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2024 Best Accounting Schools in the Plains States Region

149 Colleges in the Plains States Region
7,025 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$46,004 Avg Early-Career Salary
Accounting is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #8 most popular major in the country. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 149 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Accounting Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 7,025 degrees in accounting during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Accounting School

Best Accounting Schools in the Plains States Region Your choice of accounting school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Accounting School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that 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

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Accounting Schools in the Plains States Region list to help you make the college decision. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.


 

Best Schools for Accounting in the Plains States Region

The schools below may not offer all types of accounting degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

23 Top Plains States Region Schools in Accounting

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In MO
76 Accounting Degrees Awarded

Washington University in St Louis is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in accounting. Located in the large suburb of Saint Louis, WUSTL is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #17 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means WUSTL is a great university overall.

There were approximately 76 accounting students who graduated with this degree at WUSTL in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in accounting from Washington University in St Louis

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
156 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$60,238 Median Starting Salary

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in accounting. Located in the large city of Minneapolis, UMN Twin Cities is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #51 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UMN Twin Cities is a great university overall.

There were about 156 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting major at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities get $14,234 more than the typical college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
410 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$56,809 Median Starting Salary

University of Missouri - Columbia is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in accounting. Mizzou is a very large public university located in the city of Columbia. A Best Colleges rank of #124 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Mizzou is a great university overall.

There were approximately 410 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from University of Missouri - Columbia receive an earnings boost of around $10,805 above the typical earnings of accounting majors.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Missouri - Columbia

4
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
156 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$56,806 Median Starting Salary

Iowa State University is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in accounting. Located in the small city of Ames, Iowa State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #75 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Iowa State is a great university overall.

There were approximately 156 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from Iowa State University receive $10,802 more than the standard accounting graduate.

More information about a degree in accounting from Iowa State University

5
Drake crest
Drake University
Des Moines, IA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
42 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$60,615 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Des Moines, Drake is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #224 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Drake is a great university overall.

There were about 42 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Drake in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from Drake University receive $14,611 more than the standard accounting graduate.

More information about a degree in accounting from Drake University

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
79 Accounting Degrees Awarded
40.5% Growth in Graduates

Creighton is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Omaha. A Best Colleges rank of #105 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Creighton is a great university overall.

There were approximately 79 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Creighton in the most recent year we have data available. Those accounting students who get their degree from Creighton University receive $12,533 more than the standard accounting student.

More information about a degree in accounting from Creighton University

7
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
275 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$50,803 Median Starting Salary

KU is a very large public university located in the city of Lawrence. A Best Colleges rank of #141 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means KU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 275 accounting students who graduated with this degree at KU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting degree program at University of Kansas make $4,799 above the average college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Kansas

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
78 Accounting Degrees Awarded
1.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Saint Paul, UST MN is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #143 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UST MN is a great university overall.

There were approximately 78 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UST MN in the most recent year we have data available. Those accounting students who get their degree from University of St Thomas Minnesota earn $12,801 more than the average accounting grad.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of St Thomas Minnesota

9
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
197 Accounting Degrees Awarded
5.1% Growth in Graduates

Iowa is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Iowa City. A Best Colleges rank of #84 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Iowa is a great university overall.

There were roughly 197 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting degree program at University of Iowa make $11,637 above the typical college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Iowa

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
104 Accounting Degrees Awarded
10.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Cedar Falls, UNI is a public university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #199 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UNI is a great university overall.

There were approximately 104 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UNI in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from University of Northern Iowa receive an earnings boost of about $6,691 over the typical income of accounting majors.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Northern Iowa

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
153 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$50,369 Median Starting Salary

UNL is a very large public university located in the city of Lincoln. A Best Colleges rank of #138 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UNL is a great university overall.

There were approximately 153 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UNL in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from University of Nebraska - Lincoln receive an earnings boost of approximately $4,365 over the average income of accounting majors.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Nebraska - Lincoln

11
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
$48,125 Median Starting Salary
$14,334 Median Student Debt

Located in the rural area of Rosemount, DCTC is a public college with a small student population. This college ranks 18th out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were approximately 22 accounting students who graduated with this degree at DCTC in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from Dakota County Technical College earn $2,121 more than the average accounting graduate.

More information about a degree in accounting from Dakota County Technical College

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
112 Accounting Degrees Awarded
7.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Saint Louis, Maryville U is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #202 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Maryville U is a great university overall.

There were approximately 112 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Maryville U in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from Maryville University of Saint Louis earn a boost of about $7,143 above the typical income of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from Maryville University of Saint Louis

13
Century College crest
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
19th Most Popular In MN
61 Accounting Degrees Awarded

Located in the large suburb of White Bear Lake, Century College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 19th out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 61 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Century College in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in accounting from Century College

14
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
93 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$37,765 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Ankeny, DMACC is a public college with a very large student population. This college ranks 12th out of 40 schools for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were approximately 93 accounting students who graduated with this degree at DMACC in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, accounting degree recipients usually make an average of $37,765 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in accounting from Des Moines Area Community College

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
185 Accounting Degrees Awarded
9.7% Growth in Graduates

K -State is a large public university located in the small city of Manhattan. This university ranks 2nd out of 47 colleges for overall quality in the state of Kansas.

There were approximately 185 accounting students who graduated with this degree at K -State in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from Kansas State University get an earnings boost of approximately $8,382 over the typical earnings of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from Kansas State University

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
121 Accounting Degrees Awarded
25.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Grand Forks, UND is a public university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #218 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UND is a great university overall.

There were about 121 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UND in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from University of North Dakota get an earnings boost of around $5,892 above the average earnings of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of North Dakota

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
126 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$52,437 Median Starting Salary

UMSL is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Saint Louis. This university ranks 10th out of 48 colleges for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were approximately 126 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UMSL in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting program at University of Missouri - St Louis get $6,433 more than the average graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Missouri - St Louis

18
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
$37,420 Median Starting Salary
$21,634 Median Student Debt

Anoka-Ramsey Community College-Coon Rapids Campus is a medium-sized public college located in the large suburb of Coon Rapids. This college ranks 31st out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were approximately 27 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Anoka-Ramsey Community College-Coon Rapids Campus in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the accounting program earn an average of $37,420 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in accounting from Anoka-Ramsey Community College

19
SLU crest
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
47 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$57,011 Median Starting Salary

SLU is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Saint Louis. This university ranks 7th out of 48 schools for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were about 47 accounting students who graduated with this degree at SLU in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from Saint Louis University earn a boost of around $11,007 above the average earnings of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from Saint Louis University

20
Park University crest
Park University
Parkville, MO
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
57 Accounting Degrees Awarded
3.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Parkville, Park University is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 8th out of 48 schools for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were approximately 57 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Park University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting major at Park University earn $4,101 more than the standard college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in accounting from Park University

21
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
23rd Most Popular In MN
42 Accounting Degrees Awarded

Located in the town of Fergus Falls, M State is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 42nd out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were about 42 accounting students who graduated with this degree at M State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in accounting from Minnesota State Community and Technical College

22
Luther crest
Luther College
Decorah, IA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$55,758 Median Starting Salary
$27,000 Median Student Debt

Luther is a small private not-for-profit college located in the town of Decorah. This college ranks 7th out of 40 schools for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were roughly 15 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Luther in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from Luther College receive an earnings boost of approximately $9,754 above the typical earnings of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from Luther College

Rest of the Top Best Accounting Schools in the Plains States Region


 

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Accounting students in the Plains States Region that almost earned our Best Accounting Schools in the Plains States Region award.

Rank College Location
26 Simpson College Indianola, IA
27 Minnesota State University - Mankato Mankato, MN
28 Butler Community College El Dorado, KS
29 University of Mary Bismarck, ND
23 North Dakota State University - Main Campus Fargo, ND
24 Truman State University Kirksville, MO
25 Saint Paul College Saint Paul, MN

Best Accounting Colleges by State

Explore the best accounting schools for a specific state in the Plains States Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Minnesota 284 1,505
Missouri 283 1,655
Kansas 266 1,036
Iowa 264 953
Nebraska 238 466
North Dakota 210 277
South Dakota 204 241

View All Rankings >

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

Accounting Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Accounting 6,058
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping 747
Accounting and Business/Management 108
Other Accounting and Related Services 59
Accounting and Finance 48
Auditing 5

View All Accounting Focus Areas >

Majors Similar to Accounting

Related Major Annual Graduates
Business Administration & Management 26,753
General Business/Commerce 5,037
Finance & Financial Management 4,746
Marketing 4,295
Human Resource Management 3,360
Management Sciences & Quantitative Methods 1,989
Business Support & Assistant Services 1,234
Management Information Systems 778
Hospitality Management 749
General Sales & Marketing 682

View All Accounting Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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