Looking for a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting in California? You should consider these top-tier undergraduate programs and jobs in the Accounting field.
Credit: Charles O'Rear | Corbis Documentary | Getty Images
TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Credit: Charles O'Rear | Corbis Documentary | Getty Images
The best degrees in California for accounting are intended for students who want to learn how to solve problems, improve their educational outcomes, and enter a career. Bachelor's students gain the skills required to move forward in their career fields.
Accounting Bachelor's Programs for You
Working and Living in California in the Accounting Profession
With an accounting degree, you can take on a wide variety of roles, including tax accountant and general accountant. An accounting degree gives students the foundation for both a career in business and the ability to teach others about how businesses operate.
The median salary in California is $47,920 per year or $23.04 per hour. This fact applies to all of the nearly 16.6 million employees working in the state. In general, the lowest 10% of earners make $29,780 annually. The highest 10% earn $130,430 per year. When compared, the following outlines the earnings for accountants and auditors in California.
Key
Accountants and Auditors in California
Accountants and Auditors Nationally
All Occupations in California
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Accountants and Auditors in California and Nationwide
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying
salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
End of interactive chart.
Based on the MERIC cost-of-living index, California ranks number 49 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). The cost-of-living index measures how much it costs for people to live in specific states. Based on a U.S. average of 100, all locations within the country are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive). On a 100-point scale, California has a cost-of-living index of 139.8, which is 39.8% higher than the national average. In the table below, you will find a comparison of California's grocery costs, housing costs, utility costs, etc., against those in the U.S. as a whole.
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying values.
End of interactive chart.
A 6.9% growth rate is projected for the accountants and auditors profession over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase in total employment of almost 1.4 million in 2020 to nearly 1.5 million in 2030. An entry-level education for these positions would be a bachelor's degree. These are some of the typical job titles that can be found in the industry:
Accountants and auditors
Account Auditor
Accountant
Auditor
Auditor-In-Charge
CPA
Certified Public Accountant
Cost Accountant
Field Auditor
Financial Accountant
Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting in California
#1 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in California
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
California Baptist University, boasting a main campus in Riverside, offers 89 bachelor's programs across in-person and online learning modalities. The school's bachelor of science in accounting program equips students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge through foundational and advanced coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Graduates can apply their knowledge and skills to an accounting-specific career or further studies in the subject.
The college provides comprehensive support for new students, including financial aid advising. Prospective applicants can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine eligibility, and apply for student loans.
California Baptist University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 78%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $32,942
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,942
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $40,000
Average Tuition
In-state
$33,930
Out-of-state
$33,930
Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
11,317
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in California
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
Fresno Pacific University provides in-person and remote learning opportunities across 89 bachelor's programs. The school's bachelor's in business administration stands out as a competitive option for students looking to succeed in the accounting field. After the program, graduates can pursue an accounting-specific career or graduate studies.
Enrollees can access institutional resources geared toward student success. Learners can connect with the Office of Financial Aid to explore funding opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid.
Fresno Pacific University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 66%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $32,458
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,458
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,400
Average Tuition
In-state
$32,954
Out-of-state
$32,954
Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
3,995
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
9%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in California
Golden Gate University-San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
Golden Gate University-San Francisco, a private college, boasts in-person and online study across 10 bachelor's programs. Students seeking the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the accounting field can enroll in the school's online bachelor of science in accounting. Graduates can enter the workforce or pursue further education, such as a master's degree.
Learners seeking career, academic, and financial guidance can benefit from career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources while enrolled. Prospective applicants may be eligible for funding options, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
Golden Gate University-San Francisco at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $15,840
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $15,840
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $72,900
Average Tuition
In-state
$12,456
Out-of-state
$12,456
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,472
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in California
La Sierra University
Riverside, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
A leader in hybrid education, La Sierra University supports 62 bachelor's programs. The school's bachelor's in accounting equips students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge through foundational and advanced coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Graduates can apply their knowledge and skills to an accounting-specific career or further studies in the subject.
The college supports enrollees through institutional resources, including career services and academic advising. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid can help defray the costs of an undergraduate degree.
La Sierra University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 55%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $32,580
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,580
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $43,600
Average Tuition
In-state
$33,228
Out-of-state
$33,228
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
1,993
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in California
Menlo College
Atherton, CA
4 years
Campus
A leader in hybrid education, Menlo College supports five bachelor's programs, including a bachelor's in accounting. Students can apply their knowledge to an accounting-specific career or toward a graduate degree.
Students benefit from many resources throughout their program, including career services and academic advising. Eligible learners can benefit from financial aid like scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
Menlo College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 63%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $43,526
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $43,526
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $42,500
Average Tuition
In-state
$45,050
Out-of-state
$45,050
Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
826
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Financing a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
Financial aid is available to help students lower the cost of a degree. A number of students are eligible to receive federal and private student loans, as well as scholarships. You can find out if the colleges you are interested in offer scholarships or grants by reviewing their websites.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be filled out.
If you are interested in scholarship, grant, or work-study programs, please contact the school's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in California
There are a variety of costs to attending college in California. In spite of this, there are some similarities that exist among both public and private institutions. The information below will help you determine whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: California vs. National Average
Key
California
National Average
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying
salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
End of interactive chart.
What is it like to attend a private college or university? A private school will generally charge a higher tuition rate. Here is information about attending private colleges in California.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: California vs. National Average
Key
California
National Average
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying
salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
End of interactive chart.
Federal Student Loan Information
Would taking out student loans help you pay for your degree? Prior to taking out a loan, you should consider a number of factors.
Ensure you can make all payments on time and repay the loan by the due date.
Consider if a degree from your chosen school will advance your career goals if you decide to pursue one.
If you are considering taking out a loan, make sure you understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply to the loan.
You can determine what students typically borrow by taking a look at the data below.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
The main difference between an online degree and a degree completed on campus is the coursework delivery. There are a number of benefits to studying online, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. There is usually a higher cost associated with on-campus degrees due to student fees, which are optional for distance learners. Even so, attending classes has its advantages.
A private college differs significantly from a public college in several ways. Private schools tend to be more expensive than public schools. You can use research grants and scholarships to help cover the cost of attending a public college if you wish to do so. A private college will often offer merit scholarships to those with superior academic performance.
Private colleges and universities typically have smaller class sizes. This can be beneficial for students who want more individualized attention from professors. Here are some benefits and disadvantages of attending a private institution as opposed to a public one.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for accountants and auditors in California?
In-state accountants and auditors make a mean annual wage of $92,840.
Are Accounting majors in demand?
The total number of accountants and auditors is expected to change by 6.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Are there any opportunities to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting online?
A bachelor's degree in accounting is a great way to prepare for the workforce. At least some courses are offered online in today's climate.
How long does it take for a full-time student to complete a bachelor's degree?
An average bachelor's degree takes four years to complete for full-time students. Part-time students will take longer to complete the course, and the completion time will vary from student to student.
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
