If you are considering a career in accounting services, chances are you have started to explore what it will take to get an accounting degree. Although there are two-year accounting degrees available at local community and technical colleges, in most cases you will want to go after a 4-year bachelor’s degree in accounting. In most cases, you will double your earning potential by getting the 4-year degree instead of an associate degree.


College Accreditation

When considering a college, it is important to make sure they have the proper accreditations. Check to make sure they are accredited by the Association to Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business. If you find that the college does not have this accreditation, you will want to check to make sure it is recognized by the board of accountancy in your state.

Other Important Factors to Look For

Another thing to look at is the college’s pass rate for students who have taken the CPA exam. This can be a good measurement to help you judge the effectiveness of the school’s accounting program. Not only will this be a good indication that you may pass the exam as a result of taking the same program, but schools that have an excellent accounting program are often the first choice for CPA firms looking to recruit. If you find that the college has a high CPA exam pass rate, plus big name accounting firms regularly show up for school recruiting events, then you have probably found a good school. The success of the college’s career placement service for accounting students is also a good clue as to the caliber of the accounting program. If the college you choose has an excellent program and a good career placement track record, chances are you will stand a good chance of receiving a job offer when you graduate with your degree.