Accounting Schools in Michigan

This guide to accounting schools in Michigan will help you find a school that is a suitable match for your skills, interests, and career goals. Michigan’s colleges and universities offer a variety of accounting degrees, and students can choose between different program lengths, degree concentrations, and curriculum options. Schools offer accounting degrees on a full-time or part-time basis, and for those requiring more flexibility, online degree options are available. Read on below to find out more information about accounting school rankings, individual programs, and accounting career outlooks in Michigan.

Table of Contents

• Comparison of Schools and Programs
• Top-Ranked Schools in Michigan
• Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates
• School Profiles
• Michigan CPA Requirements and Steps
• Career Opportunities for Graduates
• Additional Resources

Comparison of Michigan Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Michigan to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options.

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 Michigan

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

• Michigan State University
• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Grand Valley State University
• Calvin University
• Hope College
• Western Michigan University
• Northwood University
• Central Michigan University
• Wayne State University²

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023

• Calvin University
• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor³

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

• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (#5)
• Michigan State University (#22 tie)⁴

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

• University of Michigan-Flint (#58 tie)
• Central Michigan University (#63 tie)
• Madonna University (#157 tie)
• Northwood University (#170-214)⁵

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

• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (#5)
• Michigan State University (#25)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 Michigan 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 Michigan being 61.8%:

1. Michigan Technological University 95.2%
2. University of Michigan Ann Arbor 91.4%
3. Calvin University 86.2%
4. Grand Valley State University 75.2%
5. Michigan State University 70.0%
6. Adrian College 66.7%

*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 Michigan with Accounting Degrees

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

Michigan State University

At Michigan State University (MSU), students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting through the Department of Accounting and Information Systems in the Eli Broad College of Business. This degree is designed for students interested in learning the fundamentals of accounting as well as the skills needed to be leaders in the field. Undergraduate students complete general education courses, fundamental business courses, and specialized accounting classes. The accounting curriculum at MSU has been developed with the input of current accounting professionals to ensure students learn relevant and applicable skills. Undergraduates can also choose to pursue internship opportunities while completing their degree. For those interested in pursuing an advanced degree and the CPA designation, MSU offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) and an MS in Accounting and Data Analytics.

University of Michigan Dearborn

The College of Business at the University of Michigan Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with an Accounting major. The accounting program focuses on how to understand business decision-making as well as the accounting tools necessary to make an informed decision. Students take required courses such as Cost Accounting, Federal Income Taxation, Auditing, and Advanced Corporate Finance. Additionally, students can choose from electives like Commercial Transactions or Not-for-Profit Accounting. These courses prepare students to pursue further degrees, work toward the CPA designation, or find entry-level positions in accounting information systems, financial accounting, or controllership. Students at UM-Dearborn have the option to combine their BBA with a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) and finish in five years. Undergraduates can also complete an additional certificate in Entrepreneurship or Financial Planning.

Calvin University

Students at Calvin University can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA). This four-year undergraduate degree includes general education courses, business classes, and accounting specialization courses. Through these classes, students learn how to understand and analyze accounting information to make business decisions and how accounting information systems can inform business performance. The curriculum focuses on experiential learning, and students have the opportunity to work on team consulting cases or pursue an optional full-time internship. The Accounting Department organizes networking events with local accounting professionals, and undergraduates can also take advantage of a strong alumni network for possible future career opportunities. For those interested in pursuing the CPA designation, Calvin University offers a Master of Accounting (MAcc) that prepares students to sit for the CPA examination.

Graduate Accounting Programs

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

At the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor (UM-Ann Arbor), students can pursue a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree. This flexible degree focuses on a broad educational foundation. Students study accounting and business fundamentals through 21 credits of courses such as Corporate Financial Research and Reporting; Federal Taxation; and Auditing & Assurance. Students can customize the remaining nine credits of their degree with cross-discipline electives from other UM-Ann Arbor programs. These electives can be in the business school, like International Tax or Financial Statement Analysis from the MBA program, or select courses in public policy, law, foreign language, or other subjects. MAcc students also focus on business communication, teamwork skills, and leadership development through university-organized seminars and symposiums.

Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) offers an AACSB-accredited Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree that can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The curriculum first focuses on essential accounting knowledge, and students take core classes in Accounting Theory, Ethics for Accountants, and Financial Statement Analysis. Electives are chosen based on emphasis: Auditing or Taxation. Coursework includes 33 credits and focuses on theory as well as its practical application in the field, and students learn through real-life examples and case studies. With full-time study, the degree can be completed in 12 months. GVSU also maintains relationships with local accounting firms and other business leaders, and students have the opportunity to network and explore career opportunities while still in the program.

Online Accounting Programs

Baker College

Baker College offers an IACBE-accredited Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting degree that can be completed online or in an online live format. Students complete coursework in general education and fundamental business in addition to accounting classes such as Cost Accounting; Business Law; Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting; and Forensic Accounting. While accounting-specific courses are only available online, undergraduates can complete a number of their general education courses on campus or online. In addition to accounting fundamentals, students also learn leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Graduates from Baker College are prepared for further study in the accounting field or careers in private, managerial, public, and governmental accounting.

Wayne State University

Wayne State University’s (WSU) Mike Ilitch School of Business offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree that can be completed partially online. This program is designed for students with undergraduate degrees in business or accounting who are interested in careers in public accounting. Students take core courses such as Managerial Accounting, Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting, Internal Auditing, and Business Entities. All of these courses are offered at WSU’s main campus in Midtown Detroit, and some are offered online or at WSU satellite campuses. Students can choose from three optional concentrations; Professional Accounting; Financial Reporting and Auditing; and Taxation. After completing this program, graduates will have the required 150 semester hours and knowledge base to sit for the CPA examination and apply for licensure if desired.

Michigan CPA Requirements and Steps

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Michigan, individuals must complete a series of educational and licensure requirements set forth by the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) State Board of Accountancy. CPA candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least 150 semester hours of college education. There are five main steps to complete in order to earn a CPA license in Michigan.

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

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

Candidates for CPA licensure in Michigan must have completed 150 semester hours of college education that includes the award of a bachelor’s degree or higher with a concentration in accounting. The academic program must include 30 semester hours of accounting, with no more than six of those semester hours in taxation. In addition, candidates must complete 39 semester hours divided between at least five of the following areas, with at least three, but not more than 12, semester hours completed in each area counting towards the total number of hours:

• Business law
• Economics
• Ethics
• Finance
• Management
• Marketing
• Taxation
• Statistics
• Business policy

A master’s of business administration (MBA) degree with an accounting concentration will qualify if it includes at least 12 semester hours of graduate-level accounting courses, not including taxation or information systems courses.

2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

LARA requires CPA candidates to earn at least 2,000 hours of qualifying accounting experience verified by a licensed CPA. The experience must be earned over the course of one to five years and may be earned in government, industry, academia, or public practice. Candidates obtaining their experience in academic instruction will meet the work experience requirement after teaching four semesters of not less than six credit hours per semester.

3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Candidates who have accumulated at least a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting and 120 semester hours of education may apply to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam. The Uniform CPA Exam is developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and administered by NASBA. Applicants must apply to take the exam on the NASBA website. The Uniform CPA Exam is a requirement in all 50 states consisting of four sections which may be taken in any order. Candidates must pass all four sections with a score of 75 or higher within an 18-month rolling period to qualify for a license.

4. Apply for a license.

Applicants who have met the criteria for licensure may complete the application for a license and pay any necessary fees on the LARA website. Applicants must include a copy of their academic transcripts to verify that they have met the educational requirements and have their work experience verified by their supervising CPA. Applicants who took the Uniform CPA Exam outside of Michigan must attach an Official Certification of Exam document.

5. Receive a license.

The processing time for applications can vary from two to six weeks. Applicants who have submitted online may track their application as each requirement is verified through their account on the LARA website. Once the status of the application is updated to “complete” on the website, the applicant is considered to be licensed and may begin practice. A confirmation letter with an official license and wallet card will be sent by mail. If there are any problems with the application, applicants will be notified by email and will have one year from the date of application to correct the discrepancy before restarting the application process.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Licensed Michigan CPAs must complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) during each reporting year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. At least eight of the qualifying hours must be in auditing and accounting and at least two of the qualifying hours must be in ethics. In any two-year period at least one hour of ethics CE must cover the Michigan laws and rules that apply to public accountancy. You can find additional information on the LARA website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Michigan

The large number of national corporations based in Michigan has consistently fueled a high demand for accountants and auditors within the state. In Detroit, large companies such as General Motors Company and Ally Financial Inc. offer numerous opportunities to recent graduates or career changers. Other large corporations based in Michigan include the Kellogg Company, Ford Motor Company, and the Dow Chemical Company. For those interested in pursuing careers within private accounting firms, Michigan is home to offices such as Yeo & Yeo, Plante Moran, and Deloitte Detroit, and these firms may offer positions for accounting graduates. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Troy are urban centers in the state that may provide many opportunities for both accountants and auditors.

Michigan Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area