One app for all your study abroad needs
Article Summary
- Accounting graduates in the USA earn a BLS median salary of USD 81,680 per year, rising to USD 99,000 with CPA certification, with senior roles like Controller reaching USD 90,000–150,000 and CFO positions offering USD 150,000–400,000+, with Big Four firms like Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG starting hires at USD 85,000 annually.
- STEM-designated MSA programs offer international students a critical 36-month post-study work advantage — 12 months standard OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension — providing the window needed to complete CPA’s 1-year supervised work requirement and improve H-1B sponsorship chances across multiple lottery cycles.
- Top universities for accounting include University of Pennsylvania Wharton (QS #6), NYU Stern (#11), and Columbia University (#12), with annual tuition ranging from USD 12,843 at University of Missouri–St. Louis to USD 53,748 at NYU, while Indian CAs benefit from an ICAI-AICPA mutual recognition agreement that enables CPA certification without completing the full 150 credit-hour requirement.
If you are planning to do an Accounting course in USA, it is very important for you to evaluate what course options you have before applying to universities and colleges. You can consider doing programs such as associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or MBA in accountancy in the USA, and many more. After completing these Accounting degrees in USA, you have numerous job prospects, especially if you pursue CPA credentials. In this blog, you can read all about the Accountancy courses in USA, their types, top universities that offer such degrees, tuition fees, career prospects, and much more.
This Blog Includes:
- Accounting Courses in USA: Quick Overview
- Why Study Accounting Courses in the USA?
- Types of Accounting Courses in the USA
- MAcc vs MSA: Which Should Indian Students Choose?
- Top Universities for Accounting in the USA in 2026
- Popular Accounting Specialisations Available in the USA
- STEM OPT for International Students: Post-Accounting Studies
- CPA Certification: Pathway for Accounting Graduates in USA
- Eligibility Requirements for Accounting Courses in the USA
- Cost of Accounting Courses in the USA for Indian Students
- Scholarships for Accounting Courses in the USA
- Career Scope & Salaries After Accounting Courses in the USA in 2026
- Top Employers for Accounting Graduates in USA
- FAQs
Accounting Courses in USA: Quick Overview
If you have an interest in accountancy, especially those who have a commerce background, you are required to understand what course options are available in the USA, if you plan to study abroad there. With the US offering lucrative job opportunities, high salaries, and a top education system, it is one of the best countries for pursuing Accounting degrees abroad in 2026. Let us check the table below that includes the overview of the Accounting degrees in the USA for international students:
| Particulars | Details |
| Accountants employed in USA (2024) | 1.6 million |
| Top Universities in US for Accountancy in 2026 | University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) New York University (Stern) Columbia University University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Texas at Austin (McCombs) |
| BLS median salary (May 2024) | USD 81,680 per year |
| CPA average salary (2024) | USD 99,000 per year |
| Big Four entry-level starting salary | USD 85,000 per year |
| Job growth (2024 to 2034) | It is expected to grow at 5%, which is faster than average across all occupations in the USA. |
| Annual Accounting jobs in the USA | 124,200 per year |
| STEM OPT for international students | Up to 36 months with standard 12 months validity, with an option to extend your stay further for a 24-month extension. |
| Top states for accounting jobs | CaliforniaNew YorkTexas |
| Global ranking | According to QS WUR 2025, 3 accounting programs in the USA are ranked highly among the top 15 accounting programs worldwide. |
Why Study Accounting Courses in the USA?
There are many reasons for international students to study Accounting courses in the USA. Additionally, there is a steady shortage of skilled labour in Accounting in the US, leading to numerous job prospects after completing the degrees. Explore some of the main benefits of studying Accounting in the US from the headings below.
- There are lucrative job options after accounting in US for graduates.
- US also has the Big Four are recognised worldwide as the largest accounting firms, which include Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, actively recruiting international students from top US university accounting programmes with starting salaries at USD 85,000 per year.
- You can get higher salaries if you have CPA credibility as well in the US.
- You get a STEM OPT advantage over others with a total of 36 months of validity for PSW in the USA.
Also Read: Difference Between MSc IT vs MCA: Eligibility, Fees, Duration
Types of Accounting Courses in the USA
There are different types of courses in the Accounting field which are available for international students. The right one for you depends on your previous studies and course level. You can check different kinds of Accounting courses studies in US for international students through the tables below:
Associate’s Degree in Accounting in USA
| Particulars | Details |
| Program Type | Associate’s Degree |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Tuition Fees (USD) | USD 5,000 to USD 20,000 per year |
| Tuition Fees (INR approx.) | INR 4.1L to INR 16.6L |
| Who Should Go For It | Community college entrants or students looking for a low-cost entry into accounting |
| Career Scope | Entry-level roles such as bookkeeping, accounting clerk, a pathway to transfer into a bachelor’s degree |
Bachelor’s in Accounting in USA (BSc/BBA)
| Particulars | Details |
| Program Type | Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Tuition Fees (USD) | USD 12,000 to USD 60,000 per year |
| Tuition Fees (INR approx.) | INR 10L to INR 50L |
| Who Should Go For It | Students after Class 12 aiming for a full accounting degree |
| Career Scope | Entry-level accounting jobs: foundation for CPA eligibility and advanced studies |
Master of Accountancy in USA (MAcc)
| Particulars | Details |
| Program Type | Master of Accountancy (MAcc) |
| Duration | 1 to 2 years |
| Tuition Fees (USD) | USD 15,000 to USD 53,748 per year |
| Tuition Fees (INR approx.) | INR 12.5L to INR 44.8L |
| Who Should Go For It | Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting |
| Career Scope | CPA exam preparation, careers in auditing, taxation help meet the 150-credit CPA requirement |
Master of Science in Accounting in USA (MSA / MSAC)
| Particulars | Details |
| Program Type | Master of Science in Accounting |
| Duration | 1–2 years |
| Tuition Fees (USD) | USD 12,843 – USD 53,748 per year |
| Tuition Fees (INR approx.) | INR 10.7L to INR 44.8L |
| Who Should Go For It | Graduates in accounting, business, or economics |
| Career Scope | Careers in accounting research, analytics, consulting; some programs offer STEM advantages |
MBA with Accounting in USA
| Particulars | Details |
| Program Type | MBA with Accounting as a specialisation |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Tuition Fees (USD) | USD 25,000 to USD 80,000 per year |
| Tuition Fees (INR approx.) | INR 20.8L to INR 66.7L |
| Who Should Go For It | Working professionals who want to have career progression |
| Career Scope | Careers are available in managerial, leadership, and executive roles in the finance and accounting fields in the job market |
PhD in Accounting in USA
| Particulars | Details |
| Program Type | PhD in Accounting |
| Duration | 4 to 5 years |
| Tuition Fees (USD) | Often funded |
| Tuition Fees (INR approx.) | NA |
| Who Should Go For It | Candidates who are research-focused and looking for academic opportunities. |
| Career Scope | There are careers in academia, research, and university-level teaching |
CPA Review / Prep Courses in USA
| Particulars | Details |
| Program Type | CPA Review / Preparation Course |
| Duration | 3 to 6 months |
| Tuition Fees (USD) | USD 1,000 to USD 4,000 (total) |
| Tuition Fees (INR approx.) | INR 83K to INR 3.3L |
| Who Should Go For It | International students who want to prepare for the CPA exam |
| Career Scope | It is to be noted that it is not a degree; it helps clear the CPA exam for professional certification only. |
Accountancy Certificate Programs in USA (Short-term / Online)
| Particulars | Details |
| Program Type | Certificate Programs |
| Duration | 3 to 12 months |
| Tuition Fees (USD) | USD 5,000 to USD 25,000 (total) |
| Tuition Fees (INR approx.) | INR 4.1L to INR 20.8L |
| Who Should Go For It | Working professionals seeking skill upgrades |
| Career Scope | Specialised roles in forensic accounting, taxation, and data analytics |
MAcc vs MSA: Which Should Indian Students Choose?
Doing a Master’s of Accounting in the US is one of the popular options for international students who want to study there. However, it is important to note that there are two types of Masters degree in Accountancy which are available there for students to opt for. The right one for you depends on your preference. Check out this table, which is mentioned below, to understand the differences between the Master of Accountancy and the Master of Science in Accounting degrees in the US for international students:
| Aspect | Master of Accountancy | Master of Science in Accounting |
| Focus | The course mainly focuses on preparation for the CPA exam, auditing, and taxes. | This accounting course in the US is mainly related to research, analytics, and financial theory. |
| STEM Designation | This course is primarily not a STEM-recognised course | This course is more often STEM-designated, especially in analytics tracks |
| Duration | Often 9 to 12 months | 12 to 24 months |
| OPT Available | Standard 12 months | Up to 36 months if STEM-designated |
| Best For | Students who want to pursue CPA and prep for it, and those who are looking for a public accounting career. | Students who want to work primarily in analytics and research roles in the US, or those who are looking for longer US PSWV options. |
Also Read: CMA USA: A Student’s Guide
Top Universities for Accounting in the USA in 2026
There are many universities and colleges in the US that are recognised for their Accounting degrees. Top international ranking bodies that hold credibility to evaluate universities from around the world on different academic and after graduation parameters, such as QS, US News and THE, have highly ranked these universities in the US for their excellent Accounting degrees in 2026. Here is a table with the top universities in the US for Accounting courses in 2026, along with their average annual tuition fees and rankings in 2026
| University | QS WUR 2026 (Accounting) | Tuition Fees (USD) | Tuition Fees (INR approx.) |
| University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | 6 | USD 53,000 per year | INR 44.2L |
| New York University (Stern) | 11 | USD 53,748 per year | INR 44.8L |
| Columbia University | 12 | USD 50,000+ per year | INR 41.7L+ |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 43 | USD 20,000 to USD 30,000 per year | INR 16.7L to INR 25L |
| University of Texas at Austin (McCombs) | 25 | Varies | — |
| University of Southern California (USC) | 63 | USD 40,000 to USD 50,000 per year | INR 33.3L to INR 41.7L |
| University of Michigan (Ross) | 37 | Varies | — |
| Georgetown University | 101-150 | Varies | — |
| Northwestern University (Kellogg) | 30 | Varies | — |
| University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler) | 95 | Varies | — |
| Brown University | NA | Varies | — |
| University of Missouri–St. Louis | NA | USD 12,843 per year | INR 10.7L |
Also Read: MS in AI/ML in USA for Indian Students 2026
Popular Accounting Specialisations Available in the USA
There are different kinds of specialisations which are available for international students to choose from in the US if they plan to take Accounting courses there. The one for you is the one that has high demand as well as is suitable for your skills and interests. Here are some of the top specialisations for Accounting degrees in the US, along with the popular career scope of these for reference:
| Top Accountancy Specialisation in USA | Popular Career Path |
| Taxation | Tax Accountant Tax Consultant IRS Enrolled Agent |
| Auditing | External Auditor Internal Auditor (CIA) |
| Forensic Accounting | CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) FBI financial investigator |
| Accounting Analytics / Data Analytics | Business Intelligence Analyst STEM-eligible roles |
| Financial Reporting | Controller Financial Reporting Analyst |
| Managerial/Cost Accounting | Management Accountant CMA track |
| Government/Nonprofit Accounting | CGFM-eligible roles Federal government positions |
STEM OPT for International Students: Post-Accounting Studies
Understanding the STEM OPT after completing accountancy courses in USA is one of the major aspects for international students because it helps you to understand your post-study work period. So, what is OPT for Accountancy students in USA? The answer is that Optional Practical Training is a US government work authorisation that allows F-1 students to work in the US in their field after graduation.
- Standard OPT: 12 months for all F-1 graduates.
- STEM OPT extension: 24 additional months for graduates of STEM-designated programs, offering a total of 36 months as a post-study work option after graduating from Accounting courses in USA.
Which Accounting Programs in US Qualify for STEM OPT Extension?
One of the major things to understand is that not all accountancy courses in USA are eligible for OPT. Typically, the programs that fall under DHS CIP codes related to data analytics, business analytics, or computational finance are the ones that do. Generally, the MSA programs in USA with a data analytics or technology concentration are the ones that are eligible for OPT extensions. A few of the examples include the following:
- MSA with Data Analytics concentration (multiple universities)
- USC’s STEM-designated MAcc
- Bryant University’s STEM-designated MSc in Accounting
How Does OPT Extension Help Accounting Graduates in USA?
For international students who have graduated from Accounting courses in the USA, those extra 24 months are not just extra time; these are typically your window to build the 1 year of supervised work experience required for CPA certification, increase your earnings, and most importantly, give your employer enough time to file for H-1B sponsorship on your behalf. The H-1B lottery system works in annual cycles, so having three years instead of one dramatically improves your chances of getting through.
CPA Certification: Pathway for Accounting Graduates in USA
If you are planning to study accounting degrees in the US, you need to understand what the CPA is and how your degree fits into getting it. In the headings below, we have mentioned the information you need as an accountancy student in USA:
What is the CPA?
The Certified Public Accountant credential is the gold standard in US accounting. It offers international students who have completed their accountancy degrees an edge over others in MNCs and companies such as Big Four firms, investment banks, and top consulting firms. You generally earn higher salaries in comparison to others with CPA credibility. The exam is administered by the AICPA. Most candidates begin CPA prep during or right after their MS program, and Big Four firms typically cover exam costs for their new hires.
CPA Requirements for Accountancy Graduates in USA
You generally require the following to get the CPA qualification in the USA:
- You need at least 150 credit hours of accounting or business education in the USA.
- You are also required to pass all the 4 sections of the CPA exam.
- A 1 year of supervised work experience is also a crucial requirement.
How US Master’s Courses in Accounting Help to Get CPA Qualification?
A standard bachelor’s degree gives you approximately 120 credit hours. An MS in Accounting in the US adds another 30 for you. This means that you have exactly around 150 credits, which is a crucial threshold for CPA exam eligibility. This is why master’s programs in the US are so popular among Indian students who come with a BCom or BBA.
For Indian CAs, it is crucial to note that ICAI (India) and AICPA (US) have a mutual recognition agreement. If you’re an Indian Chartered Accountant, you can become a US CPA through a streamlined process, without going through the full 150-credit-hour route from scratch.
Eligibility Requirements for Accounting Courses in the USA
The eligibility varies as per your course level. For a Bachelor’s in Accounting in US, you need to clear 12th grade, and for a master’s, a complete 4-year bachelor’s is required. Check out the detailed eligibility criteria for Accounting courses in US for international students through the table below:
| Requirement | Bachelor’s in Accountancy | Master’s (MAcc/MSA) |
| Previous Education | You need to complete your grade 12 with at least 60 to 70% of score or equivalent. | Candidates must complete their 4-year bachelor’s degree in accounting, commerce, business, or economics. |
| GRE or GMAT | It is not required for a bachelor’s in Accounting in the USA | Generally, a GRE is either optional or waived at many top schools in US for Master’s degrees in Accounting. |
| English Proficiency | IELTS band of 6.0 to 6.5 or its equivalent | IELTS band of 6.5 to 7.5 or its equivalent |
| SAT/ACT | A score is generally needed to be submitted with the application. Generally, a SAT score of 480 ot above or an ACT score of 17 or above is required. | It is not required for Master’s of Accounting degrees in the USA. |
| Work Experience | It is not required for most of the programs. | It is an optional requirement for most of the master’s degrees in Accounting, where some might prefer it. |
Cost of Accounting Courses in the USA for Indian Students
The total cost of studying Accounting courses in US is the addition of tuition fees you have to pay at the university and the living expenses for you. We have mentioned both of these through the headings below for reference.
Accounting Courses Tuition Fees in USA by Program Level
Here is the table with the average Accounting course tuition fees per year in the USA for international students according to different course levels:
| Course Level | Tuition Fees (USD) | Tuition Fees (INR approx.) |
| Associate’s Degree (2 years) | USD 5,000 to USD 20,000 per year | INR 4.1L to INR 16.6L per year |
| Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) | USD 12,000 to USD 60,000 per year | INR 10L to INR 50L per year |
| Master’s MAcc/MSA (1–2 years) | USD 12,843 to USD 53,748 per year | INR 10.7L to INR 44.8L per year |
| MBA with Accounting (2 years) | USD 25,000 to USD 80,000 per year | INR 20.8L to INR 66.7L per year |
| Certificate/CPA Prep | USD 1,000 to USD 25,000 total | INR 83K to INR 20.8L total |
City-Wise Cost of Living in USA for International Students
The living expenses in the US vary significantly, depending on the chosen city, as some are quite expensive and some are the affordable options. We have mentioned some of the top cities for Accounting courses in the US, along with their average living expenses per month for international students:
| US City | Living Expenses (USD) | Living Expenses (INR approx.) |
| New York City | USD 2,000 to USD 2,500 per month | INR 1.67L to INR 2.08L |
| San Francisco | USD 2,000 to USD 2,500 per month | INR 1.67L to INR 2.08L |
| Chicago | USD 1,400 to USD 1,800 per month | INR 1.17L to INR 1.5L |
| Austin / Dallas | USD 1,200 to USD 1,600 per month | INR 1L to INR 1.33L |
| Philadelphia | USD 1,300 to USD 1,800 per month | INR 1.08L to INR 1.5L |
Scholarships for Accounting Courses in the USA
There is a wide range of scholarships for Accounting courses in USA, with some of the popular ones mentioned below in the table align with their benefits:
| Scholarship | Offered By | Value (USD) |
| AICPA Foundation Scholarship | American Institute of CPAs | Up to USD 10,000 |
| IMA Scholarship | Institute of Management Accountants | USD 1,500 to USD 2,500 |
| NABA Scholarships | National Association of Black Accountants | Varies |
| AWSCPA Scholarships | American Women’s Society of CPAs | Varies |
| State CPA Society Scholarships | Each US state has its own CPA society | Varies |
| University Merit Awards | NYU, Columbia, UT Austin, UIUC, etc. | Varies |
| ICCR Scholarships | Indian Council for Cultural Relations | Varies |
| Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship | US-India Educational Foundation | Full funding |
Also Read: Undergraduate Courses in USA: Top Universities, Fee Structure, Scholarships, and Cost of Living
Career Scope & Salaries After Accounting Courses in the USA in 2026
After completing your Accounting degrees in USA, international students have numerous job opportunities in the job markets, including the popular ones such as financial analyst, auditor, public accountant, accountant manager, forensic manager, and many more. Understanding the average salaries you will be expected to earn as an Accountant after graduating from Accounting courses in the US help you to check your ROI as well as future career opportunities way before starting your degree.
Average Salaries for Accounting Graduates in USA by Job Role
Here is a table with the average salaries after completing Accounting courses in the USA for popular job roles as a fresher:
| Job Role | Entry Salary (USD) | Entry Salary (INR) |
| Staff Accountant or Public Accounting | USD 49,000 to USD 65,000 | INR 40.8L to INR 54.2L |
| Financial Analyst | USD 63,000 to USD 90,000 | INR 52.5L to INR 75L |
| Tax Accountant or Tax Consultant | USD 55,000 to USD 85,000 | INR 45.8L to INR 70.8L |
| Auditor (External or Internal) | USD 58,000 to USD 95,000 | INR 48.3L to INR 79.2L |
| Forensic Accountant | USD 60,000 to USD 100,000 | INR 50L to INR 83.3L |
| Accounting Manager | USD 80,000 to USD 120,000 | INR 66.7L to INR 1 Cr |
| Controller | USD 90,000 to USD 150,000 | INR 75L to INR 1.25 Cr |
| CFO (long-term) | USD 150,000 to USD 400,000 and above | INR 1.25 Cr to INR 3.33 Cr and above |
Top Employers for Accounting Graduates in USA
Some of the top companies and MNCs that consistently hire international graduates of Accounting degrees in the US for different sectors and industries include the following:
- Deloitte
- PwC
- EY
- KPMG
- Goldman Sachs
- JPMorgan Chase
- Morgan Stanley
- Wells Fargo
- Bank of America
- McKinsey
- BCG
- IRS
- SEC
- Department of Defence
FAQs
Both the courses, MAcc and MSA, are master’s-level courses in Accounting in the USA. The Master of the field of accountancy is essential for those preparing for the CPA exam in auditing and taxation. It typically lasts 9 to 12 months but is not recognised as a STEM degree. On the other hand, the Master of Science in Accounting is a comprehensive 12 to 24-month degree with STEM recognition, heavily focused on research and analytics.
As an international student, you need to understand that there are two kinds of Master’s in accounting degrees in the USA, where M.Acc. is not a STEM-recognised degree, whereas the MSA is.
The number of accounting courses in the USA helps students prepare for the CPA exam, as one of the major requirements to sit for this exam is to complete 150 credit hours. A standard Bachelor’s Degree provides approximately 120 credit hours, while a Master’s Degree adds about 30 credits, giving a total of 150 credits.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics reports in the US in May 2024, the median salaries for accountants and auditors in the USA are around USD 81,680, with those holding the CPA qualification earning approximately USD 99,000.
Some US cities that offer the best accounting jobs because of the presence of MNCs and big companies that consistently hire accounting graduates include New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
Yes, an Indian CA can become a CPA in the USA. This is because ICAI (India) and AICPA (US) have a mutual recognition agreement. According to this, Indian Chartered Accountants can become a CPA without a mandatory NEET to complete the full 150 credits of accounting education.
Related Reads
If you’re planning to pursue an accounting course in USA in 2026 and need guidance with university selection, applications, or test preparation, you can explore support from Leverage Edu to move forward with clarity and confidence.
60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!