Accounting schools in Kansas offer a broad array of programs to match the needs and interests of students from diverse backgrounds. These programs can prepare you for a career in a range of accounting roles, such as public accountant, controller, tax accountant, and auditor. Continue reading below to find out more information about school rankings, career outlooks for accounting graduates, and professional accounting licensure in Kansas.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Kansas Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Kansas 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*11Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10
Baker UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
4+1 Accelerated BSA/MBA		99.1%48%$23,957$25,000$60,914
Benedictine College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
4+1 Accelerated BA-Accounting/MBA		98.5%68%$30,067$24,599$48,297
Bethany College—BA-Accounting71.9%29%$29,546$23,250$46,723
Central Christian College of Kansas—BSB-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		N.Av.31%$15,732$27,000$40,305
Emporia State University—BSB-Accounting;
BSBA-Accounting Services;
MAcc		88.4%52%$14,854$19,500$43,438
Fort Hays State University—BBA-Accounting;
BBA-Accounting: Public Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
4+1 Accelerated BBA/MBA;
MBA-Accounting		90.3%51%$13,322$21,000$44,617
Friends UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
4+1 Accelerated BSA/MBA;
MBA-Accounting		57.7%45%$23,720$25,000$51,388
Kansas State UniversityAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
Accelerated BSBA-Accounting/MAcc;
MAcc;
MAcc-Controllership & Business Advisory;
MAcc-Controllership & Applied Analytics;
MAcc-Public Accounting & Business Advisory;
MAcc-Public Accounting & Applied Analytics		95.6%69%$18,855$21,250$54,472
Kansas Wesleyan University—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		67.6%32%$22,617$23,250$46,718
McPherson College—BBA-Accounting84.6%49%$25,065$25,242$47,891
MidAmerica Nazarene UniversityACBSPBA-Accounting64.7%42%$28,787$15,000$55,725
Newman University—BBA-Accounting71.7%52%$18,792$20,801$51,255
Ottawa University-Kansas City—BAcc;
BAcc-Actuarial Science;
BAcc-Economics;
BAcc-Finance;
BAcc-Leadership and Management;
MAcc;
MBA-Accounting		N.Av.N.Av.N.Av.$21,500$48,846
Ottawa University-Online—BAcc;
BAcc-Actuarial Science;
BAcc-Economics;
BAcc-Finance;
BAcc-Leadership and Management;
MAcc;
MBA-Accounting		N.Av.N.Av.N.Av.$21,500$48,846
Ottawa University-OttawaACBSPBAcc;
BAcc-Actuarial Science;
BAcc-Economics;
BAcc-Finance;
BAcc-Leadership and Management;
MAcc;
MBA-Accounting		66.6%28%$26,872$21,500$48,846
Pittsburg State University—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		93.6%56%$16,725$18,969$47,714
Southwestern College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		69.1%38%$27,003$25,000$51,735
Tabor College—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		54.5%44%$21,080$23,887$46,519
University of KansasAACSBBSB-Accounting;
UG Cert-Accounting;
MAcc;
MAcc-Advisory/Consulting Services;
MAcc-Assurance (Audit);
MAcc-Corporate;
MAcc-Tax;
PhD-Business: Accounting		92.5%67%$18,950$21,000$58,993
University of Saint MaryIACBEBS-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		80.9%39%$21,887$22,018$55,362
Washburn University—BBA-Accounting;
3+2 BBA-Accounting/MAcc;
MAcc		N.Av.54%$12,473$18,127$47,031
Wichita State UniversityAACSBBBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MAcc;
MAcc-Accounting Information Systems		91.1%52%$13,553$20,500$50,739

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 Kansas

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

  • Kansas State University (#122)
  • University of Kansas (#132)2

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

  • Kansas State University (#24 tie)
  • Wichita State University (#44 tie)
  • Baker University (#127 tie)
  • Friends University (#141 tie)
  • Southwestern College (#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 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 Kansas 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 Kansas being 58.6%:

  1. University of Kansas 76.0%
  2. Washburn University 73.3%
  3. Kansas State University 70.2%
  4. Emporia State University 63.6%
  5. Pittsburg State University 56.3%
  6. Fort Hays State University 50.0%

*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 Kansas with Accounting Degrees

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

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with 15 specialization options, including an on-campus Accounting concentration. This MBA program and concentration is open to both business and non-business undergraduates, and foundation courses are not required regardless of the applicant’s degree. The MBA in Accounting consists of 33 credits, 24 of which cover core business classes and nine of which are concentration courses. Accounting concentration courses include CPA Problems, Advanced Tax Procedure, and Advanced Accounting. While the Accounting concentration of the MBA program is only available on campus, students do have the option to enroll on either a part-time or full-time basis. Full-time students can complete the MBA program in as little as two years, and FHSU students currently working on their Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting can opt for the 4+1 Accelerated program to complete both their BBA and MBA in a total of five years.

University of Kansas

At the University of Kansas (KU), students can earn an AACSB-accredited Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree. This program is open to those with or without academic accounting backgrounds. Accounting undergrads can complete this graduate degree in as little as a year, while non-accounting undergraduates can finish it in a year and a half to two years. The curriculum focuses on the skills needed to succeed in the accounting profession as well as the subjects covered by the educational requirements for CPA licensure. Students can take advantage of experiential learning opportunities by completing short-term study abroad programs or volunteering in the local community. The MAcc program offers four different specialty tracks, all of which consist of the 30 required credits to meet the educational requirements for CPA licensure. Choosing between concentrations in Advisory/Consulting Services, Assurance (Audit), Corporate, or Tax, students can tailor their degree to advance their career interests. Graduates can go on to work in international public accounting firms, regional and local public accounting firms, industry, and government. KU also offers a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Business with an Accounting concentration for those interested in a career in academia.

Online Accounting Programs

Emporia State University

Students can earn a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) entirely online through Emporia State University (ESU). This graduate degree is made up of accelerated seven-week courses that can be completed in as few as 12 months. Students follow a curriculum of advanced courses in taxation, management accounting, budgeting and pricing, and tax accounting. ESU emphasizes the application of accounting theory in business strategy, financial reporting, and decision-making skills needed for their careers. The 30 credits of the MAcc degree are split evenly between five required three-credit courses and five accounting elective courses. This degree meets the educational requirements for CPA licensure in most states, and many graduates choose to sit for the examination. The MAcc degree prepares graduates for roles in public accounting, internal auditing, controllership, forensic accounting, and many other positions in the accounting industry. There are six start dates throughout the year.

Kansas State University

The College of Business Administration at Kansas State University (KSU) offers an AACSB-accredited Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree that can be completed on campus or 100% online. This one-year graduate program teaches students the advanced accounting knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. The curriculum includes a few core classes, but most of the courses in the program are electives. Depending on their career goals and areas of interest, students can choose from electives such as Fraud and Forensics, International Accounting, Merger and Acquisition Taxation, and Advanced Management Accounting. Those hoping to further specialize their degree can choose from four MAcc concentrations: Controllership & Business Advisory; Controllership & Applied Analytics; Public Accounting & Business Advisory; or Public Accounting & Applied Analytics. Students can also supplement their coursework with experiential learning opportunities, from internships to study abroad programs. For post-graduation opportunities, students can take advantage of a large alumni network and university connections with corporate partners. Undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting program at KSU can enroll in the MAcc program and apply some academic credit to both degrees.

University of Saint Mary

The University of Saint Mary (USM) offers an online, IACBE-accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Accounting emphasis. The MBA in Accounting consists of 33 credits and allows those with an undergraduate degree in a related field to meet the educational requirements for CPA licensure. In addition to courses such as Forensic Accounting, International Accounting, and Data Analysis for Decision Making, the accounting concentration includes two classes centered on CPA preparation. Depending on undergraduate coursework, the online MBA in Accounting can be completed in one to two years.

Kansas CPA Requirements

The Kansas Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires that CPA candidates hold a bachelor’s degree and have completed 150 semester hours of education. There are eight main steps to complete in order to earn a CPA license in Kansas.

  1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level coursework with a concentration in accounting.
  2. Establish residency in Kansas.
  3. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
  4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  5. Apply for a CPA certificate.
  6. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  7. Apply for a license.
  8. Receive a license.

1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level coursework with a concentration in accounting.

CPA candidates in Kansas must complete 150 college semester hours to qualify for a license. The 150 semester hours must include a bachelor’s degree or higher and a concentration in accounting. A concentration in accounting must include at least 11 credit hours in written and oral communication, as well as 42 semester hours in business and general education courses as follows:

  • Business law (at least two courses)
  • College algebra or higher level mathematics
  • Data analytics for business or accounting
  • Finance
  • Information systems
  • Macro- and microeconomics, plus one upper-division economics course
  • Management and administration
  • Marketing
  • Production, operations research, or applications of quantitative techniques to business problems
  • Statistics and probability theory

Additionally, applicants must have completed at least 30 credit hours in accounting theory and practice, to include:

  • Accounting systems beyond an introductory computer course
  • Auditing
  • Financial accounting
  • Income tax
  • Managerial accounting beyond the introductory level

Candidates may earn up to six credits towards the concentration in accounting through any of the following: advanced placement classes, credit by examination, credit for military education, credit through experience, and pass-fail courses, provided that these credits focus on the subjects required for the concentration in accounting. Internships may be counted towards the 150-hour requirement but not towards the accounting concentration.

2. Establish residency in Kansas.

The Board requires that those applying to take the Uniform CPA Exam in Kansas be residents of the state or be permanently employed by a public accounting firm in Kansas. The Board may require proof of residency before allowing candidates to take the exam.

3. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.

The Board requires candidates to complete the Professional Ethics exam from the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to obtain a CPA certificate. Candidates must pass the self-study course and exam with a score of 90% or better to qualify for certification. The AICPA ethics course and the take-home exam can be ordered through AICPA’s website.

4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Like many states, the Board uses the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) to process applications for and administer the AICPA Uniform CPA Exam. Once candidates have met the education requirements and established residency, the application for the exam can be completed through the NASBA website. The exam consists of four sections, all of which must be passed with a score of 75 or higher within a rolling 30-month period.

5. Apply for a CPA certificate.

Kansas is a two-tier state, which means that CPA candidates must apply for a CPA certificate in order to earn the required hours of experience; once the required hours of experience are earned, the candidate is eligible to apply for a license and permit to practice. Candidates who have passed the Uniform CPA Exam and AICPA ethics exam should complete the Application for Certificate by Passing Examination in Kansas form to request a CPA certificate. Certificate holders are not allowed to claim the title of CPA.

6. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

Candidates for CPA licensure in Kansas must complete 2,000 hours of professional accounting experience over the course of at least one year. The experience may be gained either full time or part time, but must be completed within three years. Employment in academia, government, industry, or private practice may be counted towards the requirement, provided that the duties performed utilize skills in attest or non-attest accounting. To qualify for licensure, all experience must be verified by a CPA who holds an active license to practice in Kansas. Candidates must submit a record of their experience using the Certificate of Experience Form, available from the Board’s website.

7. Apply for a permit to practice.

Certificate holders who have completed all requirements must apply for a permit to practice (license) to become a licensed CPA. The Initial Permit Application form is available on the Board’s website.

8. Receive a license.

Once the application and all necessary documentation are submitted, the Board will review the application; approved applicants will be issued a permit card and may begin practicing as a CPA.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

CPA licenses renew on a biennial basis in Kansas, with half of the state’s licenses renewing each year. CPAs whose certificate ends in an odd number must renew by July 1 of each odd-numbered year. CPAs whose certificate ends in an even number must renew by July 1 of each even-numbered year. All CPAs must complete 80 hours of continuing education (CE) for each biennial renewal. The CE must include two hours of ethics education.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Kansas

There are many opportunities for Kansas accounting grads to start their own accounting firms or work in public, private, or government accounting. Graduates may find opportunities with large CPA firms or with other firms around the state. BT & Co., P.A., with offices in Topeka, Grant Thornton, and Wichita, is one of the biggest CPA firms in Kansas. Other large companies, such as aerospace company Spirit AeroSystems and Koch Industries, are based in the state and may have positions for accounting graduates with financial expertise. Students can find opportunities to work in local businesses or start their own, and Kansas is also home to many different governmental or nonprofit agencies. Those with accounting degrees may find many different opportunities to work in accounting roles after graduation.

Kansas Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Kansas City MO-KS11,960$77,490
St. Joseph MO-KS440$68,060
Topeka1,250$69,820
Wichita2,640$74,910

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Kansas

  • Allen, Gibbs, and Houlik, L.C. (AGH): A Wichita-based independent financial firm, AGH offers a wide variety of financial and assurance services to clients around the world.
  • FORVIS CPAs & Advisors: With locations in Wichita and Kansas City, FORVIS is a national firm that serves corporate, non-profit, government, and individual clients with a variety of accounting, financial, and investment services.
  • Pinion Global: A leading consulting and accounting firm for the food and agriculture industry, Pinion Global has five locations throughout Kansas.

Kansas 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, Kansas: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ks.htm
13. Kansas Board of Accountancy: https://ksboa.kansas.gov/