Why Selecting an Accounting School in Minnesota is a Smart Choice

Unique Programs, Tuition Fees, Career Outlook

Minnesota is popular for having some of the top accounting schools in the Midwest, offering degrees and certifications that combine affordability, excellent CPA preparation and great career outcomes. With the city serving as a central hub for business and finance, and housing multiple Fortune 500 companies like Best Buy, Target, UnitedHealth Group, and 3M – students in Minnesota can certainly benefit from easily accessible internships, employment and networking opportunities.

While there’s a ton of options available, choosing the right accounting degree program is critical. It is not only about which schools rank the highest but more importantly the return on investment (ROI). There are many factors including CPA exam pass rates, AASCB accreditation, faculty expertise and job placement ratio that play a crucial role in building your career path. Tuition costs across private and public institutions also vary significantly, making affordability a core concern.

To help ease your hassle, this guide explores and pinpoints the top five best accounting schools in Minnesota on the basis of their tuition, accreditation, career outcomes, and overall reputation. Whether you’re planning to enroll in a traditional, on-campus program or searching for an online accounting degree, this article will help you find the best colleges that match your requirements.

Key Takeaways

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities (Carlson School of Management) ranks as one of best accounting programs offered in the state.
Many public universities in Minnesota offer accounting degrees are affordable cost of $8,500 and $15,000 while private universities like the University of St. Thomas can be really expensive, costing around $45,000 per annum.
Most of the leading accounting programs in Minnesota are AACSB-accredited with their curriculum structured to meet the 150-credit requirement of the CPA licensure.
Accounting graduates often have multiple career paths available and can work in auditing, public accounting, taxation, corporate finance as well as consultation at both regional-level and Big Four firms.
Accountants in Minnesota can earn up to $82,000 per annum with seniors and COA-level professionals making significantly more.

Why Study Accounting in Minnesota?

Pursuing an accounting degree in Minnesota can offer affordability, quality, a stronger career path and easy access to Fortune 500 companies in the Twin Cities. With almost 25,000 accountants employed in different roles across the state, the demand for qualified professionals in the field remains consistent, especially in areas such as corporate finance, public accounting, and auditing.

The best part is the thriving business ecosystem of Minnesota. The Twin Cities is home to 16 major Fortune 500 companies, including names like UnitedHealth Group, Target and Best Buy, etc. This concentration helps create remarkable and uninterrupted opportunities for internships and full-time employment.

Another important reason encouraging students to choose an accounting degree in Minnesota is affordability. Public universities such as Southwest Minnesota State University, and University of Northwestern, St. Paul offer accounting degrees at very affordable tuition i.e. $323/credit and $595/credit respectively. Most of these schools have curriculums designed in alignment with the 150-credit requirement of CPA-track programs, saving the additional cost and time of students planning to pursue CPA careers.

Additionally, Minnesota ranks among the top states offering quality of life and job placement opportunities. Accounting graduates with good grades can earn an average salary between $61,823 and $134,446, which is above the national average. CPAs, in fact, can make significantly more and expect 6-figure salaries. The state also reports an above-average rate of students passing the CPA exams, particularly those graduating from the St. Cloud State University.

Lastly, the state favors students who prefer flexibility. Multiple universities offer online accounting degrees in MN, allowing both non-traditional students and working professionals to complete their education without any burden or hassle.

Ranking Methodology: How We Choose the Best Schools

With multiple accounting schools in MN available, it’s often difficult to find the one that balances academic quality, reputation, and affordability as well as matches your goals. We’ve used the following strategic ranking methodology for listing down the top accounting schools in Minnesota, easing your confusion and hassle.

To build the ranking, we’ve used the following critical factors:

Accreditation & Affordability

Programs carrying AASCB, ACBSP or HLC accreditation have been considered only.
Schools offering CPA-track options that meet 150-credit requirements have been preferred.

Tuition & Affordability

Out-of-state and in-state tuition costs have been evaluated and compared.
Public universities with budget-friendly tuition have been prioritized unless a private school offered exceptional educational quality and value.

Graduate Outcomes

Job placement statistics, alumni career success rates and CPA exam pass rates have been considered critically
Schools that have stronger pipelines in Fortune 500 companies, Big Four Firms or regional-level accounting firms have been preferred.

Faculty & Curriculum Strength

Schools that have experienced faculty and offer up-to-date curriculum have been ranked higher.
Schools that offer specialization opportunities in taxation, auditing, and forensic consultation are given preference.

Internships & Employer Connections

Institutions that are located near the Twin Cities are given more weight because of their proximity to major internships, employers and networking events.

Flexibility & Student Support

Schools offering online accounting programs in Minnesota and support such as tutoring, career services and CPA exam preparation have been considered.

By weighing each option on the above-listed criterion, we’ve been able to determine and list down the top five best accounting programs in Minnesota that can both offer quality education and meet your requirements.

Top Five Accounting Schools in Minnesota

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (Carlson School of Management)

Known for being the best accounting school in Minnesota, the Carlson School of Management offers an AASCB-accredited accounting degree program for students aiming to land reputable careers in the field. It stands on top of all for their strong CPA exam rates and direct recruitment opportunities from the Big Four firms.

Programs: Bachelor of Science in Business (Accounting), with an option to pursue the 150-credit CPA track.

Tuition & Fees: approximately $17,370 per year for residents and $38,518/annum for non-residents.

Best Because:

The average starting salary of accounting graduates from Carlson is above $60k.
Up to 95% job placement rates guaranteeing a promising career for every student.
Unmatched access to networking events, internships and full-time opportunities in Minneapolis.

University of St. Thomas – Opus College of Business

The Opus College of Business offers a thorough accounting curriculum with core focus on subjects like leaderships, real-world business applications and ethics.

Programs: BA in Accounting with a coursework that fully aligns with CPA requirements.

Undergraduate Tuition: Around $54,800 per year

Best Because:

A very supportive alumni network that maximizes your chances of employment.
Very close employer connections in the Twin Cities.
The core focus is towards preparing students for leadership roles instead of accounting only approach.

Minnesota State University, Mankato

For students finding a balance between quality and affordability, MSU Mankato delivers a solid curriculum that aligns with the CPA requirements and an unmatched career support at costs way lower than what private schools would cost.

Programs: BS in Accounting with the choice of pursuing a Masters in accounting with CPA eligibility.

In-State Tuition & Fees: approximately $27,124

Best Because:

The school offers an affordable tuition rate.
They have strong ties with regional-level employers maximizing your chances of landing a job.
Real-world exposure and practical learning opportunities that can prepare you for both corporate finance and public accounting roles.

University of Minnesota – Duluth (Labovitz School of Business)

If you’re someone who values close mentorship from the faculty and smaller classrooms, the Labovitz School of Business is a great choice. It is also AASCB-accredited so the curriculum matches standard requirements.

Programs: BS in Accounting designed specifically to align with the CPA exam requirements.

In-State Tuition & Fees: approximately $29,230 per year

Best Because:

Well-recognized across the state with standard accreditations.
It offers great internship opportunities in Northern Minnesota.
Offers personalized mentorship and guidance that can help you choose career paths better.

Concordia College – Moorhead

Concordia allows students to build a strong arts foundation with specialized training in accounting – making it the best choice for students aiming for a personalized college experience.

Programs: Accounting major that can be designed in perfect alignment with the 150-credit CPA requirements.

List Tuition & Fees: roughly $43,900 per year

Best Because:

Smaller class sizes that allow one-one mentorship and guidance.
Thorough preparation for both graduate studies and CPA careers.
Consistent placement as finance professionals in regional firms.

CPA Career Outlook for Accounting Graduates in Minnesota

Minnesota offers a variety of career paths for accounting graduates, with opportunities ranging from public firms to private companies. The massive local economy and existence of major employers makes the state an incredible place to start and scale as an accountant professional.

To become a CPA, you need to complete a 150-credit requirement which is often equivalent to the college-level education including coursework specific to accounting. You’ll also have to complete a 2000 hours of verified working experience as an accounting professional. Once you’ve made sure you have both the credit-requirement and working experience fulfilled, you can apply through the Minnesota Board of Accountancy for certification and licensing to secure a CPA license.

Other Career Tracks for Accounting Graduates

If your goal is not to become a CPA, there are still many options that you can pursue as an accounting graduate. They include:

Public Accounting – you can land accounting-related positions and roles in Big Four companies and regional firms.
Corporate Financing – You can also work at Fortune 500 companies and scale in corporate financing roles.
Audit and Assurance – This role would require you to ensure there’s accuracy and compliance in financial reporting.
Taxation – you can specialize in tax planning, preparation and advisory and land roles in both public and private firms as a taxation specialist. You can also work as a tax consultant for individuals.
Financial Analysis – This role would require you to offer support in business strategy and decision-making using data-driven insights.

Demand across Minnesota

Urban Opportunities: Concentrated in the Twin Cities, where most large firms and corporate HQs are located.
Rural Demand: Consistent need for CPAs in small businesses, local firms, and government offices across the state.

Conclusion

Minnesota stands out as a destination for accounting education by combining affordable tuition, well-ranked programs, and a thriving career outlook. Students benefit from top-tier universities, practical training opportunities, and a job market that rewards their expertise with salaries above the national average.

To maximize ROI, prospective students should compare tuition costs, explore scholarship options, and visit campuses early in their decision-making process. Choosing Minnesota for accounting studies ensures both academic quality and career stability.

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