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

    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.

    SchoolAccreditationAccounting Degree(s)Acceptance Rate10Grad Rate1Avg Net Price1Median Debt*10Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10
    Adrian CollegeBBA-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting;
    MBA-Accounting;
    MS-Accountancy
    76.0%51%$24,870$27,000$52,959
    Albion CollegeBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting
    69.3%59%$19,351$27,000$57,501
    Alma CollegeBA-Accounting;
    BA-Professional Accounting
    68.8%62%$23,995$27,000$51,997
    Alpena Community CollegeAAS-AccountingN.Av.44%$4,001$9,024$36,142
    Andrews UniversityIACBEBBA-Accounting;
    5-Year Accelerated BBA/MBA
    81.5%71%$24,194$26,000$50,391
    Aquinas CollegeBA-Accounting;
    BA-Professional Accountancy;
    Minor-Accounting
    89.0%61%$18,605$23,000$45,282
    Baker CollegeIACBEBBA-Accounting;
    5-Year Accelerated BBA/MBA;
    MBA-Accounting
    41.0%20%$13,719$25,000$33,440
    Bay de Noc Community CollegeAA-Accounting;
    AAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting
    N.Av.32%$10,108$12,618$35,027
    Calvin UniversityBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    MAcc
    75.1%77%$25,775$23,250$54,153
    Central Michigan UniversityAACSBBA-Accounting;
    5-Year Accelerated BA/MBA;
    MBA-Accounting
    77.1%62%$15,605$27,000$52,440
    Cleary UniversityABA-Accounting;
    BBA-Corporate Accounting;
    BBA-Public Accounting
    75.9%64%$27,209$19,500$57,487
    Concordia University Ann ArborBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    MS-Accountancy;
    MBA-Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Accounting
    62.8%52%$26,353$25,750$51,567
    Cornerstone UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting91.3%62%$20,935$25,000$45,033
    Davenport UniversityIACBEABA-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 CollegeABS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting Fast Track
    N.Av.15%$6,113$10,978$37,362
    Eastern Michigan UniversityBBA-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 UniversityACBSPAAS-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 CollegeUG Cert-AccountingN.Av.36%$8,236$10,794$37,594
    Gogebic Community CollegeUG Cert-AccountingN.Av.29%$7,698$10,925$35,858
    Grand Rapids Community CollegeABA-AccountingN.Av.19%$9,059$9,000$36,524
    Grand Valley State UniversityAACSBBBA-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 CollegeABA-AccountingN.Av.11%$3,178$14,250$35,210
    Hillsdale CollegeBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting
    23.7%87%$24,196N.Av.N.Av.
    Hope CollegeBA-Accounting;
    BA-Public Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting
    92.4%80%$25,800$26,800$56,309
    Jackson CollegeACBSPAAS-AccountingN.Av.16%$9,773$13,875$36,083
    Kalamazoo Valley Community CollegeAAS-AccountingN.Av.23%$5,418$9,699$35,957
    Kellogg Community CollegeAAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting
    N.Av.8%$4,685$17,000$36,602
    Kirtland Community CollegeAAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting Clerk Specialist
    N.Av.34%$9,422$13,067$34,316
    Lake Michigan CollegeAAS-AccountingN.Av.21%$9,567$9,000$32,857
    Lake Superior State UniversityACBSPAAS-Technical Accounting;
    BS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting/Finance
    73.3%51%$14,336$23,250$47,666
    Lansing Community CollegeABA-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Bookkeeping
    N.Av.19%$4,371$12,700$39,312
    Lawrence Technological UniversityACBSPBSBA-Accounting;
    5-Year Accelerated BSBA/MBA
    81.1%66%$32,641$27,000$69,190
    Macomb Community CollegeABA-AccountingN.Av.12%$5,082$6,000$39,386
    Madonna UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    MS-Accountancy
    52.3%49%$18,344$23,000$54,408
    Michigan State UniversityAACSBBA-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 UniversityBS-Accounting;
    MS-Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Accounting Analytics
    85.8%68%$18,235$24,990$77,293
    Mid Michigan CollegeAAS-AccountingN.Av.12%$7,749$13,750$36,313
    Monroe County Community CollegeAAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting
    N.Av.31%$4,585$12,296$38,889
    Montcalm Community CollegeAAS-AccountingN.Av.38%$7,625$16,500$33,301
    Mott Community CollegeACBSPAAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting
    N.Av.16%$8,071$13,000$30,679
    Muskegon Community CollegeAAS-Accounting and Bookkeeping ServicesN.Av.26%$5,756$9,125$36,015
    North Central Michigan CollegeAAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting Assistant;
    UG Cert-Bookkeeping
    N.Av.33%$6,701$14,000$32,421
    Northern Michigan UniversityBBA-Accounting;
    BBA-Financial Management;
    Minor-Accounting
    71.3%53%$17,346$21,474$44,658
    Northwestern Michigan CollegeAAS-Accounting;
    ASA-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting
    N.Av.24%$6,951$12,500$36,219
    Northwood UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
    5-Year Accelerated BBA/MBA
    83.4%63%$24,616$20,842$58,172
    Oakland Community CollegeABA-Accounting Concentration;
    UG Cert-General Accounting
    N.Av.17%$5,605$9,105$35,680
    Oakland UniversityAACSBBS-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    MAcc
    92.1%58%$15,161$22,750$55,645
    Olivet CollegeBA-Accounting;
    BA-Accounting: CPA Track;
    MBA-Accounting Concentration
    88.5%44%$21,394$27,000$45,624
    Rochester UniversityBBA-Accounting98.1%41%$18,665$24,475$47,021
    Saginaw Valley State UniversityBBA-Accounting;
    Bachelor of Professional Accountancy (BPA);
    Minor-Accounting
    77.8%50%$12,432$25,000$48,256
    Schoolcraft Community College DistrictAAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting for Small Business Skills
    N.Av.17%$8,956$10,500$40,781
    Siena Heights UniversityAA-Accounting;
    BBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting
    68.4%51%$20,074$18,750$50,438
    Southwestern Michigan CollegeAAS-AccountingN.Av.32%$9,094$10,959$32,791
    Spring Arbor UniversityBA-Accounting; Minor-Accounting59.9%60%$22,375$26,375$47,632
    St Clair County Community CollegeAAS-AccountingN.Av.25%$7,174$11,750$38,212
    University of Detroit MercyBSBA-Accounting;
    5-Year Accelerated BSBA/MBA;
    Grad Cert-Finance
    93.2%73%$18,197$23,250$60,489
    University of Michigan-Ann ArborMAcc;
    PhD-Accounting
    20.2%93%$19,318$19,500$79,580
    University of Michigan-DearbornBBA-Accounting;
    Minor-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Entrepreneurship;
    UG Cert- Finance Planning;
    MS-Accounting
    68.8%56%$12,444$22,500$58,324
    University of Michigan-FlintBBA-Accounting;
    MS-Accounting
    ;
    Dual MSA/MBA
    73.9%46%$10,840$25,000$47,757
    Walsh CollegeACBSPBachelor of Accountancy (BAC);
    MS-Accountancy;
    Dual MSA/MBA
    N.Av.N.Av.N.Av.$16,217$69,522
    Washtenaw Community CollegeAAS-Accounting;
    3+1 AAS Transfer Program;
    UG Cert-Accounting for Business
    N.Av.28%$3,684$13,310$36,109
    Wayne County Community College DistrictAAS-Accounting;
    UG Cert-Accounting
    N.Av.13%$5,354$12,062$29,088
    Wayne State UniversityBA-Accounting;
    BS-Accounting;
    MS-Accounting;
    Grad Cert-Accounting
    63.3%60%$15,347$21,250$48,752
    West Shore Community CollegeAAS-AccountingN.Av.30%$4,081$9,089$33,267
    Western Michigan UniversityAACSBBBA-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%:

    1. Michigan Technological University 95.2%
    2. University of Michigan Ann Arbor 91.4%
    3. Calvin University 86.2%
    4. Grand Valley State University 75.2%
    5. Michigan State University 70.0%
    6. 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 AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
    Ann Arbor1,450$85,630
    Detroit-Warren-Dearborn18,420$85,180
    Grand Rapids-Wyoming4,560$74,970
    Jackson470$73,990
    Lansing-East Lansing2,050$74,550
    South Bend-Mishawaka1,100$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

    Popular 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, Michigan: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm