Best Accounting Colleges in California

California, the Golden State, not only stands out for its stunning beaches and bustling tech hubs, but it is also renowned for offering some of the most prestigious accounting programs in the country. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the top accounting colleges in California.

University of Southern California

Information About Accounting Programs

USC’s Leventhal School of Accounting is one of the top-ranked accounting programs nationally. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting with a curriculum designed to instill core competencies and prepare students for leadership roles in the accounting industry.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The tuition is around $58,000 annually. USC has an enrollment of roughly 48,000 students, with an SAT range of 1350-1530.

University of San Diego

Information About Accounting Programs

USD’s School of Business offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Accountancy program, emphasizing global business situations, ethical decision-making, and innovative problem-solving.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The average tuition is $51,000 per year. The university enrolls about 9,000 students; the SAT range is 1190-1380.

Santa Clara University

Information About Accounting Programs

The Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara provides a robust accounting curriculum emphasizing ethics, technology, and an international perspective, preparing students for diverse roles in the accounting world.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition averages around $53,000 annually. SCU has approximately 9,000 students, with an SAT range of 1290-1470.

Loyola Marymount University

Information About Accounting Programs

LMU’s College of Business Administration offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. The program is recognized for its rigorous training and emphasis on ethics in the accounting profession.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual tuition is approximately $50,000. The university enrolls about 9,700 students; the SAT range is 1230-1420.

Claremont McKenna College

Information About Accounting Programs

While primarily a liberal arts institution, Claremont McKenna provides rigorous courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, and other related areas, preparing students for advanced studies.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The tuition stands at around $56,000 per year. The college has an enrollment of nearly 1,400 students, with an SAT range of 1380-1540.

University of San Francisco

Information About Accounting Programs

USF’s School of Management offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, focusing on foundational knowledge, ethics, and global perspectives.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Annual tuition is around $51,000. USF enrolls about 11,000 students, with an SAT range of 1130-1340.

Menlo College

Information About Accounting Programs

Menlo’s accounting program prepares students for various roles in the accounting industry, emphasizing practical experience and critical thinking.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The tuition averages $43,000 per year. Menlo College has a student body of roughly 800, with an SAT range of 950-1160.

California State University – Northridge

Information About Accounting Programs

CSUN’s David Nazarian College of Business and Economics offers B.S. and M.S. degrees in Accountancy, ensuring students receive a holistic education.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

In-state tuition is approximately $7,000, and out-of-state stands at $19,000. The university enrolls around 38,000 students, with an SAT range of 980-1190.

California Baptist University

Information About Accounting Programs

CBU’s School of Business offers a B.S. in Accounting that prepares students for CPA examinations and gives them a strong foundation in accounting principles.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition is around $34,000 annually. The university enrolls about 11,000 students, with an SAT range of 1030-1230.

Pepperdine University

Information About Accounting Programs

The Graziadio Business School at Pepperdine provides a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Accounting program. It emphasizes ethical leadership and global thinking in the accounting domain.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Annual tuition stands at $55,000. The university enrolls about 7,800 students, with an SAT range of 1220-1420.

Best Accounting Colleges in Three Other States

Best Accounting Colleges in Oregon

The University of Oregon and Portland State University are among the leading institutions for accounting education in the Beaver State.

Best Accounting Colleges in New York

NYU Stern and Baruch College stand out in the Empire State for their exceptional accounting programs.

Best Accounting Colleges in Nevada

The University of Nevada, Reno, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, are notable for their accounting curricula in the Silver State.

How a High SAT Score Improves Chances of College Acceptance

A high SAT score is often seen as an indicator of a student’s readiness for college-level coursework. Colleges use these scores and other factors to make admissions decisions. A high score can significantly boost a student’s chances of acceptance into competitive institutions. Additionally, it can open doors to merit-based scholarships, honors programs, and other academic opportunities. Therefore, investing time in SAT preparation is crucial for college-bound students.