Accounting is frequently referred to as the universal language of commerce, and studying it in the United States provides a unique global benchmark. With most international financial markets continuing to grow and financial regulations increasing in complexity, accounting courses in the USA equip students with the necessary technical expertise, analytical skills, and exceptional qualifications needed to achieve success.
Why Study Accounting in the USA?
Here are some of the most popular reasons why international students choose to study an accounting program in the USA.
- World-Class Qualifications: American accounting programs are fully compatible with the CPA program. Possession of a U.S. CPA degree gives one the opportunity to work anywhere in the world.
- High Demand for Specialists: There is a need for experts in the U.S. since highly qualified accountants are in short supply, making this profession extremely secure financially.
- Attractive Opportunities: Studying in the U.S. places one at the entrance of big multinational companies like the Big 4.
- Opportunity to Apply for STEM OPT Extension: Many universities offer programs that qualify for the STEM OPT extension. Students with F-1 visas can work in the U.S. for three years after graduation.
- Modern Accounting Education: American accounting programs teach up-to-date high-demand digital skills, including business analytics, forensic data modeling, cloud audit, and tax automation.
Best 10 Universities for Accounting Courses in the USA for Indian Students
Below is a list of some of the leading institutions offering various courses in Accounting in the USA for Indian and International students alike.
1. Stanford University
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | #2 |
| Location | Stanford, California |
| Popular Programs | MBA, MSx, PhD, Executive Education |
| Program Duration | MBA: 2 years MSx: 1 year PhD: 5 to 6 years Executive Education: 6 weeks to 1 year |
| Average Fees Per Year | MBA: $89,187/year MSx: $154,828/year PhD: $14,000 – $22,000/quarter (fully funded GSB available) Executive Education: $95,000 (entire cost) |
2. University of Pennsylvania
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | #15 |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Popular Programs | Accounting BS, Accounting MBA, Accounting PhD |
| Program Duration | BS: 4 years MBA: 2 years PhD: 5 years |
| Average Fees Per Year | BS: $60,920/year MBA: $84,874/year PhD: $46,540/year (fully funded available) |
3. Cornell University
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | #16 |
| Location | Ithaca, NY |
| Popular Programs | Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Management – Accounting; PhD in Management (Accounting concentration) |
| Program Duration | MPS: 10 months PhD: 4 to 5 years |
| Average Fees Per Year | MPS: $74,472PhD: Fully Funded |
4. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | #20 |
| Location | Berkeley, CA |
| Popular Programs | BCPA, PhD in Accounting, Certificate program in Accounting (Extension) |
| Program Duration | BCPA: 2 summers PhD: 3 years Certificate: 2 years |
| Average Fees Per Year | BCPA: $10,995 to $12,995 (intro); $11,995 to $13,995 (advanced) PhD: $26,802 Certificate: $8,500 to $9,400 |
5. University of Chicago (UoC)
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | #24 |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Popular Programs | MBA Accounting Concentration, PhD in Accounting |
| Program Duration | MBA: 21 months PhD: 4 years |
| Average Fees Per Year | MBA: $89,976/year PhD: $75,780 |
6. Columbia University
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | #43 |
| Location | New York |
| Popular Programs | MSAFA, MBA and Executive MBA Accounting, PhD in Accounting, Executive Education |
| Program Duration | MSAFA: 18 months MBA: 2 years EMBA: 20 months PhD: 4 to 5 years |
| Average Fees Per Year | MSAFA: $77,516/year MBA: $150,000/year EMBA: $263,400 PhD: Fully Funded |
7. University of Michigan-Ann Arbour
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | #51 |
| Location | Ann Arbour, Michigan |
| Popular Programs | Master of Accounting (MAcc), Accounting PhD |
| Program Duration | MAcc: 8 months; PhD: 5 years |
| Average Fees Per Year | MAcc: $62,922; PhD: Fully Covered |
8. New York University
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | #58 |
| Location | New York |
| Popular Programs | BS in Business/MS in Accounting Dual degree, MS in Accounting (MSA), MBA Accounting, PhD in Accounting |
| Program Duration | BS/MA Dual Degree: 5 years MSA: 1 year MBA: 2 years PhD: 5 years |
| Average Fees Per Year | BS/MA Dual Degree: $33,220 MSA: $68,684 MBA: $92,659/year PhD: Fully Funded |
9. University of Texas at Austin
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | #72 |
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Popular Programs | BBA in Accounting, MPA, iMPA, PhD |
| Program Duration | BBA: 4 years MPA: 9 to 13 months iMPA: 5 years PhD: 4 to 5 years |
| Average Fees Per Year | BBA: $46,498 to $48,712/year MPA: $49,020 iMPA: $92,496 PhD: Fully Funded |
10. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | #74 |
| Location | Champaign, IL |
| Popular Programs | BS in Accounting, MAS, MSA, PhD |
| Program Duration | BS: 4 years MAS: 9 months MSA: 12 months PhD: 4 to 5 years |
| Average Fees Per Year | BS: $39,392/year MAS: $42,740 MSA: $54,352 PhD: $120,000 (fully funded grants available) |
Accounting Courses in the USA For Indian Students
Here are some of the most popular accounting courses in the USA for Indian students to choose from.
| Course / Program Name | Average Duration | Avg. Tuition Fees / Year (USD) |
| Bachelor of Science / Business Administration in Accounting | 4 Years | $12,000–$70,000 |
| Integrated / Dual-Degree Master of Accounting (BBA + MPA / MSA) | 5 Years | $25,000–$65,000 |
| Master of Accounting (MAcc) / Master of Accountancy (MAC) | 1 Year | $15,000–$78,000 |
| Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) | 1 Year | $38,000–$68,000 |
| Master of Science in Taxation (MST / MBT) | 1 Year | $40,000–$68,000 |
| Master of Science in Accounting Analytics / Forensic Accounting | 1 to 1.5 Years | $35,000–$60,000 |
| PhD in Accounting / Accountancy | 4 to 5 Years | Fully Funded (Stipend + Tuition Waiver) |
| Graduate Certificate in Accounting / Financial Reporting | 6 to 12 Months | $12,000–$35,000 |
| Graduate Certificate in Accounting Data Analytics | 6 to 12 Months | $10,000–$25,000 |
| CPA Exam Bridge / Prep Certificate | 6 to 12 Months | $8,000–$20,000 |
Accounting Courses in the USA: Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
Below is a comprehensive list of the admission requirements to study accounting courses in the USA for international students.
1. Educational credit requirements (150 credit hours)
Typically, a 3-year Bachelor’s degree like B.Com or BBA in India is equivalent to 90-100 credit hours in the US. Most of the US Master’s Programs and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensing Boards require a 4-year degree or 120 hours of credit hours equivalent for applying and 150 hours of credit hours for achieving professional graduation or CPA Certification in the USA.
Applicants from India who have a three-year B.Com degree can satisfy this requirement by completing a two-year postgraduate program like M.Com or MBA, passing CA/CMA tests, or joining bridge courses.
2. Credential Evaluation
The academic transcripts from Indian institutions should be evaluated by recognised US agencies like WES, ECE, and NIES to convert Indian marks into the American credit and GPA system.
3. Academic Performance (GPA)
The majority of the Master’s in Accounting programs in the USA require a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0 on a 4-point scale, which is typically a first-class degree in the Indian grading system.
4. English Language Proficiency Test
Non-native speakers of English should qualify the English exam with a minimum score:
- TOEFL iBT: The minimum score required overall ranges from 80 to 100.
- IELTS Academic: The minimum required overall band score ranges from 6.5 to 7.5.
- The Duolingo English Test (DET): DET is accepted by several universities (usually 115 or above).
5. Standardized Entrance Exams (GMAT or GRE)
- Several premium colleges require a valid GMAT or GRE score.
- In most cases, test waivers are granted for candidates with a recognised GPA.
6. Prerequisite Coursework
- The candidates must have fundamental knowledge in core business subjects, including Financial Accounting, Managerial/Cost Accounting, Statistics, and Micro/Macroeconomic principles.
7. Supporting Application Documents
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): indicating career motivation, professional goals, and suitability to the accounting field.
- Letters of recommendation: usually 2-3 references from professors of college or professional managers.
- Resume/CV: giving details of academic history, internships, and work experience.
Accounting Courses in the USA Scholarships
Many students face problems in being able to afford education in the USA due to its excessive tuition fees and high living costs. However, they can still opt for various scholarships to alleviate their financial burdens.
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships: Scholarships come with full funding coverage of tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs provided to distinguished students from India doing their master’s program (master’s degree in accounting) in the USA.
- Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and provides $2,000 to $10,000 to international students studying accounting with a focus on forensic accounting/fraud examinations.
- Michele L. McDonald Memorial Scholarship: The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA) gives this scholarship to assist female students studying accounting worldwide.
- MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship: This is intended for international and DACA students studying in the USA. It is based on merit and does not require an American co-signer, allowing international students to access scholarships for their accounting tuition fees.
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: It provides educational grants to brilliant students from developing countries lacking funding resources for graduate studies.
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: It is a scholarship program providing financial support to Indian students pursuing master’s programs in the USA.
- JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education: This scholarship provides students from India with loans at low-interest rates to support their postgraduate studies abroad.
- University-Specific Merit Scholarships (e.g UT Austin MPA/UIUC MSA Awards): Students are offered a partial to full tuition waiver from the faculty or the graduate assistantship program automatically based on academic performance.
Application Process To Study Accounting In USA
Below is a step-by-step guide on the application process for studying an accounting degree in the USA for international students.
1. Research and Choose Universities: Find American universities with specific accounting programs (i.e., BS, MAcc, MSA, MST) that are appropriate for your academic qualifications, budget, and career aspirations after graduation.
2. Verify Prerequisite and Credit Requirements: Check whether your academic background meets requirements, such as determining if your three-year Indian Bachelor’s degree (B.Com) ends up needing accreditation (by organisations like WES or NIES) or requires bridge courses to accommodate 120/150 U.S. credit hours.
3. Take Necessary Examinations: Register to take examinations such as:
- Proficiency in English- either TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET).
- Graduate-level entrance exams, namely GMAT or GRE (noting that waivers may be available based on GPA or professional experience).
4. Compile Required Documents: Collect and submit all required documents to the university online portal, including:
- Academic transcripts and diplomas.
- Statement of purpose detailing career objectives in accounting.
- Two or three letters of recommendation (LORs) from professors or past employers.
- Resume detailing work, internships, and other credentials like CA/CMA.
5. Submit Application and Pay Fees: Complete the university-specific application (or common application) and pay the fees stated.
6. Receive Confirmation and Request an I-20: When an admission letter has been received, submit details of financial support to the university’s international office to obtain Form I-20.
7. Pay Fees for SEVIS and for Visa: Pay for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS I-901).
8. Complete and Submit DS-160 and Schedule Interview: Complete the DS-160 form and set up appointments for biometrics and interviews as per U.S. Embassy regulations.
9. Attend Student Visa Interview: Bring the Form I-20, proof of academics, and proof of finances to the embassy to apply for the visa.
Accounting Courses in the USA: Fees and Cost
In the USA, the annual cost of an accounting program ranges from $20,000 to $80,000 depending on the choice of university (public or private).
Tuition Fees According to Degree Level:
- Bachelor’s Degree: The yearly cost is about $20,000-$45,000 at public universities, with private colleges asking you to pay anywhere from $50,000 to $99,000 a year.
- Master’s Degree: A Master’s in Accounting ranges from $20,000 to $60,000 at public institutions, while private universities charge around $40,000-$80,000+ for the entire program.
Living expenses
- The cost of living is about $10,000 to $18,000 a year for expenses like food, accommodation, local transport, and obligatory health insurance.
- If considering both living and tuition expenses, the total expense ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year.
US CPA Licensing (optional)
If one wants to obtain the U.S. CPA Certification, the costs are about $1,500 to $3,000, with expenses for the credential evaluation, application, and exams included.
Accounting Courses in the USA Intake 2027
The majority of accounting programs in the USA accept applications for the Fall semester (August or September) for the class of 2027. A few schools also provide students with the option to join in the Spring semester (January), and some have rolling intakes throughout the year.
- Spring intake (January 2027): an option at selective institutions and pathway providers, with application deadlines toward the end of 2026.
- Fall intake (August/September 2027): the most common intake opportunity for students enrolling for undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting in the USA. Closing dates for applications for competitive programs can be as early as November 15, 2026, for international candidates.
- Quarterly/Flexible intakes: the same as with the flexibility offered by some universities for April or June 2027 start dates.
Accounting Courses in the USA: English Proficiency Requirements
International students must demonstrate their competency in English through standardised testing like TOEFL or IELTS to gain entrance to accounting courses in the USA.
Here are some of the general English proficiency requirements:
- For IELTS, students usually need to achieve a total score between 6.5 and 7.0 for all undergraduate and postgraduate courses in accounting courses.
- For TOEFL iBT, most universities require a score between 80 and 95 and above.
- Some institutions accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) if students achieve a score between 110 and 120.
- PTE Academic generally requires a minimum score of 65 or more.
Visa Requirements For Indian Students to Study Accounting Courses In USA
One of the most important steps in your study abroad journey is the visa process and its requirements. Here are the visa requirements for Indian students to study accounting courses in the USA.
- A Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the length of intended stay in the United States.
- The Form I-20: This certificate is issued by the U.S. study program.
- DS-160 Confirmation Page: It is the completed nonimmigrant visa application form and a printed version confirming the barcode.
- Receipt of Visa Application Payment: The document which proves that you paid for the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) application fee.
- SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt: The document which proves you paid the SEVIS fee.
- Financial Documents: Bank statements, guarantee letters and other documents which show that you have enough money to pay tuition and living costs for at least the first academic year.
- Diplomas and Certificates: Transcripts of records, diploma, and documents proving proficiency in English.
- Proof of Family Connections: Documents showing you have strong ties to your home country and must arrive back there after completing your study program.
Accounting Courses in the USA: Career Opportunities
Pursuing an accounting degree in the U.S. offers international graduates direct entry into corporate finance, public practice, and specialised advisory roles.
| Career Role | Average Starting Salary (USD) |
| Audit Associate / External Auditor | $65,000 – $75,000 |
| Tax Consultant / Tax Accountant | $68,000 – $78,000 |
| Financial / Management Accountant | $70,000 – $82,000 |
| FP&A Analyst (Financial Planning & Analysis) | $72,000 – $85,000 |
| Forensic Accountant | $75,000 – $88,000 |
| Accounting Data / Analytics Specialist | $78,000 – $92,000 |
Major Employers Hiring US Graduates
- The Big Four Public Accounting Firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG (major sponsors of international student visas).
- Mid-Tier Accounting & Advisory Firms: BDO, RSM, Grant Thornton, and Baker Tilly.
- Corporate Tech & Finance Giants: Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs.
Key Industry Growth Drivers for International Students
- US Accountant Shortage: High demand across public accounting firms creates continuous hiring opportunities for skilled international graduates.
- STEM OPT Extension Advantage: Enrolling in a STEM-designated Master of Accounting program allows international students on an F-1 visa to work in the U.S. for up to 3 years post-graduation.
- High CPA Licensure Value: Passing the U.S. CPA exam provides a standardised pathway to fast-track salary increases and corporate leadership positions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can directly apply for a 4-year Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting right after completing High School/12th grade.
Yes, thousands of Indian students pursue undergraduate, master’s, and certificate accounting programs in the U.S. every year.
Many universities offer GMAT waivers based on a high undergraduate GPA, relevant work experience, or a prior professional qualification (like CA/CMA).
Yes, GRE requirements are optional or waived at many U.S. universities, especially if you meet baseline academic performance criteria.
You can submit alternative English proficiency scores such as TOEFL or the Duolingo English Test (DET), or request a waiver if your medium of instruction in previous education was English.
Depending on the level of the course, accounting programs in the USA last for:
- Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
- Master’s Degree (MAcc/MSA): 1 to 2 years
- Certificates: 6 to 12 months
- PhD: 4 to 5 years
Entry-level accounting graduates typically earn between $65,000 and $85,000 USD per year, while experienced professionals and CPAs can earn over $120,000+ USD per year.
Yes, the U.S. is facing a nationwide shortage of accountants, creating strong hiring demand and high visa sponsorship rates at major firms like the Big 4.
STEM-designated accounting master’s programs grant a 3-year OPT work permit, offering excellent return on investment through U.S. corporate salaries and global CPA recognition.
Some major requirements to study accounting in the USA are:
- High school diploma (for Bachelor’s) or a recognised Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s).
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or DET).
- Standardised test scores (GMAT/GRE) unless waived.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and transcript evaluations (e.g., WES) if required.
There is virtually no difference; both cover advanced technical accounting and prepare you for the CPA exam. MSA (Master of Science in Accountancy) is often broader and accessible to non-accounting majors, while MAcc (Master of Accountancy) tends to require prior accounting coursework.
Yes. Most U.S. Master’s programs (MAcc/MSA) are specifically structured to help you fulfil the 150 credit-hour requirement and curriculum needed to sit for the U.S. CPA exam.