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California is experiencing an accounting talent crunch, making now a great time to enter the profession. Explore the state's best accounting schools and research promising career options.
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Are you looking to launch an accounting career in California? With the largest state population in the U.S., California has a thriving, diversified economy that some of the world's best-known companies call home.
The state offers accounting students many learning options. You can study at any level, from foundational associate degree programs to research-oriented doctorates.
This guide to the best accounting schools in California offers an in-depth profile of programs in the Golden State. Explore key data points, identify learning pathways that match your goals, and connect with California's top accounting degrees.
Popular Online Accounting Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Accounting Schools in California
We use trusted sources like
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
Accounting.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Best Accounting Schools in California
Claremont McKenna College
Claremont, CA
4 years
Campus
Claremont McKenna College (CMC) opened in 1947 to provide educational opportunities to returning veterans of World War II. CMC has since become a leading liberal arts school focused on undergraduate education.
Economics-Accounting Major
The economics-accounting major at Claremont McKenna College focuses on theory and practice. CMC delivers theoretical and technical aspects of economics and accounting through a liberal arts framework.
Core requirements cover seven courses, including economics, accounting, and econometrics. Economics coursework covers macroeconomics, microeconomics, and economic analysis techniques. Accounting coursework covers financial valuations, methods for tracking income and assets, and decision-making principles.
Students supplement these courses with electives in targeted accounting topics and skills. Options include auditing, international taxation, tax strategy, financial statement analysis, and business law. The program culminates in a senior thesis project. Enrollees can also configure the degree as a double major in economics and accounting.
Applying to CMC
CMC applies a holistic and selective admissions process. The school considers factors beyond academic achievement, including leadership abilities and the student's potential to become a responsible citizen.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Tuition: $30,240/semester (full time)
Required Credits: Visit school website for details
Program Length: 4 years
Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$56,190
Out-of-state
$56,190
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$64,288
Out-of-state
$64,288
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
13%
Students Enrolled
1,264
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Accounting Schools in California
Menlo College
Atherton, CA
4 years
Campus
Situated in the San Francisco Bay area, Menlo College offers appeal to students of diverse backgrounds. Menlo self-reports its learning community as including 52% students of color. Along with Hispanic-Serving Institution status, the school is an officially recognized Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institution.
Accounting Degree Program
Menlo College configures its accounting degree program as an accounting major leading to a bachelor of science in business. It features a dual focus that combines accounting and general business curricula. All Menlo business students follow the same business curriculum, while the accounting curriculum is unique to this major.
Courses in the accounting curriculum cover the upper-level study of key topics, including:
Accounting information systems
Auditing
Cost accounting
Financial accounting
Taxation
Accounting programming comprises 30 of the 69 total credits covered by the combined business and accounting curricula. Students can also select a general or certified public accountant (CPA) track. The CPA pathway includes additional accounting major unit requirements, reflecting California State Board of Accountancy licensing standards.
Applying to Menlo
A first-year candidate must submit an institutional application, high school transcripts, and a nonrefundable $40 fee. SAT and ACT scores are optional for applicants from the United States.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Tuition: $50,190/academic year
Required Credits: 124
Program Length: 4 years
Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$45,050
Out-of-state
$45,050
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
826
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Best Accounting Schools in California
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a Christian university with a student-to-teacher ratio of 14-to-1, allowing students to benefit from one-on-one interactions with expert instructors.
Accounting
The Point Loma Nazarene University accounting program leads to a bachelor of science in business administration. PLNU specializes in training students for CPA licensure. In 2023, PLNU reported that it has ranked among the top three schools in California for CPA exam pass rates or overall scores in four of the previous five years.
PLNU emphasizes practical training through required internships, and the program offers many built-in professional networking opportunities. The curriculum focuses heavily on technical accounting skills. Graduates can also spend an additional semester at PLNU and upgrade to a master's degree. The upgrade option satisfies the academic requirements for CPA licensure in California.
Applying to PLNU
PLNU uses a holistic application evaluation method. Each candidate must submit academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation, including one faith-based endorsement. SAT/ACT scores and admissions interviews are optional.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Tuition: $21,300/semester (full time)
Required Credits: 70 (for the accounting major)
Program Length: 4 years
Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,600
Out-of-state
$37,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,880
Out-of-state
$11,880
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
4,616
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Best Accounting Schools in California
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
This Christian institution, noted for its elevated academic standards, occupies a scenic campus in the Malibu hills. Pepperdine University offers 87 degrees and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13-to-1.
Accounting Degree
Offered through the Seaver College of Liberal Arts, Pepperdine University's accounting degree delivers detailed instruction in financial and managerial accounting. The program prepares students to pursue CPA licensure and other accounting specializations.
The accounting degree offers two options: a standard course sequence and a year-abroad option. Both paths emphasize core accounting skills, allowing students to specialize in financial or managerial accounting.
According to Pepperdine, 90% of its bachelor's graduates land a job within six months of graduation. A further 5% continue into graduate programs, bringing Pepperdine's overall placement rate to an impressive 95%.
Applying to Pepperdine
First-year undergraduates apply to Pepperdine through the CommonApp platform. Required materials include high school transcripts and at least one academic recommendation. Students can optionally submit SAT/ACT scores and/or request admissions interviews.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Tuition: $65,990/academic year
Required Credits: 128
Program Length: 4 years
Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,750
Out-of-state
$57,750
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$36,200
Out-of-state
$36,200
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
42%
Students Enrolled
9,554
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Accounting Schools in California
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
Established in 1897, San Diego State University (SDSU) is the city's oldest degree-granting college. Situated just north of the U.S.-Mexico border, SDSU is a recognized Hispanic Serving Institution. Its diverse learning community includes approximately 36,000 students.
Accountancy
The Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy at San Diego State University administers this renowned accounting program. The curriculum guides students through a foundational course sequence and business core, along with 24 units of accounting requirements and electives.
Foundational prep classes cover introductions to financial accounting and managerial accounting, in addition to business and economics courses. The business core delves deeper into ethics, statistical analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
After completing the 18-unit accounting major, learners study intermediate accounting, business taxation, auditing, accounting information systems, and cost management. Degree-seekers supplement the accounting major with six additional accounting electives of their choice.
The program is a combined bachelor's-to-master's program, covering all 150 educational units required to obtain CPA licensure in California.
Applying to SDSU
SDSU considers all applications on an individual basis. California residents and graduates of California high schools require a minimum GPA of 2.5, while a minimum GPA of 3.0 applies to other candidates. SDSU also grants special consideration to applicants whose life histories include overcoming significant personal or academic challenges.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Tuition: $2,871/semester (full time)
Required Credits: 150
Program Length: 5 years
Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
37%
Students Enrolled
36,334
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Our Ranking Methodology
Accounting.com ranks the best accounting degrees using reputable sources such as the U.S. Department of Education. We build our rankings with four main metrics in mind: academics, cost, reputation, and program availability. We also consider subfactors like retention rate, federal aid amounts, and return on investment to help you find the right program for you.
Sources: U.S. Census, Current Results, NCES, Statista, BLS
Why Go to College for Accounting in California?
California is home to more degree-granting schools than any other state, giving you an excellent diversity of education options. Many of the best accounting schools in California offer programs in face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats, creating even more choice and flexibility.
Importantly, California has recently taken action to modernize its certified public accountant (CPA) licensing process. Like many other states, California has grappled with an accounting professional shortage. In 2024, the California Board of Accountancy (CBA) proposed two innovative ways to address the state's accountant shortfall.
The first proposal relaxes CPA mobility guidelines to make it easy for licensed out-of-state professionals to relocate to California. The second explores a new path to CPA licensure that would open the profession to candidates with 120 semester credits instead of the usual 150.
These developments mean California could follow Ohio's lead in becoming one of the first states to create more accessible CPA licensure pathways. If state lawmakers adopt the CBA's suggestions, you could end up with a fast track to a stable, secure, and high-paying California accounting career.
Education Statistics for California
In addition to hosting many accredited degree-granting institutions, California also spends higher-than-average amounts on education both cumulatively and per student. These characteristics have contributed to an educated workforce, as California exceeds national averages for the percentage of residents with bachelor's and graduate or professional degrees.
Ten percent of all four-year U.S. colleges are located in California, and the Golden State hosts more than 12% of the country's two-year institutions. Given these numbers, the best accounting schools in California may also rank among the best in the nation.
During the era of regional accreditation, California schools were usually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
ACCJC and WSCUC continue to accredit most of California's degree-granting institutions. However, any other accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) can also endorse California schools.
Delivery Formats for an Accounting Degree in California
Many students consider delivery formats when researching available programs. Methods cover three main options:
Traditional face-to-face, campus-based learning
Online instruction
Hybrid programs that blend on-campus and online learning
In California, learners engage with distance education at higher-than-average rates. The best accounting schools in California also routinely accommodate students seeking to learn partially or entirely online.
The following subsections explain format options in further detail.
On-Campus Programs
Campus-based programs involve live in-class sessions that follow regular weekly schedules. They make a good match for those seeking to engage with the social side of college and students who feel more comfortable with interactive face-to-face learning.
You can also network more readily with peers, faculty, and prospective employers during on-campus recruitment events.
Online Programs
Online programs engage students over the internet to deliver lectures, lessons, seminars, and other learning modules. They typically use the following course delivery models:
Asynchronous: Asynchronous classes use pre-recorded instructional sessions, allowing you to attend class virtually whenever you like.
Synchronous: Synchronous classes follow set schedules and occur in real time, just like live lectures.
If you want to maximize your scheduling flexibility and learn well independently, online accounting programs might be a good match.
Hybrid Programs
Hybrid programs can offer the best of both worlds by blending the flexibility and convenience of online learning with the social and networking advantages of campus-based attendance. Many of the best accounting schools in California let you balance online and face-to-face components.
Paying for Your Accounting Degree
College is expensive in California — especially for out-of-state students and enrollees at private institutions. If you need help meeting your schooling costs, begin by seeking non-repayable sources of funding like scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
Next, consider federal loans if you need additional funding. Use private loans as a last resort, since their repayment terms tend to offer less flexibility.
The California Student Aid Commission can connect you with a complete lineup of state-specific education funding programs. You can also use these links to learn more about financial aid and accounting scholarships:
Thanks to tax contributions, most public institutions charge in-state residents lower tuition than their out-of-state peers. For example, out-of-state students pay nearly four times as much as in-state learners to attend four-year California colleges.
If you live outside of California and want to attend a public California college, you have two primary options for tuition relief. First, consider online learning. The best accounting schools in California sometimes offer tuition breaks to fully online learners.
Second, you can benefit from California's participation in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) tuition reciprocity program. WUE may provide lower or in-state tuition rates at California schools if you live outside the state but reside in another jurisdiction with WUE membership.
Cost of Living in California
California's cost of living is high. According to World Population Review data from 2025, California has the third-highest cost of living of any U.S. state, trailing only Hawaii and Massachusetts. On the whole, California's cost of living exceeds the national average by nearly 45%.
World Population Review uses 100 as the baseline national cost of living average. As of March 2025, California had an overall score of 144.8, with housing, utilities, and transportation all carrying much higher-than-average costs.
If you plan to live in California while studying accounting, factor the state's high cost of living into your budget.
Careers for Accounting Graduates in California
According to May 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, California employs more accountants and auditors than any other state by a wide margin. California's accountant employment numbers outpace the second-place state, New York, by nearly 40%.
Even with high levels of established professionals in the field, California's labor market projects strong employment growth for accountants and auditors. Projections Central anticipates 8.2% job growth for these professions in California from 2022-32, nearly doubling the anticipated national growth rate of 4.4%.
The nationwide accountant shortage has hit California particularly hard, sparking the state's push to make CPA licensure more accessible. However, the CPA path is just one of multiple promising careers you can pursue with an accounting degree. The following sections profile some other viable options.
Accounting clerks mainly perform administrative and supporting duties, such as tracking transactions, reconciling bank statements, keeping financial records, and managing incoming and outgoing payments. You can enter this profession with an associate degree. However, the role is vulnerable to technology-driven automation, which is reflected in its growth outlook.
Cost estimators help employers plan their finances by creating project budgets, tracking costs and spending, and monitoring organizational financial health. In California, cost estimators earn average salaries of more than $90,000 per year, making it a strong career path you can pursue with a bachelor's degree.
This senior position involves selecting and managing organizational investment and capital deployment activities, supervising junior staff members, and creating long-term financial plans. The profession receives very strong growth projections in California, making it an appealing option for qualified and experienced professionals with graduate degrees.
California offers plentiful opportunities to accounting professionals of all education levels, many of which pay salaries that exceed national averages. Employers throughout the state also compete for a limited talent pool, which could help increase pay for in-demand accounting professions.
As you consider career paths and weigh job offers, remember to research local living costs. While California's cost of living is generally elevated, it varies significantly within the state and tends to be higher in major cities.
California Requirements for Certified Public Accountants
The state's established standards persist as California lawmakers mull a proposal to introduce more accessible routes to CPA licensure. The California Society of CPAs (CalCPA) maintains a complete list of detailed requirements, with highlights including:
A bachelor's degree or higher
At least 150 semester credits or the equivalent
At least 24 semester credits of accounting coursework, plus at least 20 additional semester credits of accounting study topics
At least 24 semester credits of general business coursework
At least 10 semester units of professional ethics coursework
12 or more months of professional accounting experience
Passing scores on all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination, all earned within 18 months if you passed your first section before Jan. 2024 or within 30 months if you passed your first section in Jan. 2024 or later
If California adopts the alternate proposed pathway to CPA licensure, you may be able to qualify in the future with 120 semester credits instead of 150, and two years of experience instead of one year.
California State University, Fullerton, California State University, Long Beach, and San Diego State University rank among the leading schools in the California State University (CSU) system.
Which UC school has the best accounting program?
University of California, Berkeley and University of California, Los Angeles are widely considered the top schools in the University of California (UC) system. However, many other UC schools host acclaimed accounting programs.
How long does it take to become an accountant in California?
To become a CPA, you will need about five years of college education plus one year of professional experience, bringing the minimum total to about six years. You could become an accountant sooner if you enter a non-licensed career track, such as the staff accountant path.
How much do accountants earn in California?
BLS data from May 2023 placed the average salary of a California accountant or auditor at $100,560 per year. Notably, this data applies to all accountants and auditors and is not specific to licensed or certified career paths.
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