The following overview of accounting schools in Tennessee provides information for those interested in an undergraduate or graduate degree in accounting. Tennessee’s colleges and universities offer a variety of degree programs that range from full-time and part-time formats to fully online options. Those interested in a degree in accounting may choose between programs offering different curricula and concentrations. Read on below to find out more about degree options, school rankings, and career outlooks for accounting in Tennessee.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Tennessee Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Tennessee 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
Austin Peay State University—BBA-Accounting93.4%43%$16,140$20,547$41,717
Belmont UniversityAACSBBBA-Accounting;
BBA-Accounting, Adult Degree;
MAcc		88.1%72%$36,225$20,500$51,864
Bethel UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
BS-Accounting and Finance		50.0%45%$13,858$27,249$44,136
Carson-Newman University—BS-Accounting78.9%56%$20,111$21,500$43,846
Christian Brothers University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MAcc		96.6%60%$18,612$27,000$53,563
Cumberland UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		57.8%49%$18,528$17,952$49,591
East Tennessee State UniversityAACSBBBA-Accountancy;
Minor-Accountancy;
Accelerated BBA to MAcc;
MAcc;
MAcc-Audit;
MAcc-Controllership;
MAcc-Taxation;
MAcc-Generalist		87.4%55%$14,350$19,442$42,563
Fisk UniversityACBSPBSBA-Accounting61.1%56%$20,578$27,000$42,011
Freed-Hardeman UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
Dual BBA/MBA-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		87.9%70%$18,556$21,500$42,173
Le Moyne-Owen CollegeACBSPBBA-Accounting97.9%18%$6,308$28,070$31,052
Lee UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting82.9%63%$19,726$25,750$42,772
Lincoln Memorial UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		69.9%51%$19,162$20,000$44,726
Lipscomb UniversityAACSB, ACBSPBBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MAcc;
Grad Cert-Accountancy		74.0%69%$27,937$19,500$51,858
Maryville College—BS-Finance/Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		68.2%53%$21,583$25,375$45,765
Middle Tennessee State UniversityAACSBBBA-Accounting68.4%55%$13,062$20,000$46,693
Milligan UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
BSBA-Accounting;
BABA-Accounting		60.4%63%$19,865$25,219$44,385
Rhodes College—MS-Accounting56.9%85%$30,672$21,761$69,215
Southern Adventist UniversityIACBEBBA-Accounting74.4%52%$24,332$24,500$49,250
Tennessee State UniversityAACSBBBA-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		N.Av.32%$11,986$27,000$41,588
Tennessee Technological UniversityAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
MAcc		79.2%60%$15,188$15,650$45,397
Tennessee Wesleyan University—BBA-Accounting;
MBA 4+1 Program-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		59.6%50%$13,591$20,000$42,661
Tusculum UniversityACBSPBSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		77.0%34%$20,414$23,250$42,969
Trevecca Nazarene University—BBA-Accounting77.7%61%$16,080$18,744$51,250
Union UniversityAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
4+1 BSBA-Accounting/MAcc;
MAcc		52.9%67%$28,585$20,714$52,147
University of MemphisAACSBBBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
PhD-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Taxation		95.2%48%$13,873$23,300$46,044
University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
MAcc;
MAcc-Forensic Data Analytics;
MBA-Accounting		85.7%52%$14,417$19,500$46,266
University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
MAcc;
PhD-Business Administration: Accounting		74.9%73%$21,880$20,500$56,615
University of Tennessee-MartinAACSBBSBA-Accounting75.1%53%$12,619$21,024$43,043
University of Tennessee Southern—BBA-Accounting92.2%30%$16,762$21,500$38,823
Vanderbilt UniversityAACSBMAcc7.1%93%$25,606$14,000$84,415

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 Tennessee

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

  • Vanderbilt University (#12)
  • University of Tennessee-Knoxville (#68)
  • Belmont University (#126)
  • Lipscomb University (#191)2

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

  • University of Memphis (#32 tie)
  • Lee University (#112 tie)5

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

  • University of Tennessee-Knoxville (#57 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee being 61.2%:

  1. Rhodes College 75.8%
  2. Vanderbilt University 73.9%
  3. University of Tennessee Knoxville 71.2%
  4. Middle Tennessee State University 68.8%
  5. Lipscomb University 66.1%
  6. Belmont University 65.1%

*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.

Tennessee Schools with Accounting Degrees

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

Freed-Hardeman University

Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. This degree is ideal for those interested in careers in tax, auditing, management, or forensic accounting. The curriculum also provides a foundation for leadership or management positions in business firms. Students complete general education requirements before beginning the core BBA classes. Accounting majors take courses such as Cost Accounting, Principles of Taxation, and Principles of Auditing. Undergraduate students can also pursue an accelerated dual-degree program that combines the BBA curriculum with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and prepares students for CPA licensure.

Lipscomb University

Lipscomb University’s College of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a major in Accounting. Students learn fundamental accounting skills such as financial reporting and analysis to help them learn how to interpret information and make business decisions in organizations. The curriculum starts with accounting core classes, such as Intermediate Accounting, Federal Income Taxation, and Principles of Auditing. Students can then choose a concentration in areas such as Data Science, Entrepreneurship, Finance, or Law and Politics, depending on their career interests. Undergraduate students can also pursue the Certificate of Accountancy Program (CAP), which covers 18 credit hours of upper-level accounting courses to ensure students fulfill the 150 credit hours required for CPA licensure. Students who need more than 18 hours to qualify for licensure can enroll in the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program offered on campus at Lipscomb. Lipscomb also maintains partnerships with local and national accounting firms, enabling networking and career opportunities for students and graduates.

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Students at the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UT Knoxville) can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with an Accounting major. This program emphasizes both the conceptual and real-world application of business and accounting knowledge. BSBA students learn how to analyze and understand financial information for companies, clients, and government organizations, and how to make business decisions based on this accounting data. Students can choose a concentration in International Business or complete the degree through the Integrated Business and Engineering Program. UT Knoxville also offers a collateral option, which allows students to complete the 11-month Master of Accountancy (MAcc) in conjunction with their BSBA in Accounting. The MAcc degree prepares graduates to sit for the CPA examination.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Belmont University

At the Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University (BU), students can earn an AACSB-accredited Master of Accountancy (MAcc). Those without an undergraduate accounting background can either independently complete the 18 hours of prerequisite credit hours or attend the Summer Accounting Institute (SAI), an intensive 12-week immersion in accounting fundamentals. All courses are available during the evening or on Saturdays, offering flexibility for working professionals. This degree can be completed in as little as 12 months, although part-time students can take up to three years to finish the curriculum. Students can begin during the fall, spring, or summer semester, and many classes are offered yearly, with some being offered every quarter.

East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) offers an AACSB-accredited Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree ideal for those seeking careers in public accounting, industry, or government. Students must complete some prerequisite courses before beginning graduate courses in financial and managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and consulting. The curriculum emphasizes foundational business knowledge as well as professional development skills in communication and problem-solving. Students choose from one of four concentrations: Taxation, Audit, Controllership, and Generalist. Undergraduate students at ETSU can complete their Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting and MAcc on an accelerated timeline through the BBAA/MAcc program.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee Technological University

At Tennessee Technological University, also known as Tennessee Tech, students can earn a hybrid Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree through the College of Business. This AACSB-accredited program is designed for working professionals. Most of the curriculum is delivered through online classes and focuses on the knowledge needed to prepare for the four parts of the CPA exam. Students also complete two weekend residencies on campus over the course of the program, studying professional development skills and the application of course content as well as networking with peers and exploring post-graduation opportunities. Tennessee Tech emphasizes professional certification, and the curriculum includes courses that prepare students for CPA licensure. Many students complete all four parts of the CPA examination over the course of the MAcc program.

University of Memphis

Students can earn an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a major in accounting through the University of Memphis (UofM). The BBA in Accounting degree is AACSB-accredited, with a curriculum that focuses on foundational accounting knowledge and the technical skills needed in the field. Students learn how to apply financial analysis to business decision-making with an emphasis on the global business environment. Classes also teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as written and oral communication. This 120-credit hour undergraduate program can be completed entirely online, and students with previous coursework may be able to transfer some credits.

Tennessee CPA Requirements and Steps

The Tennessee State Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires CPA candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. There are six main steps to complete in order to earn a Tennessee CPA license.

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

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

The Board requires CPA applicants to have completed 150 semester hours of education that includes the award of a bachelor’s degree or higher and includes a minimum of 30 semester hours of accounting education, at least 24 of which are at the upper division or above. At least 24 semester hours in general business are also required. Subjects that satisfy the general business requirement include:

  • Algebra, calculus, statistics, probability
  • Business communications
  • Business law
  • Economics
  • Ethics
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Computer/Information systems
  • Marketing

2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

Prospective Tennessee CPAs must earn at least 2,000 hours of experience in accounting or related services across a period between one and three years to qualify for a license. The experience gained may be in industry, government, public practice, or academia. In order to qualify, the services or advice provided must be centered on the use of accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills. All experience must be verified by a currently licensed CPA.

3. Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

The Board has adopted the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Professional Ethics course and exam to fulfill the ethics requirement for CPA licensure in the state. Candidates can order the required self-study course materials from the AICPA or the Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA) websites and must pass the exam with a score of at least 90%. Scores must be sent to the Board directly from AICPA.

4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Candidates who have completed 18 semester hours of upper-division accounting coursework and a bachelor’s degree or higher may take the Uniform CPA Exam. The Uniform CPA Exam is a requirement for CPA licensure in all 50 states. All four sections must be passed within an 18-month rolling period with a score of 75 or higher. The Board uses NASBA to administer the exam application and testing process. Applicants may visit NASBA’s website to apply for the exam.

5. Apply for a license.

The final step for CPA licensure in Tennessee is to apply for a license. Once the Board has received notification that the candidate has passed both the AICPA ethics exam and the CPA exam, they will mail an application for licensure with further instructions.

6. Receive a license.

After submitting an application to the Board, the application will be reviewed for completeness and then sent on for final processing and approval, which usually takes about three days. Once the application is approved, applicants will receive an email with their license number. At this point, they may begin practicing as a CPA. The Board will mail applicants a wallet card and physical license certificate as soon as possible and a decorative wall certificate one to two months later.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Renewal of the CPA license is on a biennial schedule based on the license number issued. At least 80 hours of continuing education (CE) are required for each renewal period, at least 40 hours of which must be in technical subjects. If the CPA is performing attest services, at least 20 hours of CE must be in accounting and auditing, or if performing expert witness services, at least 20 hours of CE must be in the field of expertise referenced by the court. Two CE hours should be in Board-approved ethics courses that are Tennessee-specific. You can find additional information on the Board’s website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Program Grads in Tennessee

Tennessee accounting program graduates will find many opportunities in the accounting field whether they seek employment in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors. The local branches of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offer many jobs for accounting and tax specialists. There are several national corporations in Tennessee that employ accounting professionals including Covenant Transport, AutoZone, and Cumberland Pharmaceuticals. Tax preparation firms throughout the state hire public accounting experts regularly. Some CPA holders may wish to start their own accounting or tax preparation business. Graduates with accounting degrees may also find positions in the state’s numerous local and regional businesses in financial management or leadership roles.

Tennessee Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Chattanooga TN-GA1,690$73,980
Johnson City530$57,110
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA700$70,700
Knoxville2,860$72,890
Memphis TN-MS-AR4,300$68,660
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin10,620$77,490

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Tennessee

  • Lattimore Black Morgan & Cain (LBMC): The largest professional services firm in Tennessee and has offices in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville.
  • Kraft CPAs: Based in Nashville and one of middle Tennessee’s largest independent accounting and consulting firms, the firm offers audit, tax, accounting and a broad range of consulting services.
  • Blackburn, Childers & Steagall, PLC (BCS): BCS has over 50 years of experience providing accounting, audit, and consulting services to clients, and has offices in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Greeneville.

Tennessee Accounting Associations

  • Tennessee Association of Accountants (TAA): The mission of the TAA is to protect the interests of accountants, develop the knowledge and efficiency of its members, promote cooperation within the profession, and promote the highest standards of ethics.
  • Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA): The TSCPA acts on behalf of its nearly 10,000 members to promote public awareness of the value of CPAs, provide CPE and public forums, and represent the professional views of regulatory and governmental bodies.

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, Tennessee: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tn.htm
13. Tennessee State Board of Accountancy: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/accountancy.html