Best Accounting Degrees in Highland Heights Kentucky

Why Choose an Accounting Degree in Highland Heights, Kentucky?

Highland Heights, Kentucky is home to Northern Kentucky University (NKU), the primary institution offering accredited accounting degrees in the city. Located just minutes from downtown Cincinnati, the area provides students access to a thriving regional economy that includes Fortune 500 companies, regional CPA firms, healthcare systems, and manufacturing corporations.

An accounting degree from Highland Heights offers the advantage of local industry connections, AACSB-accredited programs, competitive tuition, and strong career outcomes. For students seeking a high-quality accounting education in Northern Kentucky with direct access to career opportunities in both Kentucky and Ohio, Highland Heights stands out as a strategic choice.

Key Takeaways

• Northern Kentucky University is the leading provider of accounting degrees in Highland Heights.
• Programs include Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Master of Accountancy, and post-baccalaureate CPA pathways.
• NKU’s Haile College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, a mark of top-tier business education.
• Students benefit from proximity to the Cincinnati metro job market and strong employer partnerships.
• Flexible options include on-campus and online formats for select graduate programs.
• Graduates pursue CPA licensure, accounting analyst roles, auditing, tax consulting, and corporate finance positions.

Top Accounting School in Highland Heights

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) – Haile College of Business

NKU is the primary and most reputable choice for accounting degrees in Highland Heights. The Haile College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an accreditation held by fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide.

ProgramDeliveryLengthAACSB AccreditedCPA PreparationB.S. in AccountingOn-Campus4 YearsYesStrong FoundationMaster of Accountancy (MAcc)On-Campus / Hybrid1–2 YearsYesMeets 150 Credit Hour RequirementPost-Baccalaureate CertificateFlexibleVariesYesCPA Completion Path

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

The B.S. in Accounting provides a comprehensive foundation in financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems. Students also complete core business coursework in economics, management, business law, and finance.

Highlights:

• Experiential learning through internships in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
• Small class sizes with accessible faculty
• Student organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi
• Recruiting events with regional CPA firms and corporations

This program is ideal for students entering the workforce immediately after graduation or continuing into the Master of Accountancy for CPA eligibility.

Master of Accountancy (MAcc)

NKU’s MAcc program is designed for students aiming to meet Kentucky’s 150-credit-hour CPA licensure requirement. The curriculum includes advanced study in auditing, tax research, forensic accounting, and data analytics.

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

• Certified Public Accountant
• Corporate Controller
• Tax Consultant
• Internal Auditor
• Financial Analyst

The program offers flexibility for working professionals and students transitioning directly from the undergraduate degree.

Tuition and Cost Overview (2025 Estimates)

Affordability is a key advantage of pursuing an accounting degree in Highland Heights.

• Undergraduate In-State Tuition: Approximately $10,500 to $11,500 per year
• Out-of-State Tuition: Approximately $20,000 to $21,000 per year
• Graduate Tuition: Approximately $650 to $750 per credit hour

NKU offers merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement partnerships. Students in the Cincinnati metro area often benefit from regional tuition reciprocity agreements.

Career Outcomes and Job Placement

Accounting graduates from NKU benefit from strong placement within the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky job market. The region is home to major employers such as Procter & Gamble, Fifth Third Bank, Kroger, and numerous regional CPA firms.

According to national labor data, accountants and auditors earn a median annual wage of approximately $78,000, with significantly higher earning potential for CPAs and those in managerial positions.

Common employment destinations include:

• Public accounting firms
• Corporate accounting departments
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Financial consulting firms

Students frequently secure internships before graduation, improving first-year employment rates and starting salaries.

CPA Exam Preparation and Pass Rates

CPA licensure is a major goal for accounting students. NKU’s accounting programs are structured to align with CPA exam content areas, including auditing, business environment, financial accounting, and regulation.

While specific annual pass rates may vary, AACSB-accredited institutions typically perform above the national average due to rigorous curriculum standards and faculty expertise.

Students benefit from:

• CPA review course partnerships
• Faculty mentoring
• Structured pathways to fulfill 150-hour requirements

Internships and Employer Partnerships

One of the strongest advantages of studying accounting in Highland Heights is the school’s integration with the regional business community.

Through NKU’s career services office and Haile College of Business partnerships, students gain access to:

• On-campus recruiting events
• Fall and spring internship placements
• Networking with alumni in Big Four and regional firms
• Professional workshops and resume development support

Proximity to Cincinnati expands internship options considerably compared to more rural Kentucky locations.

Student Experience and Campus Resources

Students consistently highlight faculty accessibility and applied learning experiences as major strengths. The accounting program integrates real-world case studies, accounting technology software, and collaborative projects.

Additional resources include:

• Business tutoring centers
• Accounting labs and analytics tools
• Beta Alpha Psi honor society
• Leadership and career development programming

These support systems enhance academic performance and professional readiness.

Online and Flexible Learning Options

While the undergraduate accounting degree is primarily campus-based, graduate students may access hybrid or flexible scheduling formats. This flexibility supports working professionals pursuing CPA eligibility or career advancement.

Prospective students should confirm current delivery formats directly with the university, as program structures may evolve annually.

How to Choose the Right Accounting Degree Path

When evaluating the best accounting degree in Highland Heights, consider the following factors:

1. Career Goals

If you plan to pursue CPA licensure, ensure the program supports the 150-credit-hour requirement.

2. Accreditation

AACSB accreditation is a critical quality indicator that improves employer recognition and graduate competitiveness.

3. Internship Access

Proximity to the Cincinnati metro economy significantly enhances internship and job placement opportunities.

4. Total Cost of Attendance

Evaluate tuition, fees, housing, and opportunity costs along with financial aid options.

5. Networking and Alumni Reach

Strong regional alumni networks can accelerate job placement and professional growth.

Is Highland Heights a Good Place to Study Accounting?

For students seeking a respected accounting education with strong regional employment pipelines, Highland Heights is an excellent option. The combination of AACSB accreditation, proximity to major employers, and affordable tuition makes NKU’s accounting programs competitive not just locally but regionally.

Students who want a practical, employer-aligned accounting education with access to CPA pathways will find Highland Heights to be a strategic and high-value choice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting Degrees in Highland Heights, Kentucky

Why should you study accounting in Highland Heights, Kentucky?

You study accounting in Highland Heights to access NKU’s AACSB-accredited programs, affordable tuition, and strong ties to the Cincinnati job market, including CPA firms, corporations, and nonprofits.

What accounting degrees does Northern Kentucky University offer?

NKU offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, a Master of Accountancy (MAcc), and post-baccalaureate certificate options that help you complete CPA education requirements.

Is NKU’s accounting program good for CPA exam preparation?

Yes. The curriculum lines up with CPA exam content, the MAcc helps you reach the 150-credit-hour requirement, and you can use CPA review partners and faculty support while you prepare.

How much does an accounting degree at NKU cost?

Undergraduate in-state tuition is about $10,500–$11,500 per year, out-of-state is about $20,000–$21,000 per year, and graduate tuition is about $650–$750 per credit hour, before scholarships or aid.

What careers can you pursue with an accounting degree from Highland Heights?

You can pursue roles such as staff accountant, CPA, auditor, tax consultant, financial analyst, internal auditor, or corporate controller in public firms, companies, government, and nonprofits.

Does NKU offer internships and employer connections for accounting majors?

Yes. You can access internships and recruiting events through NKU’s career services and Haile College of Business partnerships with Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky employers, including regional CPA firms and large companies.