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2024 Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region

224 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
14,839 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$48,417 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. Combined, these schools handed out 14,839 degrees in accounting to qualified students.

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
385 Accounting Degrees Awarded
2.9% Growth in Graduates

It's hard to beat University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign if you wish to pursue a degree in accounting. Located in the 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 approximately 385 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 earn a boost of approximately $16,309 over the average earnings of accounting graduates.

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

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
132 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 fairly 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 roughly 132 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting degree program at University of Notre Dame make $16,067 more than the standard college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

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

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

Every student pursuing a degree in accounting has to take a look at University of Wisconsin - Madison. Located in the large city of Madison, UW - Madison is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were approximately 219 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting program at University of Wisconsin - Madison earn $13,487 above the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

4
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
367 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$57,438 Median Starting Salary

Every student who is interested in accounting has to look into 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 approximately 367 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent year we have data available. Those accounting students who get their degree from Ohio State University - Main Campus make $9,021 more than the standard accounting graduate.

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

5
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
216 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$59,904 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of East Lansing, Michigan State is a public university with a very 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 roughly 216 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting major at Michigan State University make $11,487 more than the average college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in accounting from Michigan State University

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
32 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$73,288 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 32 accounting students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from Indiana University - Bloomington get an earnings boost of about $24,871 over the typical earnings of accounting majors.

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

7
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
314 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 fairly large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were roughly 314 accounting students who graduated with this degree at DePaul in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from DePaul University receive an earnings boost of around $14,372 over the typical income of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from DePaul University

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
213 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 213 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting major at Miami University - Oxford make $12,259 above the standard college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
56 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$63,440 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 56 accounting students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor receive an earnings boost of about $15,023 over the typical income of accounting majors.

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

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

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

There were about 106 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Madison College in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, accounting degree recipients generally earn around $39,799 in the first five years of their career.

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

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

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

There were approximately 80 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Case Western in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting program at Case Western Reserve University get $6,932 above the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
112 Accounting Degrees Awarded
25.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the 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 colleges nationwide means Loyola Chicago is a great university overall.

There were roughly 112 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting major at Loyola University Chicago make $16,670 above the typical college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from Loyola University Chicago

12
Marquette crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
100 Accounting Degrees Awarded
12.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the 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 colleges nationwide means Marquette is a great university overall.

There were about 100 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from Marquette University receive an earnings boost of around $13,269 over the typical income of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from Marquette University

13
Butler crest
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
65 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$61,347 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 65 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Butler in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from Butler University receive an earnings boost of approximately $12,930 over the average earnings of accounting majors.

More information about a degree in accounting from Butler University

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
224 Accounting Degrees Awarded
4.0% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 224 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting program at University of Cincinnati - Main Campus get $5,284 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

15
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
124 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 schools nationwide means Purdue is a great university overall.

There were about 124 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from Purdue University - Main Campus get an earnings boost of around $8,360 above the typical income of accounting majors.

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

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

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

There were about 189 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 earn $8,632 more than the standard accounting graduate.

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

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
99 Accounting Degrees Awarded
5.1% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 99 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UDayton in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting major at University of Dayton get $7,046 more than the typical college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Dayton

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
73 Accounting Degrees Awarded
19.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize 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 73 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Bradley in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from Bradley University earn a boost of around $10,351 over the typical earnings of accounting majors.

More information about a degree in accounting from Bradley University

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
243 Accounting Degrees Awarded
9.5% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 243 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting program at Illinois State University get $9,823 above the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in accounting from Illinois State University

20
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
143 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$30,384 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 143 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Gateway Technical College in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the accounting program earn about $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
$27,000 Median Student Debt

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

There were roughly 22 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 $13,421 more than the standard accounting grad.

More information about a degree in accounting from Illinois Wesleyan University

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

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

There were about 150 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 $7,258 more than the standard accounting student.

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

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
193 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 approximately 193 accounting students who graduated with this degree at IWU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting degree program at Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global earn $3,628 more than the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
115 Accounting Degrees Awarded
10.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 115 accounting students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from Ohio University - Athens Campus earn $6,220 more than the typical accounting graduate.

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.

Rank College Location
34 Eastern Gateway Community College Steubenville, OH
35 University of Wisconsin - La Crosse La Crosse, WI
36 Franklin University Columbus, OH
37 Xavier University Cincinnati, OH
38 Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL
39 Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MI
40 Kent State University at Kent Kent, OH
41 Augustana College Rock Island, IL
42 Hope College Holland, MI
43 Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OH
44 Benedictine University Lisle, IL

Best Accounting Colleges by State

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

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Michigan 322 2,427
Ohio 314 3,277
Illinois 304 3,097
Indiana 294 1,647
Wisconsin 273 1,606

View All Rankings >

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

Accounting Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Accounting 11,082
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping 3,257
Accounting and Finance 251
Accounting and Business/Management 149
Other Accounting and Related Services 91
Auditing 9

View All Accounting Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Business Administration & Management 52,496
Marketing 9,982
Finance & Financial Management 9,758
General Business/Commerce 9,301
Management Sciences & Quantitative Methods 7,693
Human Resource Management 5,374
Business Support & Assistant Services 5,143
Hospitality Management 2,087
Management Information Systems 1,926
Entrepreneurial Studies 1,870

View All Accounting Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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