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2024 Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region

224 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
14,167 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$48,804 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #8 in popularity, accounting is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

College Factual looked at 224 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 14,167 degrees in accounting during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Accounting School

Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region Your choice of accounting school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for accounting schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Accounting Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Accounting
Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting
Master's Degrees in Accounting
Doctor's Degrees in Accounting

The accounting school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Accounting in the Great Lakes Region

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the accounting degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Great Lakes Region Schools in Accounting

1
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
353 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$64,726 Median Starting Salary

It is hard to beat University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign if you want to pursue a degree in accounting. Located in the small city of Champaign, UIUC is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #34 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were about 353 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign receive an earnings boost of around $15,922 above the average income of accounting majors.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
88 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$64,484 Median Starting Salary

University of Notre Dame is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in accounting. Located in the large suburb of Notre Dame, Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #20 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Notre Dame is a great university overall.

There were about 88 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from University of Notre Dame receive an earnings boost of approximately $15,680 above the typical earnings of accounting majors.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Notre Dame

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
208 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$61,904 Median Starting Salary

Every student who is interested in accounting has to check out University of Wisconsin - Madison. Located in the city of Madison, UW - Madison is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were roughly 208 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from University of Wisconsin - Madison receive an earnings boost of approximately $13,100 above the typical income of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Wisconsin - Madison

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
370 Accounting Degrees Awarded
0.8% Growth in Graduates

Any student pursuing a degree in accounting needs to check out Ohio State University - Main Campus. Ohio State is a very large public university located in the city of Columbus. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Ohio State is a great university overall.

There were about 370 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting degree program at Ohio State University - Main Campus make $8,634 more than the standard graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in accounting from Ohio State University - Main Campus

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
172 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$59,904 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of East Lansing, Michigan State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #74 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were about 172 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent year we have data available. Those accounting students who get their degree from Michigan State University receive $11,100 more than the average accounting student.

More information about a degree in accounting from Michigan State University

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
97 Accounting Degrees Awarded
67.0% Growth in Graduates

IU Bloomington is a very large public university located in the small city of Bloomington. A Best Colleges rank of #55 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were roughly 97 accounting students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting program at Indiana University - Bloomington get $24,484 above the average college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from Indiana University - Bloomington

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
273 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$62,789 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Chicago, DePaul is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were roughly 273 accounting students who graduated with this degree at DePaul in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from DePaul University make $13,985 more than the standard accounting graduate.

More information about a degree in accounting from DePaul University

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
166 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$60,676 Median Starting Salary

Miami University - Oxford is a fairly large public university located in the town of Oxford. A Best Colleges rank of #116 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Miami University - Oxford is a great university overall.

There were approximately 166 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from Miami University - Oxford earn a boost of about $11,872 above the typical income of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from Miami University - Oxford

9
$63,440 Median Starting Salary
$20,500 Median Student Debt

U-M is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Ann Arbor. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

Those accounting students who get their degree from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor make $14,636 more than the typical accounting graduate.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

9
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
102 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$39,799 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Madison, Madison College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 8th out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were roughly 102 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Madison College in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, accounting degree recipients generally make about $39,799 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in accounting from Madison Area Technical College

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
72 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$55,349 Median Starting Salary

Case Western is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Cleveland. A Best Colleges rank of #63 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Case Western is a great university overall.

There were approximately 72 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Case Western in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting degree program at Case Western Reserve University earn $6,545 more than the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from Case Western Reserve University

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
118 Accounting Degrees Awarded
5.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Chicago, Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #137 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Loyola Chicago is a great university overall.

There were approximately 118 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting program at Loyola University Chicago get $16,283 more than the average college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from Loyola University Chicago

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
85 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$61,686 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Milwaukee, Marquette is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #130 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Marquette is a great university overall.

There were approximately 85 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent year we have data available. Those accounting students who get their degree from Marquette University earn $12,882 more than the average accounting student.

More information about a degree in accounting from Marquette University

13
Butler crest
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
78 Accounting Degrees Awarded
16.7% Growth in Graduates

Butler is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Indianapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #153 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Butler is a great university overall.

There were approximately 78 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Butler in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting degree program at Butler University make $12,543 above the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from Butler University

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
190 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$53,701 Median Starting Salary

UC is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Cincinnati. This university ranks 5th out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 190 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent year we have data available. Those accounting students who get their degree from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus make $4,897 more than the typical accounting grad.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus

15
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
99 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$56,777 Median Starting Salary

Purdue is a fairly large public university located in the city of West Lafayette. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Purdue is a great university overall.

There were about 99 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available. Those accounting students who get their degree from Purdue University - Main Campus receive $7,973 more than the average accounting graduate.

More information about a degree in accounting from Purdue University - Main Campus

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
183 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$57,049 Median Starting Salary

UIC is a very large public university located in the large city of Chicago. This university ranks 6th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 183 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UIC in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from University of Illinois at Chicago receive $8,245 more than the standard accounting grad.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Illinois at Chicago

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
74 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$55,463 Median Starting Salary

UDayton is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Dayton. This university ranks 6th out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 74 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UDayton in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting program at University of Dayton earn $6,659 above the average college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Dayton

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
66 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$58,768 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Peoria, Bradley is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 14th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 66 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Bradley in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting major at Bradley University get $9,964 above the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in accounting from Bradley University

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
208 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$58,240 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized suburb of Normal, Illinois State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 208 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from Illinois State University receive an earnings boost of approximately $9,436 over the average income of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from Illinois State University

20
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
157 Accounting Degrees Awarded
8.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized suburb of Kenosha, Gateway Technical College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 9th out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were roughly 157 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Gateway Technical College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the accounting program earn an average of $30,384 for their early career.

More information about a degree in accounting from Gateway Technical College

21
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$61,838 Median Starting Salary
$26,967 Median Student Debt

Located in the city of Bloomington, Illinois Wesleyan is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 20th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were roughly 20 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Illinois Wesleyan in the most recent year we have data available. Those accounting students who get their degree from Illinois Wesleyan University make $13,034 more than the typical accounting grad.

More information about a degree in accounting from Illinois Wesleyan University

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
109 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$55,675 Median Starting Salary

UW - Whitewater is a large public university located in the distant town of Whitewater. This university ranks 6th out of 46 colleges for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were about 109 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UW - Whitewater in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater receive $6,871 more than the typical accounting grad.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
125 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$52,045 Median Starting Salary

Located in the rural area of Marion, IWU is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were about 125 accounting students who graduated with this degree at IWU in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global make $3,241 more than the typical accounting graduate.

More information about a degree in accounting from Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
109 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$54,637 Median Starting Salary

OHIO Athens is a very large public university located in the distant town of Athens. This university ranks 9th out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 109 accounting students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from Ohio University - Athens Campus get an earnings boost of approximately $5,833 over the average income of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from Ohio University - Athens Campus

Rest of the Top Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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32
John Carroll crest
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH

33

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Accounting students in the Great Lakes Region that almost earned our Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region award.

RankCollegeLocation
34Eastern Gateway Community CollegeSteubenville, OH
35University of Wisconsin - La CrosseLa Crosse, WI
36Franklin UniversityColumbus, OH
37Xavier UniversityCincinnati, OH
38Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb, IL
39Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids, MI
40Kent State University at KentKent, OH
41Augustana CollegeRock Island, IL
42Hope CollegeHolland, MI
43Bowling Green State University - Main CampusBowling Green, OH
44Benedictine UniversityLisle, IL

Best Accounting Colleges by State

Explore the best accounting schools for a specific state in the Great Lakes Region .

StateCollegesDegrees Awarded
Michigan3222,427
Ohio3143,277
Illinois3043,097
Indiana2941,647
Wisconsin2731,606

View All Rankings >

Accounting is one of 21 different types of Business, Management & Marketing programs to choose from.

Accounting Concentrations

MajorAnnual Graduates
Accounting10,178
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping3,343
Accounting and Finance293
Accounting and Business/Management214
Other Accounting and Related Services123
Auditing16

View All Accounting Focus Areas >

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Business Administration & Management49,608
Finance & Financial Management9,998
Marketing9,993
General Business/Commerce9,703
Management Sciences & Quantitative Methods8,318
Business Support & Assistant Services6,236
Human Resource Management5,033
Entrepreneurial Studies2,003
Management Information Systems1,758
Hospitality Management1,754

View All Accounting Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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