Students in Washington can choose from many accounting programs offered by the state’s colleges and universities. This overview will provide you with key information on accounting schools in Washington so that you can find the program that works best for you. Accounting schools offer full-time, part-time, and even online options, and students can choose from different concentrations and degree types. Read on to find out more details about accounting degrees, program curriculum, and accounting career outlooks in Washington.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Washington Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Washington 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
Bellevue College—BAS-AccountingN.Av.30%$11,404$12,375$57,963
Central Washington University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MPAcc		88.5%52%$15,864$19,500$59,283
City University of SeattleACBSPBSBA-Specialized Study AccountingN.Av.N.Av.N.Av.$25,000$64,434
Eastern Washington University—BSBA-Professional Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA/MPAcc Dual Degree;
MBA-Accounting; MPAcc;
MPAcc-Business Analysis and Reporting;
Grad Cert-Professional Accounting		97.1%50%$12,827$19,500$55,189
Gonzaga UniversityAACSBBBA-Accounting;
5-Year Accelerated BBA/MAcc;
MAcc		76.2%88%$38,727$24,454$76,325
Heritage University—BS-AccountingN.Av.45%$7,841$14,573$45,995
North Seattle College—BAS-Accounting with International AccountingN.Av.28%$10,047$15,458$46,503
Northwest UniversityACBSPBA-Accounting96.0%68%$23,722$20,891$52,311
Pacific Lutheran University—BBA-Accounting88.4%72%$24,825$22,578$60,932
Saint Martin’s UniversityACBSPBA-Accounting;
5-Year Accelerated BA/MAcc;
MAcc		71.6%60%$21,811$22,500$60,191
Seattle Pacific University—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		92.0%65%$26,549$24,000$61,006
Seattle University—BA-Accounting;
BA/MSA Early Start Program;
MPAcc;
MS-Accounting and Analytics;
Grad Cert-Accounting		82.1%74%$35,412$19,883$73,484
University of Washington-Bothell Campus—BABA-Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Accounting		83.0%69%$9,357$14,615$74,063
University of Washington-Seattle CampusAACSBBABA-Accounting;
MPAcc		53.5%84%$10,603$14,615$74,063
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus—BABA-Accounting82.9%54%$10,680$14,615$74,063
Walla Walla UniversityACBSPBBA-AccountingN.Av.63%$25,314$26,842$56,658
Washington State UniversityAACSBBABA-Accounting;
MAcc		85.8%62%$17,911$19,500$65,331
Western Washington University—BA-Accounting;
BS-Economics/Accounting;
BS-Accounting: Economics;
BS-Accounting: Finance;
BS-Accounting: Financial Economics;
BS-Accounting: Management Information Systems;
BS-Accounting: Operations;
Minor-Accounting		96.1%65%$21,105$18,500$59,142
Whitworth University—BBA-Accounting91.5%76%$28,299$25,000$57,211

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 Washington

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

  • University of Washington
  • Seattle University
  • Gonzaga University
  • Washington State University
  • Central Washington University
  • Western Washington University2

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

  • Gonzaga University (#29 tie)
  • Seattle University (#29 tie)
  • University of Washington (#29 tie)4

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

  • Washington State University (#12 tie)
  • Central Washington University (#79 tie)
  • City University of Seattle (#141 tie)5

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

  • University of Washington (#19)
  • Gonzaga University (#39 tie)
  • Seattle University (#44 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 Washington 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 Washington being 59.3%:

  1. Gonzaga University 85.8%
  2. Walla Walla University 77.8%
  3. University of Washington 69.3%
  4. University of Puget Sound 66.7%
  5. Western Washington University 63.3%
  6. Seattle University 60.3%

Schools in Washington with Accounting Degrees

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

Gonzaga University

The School of Business Administration at Gonzaga University (GU) offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a major in Accounting. This 27-credit program is designed for students interested in careers in professional accounting and financial services positions in corporate or other organizations. Students learn from a challenging curriculum that includes accounting fundamentals and real-world applications of these principles. Core classes include Cost Accounting, Federal Taxation, Accounting Information Systems, and Auditing. Gonzaga emphasizes community outreach, and students can participate in local volunteer, consulting, or internship opportunities. For those interested in a CPA track, the School of Business Administration also offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) graduate program.

Saint Martin’s University

Students at Saint Martin’s University can earn an ACBSP-accredited Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting. The curriculum focuses on accounting fundamentals, current accounting technologies, and industry best practices. The BA curriculum includes a liberal arts base as well as the functional areas of business and accounting. Students learn how to analyze and understand financial information as well as how to communicate it in a business or public context. Coursework includes training in industry-standard software, so students have professionally-relevant skills to add to their resumes. Saint Martin’s emphasizes undergraduate internships, with career and internship fairs held on campus every semester. Students interested in a master’s degree in accounting from Saint Martin’s University can complete an additional year of study through the 5-Year Accelerated BA/MAcc.

Seattle University

At the Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University (SU), students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA) with a major in Accounting. This program emphasizes a strong accounting foundation with a focus on computer applications in the accounting industry. The curriculum includes business foundation classes as well as major-specific courses such as Cost Accounting, Federal Income Tax, and Auditing. Through these classes, students learn fundamental accounting practices such as how to prepare financial statements, how to keep track of revenue and expenses, and how to manage and mitigate financial risk. Coursework includes an emphasis on teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Students can take advantage of an accounting internship program, formal career counseling, and job placement services for post-graduation opportunities. SU also offers an Early Start MSAA program, where students can complete nine credits of accounting courses that will count toward both their BABA and Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) or Master of Science (MS) in Accounting and Analytics.

Graduate Accounting Programs

University of Washington

The University of Washington’s (UW’s) Foster School of Business in Seattle offers a Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) degree. Students in this program learn fundamental accounting skills as well as innovative thinking strategies and oral and written communication skills. The curriculum includes courses such as Data Analytics for Professional Accountants; Communications in Professional Accounting; and Accounting, Audit, and Assurance Regulation. These courses focus on how to apply data analysis tools and data-driven decision-making to auditing and assurance work. The program includes university-organized study groups, emphasizing team-based collaboration and support. Graduates meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA examination.

University of Washington Bothell

At the School of Business at the University of Washington Bothell (UW Bothell), students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting. This program is designed for working professionals and it satisfies the fifth-year educational requirement generally necessary to pursue CPA licensure. Students can choose between two concentrations: Financial Reporting and Taxation. Students can attend on a full-time or part-time basis, and the core classes are held in the evenings, with some electives available on Saturday mornings. The curriculum provides graduate-level knowledge in subjects such as accounting theory, managerial accounting, analysis of financial statements, and auditing and forensic techniques. Students in the MS in Accounting program learn how to analyze and communicate accounting data, and the coursework also emphasizes teamwork and leadership skills.

Online Accounting Programs

Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University (EWU) offers a Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) and an MPAcc in Business Analysis and Report that can be completed completely online. The MPAcc offers multiple electives that allow students to tailor the degree to their interests, including Forensic Accounting, Small Business Accounting, and Sustainability Accounting. Both MPAcc programs consist of 36 credits and can be completed in as little as eight months. Both programs are designed to prepare students for the CPA exam and offer hands-on experience through an optional internship. EWU also offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting. The MBA in Accounting consists of 44 credits and takes at least 10 months to complete. The MBA in Accounting is designed to prepare students to analyze and manage costs, identify opportunities for business process improvement, and measure performance in a variety of accounting and finance-centered careers.

Washington State University

Washington State University (WSU) offers an AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA) with an Accounting major that can be completed entirely online. The Carson College of Business has formatted the BABA into two to four seven-week courses during a traditional 16-week semester, allowing students to take multiple business courses alongside traditional non-business courses within the same semester. The curriculum starts with broad core requirements before students move on to accounting specialization courses. The accounting major courses include Cost Accounting; Auditing; Accounting Systems; and Taxation of Business Entities and Individuals. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking and innovative problem-solving. Internships are encouraged and can be arranged with advisor assistance. The WSU chapter of Beta Alpha Psi offers opportunities to network with potential employers.

Washington CPA Requirements and Steps

The Washington State Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires that CPAs have at least 150 semester credit hours of education experience and have earned at least a bachelor’s degree with an accounting major or concentration. There are seven main steps to complete in order to obtain a CPA license in Washington.

  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. Complete the Washington State Ethics & Regulations course.
  5. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  6. Apply for a license.
  7. Receive a license.

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

CPA candidates in Washington State must first complete 150 semester hours of education that include the award of a bachelor’s degree or higher with either a major or a concentration in accounting. The Board defines a major or concentration in accounting as a program with at least 24 semester hours in accounting subjects, 15 semester hours of which must be at the upper or graduate level, and 24 semester hours in business administration subjects.

2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

The Board requires prospective licensees to acquire at least one year of experience totaling 2,000 work hours. Candidates may gain experience through full- or part-time work in public accounting, industry, or government. In some cases, experience in academia may qualify. Candidates may gain experience under one or more employers in both paid and unpaid positions. All work counted towards the experience requirement must be verified by a licensed CPA and utilize the candidate’s business, accounting, and auditing skills.

3. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.

As part of the Washington State ethics requirements, prospective CPAs must complete the AICPA Professional Ethics course with a score of at least 90%. Information about the course can be found on the Board’s website. Candidates must submit verification of a passing grade with their CPA license application.

4. Complete the Washington State Ethics & Regulations course.

In addition to the AICPA exam, Washington CPA candidates must pass the four-hour self-study course, Washington State Ethics & Regulations for CPA Applicants, and accompanying exam with a score of 90% or higher. Candidates must contact the Board for a username and password to access the exam. More information about the process can be found on the Board’s website.

5. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Candidates who have completed at least 150 semester hours of college and either have or are within 120 days of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in accounting may take the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam, administered by NASBA, which is a licensure requirement in all 50 states. The Washington Board uses CPA Exam Services (CPAES) to administer the test. Candidates may submit their exam application on the CPAES website. All four sections of the exam must be passed with a score of 75 or higher within an 18-month rolling period to qualify for a license.

6. Apply for a license.

The Board has implemented an online license application process. Once all licensing requirements have been met, candidates must create a user account and submit all documentation and an application for a license to the Board’s online services page.

7. Receive a license.

Upon submission of the application, candidates will receive an automated email informing them that their application has been received. After that point, the Board usually takes one to two weeks to process the license application. Once approved, candidates will receive an email informing them of approval and containing the license number. Candidates may begin practicing as soon as they appear on the Board’s license verification page. Within 30 days of licensure, the CPA will receive a letter from the Board explaining their responsibilities along with a wall certificate.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Licensed Washington CPAs must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) for each three-year license renewal period with a minimum of 20 hours of CPE per year. CPE must include a Board-approved course in ethics and regulations and no more than 60 hours of non-technical courses. You can find additional information on the Board’s website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Washington

There are many opportunities for accounting graduates to pursue their career interests in Washington in different areas of the accounting field. Large companies such as Amazon, Boeing, Costco, and Microsoft operate out of Washington state, offering numerous positions in accounting and finance. Large accounting firms in Washington include Moss Adams, Deloitte, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Graduates may also find opportunities to work in statewide or regional business, as well as in public accounting or governmental positions. Those with accounting degrees in Washington may find many different career possibilities within the state’s accounting industry.

Washington Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Bellingham690$79,910
Olympia-Tumwater1,020$85,810
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue23,330$94,120
Spokane-Spokane Valley2,180$81,360

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Washington

  • BDO: With offices in Seattle and Spokane, BDO offers assurance, tax and business advisory services.
  • Hutchinson & Walter, CPAs: Offers tax preparation and consulting services to clients in the Puget Sound area.
  • CBIZ Berntson Porter: One of the largest firms in the Puget Sound area, Berntston Porter offers a wide array of accounting services to clients through the Pacific Northwest.

Accounting Associations in Washington

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, Washington: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wa.htm
13. Washington State Board of Accountancy: https://acb.wa.gov/