Best Accounting Programs at Public Universities

Accounting is one of the few fields where the school you attend directly impacts your career prospects — not because of "prestige," but because of recruiting pipelines. The Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG) recruit heavily from specific schools, and many of the best accounting programs are at public universities.

Here are the top public university accounting programs in 2026, ranked by CPA pass rates, Big Four placement, and overall career outcomes.

1. University of Texas at Austin — McCombs

UT Austin's accounting program has been ranked #1 by U.S. News for over two decades. The school's Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) program is the gold standard, with CPA pass rates consistently above 70% — far above the national average of ~50%.

• CPA pass rate: ~75%
• Big Four placement rate: 80%+
• In-state tuition (undergrad): ~$11,500/year
• Key advantage: Proximity to Texas-based companies and no state income tax

2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Gies

Illinois has produced more CPA exam passers than any other university in the country. The accounting program is massive in scale with deep Big Four relationships, especially in the Chicago market.

• CPA pass rate: ~68%
• Big Four placement rate: 75%+
• In-state tuition: ~$16,000/year
• Key advantage: Largest accounting alumni network in the Midwest

3. Brigham Young University (technically private but low cost)

BYU's accounting program is included here because its tuition ($6,500/year for LDS members) is lower than most public schools. Its CPA pass rates consistently rank among the nation's best.

• CPA pass rate: ~80%
• Big Four placement rate: 85%+
• Tuition: ~$6,500/year (LDS), ~$13,000 (non-LDS)
• Key advantage: Highest CPA pass rate in the country most years

4. Indiana University — Kelley School of Business

Kelley's accounting program has deep ties to Big Four firms, particularly in the Indianapolis and Chicago markets. The school offers a 150-hour integrated program that prepares students for the CPA exam efficiently.

• CPA pass rate: ~65%
• Big Four placement rate: 70%+
• In-state tuition: ~$11,000/year
• Key advantage: Strong corporate partnerships and career services

5. University of Florida — Fisher School of Accounting

Florida's accounting program is one of the best values in the country. The Fisher School has strong placement into Big Four offices in Atlanta, Miami, and Tampa, and Florida's lack of state income tax is a bonus for graduates staying in-state.

• CPA pass rate: ~62%
• Big Four placement rate: 65%+
• In-state tuition: ~$6,400/year
• Key advantage: Exceptional value — one of the lowest tuitions on this list

6. University of Georgia — Terry College of Business

UGA's accounting program has grown significantly in reputation, with strong CPA outcomes and increasing Big Four recruitment from the Atlanta market.

• CPA pass rate: ~60%
• Big Four placement rate: 60%+
• In-state tuition: ~$12,000/year
• Key advantage: Growing Atlanta market for accounting careers

7. Ohio State University — Fisher College

Fisher's accounting program benefits from Ohio State's large corporate recruiting presence and connections to Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Ohio (Cardinal Health, Nationwide, Progressive).

• CPA pass rate: ~58%
• Big Four placement rate: 60%+
• In-state tuition: ~$12,000/year
• Key advantage: Strong regional corporate recruiting

What to Look for in an Accounting Program

When choosing an accounting program, focus on these factors:

• CPA pass rate: The single most important metric. Programs with pass rates above 60% are doing something right.
• 150-hour pathway: Most states require 150 credit hours to sit for the CPA exam. Does the school offer an efficient path (integrated bachelor's/master's)?
• Recruiting relationships: Which firms actively recruit on campus? Check if the Big Four and mid-market firms (BDO, Grant Thornton, RSM) have formal recruiting programs.
• Location: Accounting recruits regionally. A Texas school places well in Texas, a Midwest school places well in Chicago and surrounding cities.

Want to talk to actual accounting students about their recruiting experience, CPA prep, and career outcomes? Ask Kinsley connects you with real alumni who can share the inside scoop on what it's really like at these programs.