Top 5 Universities in the USA for Aspiring Chartered Accountants (CA)
Chartered Accountancy (CA) is a globally respected profession, but in the United States, the equivalent designation is Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Although CA is more commonly associated with countries like India, the UK, Canada, and Australia, many students interested in becoming global financial professionals choose to study in the U.S. for its world-class education and diverse opportunities. For students who want to pursue Chartered Accountancy qualifications after graduation—or those planning to take the CPA route—certain U.S. universities stand out for their exceptional accounting programs, strong links to the financial industry, and high CPA exam pass rates. Here are the top five universities in the USA for CA (or CPA) aspirants.
1. University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business
Location: Austin, Texas
The University of Texas at Austin consistently ranks among the top accounting schools in the U.S. Its McCombs School of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting, a Master in Professional Accounting (MPA), and access to one of the most robust accounting curriculums in the country.
UT Austin is particularly known for its high CPA exam pass rates and strong placement record with Big Four accounting firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. The MPA program is often ranked No. 1 in the country, and students can pursue a fast-track to CPA licensure. International students looking to pursue a CA designation later in their home countries will also benefit from the program’s rigorous foundation in financial reporting, taxation, and auditing.
2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Gies College of Business
Location: Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
The Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois has built a global reputation for excellence in accounting education. Its undergraduate and graduate accounting programs are highly respected, particularly for their integration of real-world applications and technology.
UIUC’s accounting department consistently ranks in the top five nationally, and the school has a strong alumni network in leading accounting firms and Fortune 500 companies. The curriculum prepares students thoroughly for the CPA exam and also lays a solid foundation for those considering the CA qualification abroad. With faculty who are leaders in accounting research and innovation, the university supports students in both professional and academic ambitions.
3. Brigham Young University – Marriott School of Business
Location: Provo, Utah
Brigham Young University (BYU) is home to one of the most competitive accounting programs in the United States. The Marriott School of Business offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy (MAcc), both of which consistently rank among the best nationwide.
BYU is especially known for its high CPA exam pass rates and its strong emphasis on ethics and leadership in accounting practice. The university’s rigorous academic environment, close-knit community, and extensive recruiter presence make it a top choice for students aiming to become CPAs or CAs. Many graduates go on to work at the Big Four firms and multinational corporations, making it an ideal launchpad for an international accounting career.
4. University of Southern California – Marshall School of Business
Location: Los Angeles, California
The USC Leventhal School of Accounting, housed within the Marshall School of Business, offers top-tier undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting. Located in one of the largest economic hubs in the world, USC gives students access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities in public accounting, corporate finance, and consulting.
USC’s accounting program is known for its strong ties to industry and for offering tailored career services that support students aiming to pass the CPA exam or gain international credentials like the CA. The school also supports global study programs, which are beneficial for international students who plan to pursue CA qualifications in other countries.
5. Indiana University Bloomington – Kelley School of Business
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is a leader in undergraduate business education, and its accounting program is particularly well-regarded. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting and the Master of Science in Accounting programs offer students a comprehensive foundation in financial and managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing.
Kelley has a strong recruitment record with major accounting firms and offers specialized tracks for students preparing for the CPA exam. It also emphasizes experiential learning through internships and consulting projects. For students who plan to work globally or return to their home country for CA certification, the skills and network built at Kelley are invaluable.
Final Thoughts
While the Chartered Accountant (CA) designation is not awarded in the U.S., American universities provide world-class education that can prepare students for global accounting careers, including CA qualifications abroad or CPA licensure in the U.S. The universities listed above offer outstanding accounting programs, excellent faculty, and strong industry connections. Whether your goal is to work in the U.S. as a CPA or pursue a CA designation in your home country, these schools can provide the academic and professional foundation you need for a successful accounting career.