This page provides information about undergraduate and graduate accounting programs at colleges and universities in Iowa. Some accounting programs have a broad, general curriculum, while others offer students the opportunity to specialize through electives or concentrations. Graduates from schools in Iowa can go on to pursue further education, professional certification, or jobs in the accounting industry. Read on below to find out more about the types of programs and career outlooks for accountants in Iowa.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Iowa Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Iowa 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
Briar Cliff University—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		N.Av.43%$21,620$23,250$49,246
Buena Vista University—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Dual Business/Accounting Degree		66.0%58%$19,204$25,000$47,076
Central College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		74.5%71%$23,303$26,984$53,417
Clarke University—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		88.8%58%$27,275$26,717$50,541
Coe College—BA-Managerial Accounting;
BA-Public Accounting		72.7%65%$21,237$27,000$54,115
Dordt University—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		73.2%67%$27,375$21,500$52,342
Drake University—BSBA-Accounting;
Joint BSBA Accounting/Finance;
Minor-Accounting;
MAcc		69.1%76%$30,333$23,000$73,451
Graceland University-Lamoni—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
UG Cert-Data Analytics for Accounting		66.6%48%$16,627$21,212$45,600
Grand View University—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
UG Cert-Accounting		99.6%52%$20,236$22,500$53,256
Iowa State UniversityAACSBBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
4+1 BSA/Macc;
MAcc;
MAcc-Financial Reporting and Assurance;
MAcc-Information Systems and Analytics;
MAcc-Managerial Decision Making;
MAcc-Tax;
MBA-Accounting		91.1%74%$15,310$22,869$60,973
Loras College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		72.0%68%$21,886$26,000$54,020
Luther College—BA-Accounting76.1%74%$25,734$27,000$55,451
Maharishi International UniversityIACBEMBA-Accounting94.8%50%$16,979$24,781$28,625
Morningside University—BS-Managerial Accounting;
BS-Public Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		73.8%56%$23,947$26,028$54,118
Mount Mercy University—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		81.0%57%$24,078$23,699$54,291
Northwestern CollegeIACBEBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		83.0%63%$25,198$23,249$49,445
Saint Ambrose UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
UG Cert-Advanced Accounting;
MAcc		72.4%64%$23,359$25,000$57,818
Simpson College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
UG Cert-Accounting		90.8%67%$23,185$26,000$52,638
University of Dubuque—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		76.4%39%$22,879$25,750$49,057
University of IowaAACSBBBA-Accounting;
MAcc;
PhD-Accounting		86.2%74%$19,587$22,500$62,670
University of Northern Iowa—BA-Accounting;
MAcc;
MAcc-Auditing/Consulting;
MAcc-Tax		85.8%64%$15,782$19,691$51,651
Upper Iowa University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting: General Management;
Grad Cert-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Corporate Financial Management		64.9%42%$24,563$25,000$51,790
Wartburg College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		82.8%67%$23,683$27,000$55,659
William Penn University—BA-General Accounting;
BA-Public Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		57.7%30%$20,922$22,415$45,073

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 Iowa

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

  • Drake University (#48)
  • Iowa State University (#55)
  • University of Iowa (#78)
  • University of Northern Iowa (#106)
  • Luther College (#181)
  • Saint Ambrose University (#204)
  • Simpson College (#227)2

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023

  • Iowa State University3

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

  • University of Iowa (#44 tie)4

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

  • Buena Vista University (#170-214)
  • Graceland University (#170-214)
  • Upper Iowa University (#170-214)5

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

  • University of Iowa (#35 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 Iowa 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 Iowa being 66.9%:

  1. Morningside University 94.4%
  2. University of Iowa 78.7%
  3. Drake University 71.4%
  4. University of Northern Iowa 67.2%
  5. Dordt University 66.7%

Schools in Iowa with Accounting Degrees

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

Northwestern College

At Northwestern College (NWC), students can earn an IACBE-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program is designed for those interested in pursuing an advanced degree or a career in public, private, or governmental accounting. Through courses such as Cost Accounting; Individual Income Tax; Nonprofit and Governmental Accounting; and Entity Tax and Law, students gain foundational accounting knowledge that can be used in many fields. NWC emphasizes the practical, real-world application of accounting fundamentals, and students also learn professional communication and management strategies. The college offers credited internship opportunities as well as support for networking and professional development. Many graduates go on to complete a graduate degree elsewhere and earn the CPA designation.

University of Iowa

Students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting through the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa (UI). The core curriculum starts with business classes and also incorporates specialized accounting courses like Auditing, Operations Management, Introduction to Taxation, and Valuation of Financial Claims. Coursework centers on teaching students accounting fundamentals, tax law, and business principles. Networking and career opportunities are available through various on-campus programs, including the Beta Alpha Psi fraternity, undergraduate research opportunities, and numerous study abroad options. Students looking for graduate education may also be interested in the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program. For post-graduation opportunities, the Career Center offers support by way of internships, networking opportunities, and professional development.

Wartburg College

At Wartburg College, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting. Like most undergraduate programs, Wartburg’s BA alone does not fulfill the educational requirements needed for CPA licensure; however, many Wartburg students complete the 150 semester hours needed for licensure in four years by taking summer classes and additional half-credit (two-hour) courses during the school year. The core curriculum includes courses such as Auditing, Business Law, Cost Accounting, Income Tax Accounting, and a Professional Business Career Preparation class. After these required classes, students can choose from numerous elective classes to focus on their career interests or pursue an additional major or minor. The program at Wartburg emphasizes leadership and management skills through hands-on projects and industry-relevant coursework. Most undergraduate students complete an internship or field experience.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Iowa State University

At the Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University (ISU), students can earn a Master of Accounting (MAcc). The graduate program emphasizes advanced technical and theoretical knowledge in accounting as well as applicable business skills. The curriculum teaches students how to analyze, understand, and communicate financial information for management decision-making. Students also learn applicable skills in public accounting, budgeting, forecasting, auditing, and consulting. CPA examination review courses are part of the curriculum, and graduates will meet the educational requirements for licensure. ISU also offers a variety of specializations depending on the certification students wish to receive. Those pursuing CPA certification may specialize in Financial Reporting and Assurance, Information Systems and Analytics, or Tax. For those interested in the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) certification, specializations in Information Systems and Analytics as well as Managerial Decision Making are available. ISU also encourages graduate students to seek out internship opportunities and build their professional network. Undergraduate accounting students already at the Ivy College of Business can choose concurrent enrollment and finish both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting in five years.

University of Northern Iowa

The College of Business Administration at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MAcc) degree. Graduates will be prepared to take the CPA exam and will meet the 150-semester hour requirement for licensure. Most students in this program attend on a full-time basis, and the curriculum is designed for those who want to work as accountants in public firms, business, or government. The core curriculum covers advanced accounting research, communication, and critical thinking skills, in addition to electives such as Fraud Examination, Advanced Auditing, Investments, and International Economics. UNI also offers two recommended specialty tracks, Auditing/Consulting and Tax. Each of these tracks requires 18 credits (four classes) of specialization-specific coursework. The graduate coursework emphasizes collaboration, and students work in teams to make presentations, perform research, and analyze financial information. Students must also complete an experiential learning opportunity through internships or volunteer opportunities during tax season.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

Drake University

Drake University offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting with a hybrid format that combines online classes with traditional classes at the Des Moines campus. The MBA program has a data-driven focus that teaches students to apply data to strategy and decision-making processes in key business functions. This degree is designed for part-time students and working professionals and can be completed in two years of part-time study. Students complete 42 semester credit hours, including 27 semester credits of core business courses, 12 semester credits in the accounting concentration, and three one-credit professional development seminars. The program offers students the flexibility to study unique areas of interest in accounting via electives such as Advanced Financial Accounting; Tax Research and Planning; and Fraud Examination. Drake also offers an on-campus Master of Accounting (MAcc) that takes between 30 and 60 semester credit hours to complete depending on the applicant’s prior education in accounting and business.

Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University (UIU) offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting that can be completed online or in combination with classes at campuses across Iowa including Fayette, Des Moines, and Waterloo. In the MBA in Accounting program, students learn about the fundamental business functions while also earning credit towards the educational requirements for the Uniform CPA Exam. The degree consists of 36 semester credit hours including five core business courses and a capstone project. The Accounting emphasis includes five required courses, such as Advanced Accounting Information Systems and Forensic Accounting, and one additional graduate-level elective. Courses are offered in an accelerated eight-week format with up to two courses taken during each block. The degree can be completed in two years of full-time study although part-time study is also permitted.

Iowa CPA Requirements and Steps

The Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau (Iowa PLB) requires that CPA candidates in Iowa hold at last a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business. There are six main steps for prospective Iowa CPAs to complete in order to earn a license.

  1. Complete at least a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting.
  2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  3. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
  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 with a concentration in accounting.

Effective July 1, 2026, the Board recognizes four educational pathways to become a CPA. These are:

  • A bachelor’s degree in business or accounting with at least 24 semester hours in upper-level accounting courses, to include financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting
  • A bachelor’s degree in any subject with at least 24 semester hours in upper-level accounting courses, to include financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting, as well as 24 semester hours in business-related courses
  • A master’s or higher degree with a concentration in accounting
  • A master’s or higher degree in business and at least 24 semester hours in upper-level accounting courses, to include financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting

2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

Prospective Iowa CPAs who are qualifying with a bachelor’s degree must complete at least two years or 4,000 hours of accounting experience over no more than a three-year period. Candidates who are qualifying with a master’s degree or 150 credit hours must complete one year or 2,000 hours of accounting experience. Qualifying experience can be accumulated in areas such as:

  • Accounting
  • Attest
  • Compilation
  • Consulting
  • Financial advisory
  • Management advisory
  • Tax

Work experience gained in government, academia, and private or public practice is acceptable towards the requirement. Note that attest CPA applicants must have at least two years of experience. Experience for all candidates must be verified by an actively licensed CPA.

3. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.

A passing score on the AICPA ethics course and exam is required for Iowa CPA applicants. The self-study course and exam can be ordered through the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants (ISCPA). Additional study resources are also available on the AICPA website.

4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

CPAs in all 50 states must pass the AICPA Uniform CPA Exam in order to become licensed. The Board uses the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) to administer the exam application and administration process. Applicants may apply to the exam through the NASBA website. Iowa applicants can take the exam as early as 120 days prior to completing the bachelor’s degree requirement; however, the exam results will not be released until the candidate has completed the educational requirements for the bachelor’s degree. All four sections of the exam must be completed and passed with a score of 75 or higher within a 30-month rolling period.

5. Apply for a license.

Candidates who have passed the Uniform CPA and ethics exams and earned the required experience hours are eligible to apply to the Board for a CPA license. The Board only accepts online applications and no paper forms are available. Note that applicants who passed the Uniform CPA Exam three or more years prior to applying for a license must also report 120 hours of continuing education.

6. Receive a CPA license from the Board.

Once the application is reviewed and approved, successful candidates will receive a confirmation via the online portal. A paper certificate is also mailed. Applicants may not use the CPA designation until they receive confirmation from the Board.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Iowa CPA licenses expire annually on June 30 and must be renewed online. Renewal notices are sent electronically by the Board in May; however, it is the individual’s responsibility to ensure the license is valid. After earning a license, CPAs must complete 120 hours of continuing education (CE) with at least four hours in ethics every three years. CPAs who supervise compilation services must also complete eight hours of CE in financial statement presentations during each three-year renewal period. Note that all CE should be completed prior to December 31 or June 30 preceding the July 1 renewal date. CPAs may select which date shall be used to calculate CE requirements. You can find additional information on the Board’s website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Iowa

Accounting grads in Iowa can find rewarding career opportunities working for entities ranging from small firms to larger accounting groups in public, private, or government practice. Well-known public accounting firm RSM US was founded in Iowa and today has multiple office locations within the state. Honkamp, P.C. is the largest non-public accounting firm in Iowa and frequently offers positions for recent accounting grads. The state government of Iowa, through the Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS), hires accountants and auditors to work for agencies and special projects across the state. Graduates with accounting degrees may also find opportunities to work with local or statewide businesses or open their own firms in Iowa.

Iowa Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Cedar Rapids1,170$74,960
Des Moines-West Des Moines4,180$76,350
Iowa City700$69,140
Omaha-Council Bluffs NE-IA4,840$76,530
Sioux City IA-NE-SD560$73,690

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Iowa

  • RSM: A large national accounting firm with numerous offices in Iowa including Des Moines, Davenport, and Cedar Rapids among others.
  • Honkamp P.C.: An independent accounting and business services firm headquartered in Iowa that provides services to all types of organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, franchises, and nonprofits.
  • Hogan Hansen: A mid-sized firm providing accounting and financial consulting services at five locations across Northern, Central, and Eastern Iowa.

Iowa Accounting Associations

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, Iowa: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ia.htm
13. Iowa Board of Accountancy: https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/other-professional-licensure/accountants