The following outline of accounting schools in North Carolina is designed to help you locate schools that match your skills, interests, and career aspirations. North Carolina’s universities and colleges offer many accounting programs in both general and specialized practice areas such as managerial accounting, fraud investigation, and information management. Students of all educational backgrounds should be able to find a program that fits their goals, including business novices and those seeking advanced graduate study. Working professionals may choose from flexible programs with online classes to help them achieve their education and career goals.

Table of Contents

Comparison of North Carolina Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in North Carolina 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
Appalachian State University—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Accelerated BSBA to MS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting: Analytics;
MS-Accounting: General;
MS-Accounting-Tax		84.7%75%$13,084$20,231$48,352
Belmont Abbey College—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		98.9%47%$23,522$26,000$46,832
Campbell UniversityACBSPBAS-Accounting;
BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MAcc-Financial Planning;
MAcc-Taxation		87.3%56%$24,280$22,500$51,142
Catawba CollegeACBSPBA-Accounting;
BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		56.1%56%$19,701$25,000$43,706
East Carolina University—BSBA-Accounting;
MSA		93.9%65%$14,410$22,750$50,819
Elizabeth City State University—BS-Accounting76.8%42%$4,120$21,463$37,070
Elon University—BSA;
Minor-Accounting;
4-Year BS to MSA;
5-Year BS to MSA;
MSA		77.7%83%$41,527$20,500$66,617
Fayetteville State University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		82.1%44%$6,355$22,987$37,600
Gardner-Webb UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MAcc;
Grad Cert-Accountancy		79%52%$22,339$24,222$45,181
Greensboro CollegeACBSPBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		88.1%40%$19,581$25,607$43,023
Guilford CollegeACBSPBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		82.1%49%$23,882$26,000$43,545
High Point University—BSBA-Accounting;
5-Year BSBA-Accounting to MBA		80.3%68%$40,221$24,575$54,945
Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte—BS-Corporate Accounting and Financial Analysis82.3%53%$29,238$26,000$41,886
Johnson & Wales University-Online—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year BS to MBA-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		N.Av.0%$20,242N.Av.N.Av.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year BS to MBA-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		N.Av.59%$32,801N.Av.N.Av.
Lees-McRae College—BABA/BSBA-Accounting59.2%46%$24,108$17,375$41,587
Lenoir-Rhyne UniversityACBSPBA-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		85.7%51%$21,843$26,000$45,633
Livingstone CollegeIACBEBSBA-Accounting51.3%26%$15,914$31,125$32,344
Meredith College—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		69.9%68%$23,259$25,000$45,455
Methodist UniversityACBSPBAS-Accounting;
BAS-Accounting: Health Care Administration;
BAS-Accounting: PGA Golf Management;
BAS-Accounting: Professional Tennis Management;
BAS-Accounting: Resort, Club & Hospitality Management;
BAS-Accounting: Sport Management;
Minor-Accounting		78.6%41%$28,129$27,000$45,408
North Carolina A&T State UniversityAACSBBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		57.4%57%$9,189$27,000$44,390
North Carolina Central University—BBA-Accounting76%44%$13,708$28,250$40,346
North Carolina State University at RaleighAACSBBS-Accounting;
BS-Accounting: Financial Analysis;
BS-Accounting: Government/Nonprofit Accounting;
BS-Accounting: Information Systems;
BS-Accounting: Internal Auditing;
BS-Accounting: Managerial Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year BS-Accounting to MAcc;
MAcc;
MAcc-Business and Industry;
MAcc-Public Accounting: Business Reporting and Analysis;
MAcc-Public Accounting: Enterprise Risk Management;
MAcc-Public Accounting: Information Technology;
MAcc-Public Accounting: Tax Strategy;
Grad Cert-Tax Analytics and Technology		47.5%85%$14,852$20,121$65,211
North Carolina Wesleyan University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
4-Year BS-Accounting to MBA		28%38%$18,701$25,000$44,504
Pfeiffer UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
BS-Accounting: Financial Fraud;
Minor-Accounting		71.8%35%$21,575$26,163$45,009
Queens University of Charlotte—BBA-Accounting69.2%69%$29,459$25,000$58,774
Saint Augustine’s UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		74.8%20%$20,081$29,669$35,808
Shaw University—BSBA-Accounting65.3%14%$14,204$32,500$34,084
University of Mount OliveACBSPBS-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting		82.6%49%$17,878$27,209$44,973
University of North Carolina at Asheville—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		81.6%59%$14,730$20,500$44,906
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillAACSBMAcc-Audit;
MAcc-Financial Analysis & Reporting;
MAcc-Tax		20.4%91%$10,614$14,000$67,765
University of North Carolina at CharlotteAACSBBS-Accounting;
BSBA-Finance: Finance/Accounting;
MAcc-Financial Accounting/Auditing;
MAcc-Individualized Program of Study;
MAcc-Professional Accounting;
MAcc-Tax		79.5%70%$13,951$21,500$54,580
University of North Carolina at GreensboroAACSBBS-Accounting;
5-Year BS to MS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting: Financial Reporting and Assurance;
MS-Accounting: Tax;
Grad Cert- Taxation		90.8%58%$10,979$22,858$46,514
University of North Carolina at Pembroke—BS-Accounting91.8%45%$8,208$25,000$41,470
University of North Carolina Wilmington—BSBA-Accountancy;
MS-Accountancy		68%74%$18,709$19,500$52,560
Wake Forest UniversityAACSBBS-Accountancy;
5-Year BS to MSA;
MAcc;
MSA-Assurance Services;
MSA-Financial Markets & Transactions;
MSA-Tax Consulting		25.2%90%$26,197$21,500$81,964
Western Carolina University—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MAcc;
MAcc-Taxation		79.4%61%$13,022$21,868$44,755
Wingate UniversityACBSPBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MAcc		84.5%57%$18,823$25,000$51,262
Winston-Salem State University—BS-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Data Analytics		81.5%50%$14,097$25,000$40,976

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 North Carolina

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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Wake Forest University
  • Elon University
  • North Carolina State University
  • Wake Technical Community College
  • Appalachian State University
  • East Carolina University
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte2

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023

  • Elon University3

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

  • Duke University (#11 tie)
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (#22 tie)4

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

  • Appalachian State University (#32 tie)
  • UNC Greensboro (#44 tie)
  • Western Carolina University (#66 tie)
  • Campbell University (#79 tie)
  • Montreat College (#157 tie)
  • North Carolina Central University (#157 tie)
  • Lees-McRae College (#170-214)
  • Mars Hill University (#170-214)5

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

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (#15 tie)
  • Wake Forest University (#35 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina being 63.4%:

  1. Catawba College 90.9%
  2. Wake Forest University 88.0%
  3. Davidson College 86.4%
  4. Barton College 77.8%
  5. University of North Carolina at Asheville 77.8%
  6. North Carolina State University 76.9%

*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 North Carolina with Accounting Degrees

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

Elon University

The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business at Elon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSA) that prepares students for entry-level business positions and graduate study by providing them with a solid foundation in financial and cost accounting, taxation, and auditing. Undergraduate students are required to complete an internship with an accounting firm such as Deloitte; Ernst and Young; and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Top BSA students have the option to pursue the 3+1 Program, which provides the opportunity to earn both a BSA and a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) in just four years or the five-year BSA/MSA program, which allows students to begin working towards the MSA during their senior year of undergraduate study. Elon also offers the Becker FastPass CPA review, an intensive summer course designed to prepare students for the CPA exam, helping them gain a competitive edge upon graduation. Elon has several student organizations that can help advance an accounting student’s career, including Beta Alpha Psi, an international honor society for financial information students and professionals. Each year, Beta Alpha Psi and the Student Professional Development Center host an Accounting Meet and Greet to help students network with working professionals.

High Point University

The Phillips School of Business at High Point University (HPU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting. This degree program is designed to prepare students for a career in professional accounting through analytical study and experiential learning. Students may engage in roundtables with the business community and participate in the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program or in student-led organizations such as Alpha Kappa Psi, the Entrepreneurs Club (eClub), and the Floyd Craven Investment Club. BSBA students may take courses like Principles of Macroeconomics; Advanced Taxation; and Mergers and Acquisitions. Those interested in CPA certification can pursue HPU’s 4+1 MBA program, which allows them to complete a BSBA and MBA in just five years. Upon graduation, alumni have entered careers at top accounting firms such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, and Dixon Hughes Goodman.

North Carolina State University

The Poole College of Management at North Carolina State University (NC State) offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSA) with concentrations in a variety of areas. Students may decide to have no concentration or can choose between five areas of focus: financial analysis, information systems, internal auditing, managerial accounting, and government/nonprofit accounting. All students must complete accounting core courses including Concepts of Financial Reporting, Intermediate Financial Accounting I, and Introduction to Income Taxation. NC State has many student organizations that can help students gain hands-on experience, including the Accounting Society, Internal Audit Student Club, Finance Club, and International Business Club. Individual career coaching is also offered to students, as well as mock interviews and resume building. Students interested in becoming CPAs have the option to pursue NC State’s Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) Program, which allows them to earn a BSA and Master in Accounting degree (MAcc) in just five years.

Graduate Accounting Programs

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) offers an AACSB-accredited Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree designed for students of all levels. This accounting program offers three curriculum tracks: Professional Accounting, Financial Accounting/Auditing, and Tax. Students also have the option to develop an individualized program of study. Both the professional accounting and financial accounting/auditing curriculums qualify students to sit for the CPA examination upon graduation, while students pursuing the tax concentration must complete additional electives to be eligible. Required courses for all MAcc students include Business Tax I, Financial Statement Auditing, and Accounting Data Analytics. Most students complete the program on a full-time basis in about 12 months, but a part-time option is also available. UNC Charlotte has a close relationship with the business community, including an active advisory board made up of top business professionals within the Charlotte area. The Belk College of Business offers career coaching, alumni networking, and interview tips to assist students with professional development. A bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited college or university is required to apply, as are GMAT or GRE scores.

Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University’s (WCU) College of Business offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program that is designed to build on students’ existing accounting education. WCU’s MAcc curriculum focuses on subjects such as accounting theory, taxation, business law, and research. Required courses include Accounting Theory and Research; Income Tax Theory and Applications; and Advanced Accounting Information Systems. MAcc students also have the option to add a concentration in Taxation by selecting the required electives. Students can complete the program on a full-time basis in 12 to 18 months or on a part-time basis in 24 months. Core classes are offered in the evenings at the Biltmore Park campus. Graduates of this program will meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA examination. Top accounting students from AACSB-accredited schools may apply for WCU’s Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (ABM) Track, which allows them to take graduate courses during their senior year of undergraduate study.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

East Carolina University

East Carolina University (ECU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting designed to prepare students for entry-level business positions and graduate coursework in accounting. The program is offered in both on-campus and online formats. The online accounting program at ECU includes courses such as Managerial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Taxation for Decision Making, and Internal Auditing. ECU offers career guidance and networking opportunities, including career fairs, graduate school preparation, and resume reviews. Career Services can also help students with internship placement to gain hands-on professional experience. Students may also apply for ECU’s Cooperative Education program (CO-OP) which allows students to alternate periods of academic work and professional work, giving them the opportunity to work full-time for a company while retaining full-time student status. ECU also offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) that can be completed on-campus or online. The program is open to students with or without an undergraduate degree in accounting, although students without an educational background in business or accounting must complete prerequisite courses. ECU’s MSA can be completed in as little as one year and includes classes such as Auditing, Federal Income Taxation, and The Professional Accounting Environment.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill) offers a Master of Accounting (MAcc) program which can be completed either on-campus or online. This flexible format gives working professionals the opportunity to pursue their educational goals and advance their careers. The MAcc degree at UNC Chapel Hill is designed to prepare students for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and can be completed in 12 to 36 months. Students with an extensive background in accounting may be eligible for reduced coursework. MAcc students can choose between concentrations in Audit; Financial Analysis and Reporting; and Tax, and are required to take core courses such as Applications of Financial Reporting, Data Analytics, and Managerial Accounting. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in a global immersion program to gain experience in trading regulations, tax treaties, and other topics unique to international business.

Wingate University

Wingate University offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) that is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the business world. This program can be completed either part-time over two years or full-time in one year. Summer classes are offered via remote delivery, while students may choose to complete the fall and spring classes either in-person or through synchronous online classes and have the flexibility to alternate between the two as needed. Wingate features a state-of-the-art accounting and finance lab to provide experiential learning for students, allowing for simulated scenarios and preparation for the CPA exam. Course titles include Advanced Taxation of Business and Property; Financial Statement Concepts and Analysis; and Accounting and Tax Research. MAcc students receive resume-building help, as well as personalized job-search techniques. Students also work to build a portfolio to show to prospective employers. GMAT scores are required to apply and students without an undergraduate business or accounting degree may have to complete prerequisite courses.

North Carolina CPA Requirements and Steps

The North Carolina State Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners (the Board) requires a bachelor’s degree to obtain public accounting certification in North Carolina. Applicants must also have successfully completed at least 150 hours of course studies, including 30 hours of accounting coursework, at an accredited higher learning institution. There are six main steps to complete in order to earn a CPA license in North Carolina.

  1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
  2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  3. Apply for and pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  4. Take an approved accountancy law course.
  5. Apply for a license.
  6. Receive a license.

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

The North Carolina Board follows the 150-hour rule, which requires that candidates for a license complete 150 semester hours of college-level education that includes the award of a bachelor’s degree or higher as well as a concentration in accounting at either the undergraduate or graduate level, or a combination thereof. A concentration at the undergraduate level must include at least 30 semester hours of accounting, whereas a concentration at the graduate level must consist of at least 20 semester hours in accounting. The education must also include 24 semester hours of supplementary coursework made up of at least one three-semester hour course from at least eight of these 10 subjects:

  • Communications
  • Computer technology
  • Economics
  • Ethics
  • Finance
  • Humanities/social science
  • International environment
  • Law
  • Management
  • Statistics

2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

North Carolina CPA applicants must complete at least one year of full-time work experience in accounting that is supervised by an actively licensed CPA. Candidates may also complete their work experience by teaching the subject of accounting full time for at least four years. Finally, candidates working in accounting who are not directly supervised by a licensed CPA may be able to meet experience requirements by working full time in the field of accounting for four years.

3. Apply for and pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Candidates who have accumulated at least 120 semester hours of education including all required accounting coursework may take the Uniform CPA Exam, which is developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and administered by NASBA. Candidates must apply to take the exam using the Uniform CPA Examination Application. The initial application should be submitted with the appropriate fee(s) for the sections being taken. Once approved, the Board will issue a notice to schedule that is good for six months. If the notice to schedule expires, applicants must resubmit both the exam application and fees. All four sections of the exam must be passed with a score of 75 within an 18-month rolling period.

4. Take an approved accountancy law course.

Prospective North Carolina CPAs must take an approved accountancy law course within one year prior to applying for certification. Two courses are currently approved, both of which are available through the North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA): the seminar format “Ethics Principles and Professional Responsibilities” or the online self-study course “North Carolina Law Course: Ethics, Principles, and Professional Responsibility for North Carolina License Applicants.” Either course must be completed prior to applying for a license.

5. Apply for a license.

Once all requirements have been met, candidates may apply for a license using the Original North Carolina CPA Certificate Application. The packet must include supporting documentation demonstrating that the candidate has met all licensing requirements. In addition to the above requirements, candidates must submit three certificates of good moral character signed by licensed CPAs and any associated fees.

6. Receive a license.

Once the application is submitted the average processing time is eight to 10 weeks. Once approved applicants will receive both an email and a letter confirming licensure. At this point, applicants will be able to begin practicing as CPAs.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Once licensed, North Carolina CPAs must renew their license annually and meet the required 2,000 minutes of continuing professional education (CPE) to remain in good standing, 50 minutes of which must be in regulatory or behavioral professional ethics. You can find additional information on the Board’s website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to several top accounting firms, as well as state and federal government agencies that provide ample opportunity for long-term career placement for accounting graduates. Large companies like Lowe’s and Duke Energy are headquartered in the state and employ tax and accounting specialists throughout the divisions of their operations. Many financial institutions are also based in North Carolina, including Bank of America in Charlotte and Truist Bank in Winston-Salem.

North Carolina Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC14,490$94,050
Durham-Chapel Hill3,260$87,430
Greensboro-High Point2,950$82,220
Raleigh7,760$84,620
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC6,620$75,870
Winston-Salem1,860$79,410

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in North Carolina

  • Bernard Robinson & Company L.L.P. (BRC): Headquartered in Greensboro with additional offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, and Dunn, BRC has spent over 75 years helping middle market companies, nonprofits, and government entities across the Southeast with accounting, tax, and advisory services.
  • DMJPS PLLC: With ten offices spread throughout North Carolina, DMJPS offers tax, assurance, and advisory services tailored to the unique needs of individuals, privately-held businesses, and a broad range of industries including healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.
  • Meaden & Moore: Founded over 100 years ago, Meaden and Moore’s Charlotte branch provides forensic accounting services to insurance companies, adjusters and legal counsel.

North Carolina 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, North Carolina: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nc.htm
13. North Carolina Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners: https://nccpaboard.gov/