Best Accounting Degrees in Provo Utah

Key Takeaways

• Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University offer the strongest accounting degrees in Provo, Utah.
• BYU’s Marriott School holds prestigious AACSB accounting accreditation and consistently ranks among top national programs.
• UVU provides an affordable, career-focused pathway with strong regional employer connections.
• Both schools offer CPA preparation pathways aligned with Utah’s 150-credit hour requirement.
• Provo accounting graduates benefit from strong job growth in Utah County and competitive entry-level salaries.

Why Study Accounting in Provo, Utah?

Provo is one of Utah’s fastest-growing economic hubs, anchored by technology startups, established corporations, and a strong small business sector. Utah County’s unemployment rate routinely trends below national averages, and the demand for accountants remains steady due to business expansion and regulatory complexity.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for accountants and auditors is projected to grow nationwide, with median annual pay exceeding $79,000. Utah often exceeds national growth trends due to population and business formation increases.

Choosing an accounting degree in Provo gives students access to:

• Robust internship pipelines in Utah County
• CPA-aligned curriculum pathways
• Strong alumni networks
• Competitive in-state tuition options

Accreditation Matters: What to Look For

When evaluating accounting programs, accreditation should be your first filter.

AACSB Accreditation

The gold standard for business schools is accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Separate AACSB accounting accreditation is even more prestigious and indicates rigorous faculty scholarship, outcomes tracking, and CPA readiness.

Regional Accreditation

Both Provo universities are regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, ensuring federal financial aid eligibility and credit transferability.

Top Accounting Programs in Provo, Utah

1. Brigham Young University (BYU) – Marriott School of Business

Location: Provo, UT
Degree Options: BS in Accounting, Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Accreditation: AACSB (Business and Accounting)

BYU’s accounting program is nationally recognized and frequently ranked among the top U.S. undergraduate and graduate accounting programs by major ranking bodies such as U.S. News & World Report.

Program Highlights

• Integrated junior core with competitive admission into the accounting program
• Master of Accountancy designed to meet 150-hour CPA requirement
• Elite CPA exam pass rates consistently above national averages
• Strong recruiting pipelines with Big Four firms and regional employers

Curriculum Focus

Students complete advanced coursework in:

• Financial accounting and reporting
• Audit and assurance
• Taxation
• Managerial accounting
• Data analytics and information systems

Admissions

Admission is competitive. Pre-business students must complete prerequisite coursework and apply separately to the Marriott School. Strong GPA, leadership experience, and analytical skills are critical.

Tuition

BYU is known for relatively low tuition compared to peer private institutions, especially for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Updated tuition details are available on BYU’s official site.

2. Utah Valley University (UVU) – Woodbury School of Business

Location: Orem, UT (5 minutes from Provo)
Degree Options: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Accreditation: AACSB (Business)

UVU offers a highly practical, workforce-oriented accounting program designed to serve Utah’s regional economy. It is a strong option for students seeking affordability and flexibility.

Program Highlights

• Flexible scheduling including evening classes
• Direct engagement with Utah County employers
• Internship integration in upper-division coursework
• Pathway to MBA or graduate accounting education

Curriculum Focus

• Intermediate and advanced accounting
• Tax preparation and planning
• Auditing principles
• Business law
• Accounting information systems

Tuition

UVU offers competitive in-state tuition. For updated figures, consult UVU’s tuition page. Utah residents benefit significantly compared to out-of-state students.

Quick Comparison of Provo Accounting Degrees

FeatureBYUUVUAACSB Accounting AccreditationYesBusiness OnlyGraduate Accounting DegreeMAcc AvailableNo standalone MAccCPA Preparation PathStrongly IntegratedUndergraduate FoundationProgram CompetitivenessHighly CompetitiveModerately SelectiveIdeal ForTop-tier national careersAffordable regional pathway

CPA Preparation in Utah

To become a CPA in Utah, candidates must meet requirements set by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing, including:

• 150 semester credit hours
• Specified accounting and business coursework
• Passing the Uniform CPA Examination

BYU’s MAcc program is specifically structured to meet these requirements efficiently. UVU graduates typically complete additional credits through a master’s degree or supplemental coursework.

Career Outcomes for Accounting Graduates in Utah County

Top Employers

• Deloitte
• PwC
• EY
• KPMG
• Vivint
• Nu Skin
• Local CPA firms and tech startups

Salary Expectations

Entry-level accounting salaries in Utah County often range from $55,000 to $70,000 depending on employer and internship experience. CPAs and public accounting professionals can surpass six figures with advancement.

Utah’s pro-business climate and expanding tech ecosystem provide long-term upward mobility for graduates.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Options

While BYU’s accounting program is primarily on-campus, UVU offers flexible scheduling and some hybrid coursework options. Students needing maximum flexibility may also explore broader Utah online programs, but Provo-based degrees offer stronger local networking advantages.

How to Choose the Right Accounting Program

Choose BYU If You:

• Want a nationally ranked accounting education
• Plan to pursue Big Four public accounting
• Intend to complete a MAcc and CPA quickly
• Thrive in competitive academic environments

Choose UVU If You:

• Prioritize affordability
• Need schedule flexibility
• Plan to work locally in Utah County
• Prefer practical, applied instruction

Admission Requirements Overview

BYU

• Strong GPA, particularly in prerequisite courses
• Completion of pre-business requirements
• Formal application to Marriott School
• Competitive selection process

UVU

• General university admission
• Completion of lower-division business foundation courses
• Minimum GPA progression standards

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Both universities participate in federal financial aid programs through Federal Student Aid. Students should complete the FAFSA early. Department-specific scholarships may be available for high-performing accounting majors.

BYU often provides strong value relative to private universities nationwide, while UVU remains one of the most affordable AACSB-accredited business schools in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting Degrees in Provo, Utah

Is an accounting degree from BYU or UVU good preparation for the CPA exam in Utah?

Yes. BYU’s BS in Accounting and Master of Accountancy are built to align with Utah’s 150-credit CPA requirement set by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing. UVU’s BS in Accounting provides the core accounting and business courses you need, and you can reach 150 credits through extra coursework or a graduate degree at UVU or another school.

How do BYU and UVU differ for accounting majors?

BYU’s Marriott School holds separate AACSB accounting accreditation and offers a nationally recognized BS and MAcc with a competitive junior core. UVU’s Woodbury School has AACSB business accreditation and offers a flexible, career-focused BS in Accounting with strong ties to local employers in Utah County. Both options can lead to public or corporate accounting roles.

What jobs and salaries can you expect with an accounting degree in Utah County?

You can work in public accounting, corporate finance, audit, tax, and government roles. Provo-area graduates often join firms like Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, and local tech companies. Entry-level accounting salaries in Utah County commonly range from about $55,000 to $70,000, and experienced CPAs can earn more. For national data, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics profile for accountants.

Why does AACSB accreditation matter for accounting programs?

AACSB accreditation shows that a business school meets strict standards for faculty quality, curriculum, and student outcomes. Separate AACSB accounting accreditation, held by BYU, signals extra rigor in accounting education and strong CPA exam preparation. You can learn more about AACSB standards on the AACSB accreditation page.

How long does it take to become a CPA after starting an accounting degree in Provo?

You usually spend four years completing a bachelor’s degree in accounting, then add extra credits to reach 150 hours and pass the CPA exam. At BYU, many students finish a five-year BS + MAcc path that meets Utah’s requirements from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing. UVU students often add a master’s degree or extra upper-division classes to reach 150 hours before or soon after taking the exam.