This page provides information about colleges and universities that offer accounting degrees in Massachusetts. Some schools have undergraduate programs, such as Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting, and others offer graduate programs like a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). Programs may be offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Some degrees can be completed partially online and there are even fully online accounting programs in the state. Read on below to find out more information about different program options, possible degree concentrations, and career opportunities in accounting in Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Massachusetts Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Massachusetts 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
American International CollegeIACBEBSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		57.9%37%$18,317$27,000$53,069
Assumption University—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Minor-Fraud Examination & Forensic Accounting;
5-Year Accelerated BA-Accounting/MBA		86.5%72%$28,911$27,000$74,451
Babson College—BSBA-Accounting25.4%86.5%$28,400$20,000$111,604
Bay Path University—BS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting		75.4%47%$18,502$24,901$46,065
Bentley UniversityAACSBBS-Accounting;
BS-Corporate Finance and Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		60.9%88%$44,233$25,023$111,896
Boston College—BS-Accounting;
BS-Accounting for Finance and Consulting;
Minor-Accounting for CPAs;
Minor-Accounting for Finance & Consulting;
MS-Accounting		19.0%91%$30,559$19,000$96,325
Bridgewater State University—BS-Accounting and Finance: Accounting;
Minor-Accounting and Finance;
MS-Accountancy;
Grad Cert-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Finance		86.4%56%$17,225$24,286$54,750
Cambridge College—BA-Managerial Accounting:
Accounting Concentration		N.Av.0%$21,178$21,791$45,145
Clark University—MS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting Analytics;
MBA/MS-Accounting		48.0%76%$32,053$26,759$55,982
College of Our Lady of the Elms—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Accelerated BA-Accounting/MBA		67.9%75%$23,498$25,000$55,648
College of the Holy Cross—BA-Accounting42.9%91%$34,679$27,000$83,583
Curry CollegeIACBEBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
4+1 Accelerated BSA/MSA;
MS-Accounting		80.3%52%$31,091$25,000$47,598
Eastern Nazarene College—BS-Accounting64.1%49%$20,283$26,000$45,838
Elms CollegeIACBEBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year Accelerated BA-Accounting/MBA;
MBA-Accounting;
MS-Accounting and Financial Planning		N.Av.N.Av.N.Av.N.Av.N.Av.
Emmanuel College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		73.9%66%$32,273$27,000$56,728
Endicott College—BS-Accounting77.2%78%$39,496$27,000$68,403
Fisher CollegeIACBEBS-Management: Accounting72.4%26%$26,257$25,000$40,552
Fitchburg State UniversityIACBEBSBA-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Accounting		85.3%56%$15,535$24,239$58,741
Framingham State UniversityIACBEBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		83.8%55%$17,715$25,000$54,242
Gordon College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		77.4%69%$24,483$26,250$54,542
Harvard University—MBA-Accounting and Management4.0%98%$19,491$14,000$95,114
Lasell UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting85.1%61%$29,706$26,000$58,576
Lesley UniversityACBSPBS-Business Management: Accounting87.0%61%$32,414$21,000$47,821
Massachusetts College of Liberal ArtsACBSPBS-Accounting;
BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		91.0%56%$15,377$23,750$45,341
Massachusetts Institute of Technology—PhD-Accounting4.1%95%$20,232$14,768$124,213
Merrimack College—BSBA-Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Fraud and Forensic Accounting		80.3%68%$37,296$27,000$69,459
Nichols CollegeIACBEBSBA-Accounting;
MS-Accounting		84.8%58%$27,192$27,000$57,385
Northeastern University—BSBA-Accounting;
BS International Business: Accounting;
Minor-Accounting and Advisory Services;
4+1 MS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
MSA/MBA Dual Degree;
Grad Cert-Accounting and Financial Decision Making		18.4%91%$35,827$24,250$88,842
Northeastern University Professional Programs—BS-Finance and Accounting ManagementN.Av.N.Av.N.Av.$24,250$88,842
Salem State University—BSBA-Accounting;
BSBA-Finance and Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year Accelerated BSBA-Accounting/MSA;
MS-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Accounting		90.0%55%$19,277$25,000$54,581
Simmons University—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		83.5%74%$24,423$24,840$61,222
Springfield CollegeIACBEBS-Accounting76.9%73%$27,930$26,250$47,049
Stonehill College—BSBA-Accounting72.0%79%$31,021$25,000$75,976
Suffolk UniversityAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
Minor Accounting;
4+1 BSBA-Accounting/MSA;
MS-Accounting;
MSA-Corporate Accounting and Finance;
MSA-Forensic Accounting;
MSA-Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting;
MBA-Accounting Principles;
MBA-Forensic Accounting;
Grad Cert-Foundations of Accounting & Taxation		88.0%60%$32,270$26,889$65,950
University of Massachusetts-AmherstAACSBBBA-Accounting;
4+1 Accelerated BBAA/MSA;
MS-Accounting;
PhD-Accounting		65.5%83%$22,291$22,763$65,645
University of Massachusetts-Boston—MS-Accounting78.9%51%$17,123$21,974$59,044
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth—BS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Accounting		92.2%55%$19,700$25,000$55,113
University of Massachusetts-Lowell—BSBA-Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting;
MSBA-Accounting Analytics;
PhD-Accounting;
PhD-Business Administration: Accounting		84.6%71%$17,240$23,704$65,324
Western New England University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year Accelerated BSA/MSA;
MS-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		89.9%67%$30,214$25,500$66,181
Westfield State University—BS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting		94.4%60%$18,021$22,457$52,899

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 Massachusetts

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

  • Boston College
  • Bentley University
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • College of the Holy Cross
  • Northeastern University
  • Suffolk University2

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023

  • Assumption University
  • Babson College
  • Bentley University
  • Boston College
  • Boston University
  • Northeastern University
  • Stonehill College
  • Suffolk University3

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

  • Boston College (#10 tie)
  • Harvard University (#13 tie)
  • Bentley University (#19 tie)
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (#26 tie)
  • Boston University (#34 tie)4

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

  • University of Massachusetts-Amherst (#3 tie)
  • University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (#12 tie)
  • University of Massachusetts-Lowell (#24 tie)
  • Bay Path University (#127 tie)
  • Nichols College (#141 tie)
  • Westfield State University (#157 tie)
  • Lasell University (#170-214 tie)
  • Cambridge College (#170-214 tie)
  • Fisher College (#170-214 tie)5

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

  • Boston College (#11)
  • Bentley University (#28 tie)
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (#35 tie)
  • Babson College (#39 tie)
  • Boston University (#60 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts being 62.9%:

  1. Boston College 89.2%
  2. Bentley University 76.1%
  3. Northeastern University 74.9%
  4. Gordon College 73.3%
  5. College of the Holy Cross 72.0%
  6. Babson College 64.6%

*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 Massachusetts with Accounting Degrees

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

Boston College

Boston College (BC) offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) from the Carroll School of Management. The coursework focuses on foundational accounting knowledge as well as the practical application of theory. Coursework emphasizes accounting analysis, organizational behavior, and developing the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to make business decisions. The MSA takes nine to 12 months to complete and includes 11 STEM-focused courses, including Managerial Statistics, which students take in the summer before beginning the program in September. Students with or without accounting backgrounds are welcome to apply to this program.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

At the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass-Amherst), graduate students can earn an AACSB-accredited Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). This degree is ideal for those interested in advancing in their accounting careers. Students can complete the program on campus or online, and the curriculum fulfills the educational requirements for CPA licensure. Coursework covers accounting and business knowledge as well as technology and business writing skills. Students can also select one of three optional focus areas: Data Analytics, Forensic Accounting, or Taxation. This program can be completed in two semesters for students attending on a full-time basis, although students can choose a part-time schedule as well. Students who have an undergraduate degree in accounting can choose the Professional Track, while those without academic accounting backgrounds must complete the Transitions Track, which requires some foundational courses before progressing in the program.

Online Accounting Programs

University of Massachusetts Boston

Through the College of Management at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMB), students can earn a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). This 30-credit program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, and classes meet in the evening, late afternoon, weekend, or online. Students can choose flexible scheduling, and most classes only meet once per week. Core courses include Federal Tax Planning; Organizational Analysis and Skills; and Financial and Managerial Auditing. The curriculum covers business disciplines as well as specialized accounting knowledge and analysis, and students meet the educational requirements for CPA licensure. Students also learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills in addition to communication and leadership strategies. Those without an academic accounting background may need to complete some prerequisites before beginning this program.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass-Dartmouth) offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that can be completed entirely online. This program is 120 credits in total, but students with associate’s degrees, certificates, or other undergraduate experience can transfer up to 75 credits from a regionally-accredited institution. The core curriculum includes classes such as Quantitative Business Analysis, Financial Management, and Cost Accounting, and students learn how to use accounting information systems and technologies. In addition to subjects like accounting, financial statements, and taxes, the coursework also emphasizes communication and critical thinking skills. UM-Dartmouth also offers an online Master of Science (MS) in Accounting for those interested in pursuing CPA licensure. Online students can find work experience through internship opportunities. Graduates from these programs go on to work in fields including public accounting, management accounting, and auditing.

Massachusetts CPA Requirements and Steps

The Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy (the Board) allows CPA applicants to sit for the CPA examination when they have completed at least a bachelor’s degree and 120 semester hours. There are five main steps to complete in order to earn a Massachusetts CPA license.

  1. Complete 150 semester hours of acceptable coursework in accounting.
  2. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  3. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  4. Apply for a license.
  5. Receive a license.

1. Complete 150 semester hours of acceptable coursework in accounting.

Candidates for a CPA license in Massachusetts must earn 150 semester hours of college credit that includes the award of a bachelor’s degree, typically including 30 semester hours of accounting at the undergraduate level or 18 semester hours of accounting at the graduate level, to qualify for a CPA license. Candidates must also complete at least 24 undergraduate-level semester hours or 18 graduate-level semester hours of supplemental business coursework. Candidates may also meet the specific course requirements by completing a graduate-level accounting program accredited by the AACSB or approved by the Board or a Board-approved Educators Credential Committee as part of the 150 semester hours.

2. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Candidates for CPA licensure must take the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam through NASBA. Candidates who have completed at least 120 semester hours of the education requirement, including 21 semester hours of undergraduate-level accounting courses, nine semester hours of undergraduate-level business courses, and a bachelor’s degree, may sit for the exam. Candidates may apply for and take the exam before meeting these educational requirements, provided the candidate can provide proof of completing the educational requirements within 90 days of completing the exam. Failure to do so will result in the loss of any credit for the Uniform CPA Exam. Applications for the exam in Massachusetts should be completed through the NASBA website. Once candidates are approved, they will receive a Notice to Schedule and can schedule and sit for the exam. All four parts of the exam must be passed within an 18-month rolling period with a score of 75 or higher.

3. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

Candidates for CPA licensure must complete at least one full year (2,000 hours) of employment in public accounting or three years of experience at a non-public firm under the supervision of a licensed CPA. Non-public accounting experience may include work in government, industry, academia, or non-profit accounting. Experience must be verified by a current licensee or CPA supervisor of the firm or organization at which the experience was obtained.

4. Apply for a license.

Once a candidate has received notification of a passing score on all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam and has completed the education and experience requirements, the candidate may apply for a CPA license through the Board’s website.

5. Receive a license.

Once the Board has reviewed the application and determined that all of the requirements for licensure have been met, applicants will receive their license and be able to practice as CPAs in Massachusetts.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

CPA licenses in Massachusetts are renewed on a biennial basis. Once licensed, CPAs in Massachusetts must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each two-year renewal period to maintain good standing. The CPE hours must include at least four hours in ethics. CPAs who complete more than 80 hours of CPE may not carry over any excess hours into further renewal periods. You can find additional information on the Board’s website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers many opportunities for graduates with accounting degrees to work within the state. Major accounting firms such as Deloitte & Touche and Ernst & Young have offices within the greater Boston area, and smaller firms like BDO USA and Wolf & Company have locations in the state as well. Other financial companies, such as Fidelity Investments, have headquarters in Boston. Graduates may find opportunities to work in the state’s large biotechnology and information technology industries in accounting roles, and many accounting positions are also available in statewide and regional small businesses.

Massachusetts Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Boston-Cambridge-Newton MA-NH32,690$97,450
New Bedford360$86,820
Pittsfield300$82,100
Providence-Warwick RI-MA6,650$93,390
Springfield MA-CT2,140$85,250
Massachusetts Nonmetropolitan Area360$82,060

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Massachusetts

  • Wolf & Company P.C.: With offices in Boston and Springfield, Wolf & Company provides a wide array of financial services across a full range of industries.
  • CohnReznick: A national firm with offices in Springfield that provides accounting, tax, and business advisory services, CohnReznick employs over 3,000 people in 25 cities.
  • Dukhon Tax: A Boston-based firm that has been offering tax, accounting, and advisory services to individuals and businesses since 2011.

Massachusetts Accounting Associations

  • The Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MSCPA): The MSCPA offers members networking and CPE opportunities and advocates for Massachusetts CPAs before regulatory bodies.
  • The Massachusetts Association of Accountants (MAA): Offering professional development seminars for CPAs, the MAA co-sponsors the Annual Combined Institute on Taxation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Bentley University to help CPAs stay up-to-date on the latest changes in tax procedures.

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, Massachusetts: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.htm
13. Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-public-accountancy