FAQ
Choosing the Right School
- What factors will help me decide which accounting college to attend?
- Should I visit the school before making my final decision?
- Should I limit my search to schools located close to where I live?
- Are online accounting classes for me?
Accountant Programs
- What are the most common types of accounting programs offered?
- How long will it take for me to complete a program?
Financial Aid
- What types of financial aid will be available to me?
- How do I know if I am eligible for financial aid?
- How do I apply for financial aid?
Accreditation
- What does it mean if a school is accredited?
- Are there benefits to attending an accredited accounting program?
Employment
- Will schools help me find an accountant career after I complete their program?
- What are my career options after attending an accounting college?
- How much can I expect to earn as an accounting professional?
- What is the job outlook for the accounting field?
Choosing the Right School
Q: What factors will help me decide which accounting college to attend?
A: When selecting which accounting classes to attend, it is important to take the major factors into account, such as program outcome, price, program quality and flexibility.
First, you must decide on your desired outcome . You have the option to earn a certificate, Associate or Bachelor's degree in an undergrad accountant program. If you already have your undergraduate degree, you may opt to pursue an MBA with a focus in accounting. With a higher-level outcome, more job opportunities can open up.
Pricing varies by school, so it is important to find this information out from your top picks. Talk with each school's Financial Aid office to figure out your bottom-line price. You do not want to enroll in a program that you will not be able to afford, but you also don't want to sacrifice program quality for price. Find a happy medium.
Last, figure out how much time you have to devote to the program. You can attend school full- or part-time. If you are keeping your current job and going back to school, make sure your program's courses have flexible schedules so you can work around your time commitments to your job.
Q: Should I visit the school before making my final decision?
A: If you are going to a campus-based school, you should always visit before signing on the dotted line. Most schools will encourage you to visit their campus prior to enrollment. Visiting the school allows you to familiarize yourself with the campus layout. You can see the classrooms where your classes will be held. It also gives you the opportunity to meet a school representative in person, if you haven't already.
If you plan to enroll in online courses, it is still a good idea to contact a school representative. They can talk you through the process of the online classes, which can vary from institution to institution. Getting this knowledge up front will help you make a more educated decision on what works best for you.
Q: Should I limit my search to schools located close to where I live?
A: No. If you are interested in moving to a new location, explore your options in the new place. Most people attend school close to their current location because of ties to their job, home and family. If these factors influence you heavily, you'll naturally want to consider a school that's close to home. However, more and more schools are offering online program options. That may allow you to attend a school that's not close to home – from the comfort of your own home!
Q: Are online accounting classes for me?
A: Online programs can be a great solution for many people. They offer flexibility for your schedule because you can learn when and where it's best for you. This option also saves you time since you won't have to commute to a campus.
However, to successfully earn your online accounting degree, it takes a lot of personal commitment. You must be an active learner and a great self-starter to succeed in an online program. Admissions counselors at your preferred institution can provide you with more specific information. They can share details exclusive to their own online format and how you can perform best within that framework.
Accountant Programs
Q: What are the most common types of accounting programs offered?
A: Many career training-focused schools offer fast-track programs in bookkeeping. Degree programs may teach accounting exclusively, or they may provide more generalized business majors with an emphasis in accounting.
Q: How long will it take for me to complete a program?
A: Program completion depends on the outcome and your schedule. Depending upon the level of education you are seeking, these are the common timeframes for full-time students based on outcomes. Program lengths also vary by institution and will be longer for part-time students.
- Certificate/Diploma: 6-18 months
- Associate Degree: 24 months
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years
- Master's Degree: 12-24 months
Financial Aid
Q: What types of financial aid will be available to me?
A: Most schools participate in federal student aid programs. In order to participate, these schools must be accredited, which ensures high-quality programs are provided to their students. To find out if you qualify for government aid, you must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Many schools also offer scholarship programs that are based on either academics or service. You can also find scholarship opportunities through businesses and national or community organizations.
Contact your chosen institution for more specific information on the types of aid you can take advantage of. Financial aid officers at your school can help you determine the best financial options and plans for paying for your education.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible for financial aid?
A: To receive federal financial aid, you must meet the following criteria:
- Show financial need
- Have a HS diploma or GED certificate, or meet other approved standards established by your state
- Be working toward graduation from an eligible program
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Maintain acceptable academic progress once in school
- Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant
- Certify that your federal student aid will be used only for educational purposes
Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: The first step to apply for federal financial aid is to complete and submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) . This must be completed and filed prior to January 1 of the year you plan to attend school. This will determine your estimated need to cover your educational costs. You will be able to find out how much federal aid you are eligible to receive.
Some institutions also require students to submit a separate profile that determines how much institutional aid they may need and/or receive. Contact your chosen school for details on their specific student requirements.
Accreditation
Q: What does it mean if a school is accredited?
A: Accrediting agencies are those which make sure academic programs meet certain criteria and standards. Accredited schools have met the standards set forth by accrediting bodies. This generally means that these schools have been acknowledged as providers of high-quality programs.
Q: Are there benefits to attending an accredited accounting program?
A: Absolutely. Accredited schools are eligible to take part in federal financial aid programs, which may help you pay for your education and training. Enrollment in an accredited accounting program also gives you peace of mind that you are receiving education that meets high standards. Employers will also prefer graduates of accredited programs to graduates of non-accredited programs when hiring.
Employment
Q: Will schools help me find an accountant career after I complete their program?
A: The majority of career training, vocational and traditional 4-year schools offer career placement assistance. They have professionals on staff who can help you develop and refine your resumé and cover letter, prepare you for interviews, and help you find job opportunities. The extent of career placement services varies by school.
Q: What are my career options after attending an accounting college?
A: If you attend a career training school, you can find employment as a bookkeeper, accounting clerk or administrator. You may also be able to obtain employment in a variety of auditing positions. You have the ability to work your way up with time and experience.
Those who attend traditional 4-year accounting programs may obtain employment in a variety of businesses or governmental agencies in accounting and finance positions. You also have the option of self-employment. Many Bachelor's programs will prepare you for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) examination.
For students obtaining a Master's degree in Accounting, you will be able to readily advance in your current accounting career. If you are just entering the accounting field, you will be a preferred applicant for accounting and finance positions over those who have earned a Bachelor's degree. You may also opt to be self-employed. For more information on the accounting industry, visit our Industry Outlook page.
Every company, large and small, needs somebody to balance the books and account for every penny. Accountants are needed by government agencies, non-profit organizations, small companies and large corporations. It can be the ideal position for somebody who enjoys working with numbers and making sure everything adds up. But it's also a great career for someone who enjoys working directly with people, either in a support role or one-on-one in tax preparation.
Q: How much can I expect to earn as an accounting professional?
A: According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual earnings for accountants and auditors were $54,630 in May of 2006. The top 10% earned over $94,050, while the bottom 10% earned under $34,470.
A 2006 salary survey, which was conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, yielded these results:
- Accounting Bachelor's degree candidates received average starting offers of $46,718.
- Accounting Master's degree candidates received average starting offers of $49,277.
Q: What is the job outlook for the accounting field?
A: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of accountants and auditors will increase by 18% from 2006-2016. They project that nearly 226,000 new jobs will arise in the accounting field during this decade. This expectation is largely due to stricter regulations, changes in financial laws, and increased accountability for protecting company stakeholders. These increasing safety measures will require more financial checks and balances.
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