Discover Business

    Accounting Schools in Connecticut

    Table of Contents

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

    Connecticut’s colleges and universities offer an array of accounting programs, including programs in general accounting as well as programs in specialties such as forensic accounting and financial operations. Students can choose from undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs that offer many different concentrations. This guide to accounting schools in Connecticut provides essential information about your options for pursuing an accounting degree in the state. Continue reading below to learn more about accounting school rankings, professional certifications, and career outlooks in Connecticut.

    Quick Facts

    Comparison of Connecticut Accounting Schools and Programs

    The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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
    Albertus Magnus CollegeIACBEBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting,
    Five-Year BS/MSA;
    MS-Accounting    		81.7%50%$27,469$30,964$52,250
    Asnuntuck Community College—AS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.29%$9,550$6,530$40,973
    Capital Community College—AA-Accounting (Pathway Transfer);
    AS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Advanced Accounting;
    UG Cert-Basic Accounting    		N.Av.6%$9,556$9,200$38,697
    Central Connecticut State University—BS-Accounting;
    5-Year Accelerated BSA/MBA;
    5-Year Accelerated BSA/MSA;
    MS-Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Accounting Analytics    		74.8%53%$17,088$22,300$56,799
    Eastern Connecticut State University—BS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    5-Year Accelerated BSA/MSA;
    MS-Accounting    		73.2%60%$18,628$24,250$52,411
    Fairfield University—BS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting Information Systems;
    5-Year Accelerated BSA/MSA;
    MS-Accounting;
    MS-Accounting: Assurance;
    MS-Accounting: Business Analytics;
    MS-Accounting: Taxation;
    Grad Cert-Accounting    		55.8%84%$46,065$26,000$95,393
    Gateway Community College—AS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.11%$10,717$5,750$37,888
    Housatonic Community College—AS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.9%$12,148$7,925$35,340
    Manchester Community College—AS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.18%$9,787$5,000$41,721
    Middlesex Community College—AS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.20%$6,306$7,638$36,949
    Naugatuck Valley Community College—AS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.14%$8,747$7,500$44,125
    Norwalk Community College—AS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.12%$6,322$5,500$37,554
    Quinebaug Valley Community College—AS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.20%$8,337N.Av.$38,877
    Quinnipiac UniversityAACSBBS-Accounting;
    BS-Information Systems and Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    3+1 Accelerated Dual Degree BS/MS in Accounting;
    4+1 Dual Degree BS/MS in Accounting;
    MS-Accounting;
    MS-Accounting: Business Analytics    		88.1%77%$39,051$26,000$81,553
    Sacred Heart University—BS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting;
    4+1 BSA/MSA;
    MBA-Accounting;
    MS-Accounting;
    MSA-Business Analytics & Reporting;
    MSA-Information Systems & Forensic Accounting    		66.1%73%$45,280$25,000$74,642
    Southern Connecticut State University—BSBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    MBA-Accounting    		82.9%53%$18,712$22,250$55,682
    Three Rivers Community College—AS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.16%$6,398$10,500$36,751
    Tunxis Community CollegeACBSPAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		N.Av.17%$10,169$8,525$35,693
    University of BridgeportACBSPBS-Accounting;
    MBA-Accounting    		73.1%47%$28,470$25,750$51,396
    University of ConnecticutAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
    Accelerated BSBA/MSA;
    MSA;
    PhD-Accounting    		55.6%83%$23,985$21,500$76,076
    University of Hartford—BS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    3+1 Accelerated BSA/MBA;
    3+1 Accelerated BSA/MS-Accounting and Taxation;
    MS-Accounting and Taxation;
    MSAT-Financial and Assurance Services    		78.8%57%$31,687$27,000$63,870
    University of New Haven—BS-Accounting;
    BS-Accounting (Degree Completion);
    MS-Accounting;
    MS-Accounting (Degree Completion)    		94.1%62%$33,135$27,000$58,152
    University of Saint Joseph—BS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting    		78.3%61%$25,860$27,000$54,455
    Western Connecticut State University—BBA-Accounting;
    BBA-Financial Accounting;
    BBA-Managerial Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting    		84.9%51%$15,862$24,147$57,005
    Yale University—PhD-Accounting5.3%98%$18,647$12,975$95,961

    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 Connecticut

    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

    • Fairfield University (#28)
    • University of Connecticut (#40)
    • Quinnipiac University (#117)
    • Sacred Heart University (#119)
    • University of Hartford (#217)
    • Central Connecticut State University (#220)2

    Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023

    • Fairfield University3

    US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs 2023

    • Fairfield University (#26 tie)
    • Yale University (#40 tie)4

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

    • Albertus Magnus College (#170-214)5

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

    • Fairfield University (#39 tie)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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut being 56.4%:

    1. University of Connecticut 67.8%
    2. Central Connecticut State University 58.1%
    3. Fairfield University 56.5%
    4. Western Connecticut State University 55.6%
    5. Southern Connecticut State University 53.5%
    6. Quinnipiac University 48.6%

    *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 Connecticut with Accounting Degrees

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

    Central Connecticut State University

    At Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), students can earn an AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program is designed for those interested in pursuing advanced graduate study or working in public, corporate, or governmental accounting. Students complete a core curriculum that includes courses in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, cost management, budgeting, and accounting information systems. These fundamental courses emphasize how to use accounting information to control, strategize, and make decisions for organizations. Students can also choose from electives that match their career interests, such as Fraud Examination, Advanced Business Law, Fundamentals of Corporate Taxation, or Personal Financial Planning. All coursework focuses on critical thinking skills, communication, and ethical and social responsibility in the field. CCSU also offers two accelerated graduate accounting programs that incorporate the BS in Accounting: one with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and one with a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting. Both programs can be completed in five years and prepare graduates to meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam.

    Sacred Heart University

    Students at Sacred Heart University can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program emphasizes the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to understand financial information. Students learn how to these skills in analyzing financial statements, complying with industry regulations, and making business financial decisions. Required courses include Managerial Accounting and Control; Auditing, Legal and Ethical Business; and Principles of Marketing. Experiential learning opportunities are also available through the Accounting Club, networking events, and volunteering in the community during tax season. Graduates go on to work in fields such as public accounting, financial analysis, auditing, and investing.

    University of Connecticut

    The School of Business at the University of Connecticut (UConn) offers an AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. Through courses such as Principles of Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Federal Income Taxes, and Assurance Services, students learn how to analyze and interpret accounting information. UConn emphasizes the use of financial information in managerial and investment decisions, and students develop leadership skills through team projects and experiential learning opportunities. Summer and winter internship opportunities are available, and students can search for positions in tax, assurance services, or financial analysis. The School of Business also offers an online Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program for those interested in pursuing the CPA designation.

    Popular Articles:

    Graduate Accounting Programs

    Fairfield University

    The Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree. This program is cohort-based, and must be attended on a full-time basis, allowing students to graduate in less than a year. The curriculum is designed to both meet the educational requirements for the CPA licensure and teach advanced professional skills needed in the field. Specialized tracks in Assurance, Business Analytics, or Taxation are available, but all students take fundamental courses that emphasize critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and leadership skills. The curriculum also includes time off to take the CPA examination and complete a paid internship. Graduates can take advantage of the alumni network or Career Planning Center to pursue employment opportunities, and many go on to work in private accounting or CPA firms as accountants, audit associates, or tax associates.

    Quinnipiac University

    Students at Quinnipiac University can earn an AACSB-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Accounting that can be completed in as little as 10 months. Graduate students learn both accounting theory and practical, advanced skills needed in for-profit and not-for-profit business and government. The core coursework is 18 credit hours and includes Information Assurance; Strategic Management Control Systems; Advanced Federal Income Taxation; and Tax Research. Students can then choose their electives for the remaining 12 hours from courses such as Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination; Predictive Business Analytics; and Data Mining for Competitive Advantage. A concentration in Business Analytics is also available for those looking to further specialize their degree. Quinnipiac encourages students to pursue internships and networking opportunities through recruiters or alumni. Students without an academic accounting background may need to complete some prerequisites before beginning the graduate program. Those already at Quinnipiac for their undergraduate studies can apply for the 3+1 Accelerated Dual Degree to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting in just four years.

    Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

    Albertus Magnus College

    The Tagliatela School of Business and Leadership at Albertus Magnus College offers both an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting and a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting, both of which are IACBE-accredited. The BS in Accounting consists of 54 major credits: 21 required core credits and 33 elective credits. While required courses, including Financial Accounting, Business Law, and Managerial Accounting, focus on the basics of professional accounting, elective courses like Business Spreadsheet Development and Corporate Financial Management allow students to further specialize their degree to complement their interests. For those interested in CPA licensure, the online MS in Accounting provides the 30 additional credits necessary to meet the 150-credit requirement for those with an accounting or business undergraduate degree. The MS in Accounting can be taken entirely online or in a FLEX format, which is a combination of online and in-person classes. Regardless of format, the accelerated nature of this degree allows most students to graduate in as little as a year while only taking one or two classes at a time.

    University of Hartford

    At the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford (UHart), students can earn a Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation (MSAT) entirely online. This program is designed for those interested in a career in taxation or accounting in private, public, government, or not-for-profit organizations. The online degree consists of 10 seven-week courses and can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis, with completion ranging from seven months to up to five years. Many part-time, working professional students take the spring tax season semester off and still complete their degree in about two years. UHart offers two academic tracks, Financial and Assurance Services or Taxation, as well as numerous electives. The curriculum fulfills the educational requirements for CPA licensure, and many graduates go on to work in management or leadership roles in accounting firms and businesses.

    Connecticut CPA Requirements

    The Connecticut State Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires that CPA applicants complete 150 semester hours and at least a bachelor’s degree from a college or university that is accredited from an approved regional accrediting organization. 36 of the semester hours must be accounting courses, 30 semester hours must be economics or business administration courses, 60 hours must be in general education, and 24 hours can be in any subject area. Graduates who fulfill these requirements can sit for the Uniform CPA examination. Applicants must pass all four parts of the Uniform CPA Examination with a 75 or better, and all four sections must be completed within 18 months. After passing the examination, candidates must complete two years, or 104 weeks, of work experience in the accounting field that has been verified by a licensed CPA. After all conditions are met, applicants can apply for licensure, and they must maintain this licensure by completing continued professional education (CPE) hours.

    Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Connecticut

    Accounting graduates can choose from many different career paths in Connecticut. Many choose to open their own public accounting practice, work as a consultant, or manage the finances of local or statewide businesses. Others can pursue positions with major Connecticut accounting firms such as BlumShapiro, Marcum LLP, and Whittlesey. Corporations like Unilever and Bic Corporation are based in the state and may have available accounting positions. For those interested in public accounting, government jobs may be available in the state government, public school system, state treasury, IRS, FBI, and armed forces. Graduates with accounting degrees in Connecticut may find many opportunities all over the state or in the major cities of Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Bridgeport.

    Connecticut Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

    Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
    Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk5,290$95,770
    Danbury510$85,290
    Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford5,930$84,850
    New Haven2,040$83,570
    Norwich-New London-Westerly CT-RI650$82,690
    Springfield MA-CT2,410$85,250
    Worcester MA-CT2,180$88,970

    Connecticut 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.

    University of Connecticut
    2131 Hillside Rd Unit 3088
    Storrs, Connecticut 06269
    (860) 486-2000
    https://uconn.edu/

    Student Review: “The University of Connecticut’s accounting program was a very good experience for me. The curriculum is very thorough and prepares you well for the CPA exam. Almost all of the professors have worked as partners in Big 4 accounting firms, so the program provides a great deal of advice to help students acquire positions at these firms. At the time of graduation, 99% of the accounting class I was in (roughly 500 students) had job offers. Of these, the vast majority were Big 4 accounting positions, which are the most sought after in the profession. The program also has a great internship program set up to help students get relevant accounting experience before graduating. The time spent interning can also be used for college credits, which is extremely helpful in reaching the credit requirement for the CPA license. Overall my experience with the University was great! If I had to do it all over, I would not change a thing.” -student at The University of Connecticut

    Student Review: “I earned a degree in accounting at the University of Connecticut. My experience there was nothing but pleasurable. Accounting is a skill I have used in both the business world and in my personal finances. The university’s program has so far prepared me for every challenge I have encountered in my career. However, getting a good professor in my classes was sometimes difficult. I found using teacher review websites I could avoid the bad teachers. The good professors I did have class with were amazing. They were very approachable and most classes were clear and straightforward. Class projects were one of the most challenging and rewarding things I did at University of Connecticut. There is also a wide reaching cast of notable alumni in the business world who are eager to make connections with recent graduates of the University of Connecticut program.” -student at The University of Connecticut

    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 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, Connecticut: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ct.htm