The universities and colleges in Virginia offer a variety of accounting programs that can help you reach your career goals. Colleges and universities in Virginia provide bachelor’s, master’s, and even online accounting degree options. Students can choose between different program formats, curricula, and concentrations, making it easy to find a program that best matches their interests. This overview of accounting schools in Virginia will equip you with information on schools and programs for studying accounting in the state.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Virginia Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Virginia 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
Averett University—BSBA-Accounting;
MAcc		47.7%46%$23,781$25,000$48,621
Bluefield University—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Business Accounting		72.3%31%$22,904$21,855$45,094
Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach—BBA-AccountingN.Av.26%$12,498$21,549$30,181
College of William and MaryAACSBBBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MAcc-Accounting Analytics;
MAcc-Audit & Assurance;
MAcc-Experiential (Winter Field Experience);
MAcc-Taxation;
MAcc-Valuation & Advisory Services;
MAcc		36.5%91%$25,688$18,500$69,897
Eastern Mennonite University—BS-Accounting;
BS-Accounting: Finance;
Minor-Accounting		95.2%63%$23,783$24,813$47,702
Emory & Henry College—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		87.2%58%$20,834$26,332$46,471
Ferrum College—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		76.4%28%$25,558$27,000$42,933
George Mason UniversityAACSBBS-Business: Accounting;
Accelerated BS to MS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Accounting Analytics;
Grad Cert-Accounting for Government Contracts;
Grad Cert-Forensic Accounting;
Grad Cert-Government Accounting		91.3%71%$18,479$19,500$69,958
Hampton UniversityIACBEBS-Accounting80.1%46%$32,421$25,442$55,618
James Madison UniversityAACSBBBA-Accounting;
5-Year BBA-Accounting to MS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting		86.3%81%$18,274$20,093$65,172
Liberty UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting and Data Analysis;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting;
MSA-Audit and Financial Reporting;
MSA-Business;
MSA-Financial Services;
MSA-Forensic Accounting;
MSA-General;
MSA-Leadership;
MSA-Taxation		99.3%66%$29,913$24,500$45,115
Marymount UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting83.7%61%$24,664$25,000$62,704
Norfolk State University—BS-Accountancy88.6%40%$14,652$29,000$41,222
Old Dominion UniversityAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Integrated BSBA/MS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting: Financial Management;
MS-Accounting: Taxation		96.2%48%$16,098$24,000$52,678
Radford University—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Accelerated BBA-Accounting to MBA;
Grad Cert-Accounting		95.3%54%$17,105$24,000$52,232
Randolph-Macon College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		83.8%74%$28,389$27,000$58,576
Regent UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
BS-Business: Accounting;
Accelerated MBA-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting;
MS-Accounting: Financial Reporting & Assurance;
MS-Accounting: Tax		40.7%55%$17,341$24,534$44,160
University of LynchburgACBSPBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
4+2 BA-Accounting/MBA		96.9%60%$23,256$27,000$50,248
University of RichmondAACSBBSBA-Accounting;
BSBA-Business Analytics: Accounting;
BSBA-Economics Business: Accounting;
BSBA-Finance: Accounting;
BSBA-International Business: Accounting;
BSBA-Management Consulting: Accounting;
BSBA-Management Entrepreneurship: Accounting;
BSBA-Marketing: Accounting		28.8%88%$29,248$21,000$80,715
University of Virginia-Main CampusAACSBBSC-Accounting;
MS-Accounting: Assurance/Tax Consulting;
MS-Accounting: Financial Reporting;
Grad Cert-Accounting		20.7%95%$19,469$17,500$80,584
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityAACSBBS-Accounting: Data Analytics;
MAcc-Data Analytics;
Grad Cert-Accounting		92.8%65%$21,294$21,500$54,300
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityAACSBBS-Business: Accounting and Information Systems;
5-Year BS-Business to MS-Accounting and Information Systems;
MS-Accounting and Information Systems		56.5%86%$19,301$21,500$77,621
Virginia State University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		96.1%38%$15,773$26,500$43,364
Virginia Union University—BS-Accounting93.8%39%$21,057$29,000$38,575
Washington and Lee University—BS-Accounting18.9%95%$24,733$19,500$84,232
Washington University of VirginiaIACBEBS-AccountingN.Av.N.Av.N.Av.N.Av.N.Av.

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 Virginia

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

  • Virginia Tech
  • Washington and Lee University
  • George Mason University
  • James Madison University
  • University of Richmond
  • William & Mary
  • Virginia Commonwealth University2

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023

  • George Mason University
  • James Madison University3

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

  • Old Dominion University (#32 tie)
  • Regent University (#66 tie)
  • Liberty University (#141 tie)
  • Bluefield University (#170-214)5

US News & World Report’s Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2022-23

  • University of Virginia (#20 tie)
  • Virginia Tech (#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 reports including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Virginia 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 Virginia being 62.2%:

  1. University of Virginia’s College at Wise 90.9%
  2. University of Virginia 86.5%
  3. College of William & Mary 85.5%
  4. Washington and Lee University 81.6%
  5. James Madison University 79.9%
  6. Old Dominion University 74.7%

*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 Virginia with Accounting Degrees

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

College of William and Mary

At the Raymond A. Mason School of Business at the College of William and Mary (W&M), students can complete a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a major in Accounting. The core accounting curriculum includes classes such as Strategic Cost Management; Auditing and Internal Controls; and Financial Reporting and Analysis. These courses teach students business fundamentals as well as specialized accounting knowledge. After completing the required core classes, students can take the accounting electives Not-for-Profit Accounting; Control and Analysis; and International Accounting (or Advanced Accounting). These courses are designed with the input of current professional accountants, and graduates are prepared to work in accountancy in both the business and public sectors. Student organizations such as the Wayne F. Gibbs Accounting Society connect accounting students with business professionals and recruiters in addition to hosting information sessions and professional development workshops.

University of Richmond

Students at the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a major in Accounting. This degree focuses on accounting theory as well as the current complexities and challenges in the field. Students start their major with fundamental business courses before taking accounting courses such as Cost and Managerial Accounting; Federal Tax I, and Advanced Financial Accounting. The Robins School also offers optional additional concentrations in areas such as business analytics, economics business, finance, international business, management consulting, management entrepreneurship, and marketing. Through coursework and classroom experience, students learn a mix of theoretical concepts and real-world skills needed to work in the accounting profession. An Accounting Concentration is also available to complement a major or concentration in business analytics, economics business, finance, international business, management consulting, management entrepreneurship, or marketing. Richmond also offers several student-led organizations such as the Accounting Society, Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi), and Women in Business (WIB). These organizations provide business students with career information as well as networking and professional development opportunities.

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia’s (UVA’s) McIntire School of Commerce offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Commerce with a Concentration in Accounting. Students study a broad liberal arts background for their first two years before focusing on business and accounting coursework. The accounting curriculum emphasizes the analytical and conceptual skills necessary in the field, as well as how to understand and analyze quantitative information. Through courses such as Intermediate Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, Federal Taxation, and Strategic Cost Management, students learn how to use accounting information to make decisions in business. UVA’s Commerce Career Center hosts events such as Commerce Career Day, Employer Engagement Days, and the “Careers In” Business Series, providing students with opportunities to network, learn about career opportunities, and prepare them for job recruiting. UVA also offers a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting for students interested in pursuing graduate study.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

The Department of Accounting and Information Systems at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) offers a Master of Accounting and Information Systems (MACIS) degree. This program is ideal for those interested in professional accounting careers or those who want to pursue a professional accounting designation such as CPA. MACIS students can choose from five different tracks, including Accounting Analytics, Audit, Financial Services, Information Systems, and Tax. Students can use Virginia Tech’s professional networks, alumni associations, and faculty connections to search for possible career opportunities. The program is open to individuals with any type of undergraduate degree, but those with an undergraduate accounting or business degree may complete the program in one year while those without an academic accounting background may need to complete additional courses, finishing the program in about two years.

James Madison University

Students at James Madison University (JMU) can earn a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). This full-time, on-campus program prepares students to fulfill the knowledge requirements for the CPA examination and the educational requirements for licensure. Both undergraduate business and non-business majors can apply for this program, although non-business majors may need to complete additional foundational courses. Through classes such as Financial Management for Accountants; Tax Research and Strategy; and Accounting Theory, students learn both technical expertise and business skills. MSA students can gain experience by helping members of the community prepare taxes through the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. JMU also offers local and regional connections to students for networking and post-graduation career opportunities.

Online Accounting Programs

Regent University

Regent University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that can be completed online or on-campus in Virginia Beach. This degree can be a foundation for accounting graduates who want to pursue further education and the CPA designation, as well as those interested in the public, private, or nonprofit business sectors. Through courses such as Managerial Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Federal Tax, and Forensic Accounting, students learn how to use accounting data to make business decisions. Coursework focuses on skills such as financial statement preparation and strategic management, and students also learn about accounting law and ethics. Both the online and on-campus degrees are 120-credit hour programs and share the same accounting core requirements. Regent also offers a BS in Business with an Accounting concentration that can be completed online or on-campus. This program is ideal for students interested in entrepreneurship and is also designed to prepare students to sit for the CPA examination upon graduation if desired. Students interested in graduate study and/or CPA certification can apply for Regent’s Master of Science (MS) in Accounting or Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting, both of which can be completed online. Students in the MS program choose a concentration in financial reporting and assurance or tax. Required courses include Advanced Cost/Managerial Accounting and Accounting Ethics. The MBA program focuses on managing business operations and students in the accounting concentration must complete 12 credits of advanced accounting coursework in addition to 36 credits of business core courses.

George Mason University

At George Mason University (GMU), students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business with an Accounting Concentration entirely online. The program is designed to prepare students for accounting careers in the public and private sectors. Students must complete 24 credits of business core classes and 21 credits of accounting coursework. Required classes include Accounting for Decision Making and Accounting Analytics. Eligible accounting students can pursue GMU’s Accelerated Advanced Accounting Pathway (A++) Program which allows them to earn both a BS and a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) in just four years. The MSA program can be completed on a full-time basis in as little as 11 months or on a part-time basis over the course of two years. For those interested in pursuing the CPA designation, this program fulfills both the requirements to sit for the CPA examination. Core courses include Advanced Issues in Financial Accounting, Fraud Examination, and Global Accounting Environment, and students are able to choose from a variety of accounting elective courses. The curriculum focuses on advanced accounting knowledge as well as leadership and management strategies. Online graduate students still gain hands-on experience through projects, real-life case studies, and an optional one-week international study tour. GMU also offers graduate certificates in forensic accounting, government accounting, and accounting for government that can be completed online.

Virginia CPA Requirements and Steps

The Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA) requires that applicants complete 120 semester hours before they can qualify to take the CPA exam, although they must complete a total of 150 hours before gaining licensure. Applicants must also have at least a bachelor’s degree or higher with an accounting concentration or equivalent and have completed at least 24 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business classes. There are seven main steps to complete in order to earn a Virginia CPA license.

  1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
  2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  3. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
  4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  5. Complete any pre-licensure continuing education, if required.
  6. Apply for a CPA license.
  7. Receive a CPA license.

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

Virginia follows the 150-hour rule, meaning that CPA applicants in the state must complete at least 150 semester hours of college education that include the award of a bachelor’s degree. The total hours must include 24 semester hours in accounting courses above the foundational level as well as 24 semester hours of business courses, no more than six semester hours of which may also be considered accounting courses. The VBOA recommends, but does not require, that these hours include graduate study in accounting.

2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

Virginia CPA candidates must earn at least 2,080 hours or the equivalent of one full year of professional accounting experience, and have that experience certified by a licensed CPA. Work may be performed in academia, government, industry, or public or private practice so long as it involves the use of accounting, financial, tax, and other relevant skills to accounting practice. Self-employment may not be counted towards the experience requirement.

3. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.

A passing score of 90% on the Professional Ethics Exam offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is a requirement for Virginia CPA licensure. The self-study course is titled Professional Ethics: The AICPA’s Comprehensive Course and it can be taken through AICPA’s website. Candidates should request that the AICPA send their exam scores directly to the VBOA.

4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Candidates who have completed at least 120 semester hours of education and a bachelor’s degree in accounting are eligible to take the Uniform CPA Exam administered by NASBA. Candidates should apply to take the exam through the VBOA CPA Licensure Services portal. Once a candidate’s application has been approved by the Board, they will receive further information on scheduling and taking the exam. The exam consists of four sections that may be taken in any order over an 18-month period. All sections must be passed with a score of 75 or higher.

5. Complete any pre-licensure continuing education, if required.

Candidates who do not apply for a license in the same calendar year that they pass the Uniform CPA Exam must complete continuing professional education (CPE). For every calendar year that begins after passing the exam, candidates must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education, including two hours of a VBOA-approved Virginia-specific ethics course.

6. Apply for a CPA license.

Once all the requirements have been met, prospective CPAs must apply to the VBOA for a license. The VBOA uses an online process for first-time CPA applicants and applicants can submit the required materials and access their application using the online portal.

7. Receive a CPA license.

Applicants may track the progress of their application on the VBOA online portal. Once the license application and documentation are submitted the VBOA will take between two and five business days to update the online checklist. After all documentation and applications have been processed the applicant will receive a notification via email from the VBOA indicating approval of the application and issuance of a license.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Licensed CPAs in Virginia must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each rolling three-year period, with no fewer than 20 hours in any given calendar year. Licensed CPAs will also need to complete a board-approved Virginia-specific ethics course every year. You can find additional information on the VBOA’s website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Virginia

Virginia is home to many large financial institutions, some of which employ accounting and finance program graduates from local schools. Capital One Financial is located in the state, as is Freddie Mac, a national mortgage underwriting group. Many government and military entities operate in the area as well, providing job opportunities for accounting professionals. Graduates and CPAs can also find work in local and statewide CPA firms or businesses.

Virginia Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Charlottesville1,200$74,900
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol700$70,700
Lynchburg800$72,320
Richmond8,020$82,780
Roanoke1,260$70,450
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV43,670$101,870

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Virginia

  • PBMares: Among the largest accounting firms in the state of Virginia, the firm provides services to clients both in their community and worldwide.
  • Keiter: Another one of Virginia’s largest CPA firms, where the focus is on identifying opportunities for its clients.
  • Yount Hyde & Barbour: With offices in multiple Virginia cities, the firm provides accounting, tax, and assurance services to individuals and commercial businesses.

Virginia 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, Virginia: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_va.htm
13. Virginia Board of Accountancy: https://boa.virginia.gov/