Looking for a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting in Washington? You should consider these top-tier undergraduate programs and jobs in the Accounting field.
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A career boost can be achieved by completing one of the best degrees in Washington for accounting. It is possible to pursue a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields. Bachelor's degree-holders possess the skills required to move forward in their career.
Typically, individuals with a bachelor's degree earn $5,336 per month and $69,368 annually. This totals $1,334 a week. Bachelor's graduates experience an unemployment rate of 3.5%, while those with a high school diploma face 6.2% unemployment.
Accounting Bachelor's Programs for You
Working and Living in Washington in the Accounting Profession
Getting a degree in accounting can be a stepping stone toward a successful career in business. There are many subjects that you will study as part of your program, including economics, accounting, and management. In addition, you can learn about financial processes and procedures.
The median salary in Washington is $50,450 a year, or $24.25 an hour. All 3,205,930 employees in Washington conform to this statistic. The BLS reports that the lowest 10% of earners bring in $30,460 annually, while the highest 10% earn $127,470. Here's a comparison of earnings for accountants and auditors in Washington.
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Accountants and Auditors in Washington
Accountants and Auditors Nationally
All Occupations in Washington
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Accountants and Auditors in Washington and Nationwide
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Based on the cost of living index, Washington ranks number 40 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) on the list of states with the lowest cost of living. Cost of living indexes measure the average cost of living in specific geographic areas of the country. According to the U.S. average, all locations are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) that average. Washington's cost of living index is 113.9, which is 13.9% higher than the national average. Determine whether Washington is the right state for you by comparing the cost of living to other states.
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Jobs for accountants and auditors are projected to grow 6.9% over the next decade. The BLS projects the number of professionals to change from 1,392,200 in 2020 to 1,488,200 in 2030. Having a bachelor's degree is sufficient to qualify for these positions. There are several common job titles, including:
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 Washington
#1 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in Washington
Bellevue College
Bellevue, WA
4 years
Campus
Bellevue College, a public college located in Bellevue, supports both in-person and online learning across 12 bachelor's degree programs. The school's bachelor of science (BAS ) in applied accounting introduces students to foundational skills and knowledge while also building general skills such as communication and critical thinking. Students in the program can also pivot to a master's degree program after their undergraduate studies.
Students can also access institutional support throughout the duration of the program. Prospective students may be eligible for funding options, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants. The college reports that 37% of all students receive some form of financial aid, with $5,827 being the average award package.
Bellevue College at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,635
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,015
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $39,800
Average Tuition
In-state
$3,727
Out-of-state
$9,118
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
12,286
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in Washington
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Eastern Washington University, located in Cheney, provides 84 bachelor's degree programs in dual modalities. The school's bachelor of science in business administration in professional accounting is an ideal choice for students seeking to advance in a career. Students can apply their knowledge and skillset to graduate-level studies in accounting.
Throughout their studies, undergraduate students can access institutional resources geared toward student success. The college provides numerous funding opportunities to eligible students, including scholarships and fellowships. The college reports that enrollees are awarded $7,216 in financial aid, on average.
Eastern Washington University at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 96%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $6,543
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $24,074
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $37,700
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,707
Out-of-state
$24,676
Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
12,349
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in Washington
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Students looking for flexible study in dual modalities can choose from one of Gonzaga University's 47 bachelor's degree programs. The school's bachelor's in accounting introduces students to foundational skills and knowledge while also building general skills such as communication and critical thinking. The program prepares students for the demands of the field or for graduate studies in accounting.
Students can access institutional support throughout the duration of the program. Prospective students can also meet with financial aid counselors to determine eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.
Gonzaga University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 62%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $44,280
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $44,280
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $49,400
Average Tuition
In-state
$46,060
Out-of-state
$46,060
Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
7,295
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in Washington
Northwest University
Kirkland, WA
4 years
Campus
Northwest University, a leader in hybrid education, offers 42 bachelor's programs. The school offers a bachelor of arts in accounting, which through a robust education, equips students with the skills needed to succeed in a career. Students in the program can also pivot to a master's degree program after their undergraduate studies.
The institution connects students with success-oriented resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their studies. Students can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities and determine eligibility.
Northwest University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 93%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $32,500
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,500
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $39,900
Average Tuition
In-state
$33,500
Out-of-state
$33,500
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
1,184
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
27%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#5 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in Washington
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA
4 years
Campus
Seattle Pacific University, boasting a main campus in Seattle, Washington, offers 69 bachelor's degree programs across in-person and online learning modalities. The school's bachelor's degree in accounting stands out as a competitive option for students looking to succeed in the field. The program prepares students for their post-graduate path, whether that be an accounting-specific career or graduate studies.
The college provides comprehensive support for new students, including financial aid advising. Prospective students should meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid.
Seattle Pacific University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 91%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $44,604
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $44,604
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $40,900
Average Tuition
In-state
$46,728
Out-of-state
$46,728
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
3,601
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Financing a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
There are many opportunities for financial aid to help pay for college. Scholarships and fellowships can help students lower their degree costs. Some students qualify to receive federal and private student loans. If you are interested in a specific field, take time to research available scholarships.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA allows degree-seekers to use federal student aid.
Students should contact the college's financial aid department for information on scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loans.
Average Cost of Attending College in Washington
In Washington, the cost varies based on which college or university you attend. There are some commonalities that exist among institutions of all sizes, although they should be considered carefully. Please take a moment to review the information below to decide whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
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Washington
National Average
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Have you ever considered attending a private college or university? As a general rule, private schools charge higher tuition fees. The following graph provides information regarding attending private colleges in Washington.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
Key
Washington
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
In order to pay for school, should you consider borrowing student loans? Before taking out a loan, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
If you are considering a loan, you must ensure that you can make all the payments on time.
You should think about whether earning a degree from a particular school is going to help you in your career goals if you decide to enroll.
Make sure that you understand what type of repayment schedule will apply so that it does not cause undue hardship on your finances.
For a better understanding of what students typically borrow, review 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 differences between on-campus and online programs include the cost and the size of the class. Being flexible, affordable, and convenient is a great advantage for online programs. There is usually a higher cost associated with on-campus programs, where student fees are optional. Attending classes has its advantages as well.
There are several differences between public and private colleges. As a result, public colleges tend to have cheaper tuition rates than private colleges. There are government-funded grants and scholarships that provide students with financial aid to help them pay for their education at public institutions. There are usually merit scholarships available to those at private institutions with high GPAs or SAT scores.
A private college often features smaller class sizes, allowing students to connect with professors one-on-one. Here are some pros and cons of attending a private vs. a public institution.
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
How much do accountants and auditors in Washington make?
The mean annual salary for accountants and auditors in Washington is $87,370.
In today's environment, are occupations for accounting graduates in demand?
The total number of accountants and auditors is projected to change by 6.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you get a bachelor's degree in accounting online?
It is possible to earn an online bachelor's degree in accounting. Almost all schools today provide some form of online education.
In order to successfully complete a bachelor's degree, how long does it normally take?
Full-time students typically complete their bachelor's degree within four years of enrolling. There will be a difference between the completion time for part-time and full-time students.
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