Best Accounting Colleges in Alabama
Accounting is a thriving field offering a plethora of career opportunities in a diverse range of industries. For aspiring accountants in Alabama, choosing the right college is the first step on this rewarding career path. Factors to consider include the quality of the accounting program, annual tuition, enrollment size, and standardized test requirements. In this article, we delve into some of the best accounting colleges in Alabama, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
The University of Alabama
Information About Accounting Programs
The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, offers a strong accounting program under its Culverhouse College of Business. The Association accredits the program to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and offers a B.S. in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy. These programs equip students with the skills to pass the C.P.A. exam and enter specialized fields like forensic accounting.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and S.A.T. Range
The annual in-state tuition at the University of Alabama is around $10,780, while out-of-state students can expect to pay about $30,250. Enrollment numbers vary but typically hover around 38,000 students. The middle 50% S.A.T. range is between 1060 and 1280.
Auburn University
Information About Accounting Programs
Auburn University’s Raymond J. Harbert College of Business offers an excellent accounting program with a strong foundation in business and accounting principles. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or even a Ph.D. in Accounting. Their program is also AACSB-accredited, ensuring the highest education quality.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and S.A.T. Range
The annual in-state tuition at Auburn University is about $11,492, and out-of-state tuition is approximately $31,124. Enrollment is typically around 30,000 students. The S.A.T. range for admitted students is 1150 to 1310.
University of Alabama – Birmingham
Information About Accounting Programs
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (U.A.B.) offers a well-structured accounting program catering to undergraduate and graduate students. The Collat School of Business provides a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Accounting and specialized certifications like C.M.A. (Certified Management Accountant).
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and S.A.T. Range
In-state tuition at U.A.B. is about $8,568, while out-of-state tuition is around $19,704. The university has a total enrollment of approximately 22,000 students. The S.A.T. range for admitted students is generally between 1030 and 1240.
University of North Alabama
Information About Accounting Programs
The University of North Alabama (UNA) in Florence provides a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. The program aims to prepare students for the Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.) exam and focuses on managerial accounting and tax preparation.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and S.A.T. Range
The annual in-state tuition for UNA is approximately $10,142, and out-of-state tuition is about $18,452. Enrollment is generally around 8,000 students. The S.A.T. range typically falls between 950 and 1160.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Information About Accounting Programs
The College of Business at The University of Alabama in Huntsville offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration focusing on Accounting. This AACSB-accredited program prepares students for various careers in accounting, including auditing, taxation, and corporate finance.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and S.A.T. Range
In-state students pay around $11,122 annually, while out-of-state tuition is approximately $23,466. The enrollment usually sits around 10,000 students. The S.A.T. range for admitted students is between 1150 and 1340.
Samford University
Information About Accounting Programs
Samford University is located in Birmingham and offers a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting through its Brock School of Business. The program is designed to prepare students for the C.P.A. exam and to thrive in various accounting specialties.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and S.A.T. Range
Samford University is a private institution, so tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students, at approximately $32,850 per year. The total enrollment is around 5,600 students. The S.A.T. range is generally between 1080 and 1290.
University of South Alabama
Information About Accounting Programs
The Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama in Mobile offers a B.S.B.A. in Accounting. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for various accounting roles, including public and corporate finance.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and S.A.T. Range
The in-state tuition is around $8,396, while out-of-state students pay about $16,292. The university has a total enrollment of about 14,000 students. The S.A.T. range for admitted students is typically between 970 and 1180.
Troy University
Information About Accounting Programs
Troy University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting through its Sorrell College of Business. The program is designed to give students a strong foundation of accounting principles and practices foundation.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and S.A.T. Range
The in-state tuition is approximately $8,908 per year, while out-of-state tuition is around $16,708. Enrollment hovers around 18,000 students. The S.A.T. range is generally between 950 and 1160.
Tuskegee University
Information About Accounting Programs
Tuskegee University, a private historically black university, offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. The program provides a strong foundation in accounting and aims to prepare students for various career paths.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and S.A.T. Range
Tuition at Tuskegee is approximately $22,170 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Enrollment is typically around 3,000 students. The S.A.T. range is usually between 990 and 1140.
The University of West Alabama
Information About Accounting Programs
The University of West Alabama is located in Livingston and offers a B.B.A. in Accounting. The program aims to prepare students for various roles in accounting, from public accounting to corporate finance.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and S.A.T. Range
The in-state tuition is around $8,838, while out-of-state tuition is approximately $16,274. The total enrollment is usually around 5,200 students. The S.A.T. range typically falls between 940 and 1110.
Best Accounting Colleges in Three Other States
Best Accounting Colleges in Georgia
The University of Georgia and Georgia State University are often considered the best accounting colleges in Georgia. Both offer comprehensive accounting programs that prepare students for the C.P.A. exam and careers in various accounting specialties. They are also AACSB-accredited, ensuring high-quality education.
Best Accounting Colleges in Tennessee
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Vanderbilt University are among the top accounting schools in Tennessee. Both schools offer vital accounting programs with a solid foundation in business principles, preparing students for successful careers in accounting.
Best Accounting Colleges in South Carolina
The Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina and Clemson University are highly regarded for their accounting programs in South Carolina. Both institutions offer a blend of theoretical and practical accounting education.
How to Improve Your S.A.T. Score
Improving your S.A.T. score combines focused studying, understanding the test format, and mastering time management. Consider the following strategies:
- Diagnostic Test: Take a practice S.A.T. test to determine your weak areas.
- Create a Study Schedule: Dedicate specific times to focus on each subject, especially the areas where you scored the lowest.
- Practice Regularly: Use S.A.T. prep books, online resources, and apps to practice regularly.
- Join a Study Group: Discussing problems and solutions with peers can offer new perspectives and strategies.
- Consider a Tutor or Prep Course: A professional can provide tailored guidance.
- Take Timed Practice Tests: This will help you learn the format and improve your time management.
- Review Mistakes: Instead of marking them wrong, understand why you made the error.
- Stay Updated: The S.A.T. can undergo changes, so ensure you’re preparing for the current format.
- Stay Healthy: Sleep well and exercise enough to keep your brain and body in top condition.
- Relax Before the Exam: Don’t cram the night before. Instead, relax and get a good night’s sleep.
Remember, while S.A.T. scores are essential, they’re just one aspect of your college application. Your academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews are crucial for admission.
