Which Are the Best Accounting Schools in Illinois?

by Alex Morgan · April 7, 2023

Trying find colleges for accountants in Illinois? Let’s help you get started.

Illinois is the sixth-largest populated state in the United States, with around 12.6 million residents. Among those residents, people belong to various occupations and professions. And, much like other states, accounting is one of the most common populations.

According to the Illinois Certified Public Accountants Society, there are around 22,600 CPA-certified accountants in the state. So, how to become an accountant in Illinois—where this profession seems prevalent?

The first thing you’ll need is to find the best schools for accounting in Illinois. Besides that, it’s important to understand why one can take the route of accounting degrees. So, let’s talk about some key factors and find the best universities for accounting in Illinois, most of which are accounting schools in Chicago.

Why Pursue an Accounting Degree?

An accounting degree is one of the most reliable options for people who need a stable future. By the end of 2021, there were around 1.32 million active accountants in the United States. This suggests two things:

An accounting degree is worth investing in.
Ease of finding related degrees;
Accounting degree holders are in demand.

Therefore, if you are looking to a future that’s not only stable but also offers particular opportunities to grow, then accounting is for you. Besides that, you don’t need to be a mathematical mastermind to become an accountant. All you need is to find the best finance schools in Midwest or wherever you’re from—and you’re good to go.

Top 5 Accounting Schools in Illinois

Now that we know why accounting is a good option let’s talk about some of the best finance universities in Illinois.

1. University Of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign, IL

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, is the leading university for the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign. This is a great option for accountancy hopefuls, as it has two of the best programs in the United States:

Bachelor of Science Major in Accountancy (BS)
Master of Science in Accountancy

The first option, which is BS in Accountancy Major, focuses largely on the technical aspect of accounting. The curriculum is comprised of key factors in accounting in any sort of business or organization. Therefore, this is a robust option to get your career started in accounting.

On the other hand, if you’re already a graduate, then the outstanding Master of Science in Accountancy program can be a great option for you. UIL Urbana-Champaign offers this degree from Gies College of Business, and it offers one of the best master’s curriculums for accounting in the nation today.

2. University of Illinois At Chicago – Chicago, IL

University of Illinois at Chicago is a great option for residents of Windy City. This accounting school in Chicago provides two of the best accounting options in the nation today, and they are called:

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Master of Science in Accounting

BS in Accounting program is ideal for you if you wish to become an ace accountant for organizations and businesses. Because this accounting program features courses such as Cost Accounting, Auditing, Federal Income Tax, and Accounting Information Systems.

Then you have the Master of Science in Accounting, which is a great accounting program for graduate students. The curriculum in this degree comprises subjects such as Advanced Financial Accounting, Federal Income Tax II, and General Business Law.

3. Loyola University Chicago – Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago is widely considered one of the best finance schools in the Midwest. That’s because it has two of the best programs in Prairie State. The said accounting programs are:

BBA in Accounting
MS In Accountancy

The BBA in Accounting is a unique program in one of the best accounting schools in Chicago, as this business-centric degree focuses on the accounting intricacies required in an organization or company. So, you can guess the course curriculums, such as Principles of Economics I and II, as well as Business Information Systems and Business Statistics.

Besides that, the MS in Accountancy has no particular baccalaureate requirements, so you can join it even if you’re switching from another bachelor’s degree. This program comprises key accounting factors such as Auditing, International Tax, and Forensic Accounting. Therefore, it’ll thoroughly prepare you for the CPA exams.

4. DePaul University – Chicago, IL

DePaul University is one of the most famous universities in the Second City. The school offers two accounting programs, bachelors and master’s:

BSB Accountancy
Master’s in Accountancy

BSB or Bachelor of Science in Business with Accountancy major is the leading option at this school. This degree is a sum of various important accounting courses, such as Career Management for Accountants, Advanced Analytics, as well as Financial Reporting I, II, and II.

Then you have the Master In Accountancy of MSA program, which you can take after you finish the BSB. Or, you can simply enroll in it if you have acquired your bachelor’s from an accredited US university.

5. Western Illinois University – Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University is the final name on our list and another great option for graduates or undergraduates. The two accountancy programs here are called:

Bachelor of Business in Accountancy
Master of Accountancy

The Bachelor of Business in Accountancy is aimed at specificities of accounting and finance within a business or organization. According to the university’s page, the holders of this degree have a 94% employment rate.

Then, if you’re a bachelor, you can opt for the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) option. This accounting program has intricate courses like Fraud Examination, Advanced Federal Taxation, International Accounting, etc.

Illinois Accounting Employment Rate And Average Salary

Illinois is one of the best places for accountants to begin their careers. The state qualifies as one of the largest employers of accountants and auditors. According to Illinois Work Net Center, the state of Illinois has around 53,402 people in accounting (not CPAs), with an occupational growth of 8.2%.

Source: Employment Outlook – Accountants and Auditors.

Nevertheless, what is the average salary for an accountant in Illinois? BLS reports it to be around $77,000 per year on average around the United States. Whereas, Indeed.com reports that an average base salary for accountants in Illinois is around $62,000 per year—another hefty number.

Therefore, it proves that accounting in Illinois is a viable bet and something students should consider after graduating high school.

Conclusion

These are some of the best accounting universities in Illinois. It’s a great state to be an accountant in, as it offers high-paying jobs and a steady job outlook/growth rate. Therefore, any of the degree options in this list can help you get started properly in your accounting career.

Feature image: Unsplash.com