 | $13,000 | $30,679 |
| Muskegon Community College | — | AAS-Accounting and Bookkeeping Services | N.Av. | 26% | $5,756 | $9,125 | $36,015 |
| North Central Michigan College | — | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting Assistant; UG Cert-Bookkeeping | N.Av. | 33% | $6,701 | $14,000 | $32,421 |
| Northern Michigan University | — | BBA-Accounting; BBA-Financial Management; Minor-Accounting | 71.3% | 53% | $17,346 | $21,474 | $44,658 |
| Northwestern Michigan College | — | AAS-Accounting; ASA-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 24% | $6,951 | $12,500 | $36,219 |
| Northwood University | ACBSP | BBA-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BBA/MBA | 83.4% | 63% | $24,616 | $20,842 | $58,172 |
| Oakland Community College | — | ABA-Accounting Concentration; UG Cert-General Accounting | N.Av. | 17% | $5,605 | $9,105 | $35,680 |
| Oakland University | AACSB | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; MAcc | 92.1% | 58% | $15,161 | $22,750 | $55,645 |
| Olivet College | — | BA-Accounting; BA-Accounting: CPA Track; MBA-Accounting Concentration | 88.5% | 44% | $21,394 | $27,000 | $45,624 |
| Rochester University | — | BBA-Accounting | 98.1% | 41% | $18,665 | $24,475 | $47,021 |
| Saginaw Valley State University | — | BBA-Accounting; Bachelor of Professional Accountancy (BPA); Minor-Accounting | 77.8% | 50% | $12,432 | $25,000 | $48,256 |
| Schoolcraft Community College District | — | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting for Small Business Skills | N.Av. | 17% | $8,956 | $10,500 | $40,781 |
| Siena Heights University | — | AA-Accounting; BBA-Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 68.4% | 51% | $20,074 | $18,750 | $50,438 |
| Southwestern Michigan College | — | AAS-Accounting | N.Av. | 32% | $9,094 | $10,959 | $32,791 |
| Spring Arbor University | — | BA-Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 59.9% | 60% | $22,375 | $26,375 | $47,632 |
| St Clair County Community College | — | AAS-Accounting | N.Av. | 25% | $7,174 | $11,750 | $38,212 |
| University of Detroit Mercy | — | BSBA-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BSBA/MBA; Grad Cert-Finance | 93.2% | 73% | $18,197 | $23,250 | $60,489 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | — | MAcc; PhD-Accounting | 20.2% | 93% | $19,318 | $19,500 | $79,580 |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | — | BBA-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; UG Cert-Entrepreneurship; UG Cert- Finance Planning; MS-Accounting | 68.8% | 56% | $12,444 | $22,500 | $58,324 |
| University of Michigan-Flint | — | BBA-Accounting; MS-Accounting; Dual MSA/MBA | 73.9% | 46% | $10,840 | $25,000 | $47,757 |
| Walsh College | ACBSP | Bachelor of Accountancy (BAC); MS-Accountancy; Dual MSA/MBA | N.Av. | N.Av. | N.Av. | $16,217 | $69,522 |
| Washtenaw Community College | — | AAS-Accounting; 3+1 AAS Transfer Program; UG Cert-Accounting for Business | N.Av. | 28% | $3,684 | $13,310 | $36,109 |
| Wayne County Community College District | — | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 13% | $5,354 | $12,062 | $29,088 |
| Wayne State University | — | BA-Accounting; BS-Accounting; MS-Accounting; Grad Cert-Accounting | 63.3% | 60% | $15,347 | $21,250 | $48,752 |
| West Shore Community College | — | AAS-Accounting | N.Av. | 30% | $4,081 | $9,089 | $33,267 |
| Western Michigan University | AACSB | BBA-Accounting; MS-Accountancy | 82.8% | 55% | $20,030 | $26,188 | $52,487 |
Table Notes:
*Median Debt: The median debt is the cumulative federal loan debt, excluding PLUS loans, at the time of graduation for students who completed an undergraduate program (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree) as reported by College Scorecard for academic year 2020-2021 based on National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) data.
**Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry: Median earnings are the middle value of earnings, at which half earned more and half earned less, measured 10 years (2020-2021) after the first year of study (2010-2011) for all students, institution-wide, who received federal loans and who are employed but not enrolled in school. Note that this value includes those who completed their program of study as well as those who discontinued study without receiving an award.
Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in Michigan
College rankings can be a useful tool to measure the overall reputation of a school or program. Weighing multiple rankings when evaluating your college choices can be helpful because different publishers may use different ranking factors in their methodologies. While the best program for your goals may rely on a combination of factors not typically considered in overall rankings, such as location or funding, seeing a program ranked on multiple lists can be a strong indication of reputation and academic quality.
College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023
- Michigan State University
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Grand Valley State University
- Calvin University
- Hope College
- Western Michigan University
- Northwood University
- Central Michigan University
- Wayne State University2
Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023
- Calvin University
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor3
US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs 2023
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (#5)
- Michigan State University (#22 tie)4
US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023
- University of Michigan-Flint (#58 tie)
- Central Michigan University (#63 tie)
- Madonna University (#157 tie)
- Northwood University (#170-214)5
US News & World Report’s Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2022-2023
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (#5)
- Michigan State University (#25)6
Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree
The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases a report including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Michigan in 2019 (the most recent report available*) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers in Michigan being 61.8%:
- Michigan Technological University 95.2%
- University of Michigan Ann Arbor 91.4%
- Calvin University 86.2%
- Grand Valley State University 75.2%
- Michigan State University 70.0%
- Adrian College 66.7%
*As NASBA makes significant changes to the CPA Exam as part of the CPA Evolution initiative, new candidate score reports by state are not anticipated until at least mid-2024.
Schools in Michigan with Accounting Degrees
To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in STATE, we have profiled select programs below. Be sure to visit the websites of programs of interest for more detailed information on courses, admissions requirements and deadlines, and faculty.
Undergraduate Accounting Programs
Michigan State University
At Michigan State University (MSU), students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting through the Department of Accounting and Information Systems in the Eli Broad College of Business. This degree is designed for students interested in learning the fundamentals of accounting as well as the skills needed to be leaders in the field. Undergraduate students complete general education courses, fundamental business courses, and specialized accounting classes. The accounting curriculum at MSU has been developed with the input of current accounting professionals to ensure students learn relevant and applicable skills. Undergraduates can also choose to pursue internship opportunities while completing their degree. For those interested in pursuing an advanced degree and the CPA designation, MSU offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) and an MS in Accounting and Data Analytics.
University of Michigan Dearborn
The College of Business at the University of Michigan Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with an Accounting major. The accounting program focuses on how to understand business decision-making as well as the accounting tools necessary to make an informed decision. Students take required courses such as Cost Accounting, Federal Income Taxation, Auditing, and Advanced Corporate Finance. Additionally, students can choose from electives like Commercial Transactions or Not-for-Profit Accounting. These courses prepare students to pursue further degrees, work toward the CPA designation, or find entry-level positions in accounting information systems, financial accounting, or controllership. Students at UM-Dearborn have the option to combine their BBA with a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) and finish in five years. Undergraduates can also complete an additional certificate in Entrepreneurship or Financial Planning.
Calvin University
Students at Calvin University can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA). This four-year undergraduate degree includes general education courses, business classes, and accounting specialization courses. Through these classes, students learn how to understand and analyze accounting information to make business decisions and how accounting information systems can inform business performance. The curriculum focuses on experiential learning, and students have the opportunity to work on team consulting cases or pursue an optional full-time internship. The Accounting Department organizes networking events with local accounting professionals, and undergraduates can also take advantage of a strong alumni network for possible future career opportunities. For those interested in pursuing the CPA designation, Calvin University offers a Master of Accounting (MAcc) that prepares students to sit for the CPA examination.
Graduate Accounting Programs
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
At the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor (UM-Ann Arbor), students can pursue a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree. This flexible degree focuses on a broad educational foundation. Students study accounting and business fundamentals through 21 credits of courses such as Corporate Financial Research and Reporting; Federal Taxation; and Auditing & Assurance. Students can customize the remaining nine credits of their degree with cross-discipline electives from other UM-Ann Arbor programs. These electives can be in the business school, like International Tax or Financial Statement Analysis from the MBA program, or select courses in public policy, law, foreign language, or other subjects. MAcc students also focus on business communication, teamwork skills, and leadership development through university-organized seminars and symposiums.
Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) offers an AACSB-accredited Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree that can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The curriculum first focuses on essential accounting knowledge, and students take core classes in Accounting Theory, Ethics for Accountants, and Financial Statement Analysis. Electives are chosen based on emphasis: Auditing or Taxation. Coursework includes 33 credits and focuses on theory as well as its practical application in the field, and students learn through real-life examples and case studies. With full-time study, the degree can be completed in 12 months. GVSU also maintains relationships with local accounting firms and other business leaders, and students have the opportunity to network and explore career opportunities while still in the program.
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Online Accounting Programs
Baker College
Baker College offers an IACBE-accredited Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting degree that can be completed online or in an online live format. Students complete coursework in general education and fundamental business in addition to accounting classes such as Cost Accounting; Business Law; Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting; and Forensic Accounting. While accounting-specific courses are only available online, undergraduates can complete a number of their general education courses on campus or online. In addition to accounting fundamentals, students also learn leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Graduates from Baker College are prepared for further study in the accounting field or careers in private, managerial, public, and governmental accounting.
Wayne State University
Wayne State University’s (WSU) Mike Ilitch School of Business offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree that can be completed partially online. This program is designed for students with undergraduate degrees in business or accounting who are interested in careers in public accounting. Students take core courses such as Managerial Accounting, Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting, Internal Auditing, and Business Entities. All of these courses are offered at WSU’s main campus in Midtown Detroit, and some are offered online or at WSU satellite campuses. Students can choose from three optional concentrations; Professional Accounting; Financial Reporting and Auditing; and Taxation. After completing this program, graduates will have the required 150 semester hours and knowledge base to sit for the CPA examination and apply for licensure if desired.
Michigan CPA Requirements
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Michigan, individuals must complete a series of educational and licensure requirements. CPA candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least 150 semester hours of college education. Next, CPA candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Examination, a four-part examination that covers accounting theory and practice. Finally, individuals must complete 2,000 hours of professional accounting experience through government, industry, or public accounting, and this work should be verified by a CPA.
Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Michigan
The large number of national corporations based in Michigan has consistently fueled a high demand for accountants and auditors within the state. In Detroit, large companies such as General Motors Company and Ally Financial Inc. offer numerous opportunities to recent graduates or career changers. Other large corporations based in Michigan include the Kellogg Company, Ford Motor Company, and the Dow Chemical Company. For those interested in pursuing careers within private accounting firms, Michigan is home to offices such as Yeo & Yeo, Plante Moran, and Deloitte Detroit, and these firms may offer positions for accounting graduates. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Troy are urban centers in the state that may provide many opportunities for both accountants and auditors.
Michigan Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Accountants & Auditors Employed12 | Average Annual Salary12 |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | 1,450 | $85,630 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn | 18,420 | $85,180 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming | 4,560 | $74,970 |
| Jackson | 470 | $73,990 |
| Lansing-East Lansing | 2,050 | $74,550 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka | 1,100 | $74,510 |
Michigan Schools with Accounting Degree Programs
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Alma College
614 W Superior St
Alma, Michigan 48801
(989) 463-7111
https://www.alma.edu/
Student Review: “My experience at Alma College has been exciting and full of information. Since Alma is a liberal arts college, I received a wide range of experiences in different subjects. All of the experiences add up into making my accounting degree that much more credible. I began by taking the basic accounting and business classes and now I am currently in the intermediate accounting and finance classes. The great thing about these classes is that there are only a few professors that teach them. This allows me to bond with them and learn their teaching styles. Not only are they excellent professors, but they are also very experienced in their fields. They provide several real life experience stories that make the student interact and use critical thinking skills. When I am struggling in a class, they are always there for me to answer questions. The accounting program at Alma is very difficult; only about ten students a year receive their accounting degree. This is because the classes are very difficult and most students find the subject to be boring. The professors assign several homework problems that are very time consuming and they expect you to do it. If you don’t do the homework your grades will go downhill. The accounting program at Alma College is up there with the best. The professors teach students the things they need to know and prepare them for the real world. Basically, it all comes down to whether the student is willing to put in the effort to receive their accounting degree.” -student at Alma College
Davenport University
220 E Kalamazoo St
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 484-2600
https://www.davenport.edu/
Student Review: “I, for the most part, thought that Davenport University was a good choice for a school to go to for an accounting degree. First of all, the enrollment process was very short and simple. I found it very easy to register and pay for the classes that I chose to take. The staff was very helpful and was always there for me if I needed anything or had any questions. The classes themselves were challenging, but I believe that this would be the case with any school that you pick. The teacher to student ratio was low, so I was able to get the attention that I needed in order to feel like I firmly grasped the topics that were being discussed in class. The only downfall of this school is that it is very expensive in comparison to other universities. But, with the money you are also getting a better group of professors and a better experience overall. I would highly recommend this college for anyone who is looking to get a degree in anything, especially accounting.” -Megan L., student at Davenport University
Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Dr
Allendale, MI 49401
(616) 331-5000
https://www.gvsu.edu/
Student Review: “Grand Valley State University has an amazing accounting program. I wasn’t sure initially if that the was the right path for me but their department head really helped me with questions I had and gave me a good idea of what the experience would be like. From there I entered their accounting program. The curriculum was challenging but fun. It always was made to feel relevant to what you were doing at the time and learning, which really makes all the difference. It’s one thing to just memorize something in a book but something else entirely when you can actually apply what you learn. My professors always pushed me to do my best and learn as much as I can and they’re responsible for the professional I am today. I can’t recommend their accounting program enough. It’s a great school with great professors.” -student at Grand Valley State University
Student Review: “I cannot recommend the Accounting Program at GVSU’s Allendale campus enough. When I first started there, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do study-wise, so I toured the different departments and spoke with the department heads to get an idea of what made them passionate about their respective fields. It was the attention and description of the accounting department head which sold me. The whole world of finance and regulation and order really spoke to me as a person. The degree program itself is guided by professors who are passionate about what they do. The material is presented in a very relatable and current fashion that’s more effective and easier to absorb than just memorizing or reciting from a textbook. Not only that they emphasize skills that aid you in the work place; not just accounting knowledge but working with teams, doing presentations, writing skills. It is all wrapped up in a comprehensive package that prepares you. I wouldn’t be where I was today if it wasn’t for that program. If you’re considering a career in accounting, they’re the best.” -student at Grand Valley State University
Hillsdale College
33 East College St
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-7341
https://www.hillsdale.edu/
Student Review: “The accounting program at Hillsdale College is certainly a challenging one. While the classes proved to be difficult, the professors were always willing to take time out of their schedule to assist you with any problems. The intermediate accounting courses were two of the toughest courses I have ever taken, but they taught me a lot. Career services took a huge role with setting up many on campus interviews with Big 4 firms and some smaller accounting firms. This was very helpful with getting internships and loading your resume with job experience. I am proud to have successfully made it through this program at Hillsdale.” -Patrick C., student at Hillsdale College
Michigan State University
138 Service Rd
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 355-1855
https://msu.edu/
Student Review: “I will admit to my school’s business education infrastructure (including the accounting program) to be somewhat frustratingly balkanized. Since accounting was not my singular focus (I was a student of multiple disciplines and multiple colleges), I encountered several instances in which my enrollment in accounting classes required a direct, personal override, arrange by either a department dean or by an individual professor. I had to jump through numerous hoops in order to take the accounting classes I sought to take, and was often faced with the threat of not being allowed to enroll in classes I thought would be interesting, informative and helpful in my future. Almost consistently, however, I was able to enroll after numerous additional steps, and almost consistently, I found the accounting program to be supremely beneficial. My hoop-jumping and letter-writing always seemed worthwhile, given the quality and depth of the finance and accounting classes I participated in. The professors were experienced, insightful, accessible and willing to provide assistance whenever asked. The information was thorough, relevant and directly applicable to my goals. I’m glad to have had the opportunity, even if it was not easy enough to get.” -Alex H., student at Michigan State University
Saginaw Valley State University
7400 Bay Rd
University Center, MI 48710
(989) 964-4000
https://www.svsu.edu/
Student Review: “I attended Saginaw Valley State University from 2000-2004, graduating in August 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. The campus facilities, from housing to the library to the academic buildings are absolutely amazing; very modern. I am fully satisfied with the College of Business; the professors were all very nice and went out of their way to help me, and a wide variety of accounting courses were offered at the 300-400 level. One thing I liked was that most of the courses were consistent in outline; four equally-weighted exams that determined your final grade. Attendance was not usually mandatory, but could help you in the end if you were in-between grades. Overall, I am happy to have attended SVSU and feel that I was challenged intellectually by great instructors. Though not a prestigious (just an “average” school) university, it is more than adequate for students unable to get into an Ivy League or Big Ten-caliber institution. I still keep in touch with a handful of my fellow students from the accounting and other business programs and all are doing well in respective fields. After working in corporate accounting for a couple years, I became the controller of a large construction company, and I credit much of this to my academic experience at SVSU.” -student at Saginaw Valley State University
University of Michigan
503 S State St
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764-1817
https://umich.edu/
Student Review: “I have taken numerous classes in the University of Michigan accounting program and while they were very challenging they were very rewarding and I learned quite a bit. I first took a class two years ago, and I had some concerns at first, as the teacher was very young and wasn’t the best speaker of English. But I soon found that if I stayed patient, she improved over the course of the semester, and truly had a mastery of the material. Accounting tutors are easy to find and I’ve heard of numerous friends having great success in the classes with the help of the tutors. The program has prepared me very well for my future in the business world and I truly feel that I could perform extremely well in an accounting entry-level position today.” -Bryan M., student at University of Michigan
Washtenaw Community College
4800 E Huron River Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48197
(734) 973-3300
https://www.wccnet.edu/
Student Review: “I have found the accounting program at Washtenaw Community College to be a good experience. I have 6 more classes to complete in order to receive my degree, but overall I feel like the courses are preparing me to transfer to a 4-year program. The class sizes are small which makes it easier to approach the professor. Another huge benefit is that I’ve had the same professor for many of my accounting courses, who happens to be the schools accounting advisor. He knows everything accounting, but he doesn’t do as well with the computer programs as a younger professor might. Sometimes I find that I learn better by going through the book and learning things on my own. This makes me wish that they offered more accounting courses online. The online classes that are available are very easy to follow. Even though the program could be better, I don’t regret choosing to go to Washtenaw Community College to get my associate’s degree.” -Marianne G., student at Washtenaw Community College
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269)387-1000
https://wmich.edu/
Student Review: “I attended WMU for my undergrad as well as graduate study in the field of Accountancy. I was happy with WMU as they have a very reputable business college and their accounting department specifically is very supportive. The majority of the professors in the accounting department are very knowledgeable and supportive. The best part about the accounting program at WMU is the fact that the MSA is meant to get you the additional 30 hours of course work required to take the CPA exam. I also enjoyed that the bulk of my classes, especially in grad school, were all located in one building which made parking a breeze and getting from one class to another very simple. They also provided adequate study space in the main business college building which was also very convenient. My only complaint would be that there were a couple professors there that were both not supportive of students as well as incompetent as instructors, but I would assume you are bound to run into that just about anywhere.” -student at Western Michigan University
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References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual Best Accounting Schools 2023: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/rankings/top-ranked/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2023 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2022.
4. US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
5. US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/online-bachelors-business-rankings
6. US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
7. Association to Advance College Schools of Business, Accredited Universities and Schools, Business & Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
8. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Accredited Schools, Separate Accounting: https://acbspsearch.org/
9. International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Members: https://iacbe.org/accreditation/member-status-information/results/
10. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data
11. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2019 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Michigan: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm