Accounting Schools in Delaware
Students in Delaware have a variety of options for pursuing an accounting degree from the numerous public and private schools in the state. This overview of accounting schools in Delaware will help you find the information you need to pursue a career as an accountant, auditor, tax specialist, or other professional accounting role. Accelerated programs are also an option for students who want to pursue an undergraduate and graduate degree to sit for CPA licensure.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of Schools and Programs
- Top-Ranked Schools in Delaware
- Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates
- School Profiles
- Delaware CPA Requirements
- Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Delaware Accounting Schools and Programs
The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Delaware to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options.
| School | Accreditation | Accounting Degree(s) | Acceptance Rate10 | Grad Rate1 | Avg Net Price1 | Median Debt*10 | Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware State University | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; 5-Year BS-Accounting to MBA | 58.8% | 45% | $11,886 | $26,000 | $44,793 |
| Goldey-Beacom College | ACBSP | BS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting 150-Hour; MBA-Major in Taxation; MBA-Taxation Concentration; MS-Taxation; Grad Cert-Accounting | 62.9% | 67% | $13,454 | $18,900 | $48,508 |
| University of Delaware | AACSB | BS-Accounting; Dual BS-Accounting/Finance; 5-Year BS to MS-Accounting; 5-Year BS-Accounting to MS-Business Analytics and Information Management; Dual MS-Accounting/MBA; MS-Accounting; MS-Accounting: Analytics; MS-Accounting: Controllership; MS-Accounting: Financial Management; MS-Accounting: Management Information Systems | 72.4% | 80% | $18,044 | $24,572 | $71,861 |
| Wilmington University | IACBE | BS-Accounting; BS-Accounting: Completion Degree; BS-Accounting & Finance; BS-Accounting & Finance: Completion Degree; UG Cert-Accounting Review; Accelerated BS-Accounting to MBA; Accelerated BS-Accounting & Finance to MBA; Accelerated BS-Accounting to MS-Management; Accelerated BS-Accounting & Finance to MS-Management; Accelerated MBA-Accounting to DBA; MBA-Accounting; MS-Accounting; Grad Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 20% | $14,089 | $20,000 | $51,570 |
Table Notes:
*Median Debt: The median debt is the cumulative federal loan debt, excluding PLUS loans, at the time of graduation for students who completed an undergraduate program (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree) as reported by College Scorecard for academic year 2020-2021 based on National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) data.
**Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry: Median earnings are the middle value of earnings, at which half earned more and half earned less, measured 10 years (2020-2021) after the first year of study (2010-2011) for all students, institution-wide, who received federal loans and who are employed but not enrolled in school. Note that this value includes those who completed their program of study as well as those who discontinued study without receiving an award.
Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in Delaware
College rankings can be a useful tool to measure the overall reputation of a school or program. Weighing multiple rankings when evaluating your college choices can be helpful because different publishers may use different ranking factors in their methodologies. While the best program for your goals may rely on a combination of factors not typically considered in overall rankings, such as location or funding, seeing a program ranked on multiple lists can be a strong indication of reputation and academic quality.
College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023
- University of Delaware (#30)2
Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree
The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases reports including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Delaware in 2019 (the most recent report available*) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers in Delaware being 51.3%:
- University of Delaware 71.3%
- Wilmington University 46.2%
- Goldey-Beacom College 20.0%
*As NASBA makes significant changes to the CPA Exam as part of the CPA Evolution initiative, new candidate score reports by state are not anticipated until at least mid-2024.
Schools in Delaware with Accounting Degrees
To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in Delaware, we have profiled select programs below. Be sure to visit the websites of programs of interest for more detailed information on courses, admissions requirements and deadlines, and faculty.
Undergraduate Accounting Programs
Goldey-Beacom College
Goldey-Beacom College (GBC) offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Accounting. This 60-credit program teaches basic business and accounting fundamentals along with computer and communication skills. Graduates of this program are prepared for entry-level positions such as accounting clerks, tax preparers, and bookkeepers, or they may continue to GBC’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. The BS in Accounting curriculum emphasizes leadership qualities, accounting theory, and practical computer skills to prepare students for an industry career. Students in this 120-credit program develop written and oral communication skills while gaining hands-on experience in accounting concepts. Students build skills in database applications, federal taxes, and business statistics. In their second year, students focus on math and accounting fundamentals to earn a solid foundation before taking specialty courses in the subsequent years. Advanced coursework includes Auditing, Accounting Information Systems, and Business Law. GBC also offers an Accounting 150 Certificate Program that allows undergraduate accounting students to supplement their degree to meet the educational requirement for CPA certification.
Graduate Accounting Programs
University of Delaware
At the University of Delaware (UD), students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting that takes one to two years to complete depending on their educational backgrounds and whether they choose to take classes on a full- or part-time basis. This 30-credit program prepares students for careers in public accounting, consulting, government, or business and helps them meet the 150-credit requirement for CPA licensure in the state of Delaware. Concentrations are offered in Analytics, Controllership, Financial Management, or Management Information Systems. Coursework focuses on advanced topics in accounting, finance, and quantitative methods, and students must complete required classes such as Advanced Federal Taxation; Theory of External Reporting and Applications; and Database Design and Implementation. Other courses cover international accounting and global business ethics. UD also offers a dual MS in Accounting/Master of Business Administration (MBA) program as well as accelerated degree options for undergraduate accounting students.
Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs
Delaware State University
Delaware State University hosts a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a CPA concentration that can help students meet CPA licensure requirements in Delaware. The MBA in CPA is offered through a hybrid format, with courses taken online or through the DSU@Wilmington location. Core MBA courses such as Marketing Management, Operations Analysis Management, and Economics for Managerial Decision Making concentrate on building knowledge of specific industries, with three accounting electives completing the CPA concentration. The full curriculum requires 30 credits to complete, and full-time students can graduate in as little as 12 months. Admission into the MBA is offered on a rolling basis and requires a bachelor’s degree and a combined GMAT/GPA of at least 975. This score is calculated by multiplying the undergraduate GPA by 200 and adding the GMAT score. Applicants without a bachelor’s degree in business or the equivalent must complete required foundation courses upon admittance into the program. The foundation requirement may be waived based on work experience, the achievement of an advanced degree, or professional certification.
Wilmington University
Wilmington University offers a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting which can be completed entirely online. Graduates of the program will develop a foundation in accounting that can help them towards certifications as CPAs, Certified Management Accountants (CMAs), Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs), or other credentialed positions. Core courses such as Issues in Auditing and Assurance Services; Fraud Prevention and Forensic Accounting; and Financial Management make up 24 credits of the 30-credit curriculum, with six elective credits completing the degree. A bachelor’s degree is required for entry into the program. Students without previous accounting coursework must complete the required prerequisites with a “C” or better by the time they have completed four courses in the MS in Accounting curriculum. All accounting courses have either an undergraduate or graduate prerequisite. While completing these prerequisites, students may take the required ethics course. Graduation from the MS in Accounting program requires a GPA of 3.0 or better. Online students may also be interested in Wilmington’s MBA in Accounting, which is also available online.
Delaware CPA Requirements and Steps
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Delaware, the Delaware Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires candidates to complete a minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 24 credits must be accounting courses covering financial accountancy, auditing, and taxation. There are six main steps to complete in order to earn a Delaware CPA license.
- Complete 120 semester hours of college-level education including a concentration in accounting.
- Earn the required hours of experience.
- Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
- Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
- Apply for a Permit to Practice.
- Receive a Permit to Practice.
1. Complete 120 semester hours of college-level education including a concentration in accounting.
Effective July 1, 2026, CPA candidates in Delaware must have completed 120 semester hours of college education including the award of at least a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting. A concentration consists of at least 24 total semester hours in accounting subjects, and must include courses in Financial Accounting, Auditing, and Taxation. The remaining hours may be in subjects such as:
- Accounting information systems
- Accounting principles
- Advanced accounting
- Cost accounting
- Intermediate accounting
- Law
The Board does not recognize courses in banking, computer science, economics, finance, insurance, management, or marketing as part of an accounting concentration, though these courses may be counted towards the total 120-semester hour requirement.
2. Earn the required hours of experience.
CPA candidates using the new 120-hour pathway must complete at least two years or 4,000 hours of qualifying experience using skills in accounting, attest, compilation, consulting, financial advisory, management advisory, or tax, following the completion of the education requirement. Candidates who have 150 credit hours must only complete one year of qualifying experience. On either pathway, experience may be gained working in government, industry, academia, or public practice, but in all cases must be supervised and verified by a currently-licensed CPA.
3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
A Delaware CPA candidate may apply to sit for the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Uniform CPA exam once the candidate has completed 120 semester hours of education, including a bachelor’s degree and a concentration in accounting. The test is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and CPA Candidates in Delaware should apply for the exam through the NASBA website. All four sections of the exam must be passed with a score of 75 or higher within a 30-month rolling period.
4. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
The AICPA ethics self-study course and exam, Professional Ethics, must be passed before applying for a Delaware CPA license. The course may be ordered through AICPA’s website. CPA candidates must score at least 90% on the exam to pass the course. Once completed, candidates should request that AICPA send the exam score to the Board.
5. Apply for a Permit to Practice.
Practicing CPAs in Delaware must hold a Permit to Practice. Candidates who have met the above requirements can apply for the Permit to Practice through the Board’s online licensure system Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services (DELPROS). Any documents that require a physical signature or notarization must be mailed to the Board unless otherwise indicated.
6. Receive a Permit to Practice.
Once submitted, the Board will review applications in the order received. If the application is in order, the Board will email the applicant a notification of approval and a license number. Once the license number is assigned, the applicant may begin practice as a CPA.
CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information
In Delaware, CPA permits to practice are renewed on a biennial basis, with renewals due by June 30 of each odd-numbered year. Within that period, CPAs must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE). The CPE must include at least eight hours in accounting or auditing, eight hours in taxation, and four hours in Delaware-specific ethics. CPAs must also complete 20 additional hours in accounting, auditing, or taxation. In any given year, CPAs must complete at least 20 hours of CPE. CPE can be reported on the Board’s website through DELPROS.
Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Delaware
Accounting graduates in Delaware may choose to work for major accounting firms like Horty & Horty, Gunnip & Company, and Doherty & Associates. Top employers for accountants in the state include Fortune 500 companies like DuPont and Navient. Other large corporations in Delaware include AstraZeneca, Chemours, and P&L Transportation. Delaware is also home to many bank credit card offices, including Capital One, Chase, and Discover. Graduates may also choose to open their own accounting offices or enter into government accounting jobs for the State of Delaware or in local municipalities.
Delaware Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Accountants & Auditors Employed12 | Average Annual Salary12 |
|---|---|---|
| Dover | 640 | $67,660 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-MD | 29,800 | $87,000 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | 1,230 | $73,340 |
Additional Resources
Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Delaware
- Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, P.A.: One of the largest accounting firms in Delaware and a member of the PrimeGlobal association of independent accounting firms, Belfint, Lyons & Shuman offers accounting services to both individuals and firms from their Wilmington office.
- Cover and Rossiter: Based in Wilmington, Cover and Rossiter provides a full range of business services to clients such as nonprofits, small families, and businesses.
- BDO USA: BDO is a national firm with a presence in Delaware, offering accounting, advisory, digital, and tax services out of their offices in Wilmington.
Delaware Accounting Associations
- Delaware Society of CPAs: Offering members CPE opportunities, professional insurance, and career development, the Delaware Society of CPAs also offers the general public tools to find CPAs to suit their specific needs.
- The Delaware Board of Accountancy (the Board): The Board oversees the licensing and permitting of Certified Public Accountants and Public Accountants in Delaware.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual Best Accounting Schools 2023: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/rankings/top-ranked/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2023 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2022.
4. US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
5. US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/online-bachelors-business-rankings
6. US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
7. Association to Advance College Schools of Business, Accredited Universities and Schools, Business & Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
8. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Accredited Schools, Separate Accounting: https://acbspsearch.org/
9. International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Members: https://iacbe.org/accreditation/member-status-information/
10. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
11. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2019 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Delaware: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_de.htm
13. Delaware Board of Accountancy: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/accountancy/