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

• 42 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Michigan.¹
• 24 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Michigan.¹
• 19 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*¹
• 33 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*¹
• 38 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*¹
• 16 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.*¹
• 2 programs ranked in US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018.²
• 2 programs ranked in US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018.³
• 2 schools ranked in the Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018.⁴
• 3 schools ranked in Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016.⁵

*Public or private not-for-profit colleges and universities only.

Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in Michigan

US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor #5
• Michigan State University #22 tie

US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor #5
• Michigan State University #24 tie

The Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018

• Calvin College
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor (Ross School of Business) #8
• Michigan State University (Eli Broad College of Business) #20
• University of Michigan-Dearborn (College of Business) #70

AACSB Accredited Accounting Programs in Michigan

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is a globally recognized organization that provides accreditation for undergraduate and graduate accounting programs. Only 186 accounting programs are currently accredited and have been found to meet the rigorous standards established by the AACSB.⁶ The following accounting programs in Michigan have been accredited by the AACSB:

• Central Michigan University (College of Business Administration)
• Grand Valley State University (Seidman College of Business)
• Michigan State University (Eli Broad College of Business)
• Oakland University (School of Business Administration)
• Western Michigan University (Haworth College of Business)

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

Each year, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases a report including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.⁷ The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Michigan in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Michigan being 59.9%:

1. University of Michigan Ann Arbor 77.8%
2. Michigan State University 72.5%
3. Grand Valley State University 70.7%
4. Oakland University 65.9%
5. Calvin College 64.5%
6. Michigan Technological University 63.6%

Schools in Michigan with Accounting Degrees

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

Michigan State University

At Michigan State University, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting through the Department of Accounting and Information Systems. This degree is designed for those who are interested in learning the fundamentals of accounting as well as the skills needed to be a leader 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, Michigan State offers a combined-track BA and Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) that can be completed in five years.

University of Michigan Dearborn

The College of Business at the University of Michigan 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 Financial Accounting, and after completing the core curriculum, they can take electives like Commercial Transactions or Not-for-Profit Accounting. These courses prepare students to pursue further degrees, work toward a CPA designation, or find entry-level positions in accounting information systems, financial accounting, or controllership. Students at 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 College

Students at Calvin College 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 College 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, 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 courses such as Corporate Financial Research and Reporting, Federal Taxation, and Auditing and Assurance. Then, students customize the remaining third of their degree with cross-discipline electives from other U-M 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 offers a 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 fundamentals, ethics for accountants, international accounting, and financial statement analysis. Then, students choose electives based on their career interests. Coursework includes theory as well as its practical application in the field, and students learn through real-life examples and case studies. Grand Valley 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.

Popular Articles: Business Schools in Michigan | Online MBA Programs in Michigan | Online Business Degrees in Michigan

Online Accounting Programs

Baker College

Baker College offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting degree that can be completed on campus or entirely online. Students first complete general education courses and fundamental business courses before beginning accounting classes such as Cost Accounting, Payroll Accounting, Auditing, Systems, and Controls, and Forensic Accounting. The program balances this classroom learning with hands-on applications, including class projects and real-world accounting examples. 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, and public and governmental accounting.

Wayne State University

Wayne State University’s 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 Wayne State’s main campus in Midtown Detroit, but others are offered online or at WSU satellite campuses. Students can choose from three optional concentrations, including professional accounting, financial reporting and auditing, and taxation. After completing this program, graduates should have the required 150 semester hours and knowledge base to sit for the CPA examination and apply for licensure.

Michigan CPA Requirements

To become a Certified Public Accountant 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 of university, and an individual must have completed 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 Grads 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 & Touche, and these firms may offer positions for accounting graduates. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Troy are urban centers in the state, and these cities and more may provide many different opportunities for both accountants and auditors.

Michigan Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 2018.⁸

Schools with Accounting Degree Programs in Michigan

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:

• Indiana
• Illinois
• Ohio
• Wisconsin

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. US News & World Report Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
3. US News & World Report Best Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
4. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2018 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2017.
5. Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016: https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-best-undergrad-business-schools/
6. AACSB-Accredited Universities and Schools, Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
7. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2015 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
8. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2016 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Michigan: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm