Connecticut’s colleges and universities offer an array of accounting programs, including programs in general accounting as well as programs in specialties such as forensic accounting and financial operations. Students can choose from undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs that offer many different concentrations. This guide to accounting schools in Connecticut provides essential information about your options for pursuing an accounting degree in the state. Continue reading below to learn more about accounting school rankings, professional certifications, and career outlooks in Connecticut.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Connecticut Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Connecticut 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
Albertus Magnus CollegeIACBEBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting,
Five-Year BS/MSA;
MS-Accounting		81.7%50%$27,469$30,964$52,250
Central Connecticut State University—BS-Accounting;
5-Year Accelerated BSA/MBA;
5-Year Accelerated BSA/MSA;
MS-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Accounting Analytics		74.8%53%$17,088$22,300$56,799
Eastern Connecticut State University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year Accelerated BSA/MSA;
MS-Accounting		73.2%60%$18,628$24,250$52,411
Fairfield University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting Information Systems;
5-Year Accelerated BSA/MSA;
MS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting: Assurance;
MS-Accounting: Business Analytics;
MS-Accounting: Taxation;
Grad Cert-Accounting		55.8%84%$46,065$26,000$95,393
Quinnipiac UniversityAACSBBS-Accounting;
BS-Information Systems and Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
3+1 Accelerated Dual Degree BS/MS in Accounting;
4+1 Dual Degree BS/MS in Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting: Business Analytics		88.1%77%$39,051$26,000$81,553
Sacred Heart University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
UG Cert-Accounting;
4+1 BSA/MSA;
MBA-Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
MSA-Business Analytics & Reporting;
MSA-Information Systems & Forensic Accounting		66.1%73%$45,280$25,000$74,642
Southern Connecticut State University—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		82.9%53%$18,712$22,250$55,682
University of BridgeportACBSPBS-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		73.1%47%$28,470$25,750$51,396
University of ConnecticutAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
Accelerated BSBA/MSA;
MSA;
PhD-Accounting		55.6%83%$23,985$21,500$76,076
University of Hartford—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
3+1 Accelerated BSA/MBA;
3+1 Accelerated BSA/MS-Accounting and Taxation;
MS-Accounting and Taxation;
MSAT-Financial and Assurance Services		78.8%57%$31,687$27,000$63,870
University of New Haven—BS-Accounting;
BS-Accounting (Degree Completion);
MS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting (Degree Completion)		94.1%62%$33,135$27,000$58,152
University of Saint Joseph—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
UG Cert-Accounting		78.3%61%$25,860$27,000$54,455
Western Connecticut State University—BBA-Accounting;
BBA-Financial Accounting;
BBA-Managerial Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		84.9%51%$15,862$24,147$57,005
Yale University—PhD-Accounting5.3%98%$18,647$12,975$95,961

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 Connecticut

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

  • Fairfield University (#28)
  • University of Connecticut (#40)
  • Quinnipiac University (#117)
  • Sacred Heart University (#119)
  • University of Hartford (#217)
  • Central Connecticut State University (#220)2

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023

  • Fairfield University3

US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs 2023

  • Fairfield University (#26 tie)
  • Yale University (#40 tie)4

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

  • Albertus Magnus College (#170-214)5

US News & World Report’s Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2022-2023

  • Fairfield University (#39 tie)6

Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases a report including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Connecticut 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 Connecticut being 56.4%:

  1. University of Connecticut 67.8%
  2. Central Connecticut State University 58.1%
  3. Fairfield University 56.5%
  4. Western Connecticut State University 55.6%
  5. Southern Connecticut State University 53.5%
  6. Quinnipiac University 48.6%

*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 Connecticut with Accounting Degrees

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

Central Connecticut State University

At Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), students can earn an AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program is designed for those interested in pursuing advanced graduate study or working in public, corporate, or governmental accounting. Students complete a core curriculum that includes courses in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, cost management, budgeting, and accounting information systems. These fundamental courses emphasize how to use accounting information to control, strategize, and make decisions for organizations. Students can also choose from electives that match their career interests, such as Fraud Examination, Advanced Business Law, Fundamentals of Corporate Taxation, or Personal Financial Planning. All coursework focuses on critical thinking skills, communication, and ethical and social responsibility in the field. CCSU also offers two accelerated graduate accounting programs that incorporate the BS in Accounting: one with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and one with a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting. Both programs can be completed in five years and prepare graduates to meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam.

Sacred Heart University

Students at Sacred Heart University can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program emphasizes the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to understand financial information. Students learn how to analyze financial statements, comply with industry regulations, and make business financial decisions. Required courses include Managerial Accounting and Control; Auditing, Legal and Ethical Business; and Principles of Marketing. Experiential learning opportunities are also available through the Accounting Club, networking events, and volunteering in the community during tax season. Graduates go on to work in fields such as public accounting, financial analysis, auditing, and investing.

University of Connecticut

The School of Business at the University of Connecticut (UConn) offers an AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. Through courses such as Principles of Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Federal Income Taxes, and Assurance Services, students learn how to analyze and interpret accounting information. UConn emphasizes the use of financial information in managerial and investment decisions, and students develop leadership skills through team projects and experiential learning opportunities. Summer and winter internship opportunities are available, and students can search for positions in tax, assurance services, or financial analysis. The School of Business also offers an online Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program for those interested in pursuing the CPA designation.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Fairfield University

The Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree. This program is cohort-based, and must be attended on a full-time basis, allowing students to graduate in less than a year. The curriculum is designed to both meet the educational requirements for the CPA licensure and teach advanced professional skills needed in the field. Specialized tracks in Assurance, Business Analytics, or Taxation are available, but all students take fundamental courses that emphasize critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and leadership skills. The curriculum also includes time off to take the CPA examination and complete a paid internship. Graduates can take advantage of the alumni network or Career Planning Center to pursue employment opportunities, and many go on to work in private accounting or CPA firms as accountants, audit associates, or tax associates.

Quinnipiac University

Students at Quinnipiac University can earn an AACSB-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Accounting that can be completed in as little as 10 months. Graduate students learn both accounting theory and practical, advanced skills needed in for-profit and not-for-profit business and government. The core coursework is 18 credit hours and includes Information Assurance; Strategic Management Control Systems; Advanced Federal Income Taxation; and Tax Research. Students can then choose their electives for the remaining 12 hours from courses such as Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination; Predictive Business Analytics; and Data Mining for Competitive Advantage. A concentration in Business Analytics is also available for those looking to further specialize their degree. Quinnipiac encourages students to pursue internships and networking opportunities through recruiters or alumni. Students without an academic accounting background may need to complete some prerequisites before beginning the graduate program. Those already at Quinnipiac for their undergraduate studies can apply for the 3+1 Accelerated Dual Degree to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting in just four years.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

Albertus Magnus College

The Tagliatela School of Business and Leadership at Albertus Magnus College offers an onlineMaster of Science (MS) in Accounting which is IACBE-accredited. The online MS in Accounting provides the 30 additional credits necessary to meet the 150-credit requirement for those with an accounting or business undergraduate degree. The MS in Accounting can be taken entirely online or in a FLEX format, which is a combination of online and in-person classes. Regardless of format, the accelerated nature of this degree allows most students to graduate in as little as a year while only taking one or two classes at a time.

University of Hartford

At the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford (UHart), students can earn a Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation (MSAT) entirely online. This program is designed for those interested in a career in taxation or accounting in private, public, government, or not-for-profit organizations. The online degree consists of 10 seven-week courses and can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis, with completion ranging from seven months to up to five years. Many part-time, working professional students take the spring tax season semester off and still complete their degree in about two years. UHart offers two academic tracks, Financial and Assurance Services or Taxation, as well as numerous electives. The curriculum fulfills the educational requirements for CPA licensure, and many graduates go on to work in management or leadership roles in accounting firms and businesses.

Connecticut CPA Requirements and Steps

The Connecticut State Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires that CPA applicants complete at least a bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration from a college or university that is accredited by a Board-recognized accreditor. There are six core steps to complete in order to earn a CPA license in Connecticut:

  1. Complete at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
  2. Accumulate required experience.
  3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  4. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
  5. Apply for certification and either registration or a license.
  6. Receive a license.

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

Candidates for CPA licensure in Connecticut must complete at least a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting or the equivalent. A concentration in accounting must include at least 27 semester hours in accounting plus 24 semester hours in economics and business. Candidates whose bachelor’s degree is in another subject may complete equivalent coursework through a master’s program or other accredited post-bachelor’s program totaling 150 semester hours.

2. Accumulate required experience.

The Board requires candidates for licensure with a bachelor’s degree to have earned at least two years (104 weeks) of qualifying full-time (35 hours per week) experience in accounting. Part-time experience will be counted, provided the candidate completes at least 20 hours in a week. Candidates with a master’s degree or 150 semester hours must complete one year of equivalent experience. The experience must involve generally accepted accounting principles and auditing standards and employment in either government, industry, or public accounting. Experience must be earned under the supervision of a CPA who has held his or her license for at least three years prior to verification of the candidate’s experience.

3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Once the necessary education has been completed, prospective CPAs should apply to take the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). The Uniform CPA Exam is a standardized test in four parts and is required by all 50 states for CPA licensure. An authorization to schedule and take the exam will be provided once the candidate’s qualifications are verified. All four sections of the exam must be passed with a score of 75 or better in a 30-month rolling period.

4. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.

After passing the Uniform CPA Exam, candidates should take the AICPA Professional Ethics: an AICPA Comprehensive Course self-study course and prepare to pass the course and exam with a score of at least 90%. The course and exam can be ordered either through AICPA or through the Connecticut Society of CPAs. Candidates are not required to be members of the Connecticut Society of CPAs to purchase and take the exam.

5. Apply for certification and either registration or a license.

Connecticut has two two-tier options for CPA credentials: certification and registration or certification and license. While both options have the same education, experience, and testing requirements, registered CPAs may use the CPA title but may not practice public accounting. A CPA license is required in order to practice. Licensed CPAs have unlimited use of the CPA title, can open a public accounting firm, and can sign audit reports and tax returns using the CPA title. Keep in mind that candidates can always step up or down between these two options as career needs change.

Whichever option they choose, all candidates must apply for initial CPA certification, while the second tier (registration or licensure) is chosen based on each candidate’s needs. Candidates use the same form to apply for CPA certification, registration, and licensure; both tiers may be applied for at the same time using the Initial and Reciprocal CPA Certification/Registration/License form, which is available on the Board’s website and must be mailed to the Board. Candidates must submit verification of education, experience, and proof of completion of the AICPA ethics course. Scores from the Uniform CPA Exam will be forwarded to the Board by NASBA.

6. Receive a license.

Once the Board has received all the necessary documentation it will take three to six weeks for the application to process. Once approved, applicants will receive an email with the CPA certificate, followed by a second email with the CPA license. Once the second email is received a CPA may begin practice. No other documentation will be provided by the Board, but CPAs may purchase a wall certificate from NASBA.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Licensed CPAs in Connecticut are required to renew their license annually by December 31. CPAs must also complete 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30. Every three years, a licensed CPA must complete at least four hours of CE in ethics. For every fiscal year, up to 20 hours of CE taken in excess of the required 40 hours may be passed forward towards the following year. Registered CPAs do not need to complete CPE. You can find additional information on the Board’s website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Connecticut

Accounting graduates can choose from many different career paths in Connecticut. Many choose to open their own public accounting practice, work as a consultant, or manage the finances of local or statewide businesses. Others can pursue positions with major Connecticut accounting firms such as BlumShapiro, Marcum LLP, and Whittlesey. Corporations like Unilever and Bic Corporation are based in the state and may have available accounting positions. For those interested in public accounting, government jobs may be available in the state government, public school system, state treasury, IRS, FBI, and armed forces. Graduates with accounting degrees in Connecticut may find many opportunities all over the state or in the major cities of Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Bridgeport.

Connecticut Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk5,290$95,770
Danbury510$85,290
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford5,930$84,850
New Haven2,040$83,570
Norwich-New London-Westerly CT-RI650$82,690
Springfield MA-CT2,410$85,250
Worcester MA-CT2,180$88,970

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Connecticut

  • Clifton Larson Allen: With locations in three states and Washington, DC, including three in Connecticut, Clifton Larson Allen is the largest regional accounting, tax, and business advisory firm in New England.
  • PKF O’Connor Davies: Offering accounting, financial, and consulting services to clients in Connecticut and four other states, PKF O’Connor Davies is known for both its service to clients and its involvement in the community and philanthropy.
  • Beers, Hamerman & Company, P.C. (BHC&B): A full-service accounting and consulting firm with locations in New Haven and Fairfield, BHC&B offers services to private, non-profit, and industry clients.

Connecticut Accounting Associations

  • Connecticut Society of CPAs (CTCPA): With membership available for CPAs, non-CPAs in the accounting field, and students, the CTCPA offers CPE opportunities, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the accounting industry.
  • Connecticut Society of Governmental Accountants (CSGA): The CSGA is a member-supported organization that seeks to unite and support accountants and auditors in Connecticut and offers members programs and seminars on the current state of governmental accounting.

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, Connecticut: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ct.htm
13. Connecticut State Board of Accountancy: https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/occupational-and-professional-division/occupational-boards/state-board-of-accountancy?language=en_US