Accounting and Finance: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Combining the analytical rigor of accounting with the strategic depth of finance, this program equips learners with the expertise to interpret financial data, manage organizational resources, and support informed decision-making in complex business environments. Graduates are prepared for dynamic roles in corporate finance, auditing, investment analysis, and financial planning across industries.
- Financial Accounting: The systematic process of recording, summarizing, and reporting financial transactions to provide accurate insights into an organization’s financial health.
- Managerial Accounting: The use of financial information to guide internal decision-making, including budgeting, cost analysis, and performance evaluation.
- Corporate Finance: The strategic management of capital structure, investment decisions, and financial planning to maximize organizational value.
- Investment Analysis: The evaluation of financial assets and markets to determine optimal investment strategies and portfolio performance.
- Auditing and Assurance: The independent examination of financial statements to verify accuracy, compliance, and transparency.
- Financial Statement Analysis: The interpretation of balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements to assess financial trends and risks.
- Taxation Principles: The study of federal, state, and local tax laws affecting individuals and organizations, including compliance and planning strategies.
Accounting and Finance Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Accounting and Finance Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Accounting and Finance degrees, including Financial Managers, Financial Risk Specialists and Financial and Investment Analysts. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 2,792,760 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Managers 11-3031 | $161,700 | $86,490 - $239,200 | 818,620 | $77.74 |
| Financial Risk Specialists 13-2054 | $106,000 | $62,270 - $182,310 | 56,320 | $50.96 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts 13-2051 | $101,350 | $62,410 - $180,550 | 340,580 | $48.73 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1011 | $97,270 | $46,460 - $210,530 | 81,780 | N/A |
| Budget Analysts 13-2031 | $87,930 | $60,510 - $134,640 | 47,170 | $42.27 |
| Accountants and Auditors 13-2011 | $81,680 | $52,780 - $141,420 | 1,448,290 | $39.27 |
Salary Comparison
Accounting and Finance Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $75,243 in Arkansas to $129,573 in New York—a 72% difference. The highest-paying states include New York, District of Columbia, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 2,792,760 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Accounting and Finance by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 97 institutions offering Accounting and Finance programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Accounting and Finance is found at Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) (499 graduates), Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) (264 graduates), Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (258 graduates), Drexel University (195 graduates), and DeVry University, Illinois (178 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 3,451 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
499 | N/A | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | waketech.edu |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
264 | N/A | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Public | faytechcc.edu |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
258 | N/A | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | snhu.edu |
| Drexel University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
195 |
SAT: 1230-1430 ACT: 27-33 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| DeVry University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
178 |
SAT: 990-1130 ACT: 19-23 |
Lisle, Illinois | Private | devry.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
|
149 |
SAT: 1140-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
113 | N/A | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | cpcc.edu |
| Bridgewater State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
|
72 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 18-27 |
Bridgewater, Massachusetts | Public | bridgew.edu |
| Bucknell University |
Bachelor's
|
70 |
SAT: 1300-1450 ACT: 31-33 |
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania | Private | bucknell.edu |
| Wayne Community College (WCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
66 | N/A | Goldsboro, North Carolina | Public | waynecc.edu |
| Surry Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
63 | N/A | Dobson, North Carolina | Public | surry.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
62 | N/A | Flat Rock, North Carolina | Public | blueridge.edu |
| Gaston College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
60 | N/A | Dallas, North Carolina | Public | gaston.edu |
| University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
Master's
|
56 | N/A | Adelphi, Maryland | Public | umgc.edu |
| Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
50 | N/A | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Public | forsythtech.edu |
| Bentley University |
Bachelor's
|
48 |
SAT: 1250-1410 ACT: 29-32 |
Waltham, Massachusetts | Private | bentley.edu |
| Pitt Community College (PCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
47 | N/A | Winterville, North Carolina | Public | pittcc.edu |
| Lenoir Community College (LCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
45 | N/A | Kinston, North Carolina | Public | lenoircc.edu |
| Mitchell Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
44 | N/A | Statesville, North Carolina | Public | mitchellcc.edu |
| Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
43 | N/A | Jamestown, North Carolina | Public | gtcc.edu |
| Randolph Community College (RCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
41 | N/A | Asheboro, North Carolina | Public | randolph.edu |
| Richmond Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
40 | N/A | Hamlet, North Carolina | Public | richmondcc.edu |
| Fordham University |
Bachelor's
|
39 |
SAT: 1330-1490 ACT: 30-33 |
Bronx, New York | Private | fordham.edu |
| Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
38 | N/A | Morganton, North Carolina | Public | wpcc.edu |
| Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
34 | N/A | Asheville, North Carolina | Public | abtech.edu |
| Alamance Community College (ACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
34 | N/A | Graham, North Carolina | Public | alamancecc.edu |
| Coastal Carolina Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
31 | N/A | Jacksonville, North Carolina | Public | coastalcarolina.edu |
| Davidson-Davie Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
31 | N/A | Thomasville, North Carolina | Public | davidsondavie.edu |
| Southwestern Community College (SWCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
29 | N/A | Sylva, North Carolina | Public | southwesterncc.edu |
| McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
27 | N/A | Marion, North Carolina | Public | mcdowelltech.edu |
| Wilson Community College (WCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
26 | N/A | Wilson, North Carolina | Public | wilsoncc.edu |
| Isothermal Community College (ICC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
25 | N/A | Spindale, North Carolina | Public | isothermal.edu |
| Sampson Community College (SCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
25 | N/A | Clinton, North Carolina | Public | sampsoncc.edu |
| Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
24 | N/A | Sanford, North Carolina | Public | cccc.edu |
| Wilmington University (WilmU) |
Bachelor's
|
23 | N/A | New Castle, Delaware | Private | wilmu.edu |
| Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
23 | N/A | Hickory, North Carolina | Public | cvcc.edu |
| Stanly Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | N/A | Albemarle, North Carolina | Public | stanly.edu |
| Wilkes Community College (WCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | N/A | Wilkesboro, North Carolina | Public | wilkescc.edu |
| Johnston Community College (JCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
21 | N/A | Smithfield, North Carolina | Public | johnstoncc.edu |
| Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | N/A | Wilmington, North Carolina | Public | cfcc.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UAFS) |
Other Award
|
19 | ACT: 18-23 | Fort Smith, Arkansas | Public | uafs.edu |
| Brunswick Community College (BCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | N/A | Bolivia, North Carolina | Public | brunswickcc.edu |
| Franklin Pierce University |
Bachelor's
|
18 | SAT: 945-1140 | Rindge, New Hampshire | Private | franklinpierce.edu |
| University of Washington (UW Bothell) |
Master's
|
16 |
SAT: 1170-1470 ACT: 32-34 |
Bothell, Washington | Public | uwb.edu |
| Clarkson University (Clarkson) |
Bachelor's
|
15 |
SAT: 1198-1390 ACT: 26-31 |
Potsdam, New York | Private | clarkson.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Postbac Cert.
|
15 |
SAT: 1280-1460 ACT: 29-33 |
Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | N/A | Salisbury, North Carolina | Public | rccc.edu |
| Stark State College |
Associate's
|
14 | N/A | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| Robeson Community College (RCC) |
Associate's
|
13 | N/A | Lumberton, North Carolina | Public | robeson.edu |
| Hiram College |
Bachelor's
|
13 | N/A | Hiram, Ohio | Private | hiram.edu |
| Jacksonville University (JU) |
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 1110-1260 ACT: 24-28 |
Jacksonville, Florida | Private | ju.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 23-29 |
Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| Piedmont Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | N/A | Roxboro, North Carolina | Public | piedmontcc.edu |
| Strayer University (SU) |
Master's
|
12 | N/A | Chamblee, Georgia | Private | strayer.edu |
| Bethel University |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1065-1240 ACT: 23-29 |
Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | bethel.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
11 |
SAT: 1140-1340 ACT: 25-30 |
Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| East Central University (ECU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
10 |
SAT: 935-1055 ACT: 16-22 |
Ada, Oklahoma | Public | ecok.edu |
| Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | N/A | Hudson, North Carolina | Public | cccti.edu |
| Sandhills Community College (SCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | N/A | Pinehurst, North Carolina | Public | sandhills.edu |
| Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) |
Associate's
|
9 | N/A | Henderson, North Carolina | Public | vgcc.edu |
| Strayer University |
Master's
|
9 | N/A | Arlington, Virginia | Private | strayer.edu |
| Strayer University (SU) |
Master's
|
9 | N/A | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | strayer.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | N/A | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| DeVry College of New York |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
8 | N/A | New York, New York | Private | devry.edu |
| Keiser University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | N/A | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | keiseruniversity.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1330-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Tabor College (TC) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 830-1130 ACT: 18-23 |
Hillsboro, Kansas | Private | tabor.edu |
| Cambridge College |
Master's
|
7 | N/A | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | cambridgecollege.edu |
| Salem State University (SSU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | SAT: 990-1160 | Salem, Massachusetts | Public | salemstate.edu |
| Edgecombe Community College (ECC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | N/A | Tarboro, North Carolina | Public | edgecombe.edu |
| Rockingham Community College (RCC) |
Associate's
|
7 | N/A | Wentworth, North Carolina | Public | rockinghamcc.edu |
| Maryville College |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1018-1188 ACT: 20-28 |
Maryville, Tennessee | Private | maryvillecollege.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Master's
|
7 |
SAT: 1510-1560 ACT: 34-35 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) |
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 970-1210 ACT: 19-26 |
West Palm Beach, Florida | Private | pba.edu |
| Indiana University (IUSE) |
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1010-1190 ACT: 20-26 |
New Albany, Indiana | Public | ius.edu |
| Campbell University |
Master's
|
6 | N/A | Buies Creek, North Carolina | Private | campbell.edu |
| James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | N/A | Kenansville, North Carolina | Public | jamessprunt.edu |
| Tri-County Community College (TCCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | N/A | Murphy, North Carolina | Public | tricountycc.edu |
| Eastern University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | N/A | Saint Davids, Pennsylvania | Private | eastern.edu |
| Strayer University (SU) |
Master's
|
6 | N/A | Farmers Branch, Texas | Private | strayer.edu |
| Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) |
Other Award
|
6 | N/A | Monroe, Louisiana | Public | ladelta.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 890-1120 ACT: 18-26 |
Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | N/A | Polkton, North Carolina | Public | spcc.edu |
| Strayer University |
Master's
|
5 | N/A | Trevose, Pennsylvania | Private | strayer.edu |
| Johnson & Wales University (JWU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 920-1140 ACT: 16-22 |
Charlotte, North Carolina | Private | jwu.edu |
| Mount Saint Mary's University (MSMU) |
Master's
|
4 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Private | msmu.edu |
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies |
Bachelor's
|
4 | N/A | Manchester, New Hampshire | Public | cps.unh.edu |
| Durham Technical Community College (Durham Tech) |
Associate's
|
4 | N/A | Durham, North Carolina | Public | durhamtech.edu |
| Haywood Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | N/A | Clyde, North Carolina | Public | haywood.edu |
| Nash Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | N/A | Rocky Mount, North Carolina | Public | nashcc.edu |
| Lourdes University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | N/A | Sylvania, Ohio | Private | lourdes.edu |
| Miami University |
Other Award
|
4 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 26-31 |
Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| Ensign College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | N/A | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | ensign.edu |
| Strayer University |
Master's
|
4 | N/A | Suitland, Maryland | Private | strayer.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology |
Master's
|
4 | N/A | Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| Florida Memorial University (FMU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Miami Gardens, Florida | Private | fmuniv.edu |
| Suffolk University |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1090-1280 ACT: 24-32 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | suffolk.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Accounting and Finance programs
How much can I earn with a Accounting and Finance degree?
Salaries for Accounting and Finance graduates vary by role and location. Financial Managers earn a median of $161,700 annually, while Financial Risk Specialists earn around $106,000. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New York average $129,573 compared to $75,243 in Arkansas. Approximately 2,792,760 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Accounting and Finance programs?
Currently 131 accredited institutions offer Accounting and Finance degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) (499 graduates), Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) (264 graduates), and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (258 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Accounting and Finance growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 1,590 in 2010 to 3,502 in 2023-24. This represents a 120% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Accounting and Finance degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Financial Managers, Financial Risk Specialists, and Financial and Investment Analysts. Related occupations employ approximately 2,792,760 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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