Accounting Schools in North Dakota
In North Dakota, there are several accounting programs for students seeking a degree. The following guide to accounting schools in North Dakota will help you understand your options and make the right decision based on your interests and career goals. Accounting programs in North Dakota provide concentrations in areas such as financial planning, corporate accounting, and data analytics. Pursuing an online accounting degree can save you time commuting to and from school while providing a flexible learning model for self-directed students. Accelerated programs are also an option for students who wish to complete graduate studies and pursue CPA status.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of Schools and Programs
- Top-Ranked Schools in North Dakota
- Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates
- School Profiles
- North Dakota CPA Requirements
- Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Additional Resources
Comparison of North Dakota Accounting Schools and Programs
The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in North Dakota 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dickinson State University | IACBE | BBA-Accounting; BBA-Accounting: Digital Marketing; UG Cert-Accounting Technician; Cert of Completion: CPA Preparation | 99.4% | 44% | $14,971 | $18,442 | $49,125 |
| Mayville State University | — | BS-Accounting; BS-Accounting/BAS-Business Administration; BS-Accounting/BSBA; Minor-Accounting | 61.0% | 35% | $14,347 | $18,585 | $45,406 |
| Minot State University | IACBE | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; Minor-Fraud Examination; Concentration-Accounting | 88.4% | 45% | $12,360 | $19,609 | $47,001 |
| North Dakota State University-Main Campus | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; MAcc | 95.5% | 63% | $15,962 | $23,199 | $58,936 |
| University of Jamestown | — | BA-Accounting; BA-Accounting: Financial Planning; BBA-Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 75.8% | 49% | $19,950 | $27,000 | $53,878 |
| University of Mary | IACBE | BS/BA-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; 5-Year BS-Accounting to MBA | 78.8% | 64% | $18,369 | $24,000 | $58,561 |
| University of North Dakota | — | BAcc; Minor-Accountancy; Accelerated Bacc/MAcc; MAcc-Professional: Business Administration; MAcc-Professional: Data Analytics; MAcc-Professional: Information System and Controls; MAcc-Professional: Tax Compliance and Planning; MAcc-Fundamentals | 89.0% | 63% | $17,359 | $22,057 | $61,403 |
| Valley City State University | — | BA/BS-Business Administration: Managerial Accounting & Finance | 81.5% | 47% | $12,164 | $20,369 | $48,672 |
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 North Dakota
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 North Dakota (#138)
- North Dakota State University (#158)
- University of Mary (#253)2
US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023
- Mayville State University (#157 tie)
- Minot State University (#157 tie)
- Valley City State University (#170-214)5
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 business schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in North Dakota 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 North Dakota being 54.4%:
- Minot State University 64.5%
- University of North Dakota 61.8%
- University of Mary 50.0%
- North Dakota State University Main Campus 45.5%
*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 North Dakota with Accounting Degrees
To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in North Dakota, 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.
Graduate Accounting Programs
North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University (NDSU) offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) which prepares students for CPA licensure. This program is designed for both students with undergraduate degrees in accounting and those with non-accounting degrees who wish to make a career switch. Students without undergraduate degrees in accounting must complete prerequisite accounting courses before applying. This degree program can be completed in as little as 11 months, but part-time students will take longer to finish. Technical competency, research skills, and accounting theory are all emphasized in this 30-credit program. NDSU uses a collaborative approach to help students solve complex business problems. Students can expect to take courses like Information Resources Management; Fraud Examination; and Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for a wide variety of accounting and financial roles, as well as certification examinations such as CPA, Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs
University of North Dakota
Students at the University of North Dakota (UND) can earn an online Master of Accountancy (MAcc): Professional Track. This program is designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree in accounting and prepares them to sit for the CPA exam. Four concentrations are offered: Business Administration; Data Analytics; Information System and Controls; and Tax Compliance and Planning. Regardless of concentration, students take courses designed to emphasize critical thinking skills such as Seminar in Accounting Issues, during which students examine contemporary accounting problems. They are also encouraged to participate in an internship to gain hands-on experience prior to graduation. This program can be completed either full-time or part-time, allowing for flexibility in scheduling. Undergraduate accounting students at UND can pursue the Accelerated Bachelor in Accounting (BAcc)/MAcc (ABM) degree program that allows them to complete both degrees at an accelerated pace.
North Dakota CPA Requirements and Steps
The North Dakota State Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires that CPA candidates hold at least a bachelor’s degree and complete 150 credit hours at an accredited college or university. There are seven main steps to complete in order to earn a first-time North Dakota CPA license.
- Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
- Accumulate the required hours of experience.
- Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
- Apply to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination.
- Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
- Apply for a license.
- Receive a CPA license.
1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
Candidates for CPA licensure in North Dakota must complete at least 150 semester hours of college education that includes the award of a bachelor’s degree and that is concentrated in accounting. Courses that count towards an accounting concentration in North Dakota are typically those that include accounting, auditing, or tax rubric. In addition to a 24-hour accounting concentration, candidates must also complete at least 24 semester hours in related general business subjects. Up to three business subject credits may be earned in economics.
2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
Candidates for a North Dakota CPA license must earn at least 2,000 hours of experience across not less than one calendar year and not more than four calendar years. The majority of the experience must involve the use of skills in accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting. Experience may be earned in public accounting, industry, government, or academia and must be verified by a supervisor.
3. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
The Board requires candidates for licensure to take the AICPA self-study course and exam in professional ethics. A score of 90% or higher is required and the course must be completed within one year from the date of purchase. The course materials can be ordered directly from North Dakota CPA Society’s website.
4. Apply to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam is a requirement for CPA licensure in all 50 states and is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). The Board provides the CPA Exam Application for candidates who are ready to take the Uniform CPA Exam. Candidates should apply 30 days in advance of the desired exam date; however, the Board may allow a candidate who does not yet meet the educational requirements to take the exam provided they complete the requirements within six months of application. The application packet includes three separate reference forms, college transcripts, an affidavit of good moral character, a recent photograph, and payment in the form of a check or money order. Candidates may pay via credit card separately but their application will not be reviewed until the invoice is paid.
5. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
Applicants may sit for the Uniform CPA exam after completing 120 credits but need to complete the remaining credits before becoming eligible for licensure. Sections can be taken individually or all at once. All four sections of the exam must be passed within a 30-month rolling period.
6. Apply for a license.
Candidates who have met the education, experience, and exam requirements are ready to apply for a North Dakota CPA license. Candidates must contact the Board to request an Initial CPA Certificate application packet. The application must include a Certificate of Experience to verify qualifying work experience detailed in step 2 above.
7. Receive a CPA license.
Once the application packet has been approved by the Board and Uniform CPA Exam scores have been reviewed, a license will be issued to applicants and they can begin practicing as CPAs.
CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information
North Dakota CPA licenses expire on June 30 of each year and must be renewed before that date. CPAs must earn 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every three years, with no fewer than 20 hours occurring per year. Six of these hours must be in ethics. More information can be found on the Board’s website.
Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in North Dakota
Accounting graduates in North Dakota may find job opportunities with some of the major corporations headquartered in the state. MDU Resources Group, Alerus Financial, and Titan Machinery are all multi-billion dollar companies located in North Dakota. Bank of North Dakota (BND), First International Bank and Trust, and Gate City Bank are also headquartered in the state. Entrepreneurial graduates may also choose to open their own practices. Accounting positions may also be available in the state or local government sectors.
North Dakota Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Accountants & Auditors Employed12 | Average Annual Salary12 |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | 900 | $72,280 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 1,510 | $69,930 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 390 | $70,220 |
Additional Resources
Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in North Dakota
- EideBailly: One of the largest accounting firms in the US, EideBailly has offices in Bismarck and Fargo that serve clients from across the northern Midwest.
- Brady, Martz & Associates: This firm offers a range of services with offices across North Dakota and Minnesota.
- Krumm & Associates: This highly selective firm works with clients in various industries.
North Dakota Accounting Associations
- North Dakota CPA Society (NDCPAS): With over 1,800 members, 75% of CPAs in North Dakota are members. This organization offers CPE opportunities and advocacy for North Dakota CPAs.
- North Dakota Society of Accountants (NDSACCT): This association protects CPAs’ rights and aims to uphold standards of North Dakota accountants and tax professionals.
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, North Dakota: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nd.htm
13. North Dakota State Board of Accountancy: https://www.ndsba.nd.gov/