Accounting Schools in New Hampshire
The universities and colleges in New Hampshire offer numerous accounting programs from undergraduate to graduate study to help you develop the proficiency and knowledge you need to excel in your accounting career. This overview of accounting schools in New Hampshire provides key information on schools in the state so that you can make an informed choice. Accounting programs may offer different areas of specialization, internship opportunities, and part-time or online formats. Continue reading below to find out more information about school rankings in New Hampshire, different program details, and career and salary outlooks for accountants in New Hampshire,
Quick Facts
- 10 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in New Hampshire.1
- 5 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in New Hampshire.1
- 8 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*1
- 10 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*1
- 7 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*1
- 4 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.*1
- No programs ranked in US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018.2
- No programs ranked in US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018.3
- No schools ranked in the Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018.4
- 1 school 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 New Hampshire
Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016
- University of New Hampshire (Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics) #81
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 New Hampshire in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for New Hampshire being 56.2%:
- Saint Anselm College 66.7%
- University of New Hampshire 63.9%
- Southern New Hampshire University 45.5%
- Plymouth State University 31.3%
Schools in New Hampshire with Accounting Degrees
Undergraduate Accounting Programs
University of New Hampshire
At the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire, students can complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a concentration in Accounting degree. The curriculum starts with foundation courses in business, economics, and management information systems before moving on to specialized accounting courses. Students are prepared with foundational knowledge in the core accounting subjects, such as internal and external audit, tax preparation and planning, and financial analysis. This background enables students to pursue further graduate study and eventual professional designations such as CPA, Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). UNH encourages graduates to seek out management and leadership positions in large organizations and companies or to start their own enterprises and firms.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting degree. Students learn a broad background in accounting principles, including standard accounting procedures and information technology used in the field. The curriculum also emphasizes written and oral communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, and problem-solving techniques. Students are required to complete an accounting internship, and they can take advantage of a network of alumni and industry connections for other career opportunities. Undergraduates also have the option to volunteer in the community for tax preparation and assistance experience. Many graduates go on to pursue an advanced accounting degree and CPA licensure. Long-term graduates from SNHU may find positions in public accounting, corporate accounting, banking, auditing, financial services, or governmental accounting.
Saint Anselm College
Students at Saint Anselm College can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting from the Economics and Business Department. This degree is ideal for students interested in pursuing further accounting education or a graduate degree in business. The core curriculum includes classes such as Financial and Cost Accounting, Federal Taxation, Financial Management, Auditing, and Business Law. Through these courses, students gain a foundational understanding of many of the core areas of accounting: internal audit, corporate accounting, financial analysis, and cost accounting. Students are prepared to enter the business world, and with an emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills, the curriculum also prepares students to adapt to a changing industry. Graduates work in many different roles in public, private, and governmental accounting.
Graduate Accounting Programs
University of New Hampshire
The Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree. For those with undergraduate degrees in accounting, this program can be completed on an accelerated nine-month timeline. Those with a non-business background can also attend the program but will need to complete additional prerequisites. The graduate curriculum focuses on advanced knowledge in accounting as well as technical and analytical skills needed in the field. Students learn communication skills and problem-solving techniques through coursework and team projects. For post-graduation career opportunities, students can take advantage of the resources and career fairs organized by the Career and Professional Success office. Many graduates go on to earn the CPA designation and work in public accounting firms, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and large corporations.
Franklin Pierce University
Students at Franklin Pierce University can complete a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree. This degree can be completed entirely online or in a hybrid on-campus and online format. The curriculum includes advanced courses such as Business Taxation, Managerial Communications, Financial Management, Audit Risk Management, and Assurance Services. Students learn advanced skills in accounting and finance as well as techniques in management and communications. Many graduates pursue professional designations such as CPA, Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). This graduate degree and a professional certification allow students to pursue a variety of roles in public accounting, business and industry, healthcare, and government. Students with an undergraduate accounting degree who have met all the prerequisite accounting requirements may be able to finish this program in just one year.
Popular Articles: Business Schools in New Hampshire | Online MBA Programs in New Hampshire
Online Accounting Programs
Southern New Hampshire University
Students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting entirely online through Southern New Hampshire University. Students can start at multiple points throughout the year, and the online program can be completed in as few as 15 months. The program focuses on real-world accounting skills such as individual and corporate tax preparation, the application of financial regulations, and industry-relevant technology and software techniques. Students also learn analytical and problem-solving skills. This online program meets the educational requirements for CPA licensure and students are prepared to sit for the examination. Graduates may find career opportunities through connections with alumni and other networks, and many find positions such as public or corporate accountants, auditors, fraud examiners, and financial analysts.
Plymouth State University
Through Plymouth State University, students can complete a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting degree entirely online. This online graduate program is ideal for accounting professionals interested in pursuing professional licensure, such as CPA or Certified Management Accountant (CMA). The curriculum focuses on preparing students for these professional designation examinations through a mix of theoretical and practical coursework. Graduate students also learn critical thinking and business communication skills. Core classes include Financial Analysis, Accounting for Managers, Auditing Perspectives, and Auditing Perspectives before choosing electives that match their career interests. Graduates from PSU’s online program may pursue professional licensure before finding positions in industry, public, governmental, or non-profit accounting.
New Hampshire CPA Requirements
The New Hampshire Board of Accountancy requires that applicants must complete 150 semester hours and at least a bachelor’s degree to apply for licensure. After completing all education requirements and passing the Uniform CPA examination, candidates must complete one year of experience in the field before they can practice as a Certified Public Accountant. This experience can be gained in through public or private work and must be verified by a licensed CPA. Candidates can then apply for licensure, and they must fulfill Continued Professional Education (CPE) hours to maintain their professional designation.
Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in New Hampshire
Graduates from accounting programs in New Hampshire may find many different opportunities to work in the state after finishing their studies. Some graduates work for statewide CPA firms such as T Feeley & Driscoll or Howe, Riley, & Howe. Others may find positions at local branches of some very large national firms like Ernst & Young or Deloitte & Touche. Companies like these provide many long-term accounting and finance positions for local graduates. Graduates may also find opportunities to work for small or local businesses or start an accounting firm of their own. Public accounting positions may also be available in state nonprofits or governmental entities.
New Hampshire Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Accountants & Auditors Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dover-Durham | 360 | $70,990 |
| Manchester | 1,060 | $76,780 |
| Portsmouth | 680 | $73,140 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua | 30,350 | $81,860 |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 2018.8
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
83 Main St
Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-2050
https://www.unh.edu/
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH 03755
(603) 646-1110
http://home.dartmouth.edu/
Southern New Hampshire University
2500 N River Rd
Manchester, NH 03106
(603) 626-9100
https://www.snhu.edu/
Student Review: “As an undergraduate student at Southern New Hampshire University, I found that classes were challenging and professors were fair, open-minded, and engaging. All of my professors were actively engaged in research or practice in their fields, and the use of adjunct faculty who were employed outside of academia was helpful to business department students. Adjuncts taught about two-thirds of the courses I took, and made up about half of active faculty. Most adjuncts were experienced lecturers and long-term University employees. Most courses followed the Harvard Business School case study method, which I found to be an effective and efficient way of learning. There were many hands-on projects, and the Career Services center was top notch, both key to finding gainful employment after graduation. The blended learning environment offered in hybrid courses was also a great experience, cutting classroom time (and commuting time for many students) in favor of online lectures and discussion board postings, while still scheduling about half of the class in a brick and mortar setting for group projects and face-to-face interactions with the professor. I felt this strategy worked well, and that the technology was well implemented. In sum, I can recommend this program without reservation.” -Raymond P., student at Southern New Hampshire University
University of New England
98 Bridge St
Henniker, NH 03242
(603) 428-2000
https://www.nec.edu/
Popular Accounting Degree State Pages:
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, New Hampshire: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nh.htm