Accounting in Pennsylvania 2026

Best Colleges for Accounting in Pennsylvania 2026

Accounting remains one of the most reliable paths to stable employment, and Pennsylvania's programs prepare students for CPA licensure and careers in public accounting, corporate finance, and forensic accounting.

We analyzed 109 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania offering Accounting programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Accounting Programs in Pennsylvania

Detailed School Profiles

1. Cedar Crest College

Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 84.1%
• In-State Tuition: $46,314 | Out-of-State: $46,314
• Enrollment: 834 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 60% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,100
• Average Financial Aid: $27,426

View full Cedar Crest College profile →

2. University of Pennsylvania

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 5.4%
• In-State Tuition: $68,686 | Out-of-State: $68,686
• Enrollment: 10,650 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
• Graduation Rate: 97% | Median Earnings (6yr): $71,600
• Average Financial Aid: $46,318

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3. Carnegie Mellon University

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 11.7%
• In-State Tuition: $66,246 | Out-of-State: $66,246
• Enrollment: 7,304 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Earnings (6yr): $69,800
• Average Financial Aid: $39,213

View full Carnegie Mellon University profile →

4. Central Penn College

Location: Summerdale, Pennsylvania • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 18.5%
• In-State Tuition: $19,854 | Out-of-State: $19,854
• Enrollment: 662 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: 51% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,000
• Average Financial Aid: $8,717

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5. Lehigh University

Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 25.9%
• In-State Tuition: $64,980 | Out-of-State: $64,980
• Enrollment: 5,898 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: 88% | Median Earnings (6yr): $66,200
• Average Financial Aid: $38,909

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6. Villanova University

Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 27%
• In-State Tuition: $67,776 | Out-of-State: $67,776
• Enrollment: 6,938 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Earnings (6yr): $62,600
• Average Financial Aid: $31,098

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7. Bucknell University

Location: Lewisburg, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 28.9%
• In-State Tuition: $67,812 | Out-of-State: $67,812
• Enrollment: 3,876 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Earnings (6yr): $57,700
• Average Financial Aid: $33,820

View full Bucknell University profile →

8. Saint Joseph's University (SJU)

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 41.2%
• In-State Tuition: $32,933 | Out-of-State: $32,933
• Enrollment: 1,280 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 69% | Median Earnings (6yr): $48,400
• Average Financial Aid: $25,030

View full Saint Joseph's University (SJU) profile →

9. University of Pittsburgh-Titusville

Location: Titusville, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 50%
• In-State Tuition: $10,958 | Out-of-State: $21,532
• Enrollment: 225 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,500
• Average Financial Aid: $8,622

View full University of Pittsburgh-Titusville profile →

10. Hussian College School of Art

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 50%
• In-State Tuition: $21,990 | Out-of-State: $21,990
• Enrollment: 81 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $21,600
• Average Financial Aid: $8,571

View full Hussian College School of Art profile →

How to Choose the Right Accounting Program in Pennsylvania

Selecting the best Accounting program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Pennsylvania residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Accounting.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Accounting programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Accounting in Pennsylvania?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Accounting programs in Pennsylvania include Cedar Crest College, University of Pennsylvania, and Carnegie Mellon University.

How much does a Accounting degree cost in Pennsylvania?
In-state tuition for Accounting programs in Pennsylvania averages around $46,754 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Accounting degree from a Pennsylvania school?
Graduates from Pennsylvania's Accounting programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.