Best Accounting Degrees in St. Paul Minnesota

5 minute read

Cities and States

Key Takeaways

St. Paul offers accredited accounting programs ranging from associate to bachelor’s degrees, with strong CPA preparation pathways.
Top institutions include University of St. Thomas, Metropolitan State University, Concordia University, Bethel University, Saint Paul College, and St. Catherine University.
The best program for you depends on career goals, CPA eligibility, tuition budget, and scheduling flexibility.
Graduates in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro benefit from strong local demand and competitive salaries, with accountants earning a median of $78,000+ annually in Minnesota per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
AACSB accreditation, internship access, and CPA exam alignment should be top evaluation criteria.

Why Study Accounting in St. Paul, Minnesota?

St. Paul sits within one of the Midwest’s strongest financial and corporate ecosystems. The Twin Cities region is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and leading public accounting firms. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, demand for accountants and auditors continues to trend upward due to regulatory complexity, business growth, and retirement of senior professionals.

Minnesota also consistently ranks among states with competitive CPA licensing standards. Reviewing the requirements through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy ensures your degree aligns with the 150-credit requirement needed to sit for the CPA exam.

Choosing the right accounting degree in St. Paul positions you for employment in public accounting, corporate finance, government auditing, nonprofit management, and entrepreneurship.

Best Accounting Degrees in St. Paul: 2026 Comparison

SchoolDegree OfferedAccreditationFormatIdeal ForUniversity of St. ThomasBBA in AccountingAACSBOn-campusCPA-bound students seeking prestigeMetropolitan State UniversityBS in AccountingAACSBEvening, HybridWorking adults and transfersConcordia University, St. PaulBA in AccountingACBSPOn-campus, OnlineFlexible, career-focused pathsBethel UniversityBA in Accounting and FinanceACBSPOn-campusFaith-based education seekersSaint Paul CollegeAAS in AccountingHLC AccreditedOn-campusEntry-level and transfer studentsSt. Catherine UniversityAccounting Major (Business Admin)ACBSPOn-campusWomen-centered environment

Top Programs Reviewed

University of St. Thomas

The Opus College of Business at University of St. Thomas holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide. Its Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting emphasizes financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and analytics.

Strong CPA exam preparation
Big Four recruiting presence
High internship placement rates

This program is ideal for students seeking national recognition and premium corporate recruiting access.

Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University offers an AACSB-accredited BS in Accounting designed for working adults. Flexible scheduling, including evening and hybrid formats, makes it especially attractive for career changers.

Affordable public tuition
Strong transfer pathways
CPA-aligned curriculum

It is one of the best value options in St. Paul for students balancing work and school.

Concordia University, St. Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul provides both on-campus and online accounting degrees. The ACBSP-accredited program integrates ethics, analytics, and managerial accounting.

Fully online bachelor’s option
Faith-based curriculum integration
Career-centered advising

This program works well for students who need flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor.

Bethel University

Bethel University offers a BA in Accounting and Finance that blends accounting fundamentals with financial strategy. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship.

Saint Paul College

Saint Paul College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting. This is a cost-effective pathway for students planning to transfer into a bachelor’s program or enter bookkeeping and entry-level accounting roles quickly.

St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University integrates accounting within its business administration major. Known for supporting women in leadership, the program emphasizes ethical decision-making and professional development.

How to Choose the Best Accounting Degree

1. Verify Accreditation

AACSB accreditation signals the highest standard in business education. ACBSP also ensures quality outcomes. Confirm accreditation through the AACSB official directory.

2. Align with CPA Requirements

Minnesota requires 150 semester credits for CPA licensure. Some schools offer integrated bachelor’s to master’s pathways to meet this threshold efficiently.

3. Compare Tuition and ROI

Public universities such as Metropolitan State generally offer lower tuition than private institutions. However, private universities may provide stronger recruiting pipelines. Evaluate total cost against likely starting salaries.

4. Evaluate Internship Access

Top programs maintain partnerships with regional accounting firms and corporations headquartered in the Twin Cities. Internship experience significantly improves post-graduate employment prospects.

5. Consider Flexibility

Online and hybrid programs are critical for working professionals. Concordia and Metropolitan State provide some of the most adaptable formats in St. Paul.

Career Outlook for Accounting Graduates in St. Paul

The Minneapolis–St. Paul region provides a diverse employment market including public accounting firms, healthcare systems, financial institutions, and nonprofit organizations. According to the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, Minnesota accountants earn above the national median wage.

Common career paths include:

Certified Public Accountant
Internal Auditor
Tax Consultant
Corporate Controller
Forensic Accountant

Graduates from AACSB-accredited programs typically experience stronger CPA exam performance and broader employer recognition.

Best Program by Student Type

Best for CPA Track: University of St. Thomas
Best for Working Adults: Metropolitan State University
Best Online Flexibility: Concordia University, St. Paul
Best Budget Entry Option: Saint Paul College
Best Faith-Based Experience: Bethel University or Concordia University

Final Decision Factors That Matter Most

When selecting among the best accounting degrees in St. Paul, Minnesota, prioritize program accreditation, CPA alignment, employer recruiting strength, scheduling flexibility, and tuition affordability. The strongest program is not universally the most prestigious or the least expensive. It is the one that fits your career trajectory, financial capacity, and academic goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting Degrees in St. Paul

Is an accounting degree from a St. Paul school good for becoming a CPA in Minnesota?

Yes. Programs at schools like University of St. Thomas and Metropolitan State University are designed to help you meet Minnesota’s 150-credit CPA requirement. You should still verify details through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and the Minnesota Board of Accountancy rules to be sure your course plan stays on track.

How much can you earn with an accounting degree in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area?

In Minnesota, accountants and auditors earn a median salary above $78,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Local pay varies by role, experience, and employer; you can compare current Twin Cities wages using the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics tables.

Which St. Paul accounting program is best if you work full time?

If you work full time, you may prefer flexible options such as evening or hybrid classes at Metropolitan State University or online formats at Concordia University, St. Paul. These schools are set up for working adults and transfer students who need to balance job and school.

What type of accreditation should you look for in an accounting program?

You should look first for AACSB accreditation for business and accounting, which is widely respected by employers. ACBSP accreditation also signals a quality business program. You can confirm a school’s status in the official AACSB directory and the ACBSP accredited programs list.

Can you start at a community college in St. Paul and later earn a bachelor’s in accounting?

Yes. You can begin with the AAS in Accounting at Saint Paul College and then transfer to a four-year school such as Metropolitan State University. Work closely with both schools’ advisors so your credits apply toward a bachelor’s and, if desired, future CPA eligibility.

Conclusion