Accounting Schools in New Jersey
This page offers information about accounting programs in New Jersey. Many colleges and universities in the state offer bachelor’s degrees, such as Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSA) or Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting (BBAA) degrees, as well as Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degrees. Some schools offer immersive on-campus programs, while others may offer flexible online or part-time options. This guide to accounting schools in New Jersey will help you learn about different types of degrees, program rankings, and career outlooks in the state.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of Schools and Programs
- Top-Ranked Schools in New Jersey
- Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates
- School Profiles
- New Jersey CPA Requirements and Steps
- Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Additional Resources
Comparison of New Jersey Accounting Schools and Programs
The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in New Jersey to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options.
| School | Accreditation | Accounting Degree(s) | Acceptance Rate10 | Grad Rate1 | Avg Net Price1 | Median Debt*10 | Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley College | IACBE | BBA-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BBA/MBA; MBA-Accounting | N.Av. | 44% | $17,068 | $23,251 | $39,808 |
| Bloomfield College | — | BS-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BSA/MBA; MS-Accounting | 84.0% | 34% | $20,320 | $26,746 | $43,765 |
| Caldwell University | ACBSP | BS-Accounting; MS-Accounting | 96.0% | 68% | $20,612 | $25,000 | $53,908 |
| Centenary University | IACBE | BS-Accounting; BSBA-Accounting; BSA/BSBA-Finance CPA-Prep Dual Major | 97.6% | 62% | $21,935 | $23,163 | $54,748 |
| Drew University | — | BBA-Accounting | 79.7% | 74% | $28,183 | $25,288 | $55,906 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BSA/MSA; MBA-Accounting; MS-Accounting | 84.6% | 61% | $21,408 | $25,000 | $57,054 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BSA/MSA; MBA-Accounting; MS-Accounting- | 84.7% | 51% | $16,030 | $25,000 | $57,054 |
| Felician University | IACBE | BS-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BSA/MBA | 92.0% | 52% | $15,743 | $25,000 | $55,992 |
| Georgian Court University | ACBSP | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 79.6% | 54% | $18,187 | $21,816 | $47,161 |
| Kean University | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; MS-Accounting | 79.2% | 51% | $10,747 | $23,250 | $52,714 |
| Monmouth University | — | BSBA-Accounting; MBA-Advanced Accounting | 83.5% | 68% | $31,416 | $27,000 | $65,306 |
| Montclair State University | — | BS-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BSA/MSA; MS-Accounting; MBA-Accounting; Grad Cert-Accounting; Grad Cert-Professional Accounting; Grad Cert-Forensic Accounting | 90.6% | 65% | $13,742 | $22,000 | $57,008 |
| New Jersey City University | ACBSP | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BSA/MSA; MS-Accounting; Grad Cert-Professional Management Accounting | 90.7% | 39% | $19,252 | $18,500 | $50,417 |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BSA/MSA; MS-Accounting | 70.1% | 70% | $16,262 | $21,000 | $62,810 |
| Rider University | AACSB | BSBA-Accounting; MAcc; Grad Cert-Forensic Accounting; Grad Cert-Accounting | 82.0% | 67% | $26,388 | $26,130 | $59,215 |
| Rowan University | — | BS-Accounting; Grad Cert-Advanced Accounting; Grad Cert-Accounting | 83.8% | 68% | $20,963 | $20,500 | $56,115 |
| Rutgers University-Camden | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BSA/MAcc; MAcc | 78.7% | 65% | $14,151 | $21,500 | $69,748 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | — | BS-Accounting | 68.2% | 84% | $17,535 | $21,500 | $69,748 |
| Rutgers University-Newark | — | BS-Accounting | 77.4% | 66% | $16,578 | $21,500 | $69,748 |
| Saint Peter’s University | IACBE | BS-Accountancy; 5-Year Accelerated BSA/MBA; MS-Accountancy; MBA/MSA Dual Degree | 92.8% | 60% | $11,996 | $20,500 | $52,442 |
| Seton Hall University | AACSB | BS-Accounting; MBA-Accounting; MS-Accounting; MS-Professional Accounting; Grad Cert-Accounting | 76.6% | 72% | $33,472 | $22,750 | $68,307 |
| The College of New Jersey | — | BS-Accountancy; Minor-Accountancy | 62.0% | 86% | $22,273 | $23,250 | $70,578 |
| Thomas Edison State University | ACBSP | BSBA-Accounting; BSBA-Accounting/CPA; Minor-Accounting; MS-Accounting | N.Av. | N. Av. | N.Av. | $12,500 | $59,275 |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey | — | BS-Accounting; 5-Year Accelerated BSA/MBA | 83.3% | 56% | $12,967 | $22,334 | $52,855 |
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 New Jersey
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
- Rutgers University Newark
- Seton Hall University
- Rider University
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Montclair State University
- The College of New Jersey
- Ramapo College of New Jersey2
Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023
- Rider University
- Seton Hall University3
US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023
- Rutgers University-Camden (#24 tie)
- Berkeley College (#79 tie)5
US News & World Report’s Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2022-2023
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick (#39 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey being 49.7%:
- Thomas Edison State University 77.6%
- The College of New Jersey 59.4%
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick 57.5%
- Kean University 55.1%
- Rowan University 47.4%
- Caldwell University 44.4%
*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 New Jersey with Accounting Degrees
To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in New Jersey, 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
Seton Hall University
The Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University (SHU), offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program covers fundamental business topics in addition to specialized accounting subjects. Students learn the technical knowledge needed in the field as well as analytical and communication skills and professional ethics. The core curriculum includes subjects such as accounting theory, cost measurement issues, budgetary control, auditing, taxes, financial reporting requirements, and information systems. Students can also complete an optional internship as part of their studies and graduate with additional experience on their resume.
The College of New Jersey
The School of Business at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accountancy. The Accountancy major curriculum includes 10 accounting courses that cover both theory and current industry practices with an emphasis on research and computer applications. With the guidance of an academic advisor, interested students can choose to pursue a second major, a minor, or additional electives to complete the 150 semester hours required to sit for the CPA examination. Students also have the opportunity to work with faculty to do research projects, complete an internship, or study abroad. TCNJ offers courses in career planning for accountants in which students can develop professional skills and plan for possible careers in the public, corporate, not-for-profit, and government accounting sectors. Students can also network with local accounting professionals or visit nearby Philadelphia or New York City to explore post-graduation employment opportunities.
Rowan University
The Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. The core curriculum includes courses such as Cost Accounting/Strategic Cost Analysis, Auditing, Federal Taxation, and Accounting Information Systems. These courses are designed with input from an accounting advisory board, a group of accounting professionals who advise what knowledge is most necessary in the field. Students can pursue a specialization with their degree, earning an undergraduate certificate in Forensics and Fraud Investigations or Business Analytics. Rowan University offers professional development events, support in finding internships, and an active mentorship program for students. BS in Accounting graduates can go on to pursue further advanced study or careers in professional accounting and financial management.
Graduate Accounting Programs
Montclair State University
Students at Montclair State University can earn a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). The curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of the accounting field, as well as the complexities and real-world issues in the industry. Students learn functional and technical skills through courses such as Internal Auditing; Ethics in Accounting and Business; Fraud Examination; Business Valuation; and Financial Statement Analysis. MSA students can earn a supplementary graduate certificate in Accounting, Professional Accounting, or Forensic Accounting, and students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting at Montclair can combine their degrees with the MSA to finish in five years. MSA applicants with an undergraduate degree in accounting or business are preferred.
Caldwell University
Caldwell University offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree. The 30-credit program is ideal for those looking to pursue the CPA designation, and the curriculum covers both the examination material and fulfills the 150-semester hour requirement for licensure. Caldwell University’s MSA program is offered in an on-campus, hybrid, and online format so that working professionals can choose the schedule that best works for them. Core courses include Federal Taxation, Accounting Information Systems, and Financial Statement Analysis. Students can also choose from various accounting electives like Forensic Accounting, Advanced Business Strategy, and Executive Business Communications. Those without an undergraduate accounting or business background may need to complete additional prerequisite courses before beginning the program.
Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs
Rider University
Rider University offers an AACSB-accredited Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree that can be completed entirely online. This degree is designed for current accounting professionals who are interested in fulfilling the requirements to become a CPA. Students enter the program at one of six different start times as part of a cohort to finish in as little as 21 months. The curriculum follows current accounting industry practices and the application of accounting fundamentals, and students learn about regulatory developments and the knowledge necessary in the field. After completing the core curriculum, students can choose electives that match their career interests, including adding a concentration in Business Analytics, Finance, Information Systems, Sport Management, or Forensic Accounting. For those without an accounting academic background, up to 18 credits of prerequisites, including Fundamentals of Federal Taxation, Cost Management, and Principles of Auditing, must be completed prior to application.
Rutgers University
At Rutgers University, students can earn a fully online Master of Accountancy (MAcc). Students who need a less traditional school schedule while preparing for professional designations like CPA or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) can take advantage of this online program, which can be completed on a full-time basis in as little as 12 months, or on a part-time basis for those who need more flexibility. This program is ideal for recent accounting grads and comprises 30 semester hours. Students take advanced accounting courses such as Advanced Auditing, Accounting Analytics, Forensic Accounting, and Advanced Taxation. Rutgers connects with local and statewide accounting firms to offer networking opportunities to graduate students, and the university also supports professional development and career planning for students.
New Jersey CPA Requirements and Steps
To begin applying for CPA licensure in New Jersey through the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy (the Board), applicants must complete at least 120 hours of applicable accounting coursework at an accredited university and must also possess at least a bachelor’s degree. There are six main steps to complete in order to earn a CPA license in New Jersey.
- Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
- Accumulate the required experience.
- Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
- Complete an orientation course in topics identified by the Board.
- Apply for a license.
- Receive a license.
1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
CPA candidates in New Jersey must complete 150 semester hours of education that includes the award of at least a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting from an accredited institution. In order to qualify to take the Uniform CPA Exam, candidates should be able to demonstrate the completion of 24 semester hours in accounting as well as 24 semester hours in business courses other than accounting, either within or outside of the 150-hour requirement.
2. Accumulate the required experience.
Candidates for a New Jersey CPA license must complete at least one year (or 1,750 hours) of supervised full-time accounting experience or two years of part-time supervised accounting experience obtained after the receipt of a bachelor’s degree. The experience must be verified by the candidate’s supervisor(s), who must be a licensed CPA, on the license application.
3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
The Board uses NASBA to oversee and administer the Uniform CPA Exam application and testing process. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam can be taken when the candidate has completed 120 hours of education including a bachelor’s degree. Candidates who are ready to take the exam, which is a requirement for licensure in all 50 states, should apply through the NASBA web portal. Approved applicants will receive a Notice to Schedule to take the exam and must pass all four sections with a score of at least 75 within a rolling 18-month period.
4. Complete an orientation course in topics identified by the Board.
Either within the six months prior to, or within six months following, initial licensure, prospective and existing CPAs must complete an orientation course by an organization recognized by the Board.
5. Apply for a license.
Candidates who sit for the Uniform CPA Exam will automatically be mailed an application for licensure containing all required forms once NASBA has notified the Board of the candidate’s passage of the exam. Candidates may also access the application on the Board’s website. Note that a Statement of Experience completed by the candidate’s previous employer(s) for accounting experience is included in and required as part of the application. Candidates must also complete the included Request for Criminal History Record Information form for a background check as well as include the required application and registration fees.
6. Receive a license.
Once the Board verifies that all requirements have been met, candidates will receive their license to practice as a CPA. If not already taken, within six months of licensure, candidates must complete the orientation course mentioned in step 4.
CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information
CPA licenses in New Jersey are renewed on a triennial basis. At least 60 days prior to the expiration of the license, the Board will send the licensee a notice to renew. Renewal requires the completion of 120 credits of continuing professional education (CPE), at least 24 hours of which must be in accounting or auditing. You can find additional information on the Board’s website.
Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in New Jersey
Those who choose to pursue the CPA designation may find many opportunities within the state to work for local, statewide, national, and international companies in various accounting roles. New Jersey is home to locations for each of the “Big 4” accounting firms, providing many possible career opportunities for accounting program graduates. New Jersey’s proximity to the nation’s financial epicenter New York City also attracts many accounting graduates to the state. Those who complete their accounting education through one of the state’s institutions may find opportunities for employment in New Jersey, New York, or Philadelphia.
New Jersey Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Accountants & Auditors Employed12 | Average Annual Salary12 |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton PA-NJ | 2,970 | $80,580 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | 670 | $84,940 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington PA-NJ-DE-MD | 29,800 | $87,000 |
| Ocean City | 190 | $88,580 |
| Trenton | 2,780 | $95,380 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton | 300 | $87,510 |
Additional Resources
Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in New Jersey
- Withum: With offices in East Brunswick, Princeton, Red Bank, Saddle Brook, and Whippany, Withum is technology-driven and forward-thinking in its approach to serving clients.
- Marcum: A national accounting firm providing tax and business services across New Jersey.
- EisnerAmper: With locations in Iselin, Pennington, and Princeton, EisnerAmper is a full-service audit, accounting, consulting, advisory, and tax firm dedicated to helping clients position themselves for success.
New Jersey Accounting Associations
- New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA): The largest organization for New Jersey CPAs and prospective CPAs, offering over 500 continuing education programs each year to help CPAs meet their CE requirements and improve their services to clients.
- The National Association of Black Accountants New Jersey Chapter (NABA Inc.): Promotes and protects the needs of its members with a strong commitment to improving the future of accounting and finance professions.
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, New Jersey: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nj.htm
13. New Jersey State Board of Accountancy: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/acc