Where to Find the Best Accounting Schools in Washington State

by Alex Morgan · May 20, 2023

University of Washington - an Accounting School in Washington

Looking for the best accounting schools in the state of Washington? Let’s help you find some.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that there are around 1.44 million accountants in the United States. This job market is growing rapidly, with the job outlook expected to touch 6% by 2031. So, there’s no wonder people look for the best finance schools in Washington.

But before we talk about that, is it as lucrative in Washington as its elsewhere in the United States? What are some of the reasons you should be enrolling in an accounting degree? And if so, which are the best accounting programs in Washington State? Let’s answer all these questions.

Reasons to Enroll in An Accounting Degree in Washington

Before you find out how to become an accountant in Washington State, let’s talk about why you should become one. The first reason is that accounting is a highly flexible degree. If you think you’ll be secluded from working in a bank, then you’re wrong.

Almost all sectors and industries today require qualified accountants and CPAs to handle the money and numbers. Then, accounting degrees happen to be some of the most affordable academic programs. That means you can work in any industry without having to pay an arm and a leg to get formal education.

5 Best Accounting Schools In Washington

Now that we know why it’s good to be an accountant let’s talk about schools and programs. To understand how to become a CPA in Washington State, you need to get an accredited degree online from an accounting school.

Now you can get an online accounting degree in Washington State too. But it’s better that you attend one of these 5 best accounting schools in the Evergreen State:

1. University of Washington – Seattle, Washington

The University of Washington is located in the outstanding city of Seattle. This university is home to prolific alumni, and that’s because of the great programs that it offers. Two of those programs fall under the accounting category, and they are called:

The Bachelor of Accounting program is the reason U.W. is considered one of the best accounting schools in Washington. The bachelor program offers a series of great courses that include:

Intermediate Accounting I, II, and III
Introduction to Accounting Systems and Analytics
Tax Effects of Business Decisions
Auditing Standards and Principles

And then you have the MPAcc, aka Master of Professional Accounting Program. This will help you become the dream CPA for any organization across the United States.

2. Gonzaga University – Spokane, Washington

Gonzaga University’s location will make you think it’s right out of a fantasy movie. Located in the heart of scenic Spokane, Washington, this university has all the perks you could hope for, including its two great accounting programs:

The Major in Accounting/Bachelor program is one of the best that you can find in the state. That’s because it’s ideal for helping you become a CPA based on a curriculum that offers the following:

Intermediate Financial Accounting I and II
Federal Taxation I and II
Accounting Information Systems
Data Analysis for Accountants

And if you’re a graduate, then you can opt for this accounting school in Washington with its incredible master’s finance program. This will serve you with all the tools that you need to make it as a certified professional accountant.

3. Seattle University – Seattle, Washington

Seattle University is another great accounting school in Washington located in the beloved city of Seattle. Being one of the oldest and most recognizable universities in the state, it has great programs, and two of them are in the accounting category:

The bachelor in accounting major offered by the Albers School of Business and Economics has one of the best curriculums in the entire country, not just a top schools for master’s in accounting in Washington. It has courses such as:

Principles of Economics—Macro/Micro
Principles of Accounting I and II
Business Finance
Business and International Law

And then, you have a Master’s in Professional Accounting that will thoroughly prepare you for the CPA examinations.

4. Saint Martin’s University – Lacey, Washington

Saint Martin’s University is the jewel of beautiful Lacey, Washington. Situated in an outstanding building, this is one of the most prolific universities in the state today. That’s because it has amazing accounting degree programs such as these two:

The Bachelor of Accounting major at Saint Martin’s University is widely hailed as one of the leading programs of this amazing accounting school in Washington, the Evergreen state. That’s because it covers all the important areas of accounting with courses that include:

Principles of Macroeconomics/Microeconomics
Principles of Financial Accounting
Principles of Managerial Accounting
Principles of Finance

And all that is followed by the outstanding MAcc program at Saint Martin’s. Which is ideal for graduate students or those who wish to continue studying accountancy after bachelors at Saint Martin’s.

5. Whitworth University – Spokane, Washington

Whitworth University is another great accounting school Washington in Spokane. It has an array of great programs, and one of them is the accounting major:

BBA in Accounting Concentration

The BBA in Accounting Concentration is ideal for those who wish to get the best of both worlds; business and economics. That’s why it has a great curriculum that includes courses like:

Principles of International Business
Principles of Management
Managerial Accounting
Business Law

Making it one of the best options for accounting bachelor hopefuls in Washington.

What’s After Getting an Accounting Degree in Washington

For the undergrads the answer is quite simple–you move onto your masters degree program in accounting in the same or other business schools in Washington, or apply for a job. Since you’ve got a taste of one of the above schools, you now have a better idea of where you want to continue your study.

For graduates, the choice is a bit different though. One of the reasons that you’ve chosen to study in one of the best accounting schools in Washington is because of the hope to land a lucrative job in the industry. And you won’t be disappointed when you find the positive outlook of this industry, below.

Accounting Salaries & Job Outlook In Washington

District of Columbia, usually known as Washington DC, happens to be one of the top-paying areas in the United States for accountants. According to the BLS website, here are some of the things you need to know:

District of Columbia has more than 10,000 accountants;
It pays an annual mean wage of $110,000 per year—higher than any other state;
And the employment rate is 1.60 people per thousand.

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

This should tell you why Washington state happens to be one of the most lucrative places to become an accountant today.

Conclusion

These are some of the best accounting universities in Washington that you can find in the east coast for accounting hopefuls. All of them have great programs and offer remarkable courses that prepare you for every nook and cranny of the world of accounting. So, it boils down to which one is nearest and most affordable to you.