10 Best Accounting and Finance Degree Programs 2026

If you're drawn to the analytical side of business and want a career that blends number-crunching with strategic decision-making, an accounting and finance degree gives you both skill sets in one program. Rather than choosing between accounting's precision and finance's forward-looking analysis, you build expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, investment strategy, and corporate finance together, preparing you for a wider range of roles than a single-discipline degree typically allows.

Below, we walk you through what an accounting and finance degree covers, highlights ten strong bachelor's programs worth considering, and breaks down what to expect in terms of coursework, timelines, and career outcomes. Whether you're weighing your first college choice or considering a return to school to sharpen your financial expertise, you'll find the information here useful as you narrow down your options.

What Is an Accounting and Finance Degree?

An accounting and finance degree combines two closely related business disciplines into a single course of study. You'll learn the technical skills of accounting, like preparing financial statements, managing budgets, and understanding tax principles, alongside finance-focused coursework in investment analysis, corporate financial management, and capital markets. The result is a well-rounded foundation that prepares you to interpret financial data and use it to guide business decisions.

Most schools offer this degree at the bachelor's level, and program names vary somewhat by school. Some list it as a stand-alone "Accounting and Finance" major, while others structure it as a joint degree between an accounting school and a business or finance school. A handful of programs let you choose a concentration within the major, such as management accounting or financial analysis, so you can tailor your coursework toward a specific career path.

Typical courses include financial and managerial accounting, auditing, corporate finance, investments, financial statement analysis, and business law. Many programs also incorporate data analytics and financial technology coursework, reflecting how much these tools now shape both fields. By graduation, you'll have exposure to the full financial picture of an organization, from recording transactions to forecasting growth.

Best Accounting and Finance Degree Programs

The schools below stand out for combining rigorous accounting and finance coursework with strong institutional and programmatic accreditation. Each is a nonprofit, regionally accredited school with a genuine combined accounting and finance degree 

1. Bridgewater State University

Located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Bridgewater State University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and holds business accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). As a public university, it offers a lower-cost path to a quality accounting and finance education.

Bridgewater State's Department of Accounting and Finance houses a bachelor's degree with concentrations in accounting or finance, giving you the flexibility to specialize while still building knowledge across both disciplines. Students gain hands-on experience through the university's Trading Room, where you can access Bloomberg terminals to research companies and manage investment portfolios using real market data.

2. Brooklyn College

Part of the City University of New York system, Brooklyn College sits in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, giving you easy access to the city's finance and accounting industries. The school is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and its Murray Koppelman School of Business holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Brooklyn College's Public Accounting and Finance program combines the coursework needed to meet New York's CPA licensure requirements with a full finance curriculum, so you graduate prepared for both credentialed accounting work and broader financial careers. The program's location puts you close to internship opportunities across the city's financial sector.

3. Bryant University

Bryant University is a private, nonprofit institution in Smithfield, Rhode Island, regionally accredited by the NECHE. Its College of Business carries accreditation from the AACSB, placing it among a select group of business schools worldwide.

Bryant's Managerial Accounting and Finance concentration prepares you for leadership roles in management accounting and corporate finance, with coursework built around real-world financial decision-making. You'll have the opportunity to pursue faculty-supervised internships and compete in team-based case competitions, including the PwC Challenge, giving you practical experience alongside your coursework.

4. California Lutheran University

Set in Thousand Oaks, California, Cal Lutheran is a private, nonprofit university regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Its School of Management holds accreditation from the ACBSP.

Cal Lutheran's Accounting and Financial Analysis program blends technical accounting training in financial reporting, auditing, and taxation with applied finance skills like financial statement analysis and strategic decision-making. The curriculum is designed with CPA exam preparation in mind, and the university's accelerated pathways let qualified students pursue a master's degree alongside their bachelor's without added tuition costs.

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University, based in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a private, nonprofit institution regionally accredited by the NECHE. Its business programs, including this one, are accredited by the ACBSP.

SNHU's BS in Accounting and Finance covers financial analysis, auditing, and taxation alongside broader business skills, with a management accounting concentration available for students who want to specialize further. The program is offered both online and on campus, and SNHU's generous transfer credit policy makes it a practical option if you're returning to school or transferring from another institution.

6. Troy University

Troy University is a public institution based in Troy, Alabama, regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Its Sorrell College of Business holds dual accreditation from the AACSB, covering both its business programs and its School of Accountancy.

The Business Accounting and Finance concentration within Troy's BSBA in Global Business builds skills in financial modeling, risk assessment, and investment portfolio management through coursework, case studies, and simulations. TROY Online makes the program accessible for working adults, and the college's internship and capstone requirements give you real-world experience before graduation.

7. University of Miami

If you're looking for a quantitatively rigorous track, the University of Miami's Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance (BSAF) delivers content equivalent to a double major in accounting and finance, paired with a minor in business analytics. The accelerated coursework prepares you early for competitive internships in financial services and corporate finance, and the degree's data analytics emphasis reflects where the industry is headed.

The university sits in Coral Gables, Florida, and carries regional accreditation from the SACSCOC. Miami Herbert Business School holds accreditation from the AACSB, along with the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA), a combination held by fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide. 

8. University of New Hampshire

Based in Durham, New Hampshire, UNH is a public university regionally accredited by the NECHE. Its Accounting and Finance bachelor's degree is delivered through the College of Professional Studies, an online-focused division built for working adults and transfer students, with a generous transfer credit policy and support geared toward nontraditional learners.

The program blends accounting and finance essentials with organizational process knowledge, covering budgeting, asset management, and investment analysis, and lays a foundation for students planning to pursue CPA licensure. The college's business programs, including this one, are currently pursuing accreditation from the ACBSP.

9. University of Southern California

USC's Leventhal School of Accounting and Marshall School of Business jointly administer the Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance, a program built for students who want deep accounting expertise paired with finance-focused career preparation. The STEM-eligible curriculum covers financial statement analysis, valuation, and financial reporting standards, with close ties to Big Four accounting firms for internships and recruiting.

Located in Los Angeles, California, USC is regionally accredited by the WSCUC. Leventhal holds AACSB accreditation for both business and accounting, a distinction shared by fewer than 200 accounting programs worldwide.

10. Wilmington University

Wilmington University's BS in Accounting and Finance stands out for its flexibility, available fully online or in person, with low, in-state tuition rates extended to all students regardless of residency. The curriculum covers business analytics, financial planning, tax accounting, and corporate finance, and equips you with 120 of the 150 credit hours most states require for CPA licensure.

The university is based in New Castle, Delaware, and holds regional accreditation from the MSCHE. Its College of Business carries accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), and this degree program is specifically named among its accredited offerings.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

For accounting and finance degrees specifically, we look beyond general reputation and weigh factors that speak directly to how well a program prepares you for both disciplines. We verify every concentration and program detail directly on each school's own site rather than relying on aggregators, since program offerings and structures change often. Here's what we prioritize:

• Accreditation: We confirm regional accreditation for every school on this list, along with specialized business accreditation from bodies like AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE, which signals that a program meets recognized standards for curriculum and faculty quality.
• Career alignment: We favor programs with coursework, internship opportunities, and industry connections that reflect what employers in accounting and finance actually look for, including exposure to financial analysis tools, CPA exam preparation, and real-world case work.
• Student outcomes: We consider graduation rates, CPA pass rates where available, and post-graduation employment data to gauge how well a program sets students up for success after they finish.

Learn more about our ranking methodology. 

What Will You Learn in an Accounting and Finance Degree Program?

An accounting and finance degree builds a broad skill set that spans both disciplines, giving you the technical grounding to work with financial data and the strategic insight to act on it. Coursework typically covers:

• Financial accounting: Preparing and interpreting financial statements in line with standard accounting principles.
• Managerial and cost accounting: Using financial data to guide internal business decisions, budgeting, and performance evaluation.
• Auditing: Examining financial records for accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Taxation: Understanding federal, state, and corporate tax principles and their impact on business decisions.
• Corporate finance: Managing a company's capital structure, funding decisions, and financial planning.
• Investment analysis: Evaluating securities, portfolios, and market trends to inform investment decisions.
• Financial statement analysis: Assessing a company's financial health using ratios, trends, and comparative data.
• Business law and ethics: Understanding the legal and ethical framework that governs financial and accounting practice.

Many programs also weave in business analytics, financial modeling, or emerging financial technology coursework, reflecting how much these tools now shape day-to-day work in both fields.

How Long Does it Take to Earn an Accounting and Finance Degree?

A bachelor's degree in accounting and finance typically takes four years of full-time study to complete, following the standard 120-credit structure most schools use for undergraduate degrees. Part-time students often take longer, while those with transfer credits, dual enrollment coursework, or prior college experience may finish sooner.

Some schools offer accelerated formats or credit for prior learning that can shorten your timeline further. If you're aiming for CPA licensure, keep in mind that most states require 150 total credit hours, which is 30 more than a typical bachelor's degree provides, so many students plan for additional coursework or a master's degree after finishing their undergraduate program.

How Much Does an Accounting and Finance Degree Cost?

The cost of an accounting and finance degree varies widely based on the type of school you choose. Public universities generally offer some of the lowest rates, particularly for in-state students, while private nonprofit schools tend to charge more per credit but often provide more generous financial aid packages to offset the difference. Online programs can also come with lower costs, since they cut out expenses like housing and campus fees.

Beyond tuition, factor in costs like textbooks, technology fees, and any additional coursework needed to reach the 150-credit threshold for CPA licensure. Many of the schools on this list offer transfer credit policies, accelerated pathways, or bundled bachelor's-to-master's programs that can help you manage the overall cost of your education.

Financial Aid for Accounting and Finance Degrees

Paying for your degree doesn't have to rely on tuition alone. A mix of federal, state, and school-based aid can help cover costs, and most schools on this list have dedicated financial aid offices to help you build a package that fits your situation.

• Federal financial aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal grants, work-study, and student loans.
• Institutional scholarships and grants: Many schools offer merit- or need-based aid specifically for business and accounting students.
• State grants: Some states offer additional grant funding for residents attending in-state public or nonprofit institutions.
• Employer tuition assistance: If you're already working, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement programs, especially if your role touches finance or accounting.
• Professional association scholarships: Organizations like the AICPA and state CPA societies offer scholarships for accounting students.
• Military and veteran benefits: The GI Bill and other military education benefits can cover some or all tuition costs at eligible schools.
• Prior learning and transfer credit: Credit for previous coursework, military training, or professional experience can reduce the total credits you need to pay for.

How To Choose the Right Accounting and Finance Degree

Every strong accounting and finance program shares certain baseline qualities, but the right fit for you depends on your specific goals, learning style, and career timeline. Weigh the following factors as you compare programs.

Accreditation

Confirm that your school holds regional accreditation and that its business program carries specialized accreditation from a body like AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE. This affects everything from credit transferability to how employers and graduate schools view your degree.

Program Format

Decide whether an in-person, online, or hybrid format fits your life best. Working adults and those balancing other commitments often benefit from programs built for flexibility, while campus-based programs may offer more networking and in-person internship opportunities.

CPA and Licensure Pathways

If you're aiming for CPA licensure, look for programs that align with your state's 150-credit-hour requirement or offer a clear path to a master's degree that gets you there.

Cost and Financial Aid

Compare tuition rates alongside available scholarships, transfer credit policies, and accelerated options, since the total cost of a degree can vary significantly even among similarly ranked programs.

Career Support and Outcomes

Look into a school's internship connections, employer partnerships, and job placement data to gauge how well it sets graduates up for success in accounting and finance roles.

Career Outlook With an Accounting and Finance Degree

An accounting and finance degree opens doors across both fields, and the data backs up the strength of that combination. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors earned a median annual wage of $81,680 as of May 2024, with employment projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. Roughly 124,200 openings are projected each year, largely from workers transferring roles or retiring.

On the finance side, the outlook is even stronger. Financial managers earned a median annual wage of $161,700 in May 2024, with employment projected to grow 15% through 2034, much faster than average. Financial analysts saw a median wage of $87,930 with 6% projected growth over the same period. With training in both disciplines, you're positioned to move between accounting-focused roles and finance-focused ones, or to advance into hybrid positions like controller or finance director that draw on both skill sets.

FAQs About the Best Accounting and Finance Degree Programs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about pursuing an accounting and finance degree.

Is an Accounting and Finance Degree Worth It?

For most students interested in the financial side of business, an accounting and finance degree offers strong value. It combines two in-demand skill sets into a single program, opening doors to careers in accounting, corporate finance, and investment analysis without requiring a double major. Given the solid earning potential and job growth in both fields, the investment tends to pay off, particularly for graduates who go on to earn a CPA or other professional credential.

Is an Accounting and Finance Degree Respected by Employers?

Yes, especially when the degree comes from a regionally accredited school with a business program accredited by AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE. Employers recognize the combined skill set as valuable, since it signals you can both prepare and interpret financial information rather than just one or the other. Graduates often find this versatility useful in interviews and on the job, since many finance and accounting roles overlap in practice.

Who Should Consider an Accounting and Finance Degree Program?

This degree suits students who enjoy working with numbers but haven't settled on accounting or finance specifically, since it keeps both paths open. It's also a good fit if you're aiming for a career that blends the two, like financial analysis, corporate finance, or a controller role, or if you want a broader foundation before pursuing an MBA or other graduate degree.

What Jobs Can You Get With an Accounting and Finance Degree?

Graduates pursue roles across both fields, including staff accountant, financial analyst, auditor, budget analyst, and corporate finance associate. With experience and additional credentials, many move into higher-level positions like controller, finance manager, or CFO.

Can You Become a CPA With an Accounting and Finance Degree?

In most cases, yes, though you'll likely need additional credit hours beyond your bachelor's degree to meet your state's CPA requirements. Check whether your program's coursework aligns with your state board's specific accounting credit requirements, and plan for a master's degree or extra coursework if needed.

How Is an Accounting and Finance Degree Different From Separate Accounting and Finance Degrees?

A combined accounting and finance degree integrates coursework from both disciplines into one program, rather than requiring you to choose a single major. This gives you exposure to both financial reporting and investment analysis, which can be an advantage if you're not yet sure which specialization you want to pursue, or if you want a broader skill set for roles that touch both areas.

Discover Accounting and Finance Degrees

Find the perfect accounting and finance degree by exploring the top options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools to find out more about program options, admissions, and financial aid.