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    Accounting Schools in Missouri

    Table of Contents

    1 – Comparison of Schools and Programs
    2 – Top-Ranked Schools in Missouri
    3 – Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates
    4 – School Profiles
    5 – Missouri CPA Requirements
    6 – Career Opportunities for Graduates

    This page summarizes key information about colleges and universities in Missouri that offer accounting degrees. Students can choose between undergraduate and graduate accounting programs, with full-time, part-time, in-person, hybrid, and entirely online formats. Those interested in accounting degrees can learn more about different program curricula, professional designation requirements, and career outlooks in Missouri below.

    Quick Facts

    • 43 not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Missouri.1
    • 17 schools offer a certificate in accounting.1
    • 10 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.1
    • 32 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.1
    • 20 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.1
    • 6 schools ranked in College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023.2
    • No schools ranked in the Princeton Review’s Best Colleges for Accounting Majors 2023.3
    • No programs ranked in US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs 2023.4
    • 8 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023.5
    • No schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2022-2023.6
    • 6 schools are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in Business and Accounting.7
    • 14 schools have accounting programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).8
    • 2 schools have accounting programs accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).9

    Comparison of Missouri Accounting Schools and Programs

    The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Missouri 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 Missouri business schools page, which break out information at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    SchoolAccreditationAccounting Degree(s)Acceptance Rate10Grad Rate1Avg Net Price1Median Debt*10Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10
    Avila UniversityIACBEBBA-Accounting;
    BSBA-Accounting;
    BS-Public Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    5-Year BS/BSBA to MBA-Accounting;
    MBA-Accounting
    Grad Cert-Accounting    		68%51%$17,210$25,000$52,544
    Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences—BAcc;
    Minor-Accounting    		99%52%$24,828$17,619$42,616
    College of the Ozarks—BS-Accounting;
    BS-Accounting: CPA Pathway;
    Minor-Accounting    		20.5%63%$12,611N.Av.$40,659
    Columbia College—BS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    MSA    		N.Av.43%$22,824$23,879$44,642
    Crowder College—AAS-AccountingN.Av.40%$5,830$9,000$34,770
    Culver-Stockton CollegeIACBEBS-Accountancy;
    Minor-Accountancy;
    Minor-Forensic Accounting;
    5-Year BS to MBA-Accounting;
    5-Year BS to MBA-Accounting & Finance;
    MBA-Accounting;
    MBA-Accounting & Finance    		92.5%48%$20,522$26,000$46,707
    Drury University—BBA-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting Math Professional    		65.4%64%$20,996$20,979$39,169
    East Central College—AA-Accounting;
    AAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.39%$7,447$9,500$34,810
    Evangel UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    Concentration: Accounting    		63.6%72%$20,963$24,736$45,450
    Fontbonne UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
    Concentration-Accounting;
    Accelerated BS to MBA-Accounting;
    MBA-Accounting;
    MSA    		78.1%58%$20,732$25,000$48,326
    Harris-Stowe State UniversityACBSPBS-AccountingN.Av.20%$10,239$25,930$33,234
    Jefferson College—AAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.32%$6,085$9,285$37,425
    Lincoln UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    MBA-Accounting    		N.Av.29%$11,199$28,875$36,347
    Lindenwood UniversityACBSPBA/BS-Accounting;
    BA/BS-Business Administration: Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    MAcc;
    MBA-Accounting    		74.8%54%$18,016$26,000$49,080
    Maryville University of Saint LouisACBSPBS-Accounting;
    BS-Accounting Information Systems;
    Dual BS Accounting/Accounting Information Systems;
    Minor-Accounting;
    Accelerated BS to MSA;
    MBA-Accounting;
    MSA-Business Analysis & Reporting;
    MSA-Information Systems and Control    		91.5%67%$26,757$22,000$55,969
    Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City—AA-Accounting;
    AAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Bookkeeping;
    UG Cert-Payroll Professional    		N.Av.29%$7,009$10,073$38,151
    Missouri Baptist University—BS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		61.8%41%$25,590$22,500$42,766
    Missouri Southern State UniversityACBSPBSBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting    		96.9%36%$10,061$19,174$41,727
    Missouri State University-SpringfieldAACSBBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    5-Year BS to MAcc;
    5-Year BS to MBA;
    MAcc;
    Grad Cert-Accounting Analytics;
    Grad Cert-Forensic Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Management Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Tax Accounting    		93.9%58%$17,677$21,992$47,850
    Missouri Valley College—BS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting    		65.9%23%$18,450$25,950$40,998
    Missouri Western State University—BSBA-Accounting;
    Accelerated BSBA to MBA-Forensic Accounting;
    MBA-Forensic Accounting    		N.Av.41%$11,917$19,968$40,253
    Moberly Area Community College—UG Cert-AccountingN.Av.39%$6,390$10,658$34,823
    North Central Missouri College—UG Cert-AccountingN.Av.44%$9,084$10,500$36,677
    Northwest Missouri State UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting: Managerial Accounting;
    BS-Accounting: Public Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting Information Systems;
    MBA-Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Accounting    		85.6%54%$14,197$21,500$45,693
    Ozarks Technical Community College—AAS-Accounting and Business Management;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.30%$6,525$10,453$34,874
    Park UniversityACBSPAS-Management/Accounting;
    BSBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    5-Year BSBA to MBA;
    5-Year BSBA to MHA;
    MBA-Accounting;
    MHA-Management Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.23%$15,858$21,685$53,977
    Saint Louis Community College—AAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.22%$7,635$6,725$33,167
    Saint Louis UniversityAACSBBS-Accounting;
    BS-Accounting: Consulting and Advisory;
    BS-Accounting: Public Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    5-Year Integrated BS/MAcc;
    Dual MAcc/JD;
    MAcc-Audit;
    MAcc-Business Analysis and Reporting;
    MAcc-Financial Reporting;
    MAcc-Taxation    		70.1%81%$29,651$25,000$69,878
    Southeast Missouri State University—BSBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    MBA-Accounting    		79.3%56%$14,519$21,500$42,700
    Southwest Baptist UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting: CPA;
    BS-Accounting: Non-CPA;
    BS-Accounting and Information Assurance    		96.2%43%$18,926$20,957$41,610
    St Charles Community College—AAS-Business Administration: Accounting;
    UG Cert-Business Administration: Accounting    		N.Av.19%$1,000$6,187$41,488
    State Fair Community College—AAS-Computer Information Systems: AccountingN.Av.35%$6,675$10,500$34,658
    Three Rivers CollegeACBSPAAS-Accounting Technology;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.34%$6,538$10,000$32,883
    Truman State UniversityAACSBBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    MAcc-Audit;
    MAcc-Tax    		61%71%$13,993$21,000$55,351
    University of Central MissouriAACSBBSBA-Accountancy
    Minor-Accountancy;
    Accelerated BSBA to MAcc;
    MAcc-CMA;
    MAcc-CPA    		75.8%53%$15,117$21,000$46,316
    University of Missouri-ColumbiaAACSBBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accountancy;
    5-Year Integrated BS/MAcc;
    MAcc;
    Grad Cert-Accounting Data Analytics;
    PhD-Accountancy    		76.6%75%$19,889$20,500$61,073
    University of Missouri-Kansas City—BS-Accounting;
    MSA-Business Analysis and Reporting;
    MSA-Corporate Accounting;
    MSA-Information Systems and Controls;
    MSA-Tax Compliance and Planning    		76%55%$14,739$18,750$55,775
    University of Missouri-St LouisAACSBBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    5-Year BS to MAcc;
    MAcc;
    MBA-Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Accounting Data Analytics;
    Grad Cert-Accounting Data Security    		56.6%52%$13,211$20,000$50,876
    Washington University in St Louis—BSBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    5-Year BSBA to MAcc;
    MAcc    		13%94%$23,432$17,500$90,646
    Webster UniversityACBSPBSBA-Accounting;
    5-Year BSBA-Accounting to MSF    		59.5%59%$23,069$23,000$48,965
    Westminster CollegeACBSPBA-Business Administration: Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting    		96.7%64%$26,768$27,000$51,446
    William Jewell College—BS-Accounting;
    BS-Accounting: Accounting Professional Program;
    3-Year Accelerated BS-Accounting    		47%62%$20,108$24,498$59,207
    William Woods UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting    		68.3%51%$23,363$21,983$43,767

    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 Missouri

    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

    • Washington University in St. Louis (#4)
    • University of Missouri-Columbia (#38)
    • Saint Louis University (#102)
    • Maryville University of Saint Louis (#171)
    • University of Missouri-St Louis (#189)
    • Truman State University (#197)2

    US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023

    • University of Missouri (#12 tie)
    • Missouri State University (#32 tie)
    • Lindenwood University (#112 tie)
    • Southeast Missouri State University (#112 tie)
    • Drury University (#127 tie)
    • Northwest Missouri State University (#127 tie)
    • Maryville University of St. Louis (#141 tie)
    • Columbia College (#170-214)5

    Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree

    The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases reports including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Missouri 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 Missouri being 65.3%:

    1. William Jewell College 100%
    2. Evangel University 92.3%
    3. Washington University St. Louis 86%
    4. Truman State University 84.1%
    5. Saint Louis University 71%
    6. Missouri State University 69.5%

    *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 Missouri with Accounting Degrees

    To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in Missouri, 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

    Saint Louis University

    Students at Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Chaifetz School of Business can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting with an optional concentration in Public Accounting or Consulting and Advisory. This program emphasizes the technical and professional accounting skills necessary to succeed in the field. Students learn accounting fundamentals in courses such as Financial Reporting, Auditing, Cost Management, and Accounting Information Systems. Classes also emphasize skills in communication, problem-solving, and critical analysis. Students can pursue an integrated undergraduate and graduate accounting program, earning a BS and Master of Accountancy (MAcc) in an accelerated five-year format. Graduates from SLU can go on to work as public accountants, auditors, budget analysts, risk management consultants, or forensic accountants.

    University of Missouri

    Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSAcc) at the Trulaske College of Business at the University of Missouri (Mizzou). Students gain a strong accounting foundation through courses such as Cost and Managerial Accounting; Financial Accounting Theory and Practice; Business Law; and Corporate Finance. The curriculum also includes courses in technical accounting skills, business fundamentals, and professional skills like communication and public speaking. Students gain practical experience in accounting skills such as performing audits, preparing financial statements, and designing information systems. Mizzou undergraduate students also have the option to pursue an Integrated BSAcc/Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree to complete both degrees in five years.

    Washington University in St. Louis

    Washington University’s (WashU) Olin Business School offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a major in Accounting degree. The curriculum focuses on accounting and business fundamentals, but students are also encouraged to take interdisciplinary electives. Students must complete business and economics courses in addition to accounting core classes including Financial Accounting Theory, Not-For-Profit Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, Cost Accounting, and Auditing. WashU emphasizes experiential learning through optional internships, study abroad programs, and immersion courses. The BSBA degree can be combined with the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) to comprise a total of 150 credits in an integrated curriculum. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered for admittance to the accelerated program.

    Graduate Accounting Programs

    Missouri Western State University

    Students at Missouri Western State University (MWSU) can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting. This degree program is designed for individuals interested in forensic fields of study or undergraduate accounting students wanting to meet the educational requirements for the CPA examination, but it is open to students of all educational and professional backgrounds. Applicants without an undergraduate degree in business are encouraged to either complete AACSB-accredited business courses in accounting, finance, management, marketing, and statistics or Missouri Western’s MBA Bridging Modules, which test competency in business-related subjects. The 30-credit MBA curriculum covers 21 credit hours of professional core classes (such as Foundations of Finance and Accounting; Applied Strategic Management; and Business Intelligence and Analytics) and nine credits of Forensic Accounting courses, including Auditing for Fraud; Computer Forensics; and Criminal Law, Evidence, and Legal Procedures.

    University of Missouri-St. Louis

    The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Accounting Emphasis. Both programs are open to students without undergraduate accounting backgrounds, although students with an undergraduate accounting degree may be able to waive some of the required coursework. The MAcc degree program comprises a minimum of 30 credits and meets the educational requirements for the CPA examination in Missouri. MAcc students will complete core courses such as Financial and Managerial Accounting; Cost Systems Analysis; and Information Systems in Accounting. The MBA with Accounting Emphasis curriculum consists of 18 credits of Business core classes and required coursework in professional and written communication skills; business law; ethics and social responsibility; economics; and statistics. The Accounting Emphasis comprises nine credits and includes classes such as Professional Accountancy; Financial Accounting and Reporting; and Auditing. USML also offers a Post-Baccalaureate Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and want to complete the educational requirements for the Missouri CPA examination, as well as graduate certificates in Accounting Data Analytics and Accounting Data Security.

    Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

    Missouri State University

    Missouri State University (MSU) offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting on-campus or entirely online. The online program is designed for working professionals and can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. The core curriculum includes fundamental classes such as Professionalism in Accountancy; Accounting and Management Information Systems; Auditing; and Tax Accounting. Students can then choose electives that match their career interests. Those with previous undergraduate credit may be able to transfer and apply semester hours toward this degree. MSU also offers online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) and accelerated BS to MAcc degree programs. On-campus and online students can take advantage of MSU’s Career Center for support in finding post-graduation internships and career opportunities.

    Truman State University

    Truman State University offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree that can be completed on-campus or online. This one-year program is designed for those interested in continuing their accounting education and pursuing the CPA designation. Truman’s MAcc curriculum focuses on the business and financial knowledge necessary to succeed in the accounting industry, as well as interpersonal communication, leadership, and analytical research skills. Students may choose an Audit Track or a Tax Track and must complete required core courses including Advanced Financial Accounting, Commercial Law, and Data Science for Business. Graduates from Truman meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA examination in Missouri. For post-graduation career planning, students can take advantage of internship opportunities, an extensive alumni and industry network, and student group activities.

    Related Articles: Business Schools in Missouri | Online MBA Programs in Missouri | Online Accounting Degrees in Missouri | Online Business Degrees in Missouri

    Missouri CPA Requirements

    The Missouri State Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires that CPA candidates complete 150 semester hours and earn a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Graduates must then pass the Uniform CPA examination and complete 2,000 hours of accounting-related work experience that are verified by a CPA. After fulfilling these requirements, candidates can apply for licensure which must be maintained by fulfilling continuing professional education (CPE) hours through activities such as educational courses, ethics classes, and professional seminars.

    Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Missouri

    Graduates with accounting degrees in Missouri may find many different career options in the state. Fortune 500 companies such as Express Scripts, Emerson Electric, O’Reilly Automotive, and Centene are based in Missouri and may provide opportunities for those wishing to pursue corporate auditing, controlling, and managerial accounts. Additionally, the personal income tax service provider H&R Block is headquartered in Kansas City and is a leading employer of both private and public accountants. Kansas City also hosts offices of the Big Four international accounting and professional service firms: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and KPMG.

    Missouri Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

    Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
    Columbia740$67,180
    Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO1,800$77,430
    Jefferson City1,140$69,020
    Kansas City11,960$77,490
    St. Louis14,290$77,910
    Springfield2,180$66,090

    Missouri 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.

    Saint Louis University
    221 N Grand Blvd
    St. Louis, MO 63103
    (800) 758-3678
    https://www.slu.edu/

    Student Review: “There were several things that I liked about my program. First was that they offered an integrated program, which enabled me to start my graduate courses while maintaining my undergraduate status. This allowed my scholarships and financial aide to apply. Also many of the teachers have real world experience and they were able to utilize that when explaining topics. This enabled me to grasp the topics easier. There were also things that I disliked about my program. One thing in particular was that several courses were scarcely offered; they were only offered in certain semesters. One thing I disliked about the graduate portion of the program was that elective classes were hard to come by since most of the graduate classes had an undergraduate counterpart, which I had taken. Because I had taken the undergraduate version I was not allowed to take the graduate level course, which drastically reduced the number of electives I was eligible for.” -Michael S., student at Saint Louis University

    Student Review: “The Saint Louis University Account program in the John Cook School of Business was a great program. I found the professors and classes challenging and the things I learned in those classes help me in the real world and with passing the C.P.A. My fellow classmates were great as well and the group study was probably my favorite part of the experience. Being able to work with your fellow classmates and help each other out helped me to learn about accounting and working with others. I found that combined with the professors and group work, I was able to learn to tackle any problem (in accounting or in general). Overall, the experience at SLU was rewarding.” -student at Saint Louis University

    Nearby States with Accounting Degree State Pages:

    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, Missouri: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mo.htm