Top 5 Universities for Chartered Accountancy (CA) Students in the USA

Chartered Accountancy (CA) is a globally recognized qualification for accounting professionals, and in the United States, while the title “Chartered Accountant” itself is more commonly associated with the UK, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries, the profession equivalent to CA in the U.S. is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). CPA professionals play a vital role in financial reporting, auditing, tax advising, and business consulting. Earning a CPA or pursuing accounting at the graduate level in the United States requires strong academic credentials, rigorous training, and access to top-tier universities that offer robust programs in accounting and finance.

The U.S. boasts a number of prestigious institutions offering accounting degrees that not only prepare students for the CPA exam but also provide the academic and professional foundation needed for a successful career in accounting, auditing, tax consulting, and corporate finance. Below are five of the top universities for accounting and finance students, each recognized for their outstanding accounting programs, faculty expertise, and professional opportunities.

1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is home to one of the most highly regarded accounting programs in the United States, consistently ranked among the top by publications like U.S. News & World Report. The Illinois CPA program is known for its exceptional faculty, cutting-edge research, and strong industry connections. UIUC’s accounting curriculum is comprehensive, covering key areas such as auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and accounting information systems.

UIUC offers both undergraduate and graduate-level accounting programs, including a Master of Accounting Science (MAS) program, which is designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to excel in the CPA exam and the accounting profession. The university has an impressive CPA exam pass rate, and its graduates are highly sought after by top firms like PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG, as well as by large corporations and government agencies.

Additionally, the university’s location in a major business hub offers students access to internships and networking opportunities with leading firms in Chicago, making UIUC an ideal choice for students looking to launch their accounting careers.

2. University of Texas at Austin

The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin is renowned for its accounting program, which ranks consistently at the top of national and global lists. The school offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting, as well as a Master in Professional Accounting (MPA), which is specifically designed to prepare students for the CPA exam. UT Austin’s accounting program emphasizes technical skills, ethical leadership, and a strong understanding of accounting theory and practice.

The McCombs School of Business boasts a strong faculty with experts in areas such as auditing, taxation, and forensic accounting. The program is highly regarded for its focus on experiential learning, offering students access to internships, case competitions, and hands-on consulting projects. McCombs has a long history of strong placement rates for its graduates, with many securing positions at top accounting firms, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies.

Located in Austin, a rapidly growing tech hub and one of the most dynamic cities in the U.S., UT Austin also provides students with access to a vibrant business community and a diverse range of career opportunities in both traditional accounting and emerging fields such as fintech.

3. University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is widely regarded as one of the premier business schools in the world, and its accounting department is no exception. Wharton’s accounting program is known for its academic rigor, combining a strong theoretical foundation with practical skills that are highly valued in the accounting profession. Wharton offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in accounting, as well as an MBA with a concentration in accounting.

Wharton’s accounting curriculum covers critical areas such as financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, and taxation. The school is particularly known for its research-driven approach, with a focus on advancing the field through innovative theories and methodologies. Wharton’s faculty includes some of the most respected names in accounting research, and the school’s proximity to Wall Street and major financial institutions in Philadelphia makes it an ideal location for students interested in pursuing careers in corporate accounting or financial services.

Wharton’s extensive alumni network and strong connections with top firms such as Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG provide students with numerous opportunities for internships and job placements, making it a top choice for those seeking an accounting career with a global perspective.

4. University of Southern California (USC) – Marshall School of Business

The University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business offers one of the most prestigious accounting programs in the United States. The school’s accounting department is consistently ranked among the top by U.S. News & World Report and other academic rankings. USC’s accounting program offers both undergraduate and graduate-level degrees, including a Master of Accounting (MAcc), which is specifically tailored to prepare students for the CPA exam and for leadership roles in the accounting profession.

USC’s program is known for its focus on practical, hands-on learning and its strong ties to the business and accounting communities in Los Angeles and beyond. The Marshall School of Business provides students with access to internships, networking events, and recruitment opportunities with top accounting firms, as well as opportunities to work with major corporations in the entertainment, technology, and finance sectors.

The school’s faculty includes some of the leading experts in accounting and finance, and USC is home to a number of research centers that focus on accounting issues such as corporate governance, forensic accounting, and tax policy. USC also offers extensive career services to help students connect with employers, making it an excellent choice for those looking to build a successful career in accounting.

5. University of Michigan – Ross School of Business

The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business offers a world-class accounting program that prepares students for success in the accounting profession. Michigan’s accounting program combines a strong academic curriculum with opportunities for real-world learning and professional development. The Ross School of Business offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting, including a Master of Accounting (MAcc) program that is designed to help students pass the CPA exam and launch successful careers in public accounting, corporate finance, or government.

The accounting program at Michigan is known for its rigorous approach to financial reporting, auditing, and taxation, as well as its focus on leadership and communication skills. The Ross School’s collaborative environment and emphasis on action-based learning, through programs like the Michigan Business Challenge and consulting projects, ensure that students gain both technical expertise and practical experience.

Ross also has an outstanding reputation for its strong alumni network and connections with major accounting firms and corporations, ensuring that graduates have access to top-tier job opportunities. The program’s location in Ann Arbor provides students with proximity to major business hubs in Detroit and Chicago, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a career in the Midwest or beyond.

Conclusion

For students aspiring to pursue a career as a Chartered Accountant (or CPA) in the United States, selecting the right university is critical to gaining the education, skills, and industry connections necessary for success. The universities listed above — the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Texas at Austin, University of Pennsylvania (Wharton), University of Southern California (Marshall), and the University of Michigan (Ross) — are among the best in the country for accounting education. They offer rigorous curricula, excellent faculty, strong industry connections, and opportunities for hands-on learning and internships, making them ideal choices for aspiring accounting professionals who aim to excel in the CPA exam and beyond