Best Accounting Programs in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Best Accounting Programs in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Choosing the right accounting program is one of the most important decisions you can make if your goal is CPA licensure, a corporate finance role, or leadership in public accounting. Fayetteville, Arkansas offers nationally respected options, strong employer pipelines, and competitive tuition compared to larger metropolitan areas.

Key Takeaways

• University of Arkansas (Sam M. Walton College of Business) is the dominant and highest-ranked accounting program in Fayetteville, with strong CPA outcomes and Big Four recruitment.
• Students can pursue Bachelor’s, Master of Accountancy (MAcc), and PhD pathways designed around CPA requirements.
• Fayetteville offers strong internship access through Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt, and regional CPA firms.
• Accreditation, CPA pass rates, faculty credentials, and job placement data should guide your decision.
• Arkansas residents benefit from competitive in-state tuition and scholarship opportunities.

Why Study Accounting in Fayetteville?

Fayetteville sits within Northwest Arkansas, one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the country. The presence of Fortune 500 companies such as Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt creates consistent demand for accountants in auditing, tax, corporate accounting, and financial analysis.

The local economy offers three distinct advantages:

• Access to internships during the academic year
• Strong campus recruiting from national accounting firms
• High job placement rates for graduates who meet CPA eligibility

Top Accounting Programs in Fayetteville, Arkansas

1. University of Arkansas – Sam M. Walton College of Business

The University of Arkansas (U of A) is the clear leader for accounting education in Fayetteville. The Department of Accounting within the Walton College of Business is consistently nationally ranked and AACSB accredited in both business and accounting, a distinction held by fewer than 200 institutions worldwide.

Degree Options

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting
• Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
• PhD in Accounting

Curriculum Strengths

The undergraduate curriculum covers financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, accounting information systems, and analytics. Students pursuing CPA licensure often continue into the MAcc program to meet Arkansas’s 150-hour requirement.

The MAcc program offers concentrated CPA preparation, including advanced auditing, tax research, and data analytics coursework aligned with evolving CPA exam standards.

CPA Preparation and Outcomes

• Curriculum aligned to CPA exam blueprint
• Faculty actively involved in accounting research and professional organizations
• Strong CPA pass performance relative to national averages
• Established pipeline into Big Four and regional firms

Industry Connections

The Walton College maintains employer partnerships with:

• Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG
• Walmart corporate accounting
• Tyson Foods finance division
• Regional public accounting firms across Arkansas

Students frequently secure internships during junior year, with many receiving full-time offers before senior year graduation.

Tuition and Cost Overview

Program In-State Tuition (Approx.) Out-of-State Tuition (Approx.) BSBA in Accounting $10,000–$11,000 per year $28,000+ per year Master of Accountancy $12,000–$15,000 total Higher for non-residents

Scholarships, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement frequently reduce overall cost.

2. Online and Flexible Accounting Pathways

While the University of Arkansas is the only major university physically located in Fayetteville, students also consider accredited online programs that allow them to remain in Fayetteville while completing coursework remotely.

Best Use Cases for Online Programs

• Working professionals seeking CPA eligibility
• Career changers needing accounting credits
• Students balancing family and employment obligations

When evaluating online programs, confirm AACSB or regional accreditation and verify that coursework satisfies Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy requirements.

How the Programs Compare

Factor U of A On-Campus Online Programs AACSB Accreditation Yes Varies CPA-Focused Curriculum Strongly Integrated Depends on Program Recruiting Access Extensive On-Campus Recruiting Limited Direct Access Networking Opportunities High Lower Flexibility Moderate High

Career Outlook for Accounting Graduates in Fayetteville

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady demand for accountants and auditors nationwide. In Northwest Arkansas specifically, job growth is supported by:

• Corporate headquarters operations
• Expanding regional CPA firms
• Audit and compliance needs of public companies

Entry-level accounting salaries in Arkansas commonly range from $55,000 to $65,000, with CPA-certified professionals exceeding $75,000 early in their careers. Corporate roles at Fortune 500 employers can provide even higher compensation and advancement potential.

What to Look for When Choosing an Accounting Program

1. Accreditation

AACSB accreditation in accounting is a major quality indicator. It signals rigorous curriculum standards and faculty research quality.

2. CPA Alignment

Ensure the program clearly outlines how you will meet the 150 credit hour requirement and prepares you for all CPA exam sections.

3. Faculty Credentials

Top programs employ faculty with doctorates in accounting and active research publications, which strengthens curriculum relevance.

4. Internship Placement Rates

Ask for data on internship and job placement percentages. Strong programs provide structured recruiting events and dedicated career coaching.

5. Return on Investment

Compare tuition costs to average starting salaries. In-state tuition at the University of Arkansas offers strong ROI for Arkansas residents.

Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate Admission

• Competitive GPA
• ACT or SAT scores if required
• Completion of prerequisite math coursework

Master of Accountancy Admission

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
• Completion of prerequisite accounting coursework
• GPA benchmarks set by the Walton College
• Resume and statement of purpose

Early application is recommended due to competitive enrollment and internship timing cycles.

Local Networking and Professional Development Opportunities

Students in Fayetteville benefit from:

• Beta Alpha Psi chapter at the University of Arkansas
• Arkansas Society of CPAs student engagement events
• Corporate finance leadership programs
• Case competitions hosted by the Walton College

Engagement in professional organizations significantly improves internship offers and post-graduation placement.

Is Fayetteville the Right Place to Earn Your Accounting Degree?

For students seeking nationally respected education with regional affordability and strong employer access, Fayetteville stands out. The University of Arkansas delivers research-backed curriculum, CPA-focused pathways, and direct recruiting pipelines that rival larger metro markets.

Students who prioritize flexibility may supplement or pursue accredited online programs while leveraging Northwest Arkansas employment opportunities locally.

Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting Programs in Fayetteville, Arkansas

What accounting degrees can you earn in Fayetteville, Arkansas?

You can earn a BSBA in Accounting, a Master of Accountancy (MAcc), and a PhD in Accounting at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. You can also add online accounting courses or degrees from accredited universities while living in Fayetteville.

Is the University of Arkansas a good choice if you want to become a CPA?

Yes. The Walton College of Business is AACSB accredited in both business and accounting, offers BSBA and MAcc paths built around the 150-hour CPA rule, and reports CPA exam results that compare well with national averages.

How much does it cost to study accounting at the University of Arkansas?

In-state tuition for the BSBA in Accounting is about $10,000–$11,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition is around $28,000 or more per year. The MAcc program is roughly $12,000–$15,000 total for residents, with higher rates for nonresidents. Scholarships and assistantships can lower these costs.

What kinds of accounting jobs can you get in Fayetteville after graduation?

You can work in public accounting, corporate accounting, tax, audit, and financial analysis. Many graduates join firms that serve Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt or work directly in their finance and accounting teams.

What is the typical starting salary for accounting graduates in Arkansas?

Entry-level accountants in Arkansas often earn about $55,000 to $65,000 per year, with CPAs commonly earning $75,000 or more in the early years of their careers. Roles at large corporate employers in Northwest Arkansas can offer higher pay and faster advancement.

Are online accounting programs a good option if you live in Fayetteville?

Online programs can work well if you need flexibility, are changing careers, or are already working. Make sure the school has AACSB or strong regional accreditation and that its courses meet the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy rules for CPA eligibility.