Accounting Schools in Idaho
This outline of accounting schools in Idaho contains information about the accounting schools and programs available in the state. Numerous public and private schools in Idaho offer undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare you for a career in the accounting field. Prospective students can choose between different types of degrees, specializations, and academic offerings. Read on below to find out more information about accounting school rankings, career possibilities, and professional licensure in Idaho.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of Schools and Programs
- Top-Ranked Schools in Idaho
- Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates
- School Profiles
- Idaho CPA Requirements
- Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Idaho Accounting Schools and Programs
The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Idaho 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | AACSB | BBA-Accountancy; BBA-Accountancy: CPA Track; BBA-Accountancy/Finance; Minor-Accountancy; MS-Accountancy; MS-Accountancy: Information Systems and Controls; MS-Accountancy: Taxation; MS-Accountancy: Taxation/JD; Grad Cert-Accounting Foundations | 83.1% | 60% | $17,724 | $20,500 | $46,869 |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; UG Cert-Basic Accounting | 96.6% | 54% | $7,899 | $13,969 | $52,551 |
| Idaho State University | AACSB | BBA-Accounting; BBA-Accounting: Data Analytics; BBA-Accounting: Operations Management; UG Cert-Intermediate Accounting Technology; MAcc; MBA-Accounting | N.Av. | 37% | $12,425 | $20,039 | $45,062 |
| Lewis-Clark State College | — | BA/BS-Accounting; UG Cert-Advanced Applied Accounting | 100.0% | 35% | $11,476 | $18,500 | $44,343 |
| Northwest Nazarene University | ACBSP | BS-Accounting; Accelerated BS-Accounting; MAcc-Management Accounting; MAcc-Professional Accounting | 88.2% | 58% | $25,674 | $23,750 | $46,841 |
| The College of Idaho | — | BA-Accounting; BA-Accounting: 150 Hours | 56.3% | 60% | $24,075 | $24,500 | $48,012 |
| University of Idaho | AACSB | BS-Business: Accounting; Minor-Accounting; M.Acct; M.Acct-Audit and Fraud Examination; M.Acct-Taxation; M.Acct/JD | 81.4% | 61% | $14,954 | $21,982 | $51,325 |
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 Idaho
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.
US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023
- Boise State University (#24 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 Idaho 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 Idaho being 57.8%:
- Brigham Young University Idaho 66.9%
- University of Idaho 56.4%
- Idaho State University 55.6%
- Lewis-Clark State College 52.9%
*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 Idaho with Accounting Degrees
To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in Idaho, 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
Boise State University
Boise State University’s (BSU) College of Business and Economics offers a Master of Science (MS) in Accountancy degree with the option to add an emphasis in Information Systems and Controls or Taxation. Courses are offered on-campus in a combination of daytime and evening classes. Students interested in the CPA designation can complete this program to fulfill state educational requirements and be prepared to sit for the examination. Coursework covers accounting principles and industry procedures as well as the financial, managerial, legal, and tax ramifications of business transactions. In addition to advanced knowledge in auditing, accounting, and taxation, the curriculum also emphasizes how to communicate this knowledge in order to make business decisions. Through classes such as Advanced Auditing and Accounting and Financial Analytics, students learn a combination of technical expertise and business fundamentals that is necessary to succeed in the accounting field. BSU also offers a concurrent MS in Accountancy with a Taxation Emphasis (MSAT) and Juris Doctor (JD) program.
University of Idaho
The College of Business and Economics at the University of Idaho (U of I) offers a Master of Accountancy (M.Acct.) degree. The core curriculum focuses on advanced accounting knowledge as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Coursework also emphasizes research techniques and interpersonal skills for collaboration and teamwork. Students have the option to add an emphasis in Audit and Fraud Examination or Taxation, allowing them to tailor their degrees to suit their interests and career goals. Required courses for the M.Acct. program include Accounting for Public Sector Entities, Fraud Examination, and Comparative Accounting Theory. Students can also complete hands-on learning opportunities through internships, college clubs, or international study abroad experiences. These real-world experiences can count for academic credit and allow students to gain work experience before even graduating. U of I also offers a concurrent M.Acct. and Juris Doctor (JD) program for students interested in studying both law and accountancy.
Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs in Idaho
Idaho State University
Idaho State University (ISU) offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Accounting that is 100% online. Students with or without a business degree may pursue the MBA in Accounting, where students with prior business coursework should be able to complete the 30 credit-hour program in a single year. Students without a business background begin in the Core I program to complete the foundational coursework necessary to proceed in the MBA. All students must complete the 21-credit hour Core II curriculum, including classes such as Quantitative Information for Business Decisions, Financial Management, and Applied Business Solutions. To complete the emphasis in accounting, students must also complete nine credit-hours of accounting electives. Admission into the MBA program requires a bachelor’s degree and either a combined GMAT/GPA of at least 1150 or a combined GRE/GPA of 337. ISU business students have access to the Professional Development program to help them with career development tasks such as setting up internships, finding networking opportunities, and developing resumes.
Northwest Nazarene University
Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) offers a fully-online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) that takes 12 to 18 months to complete. The program is structured to allow working professionals to advance their careers in either management or public accounting. To that end, NNU offers MAcc students the choice between tracks in Management Accounting and Professional Accounting/CPA. Both tracks require the same 21 core credits, followed by nine credits towards the chosen emphasis for a total of 30 credit hours. All students will take core classes such as Ethics in Management, Business Analytics, and Advanced Accounting Information Systems. Track-specific classes include exam review courses to help students prepare for either the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam or the CPA exam. A bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA is required for entry into the MAcc program. Graduation from the MAcc program requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above with no more than two course grades below a “B-” and no course grades below a “C-.”
Idaho CPA Requirements and Steps
The Idaho State Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires that candidates for the Uniform CPA examination complete at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent at an accredited college or university with 30 semester hours in business administration and 20 hours in advanced accounting. There are seven main steps to complete in order to earn a CPA license in the state.
- Complete 150 semester hours of college-level coursework in accounting.
- Accumulate the required hours of experience.
- Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
- Pass a background check.
- Apply for and pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
- Apply for a license.
- Receive a license.
1. Complete 150-semester hours of college-level coursework in accounting.
To qualify for a CPA license in Idaho, candidates must first complete 150 semester hours of college-level education. This must include the award of at least a bachelor’s degree and 30 semester hours of business administration coursework, of which at least 20 semester hours must cover the subject of accounting. The 150 hours must also include one of the following: a graduate degree in accounting from an accredited program; a graduate degree in business from an accredited program with at least 24 semester hours of undergraduate accounting coursework or 15 semester hours of graduate coursework; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited business program with at least 24 semester hours in accounting. The accounting coursework must cover the subjects of financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting.
2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
Earning a CPA license in Idaho requires completing at least one year (2,000 hours) of professional experience in accounting services. The experience may consist of full-time or part-time experience, and must not take more than 36 continuous months to complete. A currently licensed CPA must verify all experience for it to qualify towards the requirement.
3. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
The Board requires all prospective CPAs to complete the Professional Ethics course and exam from the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to receive a license. A score of 90% or better is required to pass the course; it can be ordered directly from the AICPA.
4. Pass a background check.
Applicants for the Uniform CPA Exam must prove themselves to be of good moral character. As such, the Board requires all applicants to complete an Idaho Department of Law Enforcement Criminal History Records Check. The records check is initiated by completing the Criminal History Records Check form and returning it with the application to take the Uniform CPA Exam.
5. Apply for and pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
All candidates for CPA licensure must pass the AICPA Uniform CPA Exam, administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Candidates applying for the exam must be, have been, or intend to immediately become, a resident of Idaho. Once the application to test is authorized, candidates will receive a Notice To Schedule (NTS) and may schedule a time to sit for the exam. Candidates will have 30 months to pass all four sections of the exam with a score of 75 or higher.
6. Apply for a license.
Once the candidate has met the education and experience requirements and passed both exams, they are ready to apply to the Board for licensure. The license application form is available on the Board’s website.
7. Receive a license.
Upon receipt, the Board will review all of the documents and, assuming all of the above requirements have been met, approve the license. The Board will then mail the applicant a letter of approval containing a license number, wallet card, CPE instructions, and PIN for online license renewal. Applicants may begin to practice as a CPA as soon as the license number is received.
CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information
Idaho CPA licenses are renewed on an annual basis. Licenses must be renewed by June 30 of each year. CPAs must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) on a rolling two-year basis, of which four hours must be in ethics. New licensees must also complete a two-hour, Idaho-specific ethics course covering the Idaho Accountancy Act and Rules during the first calendar year of their license. CPE is reported annually with no more than 50 hours and no less than 30 hours allowed for each calendar year. The annual due date for reporting CPE is January 31.
Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Idaho
Accounting graduates in Idaho can choose from many different career paths in the state. Some graduates choose to start their own firms or small businesses, while others pursue positions with major accounting firms in Idaho such as Deloitte, Eide Bailly LLP, and CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP). Major employers like Micron Technology, Hewlett-Packard Company, and Wells Fargo may need skilled accountants and financial advisors with technical accounting knowledge. Graduates may also find positions in governmental accounting, working for state or city governments, the FBI, or the Department of Defense.
Idaho Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Accountants & Auditors Employed12 | Average Annual Salary12 |
|---|---|---|
| Boise City | 3,060 | $72,640 |
| Coeur d’Alene | 350 | $70,060 |
| Idaho Falls | 440 | $71,060 |
| Logan, UT-ID | 510 | $67,030 |
Additional Resources
Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Idaho
- B.A. Harris: In addition to offering accounting and advisory services, B.A. Harris is dedicated to developing its staff and cultivating long-term relationships.
- Little-Morris LLP: Offering expertise in taxation, estate planning, and finance, Little-Morris LLP provides CPA services to clients from its location in Boise.
- Rudd & Company PLLC: With three locations throughout Idaho, Rudd & Company provides clients, both individual and institutional, with tax, consulting, finance, and technology services.
Idaho Accounting Associations
- Idaho Association of Public Accountants (IAPA): Made up of licensed and unlicensed public accountants from all areas of public accounting, the IAPA provides CPE opportunities to keep members up to date on accounting regulations, tax laws, and ethical standards.
- Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants (ISCPA): The ISCPA works to advance the CPA profession in Idaho through networking opportunities, legislative advocacy, and continuing education.
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, Idaho: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_id.htm
13. Idaho Board of Accountancy: https://dopl.idaho.gov/boa/