This guide to accounting schools in Georgia provides high-level information on your options for pursuing the accounting degree you need to move your accounting career forward. This page will help you find the right program for your personal interests and career goals with overviews of popular programs and degrees offered in the state. Georgia has many options for students to gain real-world experience and learn from top accounting professionals. Atlanta is a major business capital and hosts the headquarters for a number of large corporations, including Home Depot and Delta. Many schools in Georgia encourage internship experience or provide networking opportunities in Atlanta. Georgia also has some online accounting schools, which may offer scheduling options and flexibility better suited to your needs.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Georgia Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Georgia 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
Albany State UniversityACBSPBS-AccountingN.Av.28%$14,672$25,024$37,063
Augusta University—BBA-Accounting73.3%50%$13,572$20,500$45,008
Berry College—BS-Accounting69.9%65%$25,359$23,250$47,499
Brenau UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
MAcc;
Grad Cert-Managerial Accounting;
Grad Cert-Public Accounting		89.1%46%$23,635$27,000$49,629
Brewton-Parker College—BBA-Accounting79.7%20%$21,874$24,990$41,541
Clark Atlanta University—BA-Accounting;
MAcc		58.2%46%$30,015$27,000$41,968
Clayton State University—BBA-Accounting62.6%34%$9,792$25,706$45,569
Columbus State University—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		78.5%43%$12,902$26,000$43,204
Dalton State College—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Forensic Accounting		N.Av.22%$5,532$12,937$39,230
Emory University—BBA-Accounting;
BBA/MPA-Accounting;
PhD-Accounting		13.1%90%$26,680$18,250$81,802
Fort Valley State University—BBA-Accounting72.3%46%$13,016$31,000$36,389
Georgia College & State University—BBA-Accounting;
MAcc		87.7%62%$20,301$22,250$54,288
Georgia Southern UniversityAACSBBBA-Accounting;
MAcc		90.5%53%$15,352$23,250$50,829
Georgia Southwestern State University—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		85.6%36%$12,186$18,851$44,541
Georgia State UniversityAACSBBBA-Accounting;
Master of Professional Accountancy;
Flexible Master of Professional Accountancy;
Master of Taxation;
PhD-Business Administration: Accounting Concentration		100.0%55%$17,589$20,903$44,812
Kennesaw State UniversityAACSBBBA-Accounting;
MAcc;
Evening MBA-Financial Accounting;
Evening MBA-Managerial Accounting		81.6%46%$18,079$23,833$54,321
LaGrange CollegeACBSPBBA-Accountancy;
BS-Accountancy		74.8%51%$21,557$25,730$49,042
Mercer University—BBA-Accounting;
MAcc		75.4%74%$22,087$24,199$52,487
Oglethorpe University—BBA-Accounting;
BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		81.3%57%$20,094$25,000$49,918
Piedmont UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
5-Year Integrated BSA/MBA		67.0%48%$18,792$25,000$48,097
Point University—BBA-Accounting;
BBA-Accounting & Information Systems;
BS-Accounting		46.6%26%$19,890$25,250$39,459
Reinhardt University—BS-Accounting70.4%37%$26,845$23,900$44,242
Savannah State University—BBA-AccountingN.Av.28%$9,452$28,000$39,332
Shorter University—BBA-Accounting;
MAcc		81.2%32%$13,490$25,000$44,832
University of GeorgiaAACSBBBA-Accounting;
5-Year BBA/MAcc;
MAcc;
PhD-Accounting		40.0%88%$17,180$18,500$63,405
University of North Georgia—BBA-Accounting;
5-Year Accelerated BBA/MAcc;
MAcc		81.2%39%$11,721$17,750$46,829
University of West GeorgiaAACSBBBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		69.7%43%$15,625$23,970$47,080
Valdosta State UniversityAACSBBBA-Accounting;
MAcc		76.4%40%$12,836$24,779$46,357
Wesleyan College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		62.2%46%$13,900$24,094$37,674
Young Harris College—BS-Accounting74.8%49%$18,910$27,000$43,368

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 Georgia

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

  • Emory University
  • University of Georgia
  • Georgia State University
  • Georgia Southern University
  • Kennesaw State University2

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

  • Emory University (#34 tie)4

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

  • Valdosta State University (#63 tie)
  • University of West Georgia (#79 tie)
  • Columbus State University (#141 tie)5

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

  • University of Georgia (#14 tie)
  • Emory University (#20 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 Georgia 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 Georgia being 60%:

  1. LaGrange College 85.7%
  2. Shorter University 80%
  3. University of Georgia 79.1%
  4. Emory University 75.6%
  5. Mercer University 70.7%
  6. Georgia Institute of Technology 69.1%

*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.

Schools in Georgia with Accounting Degrees

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

Emory University

Emory University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). Students choose a more primary area of study, which includes core courses and four elective courses. Those who choose Accounting as their primary area of study may complete one of two accounting tracks: one in Financial Accounting and Analysis (non-CPA) or one in Professional Accounting (CPA). Students in the CPA focus are required to take courses in Financial Reporting; Advanced Business Combinations & Multinational Operations; Federal Income Tax; and Auditing. Emory offers career development seminars beginning in your junior year to learn from corporate leaders about interdisciplinary leadership skills. All students also participate in one-on-one career skills building and professional leadership training. Students may choose to participate in Alpha Kappa Psi, the BBA Council, or the Honor Council. Emory offers students the opportunity to work on Case Competitions as a way to gain hands-on experience solving real-world business problems.

Georgia State University

Georgia State University’s (GSU) Robinson College of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting that prepares students for entry-level positions in accounting or graduate degrees in accounting, business, or finance. Students gain a strong foundation in business and accounting courses, allowing them to use these skills in a variety of different fields and career paths. Courses include Cost Managerial Accounting; Legal Transactions and Risk; Technology and Values in the Accounting Profession; and Introduction to Federal Income Taxes. Georgia State University offers students many opportunities to engage with business professionals throughout Atlanta. Business leaders participate in Executive Career Coaching and may also host a student for a day. Executive Roundtables and Advisory Councils give professionals a forum to meet with students and faculty to discuss current topics in business and accounting. This gives students a great opportunity for networking and gaining insight into the corporate world.

Mercer University

Mercer University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting that provides students with a solid foundation in business. Students take 39 to 40 credit hours of business foundation courses and 17 credit hours of accounting courses. Course titles include Financial Accounting, Auditing, and Tax Accounting. Mercer students are also given opportunities to apply accounting practices in real-world applications, such as participating in the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Preparation program. Graduates have gone on to work for top accounting firms such as Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mercer also offers professional development opportunities, including resume building, career fairs, and an online network for current students and alumni. The BBA in Accounting is also available online or in an evening class format for full-time working individuals.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University offers a cohort-based 2 in 2 Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree that prepares students to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. This AACSB-accredited program can be completed in two semesters of full-time courses. Students complete 18 core credit hours and 12 credits of specialized courses in either the Audit/Advisory or the Tax Specialization. Depending on the concentration, MAcc students may take courses like Corporate Tax and Shareholders; Advanced Risk Analytics and Forensic Auditing; and State and Local Taxation. Students will sit for all four parts of the CPA Exam during the program in conjunction with their Capstone courses. Kennesaw State offers networking opportunities with the Big 4 accounting firms as well as local firms and businesses in Atlanta. Students may participate in a variety of organizations to advance their career goals, including Beta Alpha Psi, Internal Audit Student Organization, and the National Association of Black Accountants. An academic background with a concentration in accounting is required to apply, as are a resume and GMAT scores (or a GPA waiver).

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University (GSouthern) offers a 30-hour Master of Accounting (MAcc) that can be completed either on-campus or online. This accounting degree consists of 18 core credit hours in accounting and law courses and 12 elective credit hours designed to allow students to personalize their degree to align with their career goals. The MAcc is also designed to prepare students for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. An undergraduate degree in accounting is not necessary to apply, but students without one may have to fulfill prerequisite coursework. Students must also demonstrate a certain level of professionalism through their coursework, professional work experience, and extracurricular involvement. Course titles include Law and Ethics for Accountants, Taxation of Corporations, and Fraudulent Financial Reporting. Students may participate in Beta Alpha Psi, the Accounting Association, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the National Association of Black Accountants.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia’s Tull School of Accounting offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. Students have the option of pursuing a five-year BBA in Accounting with a Master of Accountancy. This program prepares students for careers in auditing, budget analysis, and tax accounting. Students may take courses such as Managerial Accounting, Taxation, and Auditing; Risk Management; and Control. The University of Georgia offers organizations for students to gain further real-world experience, including the National Association of Black Accountants and Beta Alpha Psi. Interview prep, resume building workshops, and networking events catered towards business students also help prepare for post-graduation success. Students have gone on to work at Amazon.com, Citigroup, Trinity Accounting Group, and Wells Fargo. The University of Georgia offers several of its accounting classes online and offers the option of obtaining a Master of Business and Technology fully online.

Georgia Southwestern State University

Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting that will prepare students for a future in business and can be taken either on-campus or completely online for students that already hold an associate’s degree. This accounting degree gives students a solid foundation to enter the business world or to pursue higher education to achieve a CPA certification. Undergraduate courses offered include Quantitative Management, Cost Accounting, Governmental Accounting, and Fraud Examination. Several student organizations are available to help gain hands-on experience and networking opportunities, including ENACTUS, a student team organization that utilizes community outreach to solve business problems. Students can also complete an 18-credit-hour Accounting minor, which is also available on-campus and online for eligible students.

Georgia CPA Requirements and Steps

While a CPA designation is not required for employment in business and accounting, this certification does help recent graduates stay competitive and expand their career opportunities. In the state of Georgia, the Georgia State Board of Accountancy (GSBA) requires 150 semester hours of applicable coursework is required to sit for the CPA exam. There are five main steps to complete in order to earn a CPA license in Georgia.

  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.

The GSBA has adopted the 150-hour rule, meaning that all candidates for CPA licensure must have completed at least 150 semester hours of college education with a concentration in accounting and hold at least a bachelor’s degree. The education must include at least 30 semester hours in accounting above the elementary level and at least 24 semester hours in business-related courses. The first two accounting courses taken will be considered elementary-level courses and will not count towards the 30 semester hours of accounting courses required.

2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

To qualify for a CPA license in Georgia, candidates must accumulate at least one year and 2,000 hours of supervised experience in accounting. Qualifying work may occur in business, industry, government, or academia. All work except for government or college teaching must be supervised by a currently licensed CPA. Government and academic work must also be supervised, but the supervisor need not be a licensed CPA. All work must consist of tasks and services meaningfully related to accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting to qualify the candidate for practice.

3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Candidates must register online with NASBA to apply to take the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam. After the application has been reviewed, candidates will receive a Notice to Schedule for the examination. All four sections of the exam must be passed with a score of 75 or higher within a rolling 18-month period.

4. Apply for a license.

The GSBA uses NASBA to process all applications for CPA certificates. Applicants must include verification of work experience and have official transcripts for all college work completed sent to NASBA.

5. Receive a license.

After filing all parts of the license application, candidates will receive an acknowledgment email when the application has been received by NASBA. Processing of the application takes two to three weeks. Once approved, candidates will receive notification by mail along with a wall certificate and license card.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Once licensed, CPAs in Georgia must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each two-year renewal period with a minimum of 20 hours each year. At least 16 of the 80 hours must be in accounting and auditing. You can find additional information on the GSBA website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Georgia

Accounting graduates can choose from one of many career paths in Georgia. Atlanta is a major business hub with innumerable opportunities for recent graduates, and smaller cities such as Savannah and Athens also offer many career opportunities for accounting graduates. In addition to opening their own practice, accountants can work for major accounting firms in Georgia including Ernst & Young, KPMG, Grant Thornton, and CBIZ Atlanta. Several Fortune 500 companies call Georgia home as well. Accountants can seek employment with major companies like Home Depot, Coca-Cola, and Delta Air Lines. Government employment opportunities include positions with state correctional facilities, the public school system, FBI, and the Department of Defense. Many opportunities exist throughout the state for accounting grads, making Georgia a great state to find an accounting job.

Georgia Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Athens-Clarke County780$42,650
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell22,280$48,110
Augusta-Richmond County1,670$41,710
Savannah1,590$45,640
South Georgia nonmetropolitan area1,700$39,770

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Georgia

  • Aprio: Formerly Habif, Arogeti & Wynne, LLP, Aprio is the largest independent certified public accounting firm in Georgia and is also one of the top 50 accounting firms in the US. Aprio is committed to the personal and professional development of its staff and is an active recruiter of college graduates.
  • Robinson, Grimes & Company, P.C.: One of the largest accounting firms in Georgia, with a regional focus on clients in real estate, distribution, government, non-profit, construction, and health care.
  • Frazier & Deeter CPAs & Advisors: One of the 100 largest accounting firms in the US, the firm employs over 200 professionals engaged in providing a full range of accounting and business services.

Georgia 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, Georgia: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ga.htm
13. Georgia State Board of Accountancy: https://gsba.georgia.gov/