This page about accounting schools in Arkansas provides information about different types of degrees and program formats for accounting studies in the state. Many colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting that help students advance their careers or pursue professional designations. Colleges across Arkansas offer full-time, part-time, and fully online accounting degrees. For more information about accounting program rankings, career outlooks, and professional certifications in Arkansas, read on below.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Arkansas Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Arkansas to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options.

SchoolAccreditationAccounting Degree(s)Acceptance Rate10Grad Rate1Avg Net Price1Median Debt*10Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10
Arkansas Baptist College—BBA-AccountingN.Av.8%$13,309$25,375$27,908
Arkansas State University—AS-Accounting;
BS-Accounting;
BS-Accounting: CPA;
BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Accelerated BS to MAcc;
MAcc-Accounting with Data Analytics		63.3%53%$12,011$20,500$39,824
Arkansas State University Mid-South—UG Cert of Proficiency-AccountingN.Av.43%$8,483N.Av.$27,245
Arkansas Tech University—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		94.4%49%$12,016$21,000$40,334
Central Baptist College—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		61.6%39%$18,128$22,250$42,333
Harding UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Accelerated BBA/MBA;
Accelerated BBA/MS-Information Systems		54.1%69%$19,558$26,500$50,273
Henderson State University—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		75.0%39%$17,656$19,500$40,681
Hendrix College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year BA to MA-Accounting;
MA-Accounting		68.3%69%$22,626$26,688$48,230
John Brown UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Accelerated BBA to MBA-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting: 36-Credit;
MBA-Accounting: 45-Credit		52.9%71%$20,997$21,250$54,964
Lyon College—BS-Accounting27.2%38%$25,545$21,500$45,416
Ouachita Baptist University—BA-Accounting73.8%65%$21,677$21,050$46,670
Philander Smith CollegeACBSPBA-Business Administration: AccountingN.Av.30%$15,634$24,736$35,537
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year BBA to MBA		62.6%45%$14,056$18,750$40,671
University of ArkansasAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
5-Year Integrated BSBA/MAcc or MPAcc;
MAcc;
MPA-Assurance and Analytics;
MPA-Corporate Accounting;
MPA-Taxation;
PhD-Business Administration: Accounting		82.7%69%$16,208$21,500$54,417
University of Arkansas at Little Rock—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA-Financial Accounting Analysis;
Grad Cert-Financial Accounting Analysis		57.7%42%$11,173$22,000$42,973
University of Arkansas at Monticello—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		N.Av.39%$12,693$19,971$35,216
University of Arkansas at Pine BluffACBSPBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		67.5%41%$9,959$24,202$34,777
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith—UG Cert-Accounting Fundamentals;
BBA: Core Accounting Concepts;
BBA: Professional Accounting Concepts;
BBA: Public Accounting Concepts;
UG Cert of Proficiency: Accounting Fundamentals		N.Av.42%$10,705$18,250$39,832
University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College—AAS-Business: Accounting;
UG Technical Cert-Accounting;
UG Cert of Proficiency-Accounting Technology		N.Av.23%$13,324$12,080$31,765
University of Central Arkansas—BBA-Accounting;
UG Cert-Accounting;
MAcc;
MAcc + Grad Cert-Data Analytics;
Grad Cert-Data Analytics		92.4%50%$15,456$20,346$43,712
University of the Ozarks—BS-Accounting55.4%41%$16,319$20,875$40,448

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 Arkansas

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 Arkansas (#94)
  • Harding University (#173)2

US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023

  • University of Arkansas (#12 tie)
  • University of Arkansas-Little Rock (#32 tie)
  • University of Central Arkansas (#66 tie)
  • Arkansas State University (#79 tie)
  • Arkansas Tech University (#98 tie)
  • Southern Arkansas University (#141 tie)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 schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Arkansas 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 Arkansas being 56.1%:

  1. Hendrix College 66.7%
  2. Arkansas Tech University 62.5%
  3. John Brown University 61.1%
  4. Southern Arkansas University 53.3%
  5. Henderson State University 52.9%
  6. University of Arkansas-Main Campus 49.7%

*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 Arkansas with Accounting Degrees

To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in Arkansas, 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

Harding University

The Carter College of Business Administration at Harding University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. Students first complete a business administration core curriculum that includes interdisciplinary classes in management, finance, economics, and other related business topics. Accounting students then take specialized courses such as Auditing and Systems; Federal Tax; and Intermediate Accounting. Students also learn written and oral communication and technical skills relevant to the field. Coursework emphasizes team projects, real-life case studies, and presentations. For post-graduation career opportunities, students can join university business clubs, attend seminars and career fairs, and participate in international trips. Students interested in CPA certification can pursue Harding’s accelerated BBA/Master of Business Administration (MBA) or accelerated BBA/Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) programs.

John Brown University

At John Brown University (JBU), students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. JBU’s BBA in Accounting emphasizes accounting skills and business fundamentals, including courses such as Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting; Cost Accounting, Auditing and Attestation Services; and Federal Income Taxation. Students learn how to understand financial information and communicate trends and business decisions that impact the success of an organization. Coursework focuses on analytical and problem-solving skills as well as real-life application of accounting concepts. Undergraduate students can choose to apply for JBU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting program and complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years. Graduates go on to work in the accounting field and pursue professional designations such as CPA or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

University of Arkansas Fort Smith

At the University of Arkansas Fort Smith (UAFS), students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a choice of concentrations from Core Accounting Concepts, Professional Accounting Concepts, or Public Accounting Concepts. These concentrations are ideal for those interested in careers in public accountancy, financial analysis, tax, auditing, or business. Students learn technical accounting skills such as preparing tax forms, financial reports, and contracts as well as how to analyze and understand accounting information to make financial decisions. The coursework emphasizes data analysis and accounting information systems, along with interpersonal and business communication skills. Those interested in pursuing the CPA designation can consider a double major within another discipline at the College of Business to meet the 150-semester hour educational requirement for professional licensure.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University’s (ASU) Neil Griffin College of Business offers a Master of Accountancy with Data Analytics (MAcc) degree program. Graduate students can study advanced accounting topics through courses such as Strategic Accounting Technologies; Data Mining; and Advanced Accounting and International Issues before choosing electives that match their career interests. The MAcc program focuses on students’ career development, offering networking opportunities, connections with alumni and recruiters, and support in professional development skills. Students in this program can obtain the additional 30 semester hours and preparation necessary to sit for professional examinations such as CPA, Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Applicants without an undergraduate degree in accounting normally take an additional 12 hours of foundation courses. ASU undergraduate accounting students can apply to begin taking MAcc courses during their junior year, allowing them to complete the degree at an accelerated rate.

University of Arkansas

At the Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas (U of A), students can earn a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) or a Master of Professional Accounting (MPA). Both 30-semester hour programs help students fulfill the education requirement for the CPA examination, and students review and practice for the exam throughout their graduate studies. The MAcc and MPA curricula include a broad advanced accounting education including critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and professional communication skills. MPA students can choose from concentrations in Taxation; Assurance and Analytics; or Corporate Accounting. Students with an undergraduate accounting background may complete either program in as little as one year, and many undergraduate accounting students at U of A choose this five-year path. Applicants for the MAcc program must have an undergraduate background that includes coursework in statistics, mathematics, information systems, accounting, and business that was completed within five years of beginning the program. MPA applicants are expected to have completed undergraduate coursework in accounting and business within five years prior to entry.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

University of Arkansas Little Rock

At the University of Arkansas (UA) at Little Rock, students can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Financial Accounting Analysis either entirely or partially online. The Flex MBA program is designed for students who cannot attend classes on campus and instead allows them to join classes by video conference whenever they want from wherever they are. This program may be a good fit for working professionals and its duration is 18 months to six years. UA Little Rock also offers a 28-month Weekend Program that is delivered in a blended format with students meeting once a month in person while the majority of coursework is completed online. For both programs, students can choose from a variety of courses such as Marketing for Profit and Growth; Managerial Economics; Applied Corporate Finance; and Cloud-Based Business Intelligence. Admission requirements include official transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, a current resume, and proof of two MMR vaccines required by the state; GMAT/GRE waivers may be granted in certain circumstances.

University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) in a hybrid format, suitable for students who wish to complete assignments virtually. This program provides students with comprehensive, in-depth training in accounting, leadership, and business with in-person classes meeting only one or two days a week. The MAcc program consists of 10 courses (30 hours) and can be completed in one year. Classes meet on only two nights of each week for 75 minutes each, while the remainder of coursework can be completed online. Students who obtain a MAcc from UCA complete the mandatory 150 hours for the CPA license and are well-prepared for careers in accounting or to continue to a PhD program. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or with required prerequisite accounting coursework is required for admission, as well as an accounting GPA of 2.7, a 3.0 undergraduate cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework, and minimum GMAT scores.

Arkansas CPA Requirements and Steps

The Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy (the Board) requires CPA exam applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business. There are six main steps to complete in order to earn a first-time CPA license in Arkansas.

  1. Complete at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
  2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  3. Apply for approval to take the Uniform CPA Examination.
  4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  5. Apply for a license.
  6. Receive a CPA license from the Board.

1. Complete at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Candidates for an Arkansas CPA license must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency. If meeting the education requirement with a bachelor’s degree, the bachelor’s degree must have a concentration in accounting and include an additional 24 credit hours of business courses. The accounting concentration consists of 27 credit hours of upper-level courses, which must include the following subjects:

  • Accounting information systems
  • Auditing and attestation
  • Federal taxation
  • Financial accounting (intermediate)
  • Management accounting (cost accounting)

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than accounting may qualify by earning a master’s degree with an accounting and business concentration or by earning 150 total credit hours that meet the accounting and business concentration requirements.

2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

CPA license applicants with a master’s degree or post-graduate concentration in accounting and business totaling 150 credit hours must earn at least one year of experience (2,000 clock hours) completed in not more than three calendar years, working in accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting. CPA license applicants with a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting must earn at least two years of experience (4,000 clock hours) in these areas. Experience must be supervised and verified by an individual holding current CPA licensure. Employment in government, industry, academia, or public practice is accepted as meeting the experience requirement.

3. Apply for approval to take the Uniform CPA Exam.

CPA candidates in Arkansas must have the approval of the Board to sit for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam, which is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). The application must be completed online on the Board’s website. Candidates may apply to take the exam once 18 credit hours of upper-level accounting courses have been completed.

4. Pass the Uniform CPA Exam.

Candidates are eligible to schedule and take the Uniform CPA Exam once they have received a Notice to Schedule. All four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam must be taken and passed with a score of 75 or higher within a 30-month period in order to qualify for a license. Candidates who must retake any section(s) of the exam to achieve a passing score must apply for re-examination through the Board.

5. Apply for a license.

Once all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam have been passed, candidates will receive a “Final Successful” letter from the Board and will be emailed an application for CPA licensure. This may take one to two weeks after scores have been posted. The application must be completed and accepted within three years of passing the exam or the application will be voided.

6. Receive a CPA license from the Board.

After their application is accepted and approved by the Board, applicants will receive their license by mail. This process usually takes less than 30 days.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Arkansas CPA licenses expire on December 31 of each calendar year. To renew an issued CPA license, applicants must complete 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during the 12 months preceding the renewal or 120 hours of CPE during the 36 months preceding the renewal. Note that new licensees must accumulate prorated CPE hours based on the date of their initial licensure and are exempt from the ethics requirement until their first full year of licensure. Licensees who perform attest services are required to undergo a peer review every three years. You can find additional information on the Board’s website. The CPE hours must include a minimum of:

  • 16 hours (40-hour rule) or 48 hours (120-hour rule) of group study
  • 20 hours (40-hour rule) or 60 hours (120-hour rule) in accounting/attest, accounting ethics, or taxation
  • 8 hours (40-hour rule) or 24 hours (120-hour rule)in accounting/attest if the licensee is engaged in these functions
  • 4 hours of accounting ethics in any 36-month reporting cycle. One of these hours must be the Arkansas State Board of Accountancy Laws and Rules course.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Arkansas

Many accounting graduates are able to find work in the accounting industry in Arkansas. Some individuals choose to work for themselves by opening up their own accounting, income tax, or consulting businesses. Major accounting firms are also a main source of employment. Local Arkansas firms include Jones & Co.; Erwin & Company; and Bell Foster Johnson & Watkins. Top employers of accounting and finance positions in the state include Bank OZK, Acxiom Corporation, and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Accounting graduates may also find opportunities within state or local government accounting positions.

Arkansas Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers1,800$77,430
Fort Smith, AR-OK530$64,270
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway2,630$71,850
Memphis, TN-MS-AR4,300$68,660
Texarkana, TX-AR270$71,190

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Arkansas

  • S.F. Fiser & Company: One of the best-known firms in the region, with locations in Springdale and Batesville to serve clients throughout Arkansas and the US.
  • LandmarkCPAs: Full-service accountancy firm with a proactive approach that also provides non-traditional services such as bond arbitrage, with offices in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Rogers, and Russellville.
  • FORVIS: A national firm whose office in Little Rock is the largest CPA firm in Arkansas with additional offices in Fort Smith and Rogers.

Arkansas Accounting Associations

  • Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants (ARCPA): With over 100 years of service protecting the interests of accounts in Arkansas, the ARCPA provides support to its members and seeks to promote the integrity of the profession.
  • Arkansas Society of Accountants: This organization provides continuing education opportunities and seminars to accountants to ensure a high standard of proficiency and cultivate a spirit of professionalism.

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, Arkansas: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ar.htm
13. Arkansas Board of Public Accountancy: https://labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/state-board-of-public-accountancy/