Accounting Schools in New York

This overview of accounting schools in New York provides key information that will help you make the right decision for your interests and career goals. New York is known for being home to numerous high-quality universities and colleges, many of which maintain programs that can prepare those interested in accounting to become accountants, auditors, analysts, controllers, and more. Home to New York City, this state offers students the opportunity to work hands-on with financial powerhouses and gain real-world experience with top financial professionals. Accounting programs in New York afford students flexibility by offering on-campus, online and hybrid options. Students of all educational and professional backgrounds can find a program to match their career goals.

Quick Facts

• 62 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in New York.¹
• 59 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in New York.¹
• 30 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*¹
• 44 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*¹
• 73 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*¹
• 53 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
• 17 schools ranked in the Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018.⁴
• 7 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 New York

US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018

• New York University #9
• Canisius College #30 tie

US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018

• New York University #9 tie
• Columbia University #17

The Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018

• Alfred University
• Binghamton University-SUNY
• City University of New York-Baruch College
• City University of New York-Brooklyn College
• City University of New York-Hunter College
• City University of New York-Queens College
• Cornell University
• Fordham University
• Hofstra University
• Le Moyne College
• New York University
• Pace University
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• Siena College
• St. Bonaventure University
• Syracuse University
• University at Buffalo-SUNY

Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016

• New York University (Stern School of Business) #9
• Cornell University (Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management) #11
• Syracuse University (Whitman School of Management) #23
• Fordham University (Gabelli School of Business) #27
• University of Buffalo (School of Management) #85
• Ithaca College (School of Business) #87
• Marist College (School of Management) #108

AACSB-Accredited Accounting Programs in New York

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 New York have been accredited by the AACSB:

• Baruch College-The City University of New York (The Zicklin School of Business)
• Binghamton University, State University of New York (School of Management)
• Hofstra University Frank G. Zarb School of Business)
• Pace University (Lubin School of Business)
• St. John’s University (The Peter J. Tobin College of Business)
• University at Albany, State University of New York (School of Business)
• University at Buffalo, State University of New York (School of Management)

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 York in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for New York being 50.2%:

1. University of Rochester 91.3%
2. SUNY Polytechnic Institute 85.7%
3. Rochester Institute of Technology 75.0%
4. Cornell University 74.6%
5. SUNY Buffalo 74.3%
6. Nazareth College Rochester 71.4%

Schools in New York with Accounting Degrees

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

New York University

New York University offers Accounting as an undergraduate major. NYU is ranked #9 by US News & World Report for Best Undergraduate Accounting Program, #9 by Bloomberg Businessweek for Best Undergraduate Business Schools, and listed in The Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors. This program is designed to introduce students to accounting as an integral part of business and prepare students for entering the workforce or pursuing an advanced degree. Students also have the option of completing a joint BS/MS Accounting degree which qualifies students to apply to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of New York. The 128-credit Bachelor of Science in Accounting includes courses in Managerial Accounting, Financial Modeling and Analysis, and Accounting and Valuation in EMT. NYU features two student societies for accounting majors, the Accounting Society and Beta Alpha Psi. The Accounting Society offers visits to accounting firms, visiting speakers, and career advisory panels. Beta Alpha Psi is a fraternity for distinguished accounting students that offers speaking events, mentoring programs, and other networking opportunities.

Canisius College

Canisius College Richard J. Wehle School of Business offers an undergraduate degree in Accounting that is AACSB-accredited and ranked #30 by US News & World Report for Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs. This Buffalo-based accounting program allows students to choose between a 120-credit-hour Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting or a 150-credit BS in Professional Accounting. The BS in Professional Accounting qualifies students to apply for a CPA license in the state of New York and can be completed in five years. Canisius College also gives students the option to pursue a BS/MBA in Accounting or a BA/MBA in Professional Accounting. Course titles include Auditing Theory and Practice, Business Organization and Commercial Paper, and Advanced Taxation. Students are given many opportunities to gain real-life experience through internships, mentorships, and an office visitation program. The Accounting Society is a student-run program that creates networking events such as Meet the Accountants Night, the Accounting Banquet, and various presentations by working professionals.

Fordham University

Fordham University Gabelli School of Business offers an undergraduate degree in accounting with four different concentration options. Students may choose between Public Accounting, Public Accountancy, Applied Accounting and Finance, and Accounting Information Systems. This gives students the option of deciding their own career path, as well as the ability to take the Uniform CPA exam and obtain CPA certification, prepare for an advanced academic degree, focus on accounting for IT, or study an accounting-finance hybrid. Course titles include Corporate and Partnership Taxation, Assurance and Auditing, and Contemporary Issues in Forensic Accounting. Alumni have gone on to work for top financial institutions, including JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Marcum, and Grant Thornton. Fordham University offers career services for undergraduate students designed to help them stair their career by offering counseling, workshops, and connections to alumni and important recruiters. Fordham is ranked #27 by Bloomberg Businessweek in its Best Undergraduate Business Schools ranking and listed in The Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors.

Popular Articles: Business Schools in New York | Online MBA Programs in New York

Graduate Accounting Programs

New York University

New York University’s Stern School of Business offers a 30-credit Master of Science in Accountancy which can be completed in as little as one year. This program is ranked #9 by US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs. Located in New York City, students gain experience in one of the world’s leading financial powerhouses. This accounting degree is designed for students with a background in business who aim to become CPA certified at an accelerated pace. Advanced courses include Forensic Accounting and Financial Statement Fraud, Foundations of Corporate Finance, and Advanced Managerial Accounting. NYU features a variety of student organizations designed to help forge networking opportunities and real-world experience, including the Emerging Markets Association, Entrepreneurs Exchange, and Stern Women in Business. GMAT or GRE scores are required to apply, as well as an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Applications are accepted in January and April.

Columbia University

Columbia University offers a Master of Science in Accounting and Fundamental Analysis (MSAFA) which can be completed in three semesters. This STEM-designated accounting program is designed for advanced students focused on building industry skills. MSAFA students take several courses with PhD in Accounting students and are expected to complete a substantial research project that meets the same academic standards as the PhD program. Work experience is not required to apply, but is heavily encouraged and most students have an undergraduate degree in Finance or Accounting. Applications are accepted in January for Fall admittance. This program aims to prepare students for a career in investments, equity and credit analysis, and consulting through required coursework in Accounting for Value, Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation, and Earning Quality and Fundamental Analysis. Columbia’s career center offers individual career counseling, resume building, and networking events.

Online Accounting Programs

Adelphi University

Adelphi University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. This 126-credit degree can be completed on campus or through a hybrid program. Students may focus on either financial or managerial accounting and tailor electives toward their interests. This program gives students a strong foundation in business as well as advanced topics in accounting, requiring 33 credits of business coursework and 27 credits of accounting classes. Course titles include Government and Non-Profit Accounting, Auditing and Accounting Information Systems, and Cost Accounting. Students may also choose to pursue a joint BBA/MBA degree which can be completed in five years. Adelphi University’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business has an internship coordinator specifically for business and accounting students to ensure that each student gains real-world experience prior to graduation.

State University of New York at Plattsburgh

State University of New York at Plattsburgh (or SUNY Plattsburgh) offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting that can be completed fully online and is AACSB-accredited. This program is designed for students who already hold an associate’s degree in business or have completed previous coursework in business and accounting. The online degree path is ideal for working professionals who want to complete their accounting degree and advance their career. This program can help students prepare for CPA certification, as well as other financial certifications, though further education will likely be required. Course titles include Principles of Finance, Math Models in Business, and Strategic Management. SUNY Plattsburgh also has a very notable partnership with International Business Machines (IBM), with many accounting students obtaining internships or job placement there. Students have also gone on to work at PricewaterhouseCoopers, JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

New York CPA Requirements

While it is not necessary to be a CPA to find employment in the accounting world, many people opt to augment their education and expand their opportunities this way. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions regulates accounting licensure in the state of New York. In order to sit for the exam in New York, 150 hours of applicable coursework from an AACSB-accredited program must be completed. In addition, applicants must have a minimum of one year of full-time experience in accounting. The only way to waive some of the educational requirements to take the exam is to have at least 15 years of field experience. If any portion of the exam is failed, testers have up to 18 months to retake and pass that section.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in New York

Home to the nation’s financial district, New York graduates have access to numerous accounting positions. Many of the country’s top accounting firms are headquartered in New York, including Deloitte, Marcum, and Ernst & Young. Several large corporations also call New York home and require financially-minded professionals to keep their businesses running. Verizon, J.P. Morgan Chase, Citigroup, and International Business Machines (IBM) are four of the largest companies in the state. Whether choosing to work for an accounting firm or another business, accounting graduates should find a plethora of options in New York post-graduation.

New York 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 New York

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.

Alfred State College
10 Upper College Dr
Alfred, NY 14802
(607) 587-4111
https://www.alfredstate.edu/

Student Review: “My experience with accounting at Alfred State College was very good. The teachers here are always on time, care about the students, highly motivated, ready to teach, and are always there for me when I need extra help. Many professors even record the lectures so we could review them later on if we missed something, or wanted to review any of the content we went over in class. I found this to be a very helpful tool to better understand the material. Alfred State College has an all-around great learning environment and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to attend college for accounting.” -William E., student at Alfred State College

Columbia University
Broadway
New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-1754
https://www.columbia.edu/

Student Review: “Columbia University offered a top tier business program allowing students to focus on a number of applicable business areas including accounting. What separated this program from others was that it took students beyond financial statement analysis (which is important) to true understanding of earnings quality, valuing businesses using financial data, and understanding footnotes to financial statements. The outcome from this level of detail was a true mastery allowing students to become subject matter experts rather than simply understanding basic material. The professors were best in class, well respected in both academia and the business world. Class sizes were always kept manageable, typically capped at 60 students (for the most popular) but often less. Professors were always available during regularly scheduled office hours for additional assistance if needed. The program certainly exceeded my expectations and is consistent with Columbia’s brand recognition as a top business school.” -Jason S., student at Columbia University

Student Review: “Columbia’s accounting program was a great experience for me that enabled me to find a great job and learn many new things. The one thing I enjoyed the most while at Columbia was the sheer opportunity around me. Being in the city of New York, I could work with accounting firms in the city to gain experience and a foot in the door in the field. With accounting, internships and work experience is crucial to finding a job in today’s economy. At Columbia, I was able to get the experience needed to get ahead. Moreover, Columbia’s professors and staff are top-notch. I got a quality education and an Ivy League degree that makes me competitive for any accounting job out there. I would recommend this place to anyone.” -Carol Y., student at Columbia University

Corning Community College
1 Academic Dr
Corning, NY 14830
(607) 962-9222
https://www.corning-cc.edu/

Student Review: “Corning Community College is not only a place I go to learn, but somewhere that I actually feel at home at. Initially I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in college, but after consulting the Student Services Center, I was guided to an accounting professor, and I was convinced. I currently take online as well as on-campus classes, which is very convenient. While online classes are harder, especially since you’re not getting direct help from teachers, I find that they are easier when taking other things into consideration, such as work and family time. If you are a person that is always on the go, I could not recommend their online accounting program enough. It is challenging, interesting, and convenient.” -Student at Corning Community College

Marist College
3399 N Rd
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 575-3000
https://www.marist.edu/

Student Review: “Marist College is a small school located on the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, NY. It has a beautiful campus and the school attends to the students’ needs quite well. The curriculum is challenging, but overall very informative. The professors are all extremely knowledgeable and are very enthusiastic about teaching. All of them want to see you succeed and will go to great lengths to help you. I have learned countless ways to make my accounting career successful and intend to do just that. Not to mention the internship program was phenomenal. The faculty goes above and beyond to help you find the internship you want and it is truly a great experience.” -Christopher C., student at Marist College

Monroe Community College
1000 E Henrietta Rd
Rochester, NY 14623
(585) 292-2000
https://www.monroecc.edu/

Student Review: “The accounting program at Monroe Community College was fun, but challenging. I had previously taken no accounting courses in high school so all the material was fresh and I knew nothing going in. The professors I had were very strict but very fair, as you would expect an accountant to be. They all had previous real life accounting experiences and were more than happy to share some of the stories and things that they had done. This made the class very interesting and more fun to participate in. I felt like I had more of a connection with these professors because they were willing to do that. They taught the course so that we learned how things should be done, but then were not hesitant to tell us how things would be in real life situations which I enjoyed a lot.” -Student at Monroe Community College

New York University
70 Washington Square S
New York, NY 10012
(212) 998-1212
https://www.nyu.edu/

Student Review: “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience getting a bachelor’s degree in accounting in NYU’s Accounting program in the Stern School of Business. I had taken an introductory accounting class in high school, but overall, I was a newbie to the accounting field and curriculum. Once I began my NYU curriculum, however, I realized that I had made the right choice because I learned so much in my accounting courses just my first year. Over the four year program, your courses range from financial accounting to managerial accounting to auditing to international reporting; the curriculum is extremely thorough. The quality of the professors are also top-notch. They really know what they’re doing as they have lived and worked in one of the world’s foremost financial markets. Some of the professors are a bit hard to get a hold of one on one, but if you go that extra mile, you can absolutely make it work. NYU Stern really prepares your for the ‘real world’ and a successful career in the accounting field.” -Student at New York University

Niagara County Community College
3111 Saunders Settlement Rd
Sanborn, NY 14132
(716)-614-6222
https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/

Student Review: “In spite of NCCC being the only 2 year accounting program in Western NY state, it is a good program and was a good experience for me. The instructors are generally dedicated, experienced in the fields they teach, and fairly lenient graders. As with any educational program, you get out of it what you put into it. Online classes are available, but potential students should be aware that the online classes are typically more work and more time-consuming than traditional classes. It’s entirely possible to fit all your classes into a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule to save gas and commuting time. The only negative aspect of the program itself is that the business courses (including the accounting courses) are only offered in the morning or at night – not in the afternoon, and the physical education courses (a requirement of the program) are only offered in the morning. If at all possible, take your general education classes in the afternoon to leave mornings free for your core business, accounting, and physical education classes.” -Student at Niagara County Community College

Student Review: “NCCC’s accounting degrees (AS or AAS) are the only 2 year accounting programs in the Buffalo region. The accounting faculty at NCCC are held in high esteem by the educators in accounting departments at the local 4 year schools (as I learned while interviewing at multiple schools after graduation from NCCC), and any serious student attending NCCC will find the curriculum well-taught and easy to understand, with plenty of extra help available if needed. The teachers have real-world experience in accounting, and are excellent at imparting their knowledge. They boasted, during my time there, that NCCC students who go on to 4 year accounting programs are able to keep up with their counterparts who did their first 2 years at the 4 year school, and as a transferee to a 4 year program, I can confirm this. I have just completed my first semester with a 3.88 GPA, so obviously there’s not anything missing from my fundamental education in accounting.” Student at Niagara County Community College

Queens College
65-30 Kissena Blvd
Flushing, NY 11367
(718) 997-5000
https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Pages/home.aspx

Student Review: “The accounting program at Queens College was very challenging. I did come across a lot of professors that were willing to take the extra time to thoroughly go over and review contents that were not easily grasped. However, there were a few professors that were completely opposite, who showed no concern for students understanding the material. It was pretty much “either you get it or you don’t.” None the less, good grades were attainable. A lot of investment in studying was applied to maintain a good standing in my classes. Queens College did offer a lot of tutoring for various accounting classes, which was very helpful.” -Student at Queens College

State University of New York at Brockport
350 New Campus Dr
Brockport, NY 14420
(585) 395-2211
https://www.brockport.edu/

Student Review: “I felt that the accounting program at Brockport was phenomenal. The teachers were great, aside from a few duds, and I was generally pleased with the process of receiving an undergrad degree in this program. It was quite rigorous at times, but I learned to balance my time between work and play. While I was here I was also treasurer for an organization on campus, so this helped develop my skills even further. I truly feel like I gained the knowledge to be successful in the career field of accounting, and that is what I expected coming into college.” -Student at State University of New York at Brockport

State University of New York at Fredonia
280 Central Ave
Fredonia, NY 14063
(716) 673-3111
https://www.fredonia.edu/

Student Review: “I really liked my accounting program at college. It was a small enough school where you felt comfortable among familiar faces and weren’t afraid of asking questions with the professors. It was a small enough school, and yet still big enough where you didn’t feel bored or trapped by it. The program for the most part had great professors who knew what they were teaching and were fairly willing to help out if you needed it. The college also offered tutoring, which was really helpful for the challenging courses that I just needed a little extra help with. The tutors were students who either took the classes or were taking them at the time, and were at the top of their classes. For the most part, I don’t think there was anything I really disliked about the program/college.” -Student at SUNY Fredonia

University of Buffalo
12 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY
(716) 645-6900
https://www.buffalo.edu/

Student Review: “The University at Buffalo school of accounting is not that great compared to others. The lower level courses are semi challenging and they weed out the weak links, the exact purpose. Once accepted into the school, the beginning of your junior year, you immediately dive into core courses. The upper level courses are much more challenging. The school of accounting has a very poor advisory staff. They put every student in the same direction and give ultimatums almost every time. But, with a degree from the University at Buffalo in accounting the possibilities are limitless.” -Student at University of Buffalo

Student Review: “I enjoyed my university experience quite a bit. It can really help prepare you for what is to come. They are here to help which is what a lot of students do not understand. Every person employed by the school wants to see you achieve and just talking to someone can help you get a new outlook on a problem. The accounting department was amazing and they really want you to utilize everything the school can offer you. It was a great experience and has helped me to get my current position.” -Student at University of Buffalo

Student Review: “I just recently graduated from the School of Management at the University at Buffalo with a B.A in accounting. My experience here was extremely memorable and has given me many tools to be successful in my career ahead. The classes were challenging, but also very rewarding. The program gives you a well-rounded view from audit to tax, etc. Graduates are frequently targeted by Big 4 firms, and I had several offers before graduating. There is a career resource center in the school specifically for business majors, which helps immensely in finding internships and ways to get involved. UB is consistently ranked in the top 75 business schools in the nation, and it has given me a world-class education.” -Student at University at Buffalo

Wagner College
631 Howard Ave
State Island, NY 10301
(718) 390-3100
https://wagner.edu/

Student Review: “When I first arrived at college I was a little nervous and did not know what to do. I was confused and felt like I was in a different world. One thing that really helped me out was the size of my college. The college only has about 2,500 students so the campus is small. I got to know where every building was and how to get to it. I knew I wanted to do business before I got to college but the business program helped me out a lot. The teachers are very personable and the classrooms are small so asking for extra help is not a problem.” -Carmine C., student at Wagner College

Related Accounting Degree State Pages:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Vermont

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 York: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ny.htm