Accounting Schools in Alabama

Table of Contents

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

This guide to accounting schools in Alabama provides key information to help you understand and compare your options for obtaining a degree or certificate in accounting in the state. There are numerous public and private colleges and universities in Alabama with accounting programs to prepare students for professional practice in general accounting or specialty practice areas such as personal finance or business valuation. Alabama schools offer programs that range from general undergraduate degrees to specialized graduate degrees. More information about programs, school rankings, professional opportunities, and accounting licensure in the state of Alabama can be found below.

Quick Facts

Comparison of Alabama Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Alabama 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 Alabama 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
Alabama A&M University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		71.6%28%$12,921$31,000$39,059
Alabama State UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MAcc		98%28%$12,875$31,000$34,018
Athens State UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Minor-Forensic Accounting;
MAcc		N.Av.N.Av.N.Av.$18,051$45,311
Auburn UniversityAACSBBSBA-Accountancy;
UG Cert-Accountancy;
Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (ABMAcc);
MAcc		71.2%81%$23,873$21,000$61,042
Auburn University at MontgomeryAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
MAcc		96.8%36%$14,322$25,000$43,743
Birmingham-Southern College—BS-Accounting65.9%70%$22,888$25,000$55,236
Bishop State Community CollegeACBSPAAS-Accounting TechnologyN.Av.28%$3,698N.Av.$27,611
Chattahoochee Valley Community College—AAS-Accounting;
UG Cert-Accounting		N.Av.16%$3,596$10,500$32,075
Faulkner UniversityIACBEBS-Accounting64.6%19%$19,439$23,000$41,523
Gadsden State Community College—AAS-Accounting Technology;
UG Cert-Accounting Specialist		N.Av.27%$4,890N.Av.$31,346
H Councill Trenholm State Community College—AAS-Business Admin Accounting;
UG Cert-Business Admin Accounting		N.Av.23%$5,386N.Av.$28,768
Huntingdon College—BS-Accounting69.3%44%$23,664$27,000$47,328
Jacksonville State University—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		76.3%50%$13,426$22,189$41,504
Jefferson State Community CollegeACBSPAAS-Accounting;
UG Cert-Accounting;
UG Cert-Advanced Accounting		N.Av.21%$9,675$9,689$37,250
Lawson State Community CollegeACBSPAAS-Accounting Technology;
UG Cert-Accounting Technology		N.Av.25%$6,342N.Av.$30,135
Miles CollegeACBSPBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		N.Av.24%$14,868$31,217$30,847
Northwest-Shoals Community College—AOT-Accounting Technology;
UG Cert-Accounting Technology;
UG Cert-Accounting Technology Bookkeeping		N.Av.26%$3,493$10,000$33,630
Oakwood UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting71.9%49%$22,484$27,000$41,219
Samford University—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
BSBA to MAcc;
MAcc		83.9%79%$31,871$19,500$54,742
Snead State Community College—AAS-Applied Business: Accountancy;
UG Cert-Accountancy		N.Av.46%$7,877$9,000$33,215
Spring Hill College—BBA-Accounting71.5%56%$21,781$27,000$51,166
Troy UniversityAACSB;ACBSPBSBA-Accounting
BS-Global Business: Accounting & Finance		95.3%52%$12,486$25,000$41,691
Tuskegee University—BS-Accounting34.2%57%$36,907$27,000$43,878
University of AlabamaAACSBBS-Professional Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MAcc;
Master of Tax Accounting;
PhD-Accounting		78.9%72%$21,263$22,750$56,118
University of Alabama at BirminghamAACSBBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s-Accounting;
MAcc		88.5%62%$16,990$22,300$50,907
University of Alabama in Huntsville—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting
MAcc		73.7%61%$17,302$20,705$56,901
University of MobileACBSPBS-Accounting: Corporate/Non-Profit;
BS-Accounting: Public Accounting;
BS-Accounting to MBA		64.1%51%$21,638$26,500$43,640
University of Montevallo—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		90.1%52%$17,207$24,000$40,439
University of North Alabama—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s-Accounting;
MAcc;
MBA-Accounting		90%51%$12,379$22,077$42,601
University of South AlabamaAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
MAcc		70.8%47%$14,984$24,929$45,018
University of West AlabamaACBSPBBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		74.3%39%$15,435$24,944$38,617

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 Alabama

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

  • Auburn University
  • Samford University
  • University of Alabama-Birmingham
  • University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa2

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023

  • Auburn University
  • University of Alabama-Birmingham3

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

  • University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa (#25 tie)
  • University of Alabama-Birmingham (#42 tie)5

US News & World Report’s Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2022-2023

  • Auburn University (#50 tie)
  • University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa (#50 tie)6

Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates 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 Alabama in 2019 (the most recent report available*) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Alabama being 62.2%:

  1. Auburn University 78.0%
  2. University of Alabama-Huntsville 70.8%
  3. Samford University 69.5%
  4. Spring Hill College 66.7%
  5. University of Alabama 65.8%
  6. Troy University 64.8%
  7. University of Montevallo 64.3%

*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 Alabama with Accounting Degrees

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

Birmingham Southern College

Through Birmingham Southern College’s Department of Business, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree with a major in Accounting. This program emphasizes core business and accounting knowledge, and students are also encouraged to develop their entrepreneurial and critical thinking skills. Through coursework, internships, and study abroad opportunities, accounting students learn the practical, applicable skills needed in the industry. The curriculum also focuses on effective written and oral communication and ethical decision-making. Birmingham Southern sponsors speakers and lecture series for business students, and graduates are encouraged to start their own businesses or pursue further study and professional licensure.

Spring Hill College

Students at Spring Hill College can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting. This undergraduate degree starts with business fundamentals, and students then take specialized accounting courses to learn technical and functional industry skills. The core curriculum includes mathematical and statistical analysis courses as well as information systems and technology-based classes. The Division of Business also focuses on management and leadership skills in different kinds of organizations. Students have the option to add a Finance or Economics emphasis to their degree, and many students also complete a second major in Mathematics. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in small and large businesses or public non-profits, and this undergraduate degree also prepares students to pursue graduate studies or professional licensure.

University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama (USA) offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting degree. The core curriculum includes classes such as Financial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, and Accounting Information Systems. This coursework focuses on the foundational knowledge needed to understand, analyze, and support the financial health of organizations. Students learn accounting fundamentals as well as specialized knowledge in related subjects such as capital investment, marketing, and operations. The BSBA in Accounting is a full-time program, and graduates are also encouraged to pursue their Master of Science in Accounting (MAcc) at USA. The MAcc degree can be completed online or on-campus, and it can be finished in one year on a full-time basis or in two years for part-time students.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Auburn University

Students at Auburn University’s Raymond J. Harbert College of Business can pursue a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree. This program can be finished by full-time students in three semesters, online or on-campus, and working professionals can complete the degree part-time in five semesters online. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in accounting or have completed the equivalent courses before beginning advanced classes such as Research in Accounting, Federal Tax, and Advanced Auditing and Assurance Services. Graduate students learn technical skills needed in the accounting field, research and communication skills, and the functional knowledge necessary to pass the CPA examination.

University of Alabama

The Culverhouse College of Commerce at the University of Alabama (UA) offers a Master of Tax Accounting (MTA) degree. This program is designed for those interested in working in the tax industry. Students follow an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates law, finance, accounting, and business subjects. The curriculum includes courses such as Taxation of Corporations and Shareholders, Partnership Taxation, and Advanced Corporate Taxation. MTA graduates learn about accounting theory, the taxation system, tax law, and the tools used in research and communication in taxation and are prepared to do tax research utilizing accounting databases to solve tax problems.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

Auburn University

Auburn University offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that is designed for those who are seeking a second undergraduate degree. Graduates with an AACSB-accredited business degree can complete this BS in Accounting in five semesters while working full-time. The 30-semester hour program is ideal for those interested in a career change or those who want to fulfill the educational requirements for the CPA examination. Students can study part-time through online courses, video recordings, and independent classwork that is identical to the on-campus curriculum. Online students follow the same calendar and complete the same coursework as their on-campus counterparts.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), students can earn an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting through the Collat School of Business. This program is ideal for those interested in working in accounting in banks, private companies, nonprofits, insurance companies, or government agencies. The curriculum focuses on accounting principles, business communication, financial management, information systems, and quantitative analysis, and students learn the technical knowledge relevant to the industry. Through coursework and real-world experience, students also gain leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills. Graduates of the online program have access to UAB’s worldwide alumni network with numerous networking opportunities.

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Alabama CPA Requirements

The Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy (ASBPA) requires that CPA candidates complete 150 semester hours and hold at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or an equivalent subject. Applicants must have a transcript record of semester hours in upper-division accounting courses, business law, and other general business subjects. After passing the CPA examination, CPA candidates must complete a year of full-time experience in public accounting or two years in accounting, business, or teaching. This experience must be documented and verified by a licensed CPA. After earning an Alabama CPA license, professionals must maintain the designation through Continued Professional Education (CPE) hours.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Alabama

Students who graduate from accounting programs in Alabama have several career avenues open to them. In addition to opening their own accounting business or working as a self-employed accountant, graduates can pursue careers with major accounting firms such as Warren Averett and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Graduates can also seek employment with financial services companies such as Regions Financial Corporation, Harbert Management Corporation, and PNC Financial Services. Several opportunities exist at the government level for accounting graduates as well, including with the IRS, FBI, and State Department. Graduates with accounting degrees in Alabama may find many different opportunities to work within the state after finishing their studies.

Alabama Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Columbus GA-AL790$75,580
Huntsville2,760$80,400
Mobile1,950$73,490
Montgomery2,290$71,800
Tuscaloosa870$74,020

Alabama 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.

Auburn University
226 Thach Concourse
Auburn, AL 36849
(334) 844-4000
http://www.auburn.edu/

Student Review: “The Auburn University accounting program was wonderful and I was glad to be a part of it. I enjoyed almost all of my classes. I found the subject material to be extremely challenging yet rewarding. The professors were great. Every class I took required the professor to have a certain number of office hours per week. If these office hours didn’t fit your schedule, you could talk directly with your professor and set up an appointment to get help. I greatly valued these 1-on-1 interactions with my professors as they allowed me to gain a much better understanding of the subject material. In addition, it was one of these close relationships with a professor that allowed me to land my very first accounting internship following my junior year. My favorite class in the program was definitely ‘Intermediate Accounting.’ It was advanced enough to challenge me, and it provided me with an extremely solid base to work from for the rest of my accounting courses. Overall, I had a great experience in the Auburn University accounting program and only regret that it flew by too quickly.” -Deron T., student at Auburn University

University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
(205) 348-6010
https://www.ua.edu/

Student Review: “I am very satisfied with the accounting program at the University of Alabama. My professors have been excellent. Being able to make accounting interesting and appealing is a rare talent, but virtually all of my accounting professors have been able to make the material engaging. I am also happy with the reputation of the accounting program at Alabama and feel that having an accounting degree from Alabama will make me a more competitive candidate for jobs. My accounting advisor has been a terrific resource for me, she is extremely good at guiding students through the accounting program. Alabama also does an excellent job of stressing the importance of joining Beta Alpha Psi (of which I am a member). Beta Alpha Psi has been invaluable in connecting me with both local and national firms. I did not originally intend to major in accounting, but I could not be more satisfied with my time in the accounting program at Alabama.” -Cody S., student at The University of Alabama

Related 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 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, Alabama: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm