This guide is designed to help you navigate accounting programs offered in the state of Colorado. Colorado offers many undergraduate and graduate options for students, including online degrees that may be more flexible than traditional on-campus programs. A variety of specializations are offered to help students match their education to their career goals, such as taxation and internal auditing. Colorado universities also provide students with internship and networking opportunities to help prepare them for general and specialized careers in business and accounting.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Colorado Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Colorado 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
Colorado Christian University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Minor-Public Accountant Preparation;
Dual BS/MBA-Advanced Accounting;
Dual BS/MS-Accounting;
MBA-Advanced Accounting;
MS-Accounting		N.Av.61%$23,313$28,312$48,890
Colorado Mesa University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year BS to MBA		80.2%39%$15,085$22,000$43,389
Colorado State University GlobalACBSPBS-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		96%N.Av.$14,826$25,000N.Av.
Colorado State University Pueblo—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		99.2%35%$13,033$21,500$48,674
Colorado State University-Fort Collins—BSBA-Accounting;
Accelerated BSBA-Accounting;
MAcc		89.6%67%$16,926$20,000$58,388
Fort Lewis College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		92.8%39%$15,685$18,389$41,422
Metropolitan State University of Denver—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Integrated BS-Accounting/MPAcc;
MBA-Accounting;
MPAcc		88.8%29%$14,805$21,500$49,932
Regis University—BS-Accounting;
Accelerated BS-Accounting;
5-Year BS to MS-Accounting;
MSA		81.4%67%$26,377$25,000$67,164
University of Colorado Boulder—BSBA-Accounting;
5-Year BSBA to MS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting		79.6%75%$21,836$19,500$65,273
University of Colorado Colorado Springs—BA-Business Administration: Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting;
Accelerated MSA;
MSA		95.3%43%$16,990$20,000$51,355
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
5-Year BSBA to MS;
MS-Accounting;
MS-Taxation		72.1%44%$16,079$20,500$60,077
University of DenverAACSBBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year BS to MAcc;
MAcc;
MSATA		63.6%77%$42,423$21,844$68,764
University of Northern ColoradoAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
MAcc;
MBA-Accounting Analytics		91.1%52%$18,310$20,470$48,942
Western Colorado University—BA-Accounting;
BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		90.9%47%$16,672$20,250$46,955

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 Colorado

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

  • Colorado State University Global Campus (#116)
  • University of Denver (#125)
  • Colorado State University-Fort Collins (#206)2

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

  • University of Denver (#32 tie)
  • Colorado State University-Global (#44 tie)
  • Colorado State University-Pueblo (#112 tie)
  • Colorado Mesa 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 schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Colorado 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 Colorado being 68.7%:

  1. Western Colorado University 81.8%
  2. University of Colorado-Colorado Springs 80.6%
  3. University of Colorado-Boulder 72.3%
  4. Colorado State University 69.3%
  5. University of Colorado-Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus 68.4%
  6. Colorado Christian University 64.0%

*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 Colorado with Accounting Degrees

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

Colorado State University

The College of Business at Colorado State University (CSU) offers a STEM-designated Master of Accountancy (MAcc) with three specializations: Taxation; Data Analytics and Systems; and Financial Analysis, Auditing, and Reporting. This program prepares students for careers in public accounting; auditing; financial and tax planning; and consulting. Students will complete 18 credits of required core courses such as Professional Ethics and Responsibilities; Accounting Research and Communication; and Accounting Analytics before completing 12 credits in their chosen specialization. CSU’s MAcc program also focuses on accounting research and students work with faculty as well as corporate, public, and non-profit partners to solve complex problems in the business field. Graduates of the MAcc program meet the educational requirements for CPA licensure in Colorado.

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU) offers a Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) which typically takes between one and a half to two years to complete. This 30-credit program allows students to choose between four concentrations: Public Accounting; Fraud Examination and Forensics Accounting; Internal Auditing; and Taxation. The MPAcc curriculum is designed to help students develop critical reasoning and leadership skills, empowering them to solve complex business problems throughout their careers. Strong written and oral communication is emphasized, as well as various accounting technologies and research skills. MSU also offers a 36-credit Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Accounting Concentration that can be completed in two and a half to three years. Students take 27 credits of business core courses and nine credits for the accounting concentration. Required courses include Global Enterprise Management, Managerial Economics, and Taxation for Decision Makers. MSU’s undergraduate accounting students can apply for the Combined Degree Program, which allows them to work towards an MPAcc while still completing their bachelor’s degree.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that prepares students for a variety of accounting careers by covering topics related to finance, marketing, leadership, economics, and business intelligence, among others. Students learn about accounting practices in the public and private sectors, as well as in government and nonprofit organizations. They also gain experience in auditing, financial statement analysis, and cost accounting, which help students secure employment in entry-level accounting positions or go on to graduate study to sit for the CPA exam. CSU Global also offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Accounting Specialization that can be completed in as little as one year. Students take six MBA core courses and four courses for the accounting specialization: Advanced Accounting; Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination; Advanced Income Taxation; and Accounting Ethics. In addition to preparing for the CPA examination, students will develop skills in leadership, problem-solving, systems thinking, and strategy.

Regis University

Regis University offers a fully online, accelerated Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. Regis accepts up to 87 transfer credits for this program, making it ideal for individuals who have already earned college credit and want to complete an undergraduate accounting degree at an accelerated rate. Classes are held in five- and eight-week formats with six start dates throughout the year for maximum flexibility. Students interested in a graduate degree have the option of pursuing Regis’s FastForward program, which allows them to work toward a BS and Master of Science (MS) in Accounting at the same time. The online MS in Accounting prepares students for the CPA examination and offers four specializations: Financial Accounting, Fraud/Forensic Auditing, IT Accounting, and Managerial Accounting. This program focuses on accounting ethics and not-for-profit accounting practices. Students participate in internships that emphasize social responsibility in business practices by providing small businesses and community organizations with financial guidance. MS in Accounting students at Regis take courses such as International Accounting; Forensic and Fraud Audit; and Accounting Information Systems.

University of Colorado Denver

University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a major in Accounting that may be completed on-campus or fully online. After completing core undergraduate courses, students learn about business topics such as information systems, ethics, and economics. Students then earn 21 credits in accounting, exploring courses such as Financial Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, and Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax. For those interested in graduate study, CU Denver’s 4+1 Program gives students the opportunity to earn a BSBA and Master of Science (MS) in Accounting in as little as five years. The MS in Accounting program offers evening and online class options and can be completed on a full or part-time basis. Required courses such as Auditing Theory, Accounting Information Systems, and Taxation of Business Entities are designed to prepare students for careers in auditing, taxes, and financial management in both the public and private sectors.

Colorado CPA Requirements and Steps

The Colorado Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university to obtain a public accounting license. There are six main steps to complete in order to earn a Colorado CPA license and practice in the state.

  1. Complete at least 150 semester hours of college-level coursework in accounting.
  2. Accumulate professional accounting experience.
  3. Apply for and pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  4. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
  5. Apply for a license.
  6. Receive your license.

1. Complete at least 150 semester hours of college-level coursework in accounting.

The Board requires candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college-level coursework including a bachelor’s degree or higher either in accounting or a non-accounting concentration with supplementary accounting coursework approved by the Board. As most undergraduate degrees include 120 semester hours of coursework, the additional semester hours required to meet the 150 semester hours requirement can be taken as part of a graduate degree or supplementary to the bachelor’s degree. At a minimum, all candidates must complete 35 semester hours in areas of accounting, such as:

  • Accounting ethics
  • Accounting information systems
  • Accounting research and analysis
  • Accounting theory
  • Auditing and attestation services
  • Financial accounting and reporting of business organizations
  • Financial accounting reporting for government and not-for-profit entities
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Forensic accounting
  • Fraud examination
  • Internal controls and risk assessment
  • Managerial or cost accounting
  • Tax auditing
  • Taxation
  • Tax research and analysis

At least six semester hours of the above must be in the area of auditing, with at least three semester hours in a course focusing on auditing in US generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS). In addition, 27 semester hours are required in non-duplicative business subjects, with no more than nine hours in any one area, such as:

  • Behavior of organizations, groups, and persons
  • Business or accounting communications
  • Business ethics
  • Business law
  • Computer information systems
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Legal and social environment of business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Quantitative applications in business
  • Statistics

Full details on education requirements can be accessed on the Board’s website.

2. Accumulate professional accounting experience.

All CPA candidates must complete one year of supervised accounting work experience within the five years preceding the application for certification. Any combination of full- or part-time work is acceptable as long as the experience is accrued in not less than one year but not more than three years. Experience is accepted in any of the following areas:

  • Accounting and attest
  • Compilation
  • Consulting
  • Financial advisory
  • Management advisory
  • Tax

This experience can be accrued in government, corporate, academic, or public practice and must be supervised by an active, licensed CPA.

3. Apply for and pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Aspiring CPAs can register to take the required American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam in Colorado as soon as they have completed a bachelor’s degree comprising at least 120 of the 150 required semester hours of college education. The coursework must include at least 21 semester hours in accounting subjects and 21 semester hours in business administration areas listed in Step 1, with no more than six semester hours in any one area; three credits in auditing in US GAAS; and three credits in business or accounting ethics. Candidates submit a transcript to the Board before applying to take the exam through NASBA. Once it is determined that a candidate is eligible, he or she will receive an authorization letter to schedule and take the exam. All four sections of the exam must be passed with a score of 75 or higher within a rolling 18-month period.

4. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.

A score of at least 90% on the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) ethics exam, which is part of a self-study course, is also required for CPA licensure in Colorado. Candidates must pass this exam in the two years prior to submitting the CPA licensure application. The course and exam can be ordered through the AICPA website.

5. Apply for a license.

Candidates should complete all licensing requirements prior to applying for a Colorado CPA license. Colorado uses NASBA to process all applications for licensure.

6. Receive your license.

Once all education, experience, and exam requirements have been verified, the Board will issue the CPA license. Candidates cannot use the CPA title until their application has been approved.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Once licensed, CPAs in Colorado must complete two hours of Colorado Rules & Regulation (CR&R) Continuing Education (CE) within six months of receiving their license. This can also be completed in the six-month period prior to applying for licensure. During every two-year renewal period thereafter, Colorado CPAs must complete 10 hours of continuing professional education every quarter, which will total 80 hours per renewal period. Four of these hours must be in professional ethics and no more than 20% can be in personal development. The Board sends renewal notices to CPAs and provides a 60-day grace period after expiry for license renewals. You can find additional information on the Board’s website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Colorado

Accounting graduates in Colorado can find many career opportunities throughout the state in the public or private sector as well as in non-profit organizations and government agencies. Many Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Colorado, such as Western Union, Dish Network, and Arrow Electronics. Top employers in the state include Plante Moran, Lockheed Martin, and Wells Fargo. Graduates, especially those with CPA certification, can open their own practices or become self-employed consultants. Those interested in government positions can apply to the state department, local municipalities, state hospitals, the IRS, and the Department of Defense.

Colorado Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Boulder2,530$97,510
Colorado Springs3,060$75,590
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood23,530$89,870
Fort Collins1,620$83,350
Greeley990$84,010

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Colorado

  • Plante Moran: Plante Moran is a large accounting and business consulting firm with offices based in Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins as well as many other states and countries.
  • Dalby, Wendland & Co., P.C.: The oldest and largest accounting firm in Western Colorado, Dalby, Wendland & Co. provides a full range of accounting and tax services to clients from diverse industries.
  • BiggsKofford: A Colorado Springs-based CPA firm that provides a complete range of financial and business services.

Colorado Accounting Associations

  • Colorado Society of CPAs (COCPA): A not-for-profit organization with numerous regional chapters that connect Colorado CPAs and provide continuing education opportunities.
  • Public Accountants Society of Colorado: A statewide nonprofit organization founded in 1948 that promotes professional ethics and standards of practice through education, advocacy, and networking for accountants, tax practitioners, and other financial 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, Colorado: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_co.htm
13. Colorado State Board of Accountancy: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Accountancy