This guide provides important information on accounting schools in the state of Louisiana. This page will help you navigate different schools to find the program that matches your education and career goals. Louisiana provides students with options for undergraduate and graduate-level degrees in accounting. In this comprehensive guide, you will find information on specializations and course offerings to ensure you find a school to match your personal interests and career goals. Some Louisiana accounting schools also provide options for online distance learning.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Louisiana Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Louisiana 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
Centenary College of Louisiana—BSA;
Minor-Accounting		63.1%60%$30,050$27,000$49,077
Dillard UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting55.2%48%$18,949$31,000$37,037
Grambling State University—BS-Accounting72.5%37%$15,796$36,500$35,049
Louisiana Christian University—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		76.1%36%$14,566$21,875$44,199
Louisiana State University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Internal Auditing;
MAcc;
PhD-Accounting		70.9%70%$21,296$20,500$59,454
Louisiana State University-AlexandriaACBSPBS-Accounting58.3%31%$7,274$19,000$41,051
Louisiana State University-Shreveport—BS-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		90.7%33%$7,587$22,500$45,066
Louisiana Tech UniversityAACSBBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Concurrent BS-Accounting/MAcc;
MAcc		65.8%60%$12,243$22,135$50,632
Loyola University New Orleans—BAcc;
Minor-Accounting		78.3%67%$23,808$26,000$50,080
McNeese State University—BS-Accounting68.8%46%$10,154$23,000$43,988
Nicholls State UniversityAACSBBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		97.2%46%$12,365$22,675$44,740
Northwestern State University of Louisiana—BS-Accounting96.3%46%$14,238$25,000$44,550
Southeastern Louisiana UniversityAACSBBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		98.9%44%$12,291$22,113$43,810
Southern University and A&M College—BS-Accounting58.9%30%$16,959$29,251$41,443
Tulane University of Louisiana—Minor-Accounting;
Dual BS-Management/MAcc;
MAcc		9.6%87%$50,263$20,500$59,812
University of Holy CrossIACBEBS-Accounting75.0%36%$18,074$26,995$46,512
University of Louisiana at LafayetteAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MS-Accounting		78.4%51%$13,036$22,902$45,080
University of Louisiana at MonroeAACSBBBA-Accounting;
BBA-Accounting/BBA-Computer Information Systems;
Grad Cert-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Accounting Technology		69.9%51%$11,353$21,500$44,507
University of New OrleansAACSBBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Pre-CPA Program;
MS-Accounting;
MS-Tax Accounting		80.6%38%$11,508$18,750$46,664
Xavier University of LouisianaACBSPBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		95.4%51%$18,080$24,053$50,802

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 Louisiana

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

  • Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (#145)2

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

  • Loyola University New Orleans (#58 tie)
  • University of Louisiana-Lafayette (#66 tie)
  • University of Louisiana-Monroe (#91 tie)
  • Northwestern State University of Louisiana (#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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana being 53.8%:

  1. Tulane University 84.1%
  2. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College 71.6%
  3. Nicholls State University 53.6%
  4. University of Louisiana Lafayette 49.4%
  5. Louisiana State University Shreveport 45.5%
  6. University of Louisiana Monroe 45.2%

*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 Louisiana with Accounting Degrees

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

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) offers a 30-credit Master of Accountancy (MAcc) that can be completed in as little as one year. This program is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting who wish to complete the 150 credits required for CPA licensure in Louisiana. By focusing on building technical accounting knowledge and strong analytical skills, LSU prepares graduates to pursue a career in professional accounting in the public, private, or non-profit sectors. Students may choose to complete a general MAcc or specialize in Internal Audit; Financial Reporting and Assurance Services; or Taxation Services. Those interested in a research-based career in accounting can earn their Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting through LSU.

Tulane University

At the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, students can earn a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) that utilizes an industry-inspired curriculum to prepare graduates for careers as financial analysts or consultants. The 30-credit program emphasizes experiential learning and internships for students to gain hands-on knowledge and expertise before entering the job market. Case studies and group projects give students the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Tulane offers a two-semester and three-semester graduation plan, with the three-semester schedule allowing time for a summer internship. Students explore business ethics, auditing, and financial accounting as the core curriculum. Electives offered at Tulane allow students to explore courses such as Forensic Accounting and Energy Accounting and Valuation. Paired with an appropriate undergraduate degree, such as Tulane’s 120-credit Bachelor of Science (BS) in Management, the MAcc qualifies students to sit for the CPA exam.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

Louisiana State University Alexandria

Louisiana State University Alexandria (LSUA) offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that prepares students to sit for the CPA exam by teaching them the accounting skills and technologies necessary for entry into the industry. The ACBSP-accredited BS in Accounting can be taken on-campus, in a hybrid format, or entirely online. Students gain experience working in a team environment to solve complex financial problems, preparing them for careers in a collaborative business world. Research skills and effective oral and written communication are also emphasized. This 120-hour program gives students a comprehensive overview through courses such as Cost Auditing; Tax Accounting; and Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting. Students work closely with faculty members who are active participants in the accounting field, giving them an insight into the current trends in the industry.

University of New Orleans

At the University of New Orleans (UNO), students can earn an AACSB-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Tax Accounting that can be taken either on-campus or entirely online. The 30-credit program focuses on managerial accounting and accounting theory and can be completed in as few as 12 months. In addition to preparing students for careers as tax specialists, fraud examiners, or tax directors, the MS in Tax Accounting meets the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam. Core courses include Estate and Gift Taxation; Studies in Managerial Accounting; and State and Local Taxation. Electives such as Hospitality and Tourism Finance and Revenue Management round out the degree sequence.

Louisiana CPA Requirements and Steps

To become a CPA through the Louisiana State Board of Certified Public Accountants (the Board), an undergraduate degree from an accredited university and a total of 150 hours of coursework are required. There are seven main steps to complete in order to earn a CPA license in the state.

  1. Complete 150-semester hours of college-level education in accounting and business.
  2. Establish residency in Louisiana.
  3. Have good moral character.
  4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  5. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  6. Apply for a license.
  7. Receive a license.

1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting and business.

To qualify for CPA licensure in Louisiana, candidates must complete 150 semester hours of education that includes a bachelor’s degree. Candidates must also complete specific accounting and business courses at the undergraduate level, graduate level, or a combination of both.

The required courses for CPA licensure in Louisiana are specific. They include 24 hours of undergraduate-level accounting courses or 21 hours of graduate-level accounting courses or a combination of the two. The required coursework must be comprised of:

Undergraduate Semester Hours (24)

  • Intermediate accounting (six hours)
  • Cost accounting (three hours)
  • Income tax (three hours)
  • Auditing related to external reporting (three hours)
  • Accounting electives (nine hours)

Graduate Semester Hours (21)

  • Intermediate accounting (three hours)
  • Cost accounting (three hours)
  • Income tax (three hours)
  • Auditing (three hours)
  • Accounting electives (nine hours)

In addition, candidates must complete:

  • Advanced financial accounting, not-for-profit or government accounting/auditing, or accounting theory (three hours)
  • Accounting above the introductory/principles level (six hours)
  • Business courses not including accounting courses, to include at least three hours in commercial law for CPAs (24 hours)

2. Establish residency in Louisiana.

Louisiana has a residency requirement for candidates taking the Uniform CPA Exam for Louisiana licensure that requires residence in the state for at least 120 days out of the one year preceding the initial examination date. Those who establish temporary residency outside of the state may still qualify provided they maintain permanent legal residence in Louisiana.

3. Have good moral character.

Candidates for CPA licensure in Louisiana must prove that they have good moral character. As proof of this, the Board requires candidates to obtain three letters of reference attesting to a candidate’s character. The letters must be from CPAs or business professionals. The references may not come from any of the following:

  • More than one member of a household
  • Relatives of the applicant
  • Roommates
  • Students
  • University or college instructors, unless that person has had significant contact with the candidate outside of the classroom
  • Individuals with a financial or business investment with the candidate

4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

A candidate who has completed a bachelor’s degree, all of the specified accounting and business coursework, and established residency is qualified to sit for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam. Like most other states, the Board uses NASBA to handle applications for and administer the Uniform CPA Exam. Candidates should apply to the exam directly through the NASBA website. Pre-evaluation of transcripts to establish education qualifications prior to applying to the exam is also offered through NASBA. All four sections of the exam must be passed with a score of 75 or higher within an 18-month rolling period.

5. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

All candidates must complete at least one year (2,000 hours over at least 12 months) of accounting experience before applying for a CPA license. The experience must utilize skills in accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting, and be verified by a licensed CPA. The experience may be gained in public practice, private industry, non-profit, or government accounting.

6. Apply for a license.

Once all requirements have been met, candidates will complete the Application for a Certificate as a Certified Public Accountant and submit it to the Board.

7. Receive a license.

Once the Board has approved the application, they will send the applicant notification by mail and a copy of the state oath that must be signed by the applicant and returned to the Board. Once the signed oath is received, the CPA may begin practice. The CPA will receive a hand-lettered wall certificate through the mail.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

CPA licenses in Louisiana are renewed annually. For each renewal period, CPAs must complete 20 hours of continuing education, including a Board-sponsored ethics course. In addition to the annual requirement of 20 hours, for each two-year rolling period, CPAs must complete 80 hours of CPE to include no more than 20 hours of personal development courses within a given year.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Louisiana

Louisiana accounting graduates are equipped to work in public and private accounting, for government entities, or to begin their own accounting practices within one of the state’s metropolitan areas. The energy industry is a major economic power in Louisiana, providing many jobs for financially-minded graduates. Entergy Corporation and Tidewater Inc. are multi-billion dollar energy companies headquartered in New Orleans. Major financial institutions are also headquartered in the state, including the Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company. While New Orleans is a major business hub, there are opportunities elsewhere in the state. Recent graduates who obtain CPA licensure are able to open individual practices or work for the government or other local entities.

Louisiana Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Alexandria360$64,740
Baton Rouge3,030$72,480
Lafayette1,440$69,060
Monroe540$68,810
New Orleans-Metairie4,510$74,270

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Louisiana

  • Postlethwaite & Netterville (P&N): One of the largest accounting and business advisory firms based in Louisiana, serving the needs of individuals and clients throughout the US.
  • Carr Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors (CRI): With an office in New Orleans, CRI provides accounting, financial, and advisory services to individuals and businesses of all sizes.
  • Horne: Provides industry specialized teams of CPAs to clients across private, public, and government firms.

Louisiana 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, Louisiana: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_la.htm
13. Louisiana State Board of Certified Public Accountants: https://cpaboard.state.la.us/