Best Accounting Programs in Flagstaff

Best Accounting Programs in Flagstaff (2026 Guide)

Choosing the right accounting program in Flagstaff can shape your CPA eligibility, earning potential, and long-term career success. While Flagstaff has fewer institutions than Phoenix or Tucson, its programs offer strong accreditation, competitive tuition, and solid job placement rates. This guide compares the best accounting degrees in Flagstaff with side-by-side data, costs, career outcomes, and insider insights.

Key Takeaways

• Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers the most comprehensive and highest-ranked accounting programs in Flagstaff, including AACSB-accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Coconino Community College (CCC) provides affordable associate degrees and certificates ideal for entry-level roles or transfer pathways.
• NAU is the strongest option for CPA-track students seeking Big 4 or corporate accounting careers.
• CCC is best for students seeking lower tuition, flexible schedules, or a stepping stone to NAU.
• Flagstaff students benefit from partnerships with regional accounting firms and government employers.

Ranked: Best Accounting Programs in Flagstaff

RankSchoolDegree OptionsAccreditationEstimated Tuition (AZ Resident)Best For1Northern Arizona University (NAU)BBA, MAcc, MinorAACSB~$12,000/year (undergrad)CPA preparation, corporate careers2Coconino Community College (CCC)AAS, CertificatesHLC~$3,500–$4,000/yearAffordable entry-level training, transfer students

1. Northern Arizona University (NAU)

Why NAU Ranks #1 in Flagstaff

Northern Arizona University’s W. A. Franke College of Business offers the most robust and nationally recognized accounting program in Flagstaff. Its business programs hold AACSB accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide.

Degree Options

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting
• Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
• Accounting minor
• Online degree completion options

Curriculum Strengths

• Financial and managerial accounting
• Audit and assurance services
• Taxation and advanced tax strategy
• Accounting information systems
• Data analytics for accountants

The MAcc program is designed to help students reach the 150-credit-hour requirement needed for CPA eligibility in Arizona.

CPA Preparation & Outcomes

• Structured CPA review alignment within coursework
• Internship programs with regional firms and national employers
• Strong recruitment from Arizona public accounting firms

Graduates pursue careers in:

• Public accounting
• Corporate finance
• Government and nonprofit accounting
• Internal and external audit

Arizona accountants earn a median salary of approximately $70,000–$85,000 depending on experience and certification level.

Class Size & Student Experience

NAU offers mid-sized classes, allowing access to faculty while maintaining strong research credentials. Professors include CPAs and industry practitioners.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• AACSB accreditation
• CPA pathway built into program
• Strong employer recruiting
• Graduate degree available locally

Cons:

• Higher tuition than community college
• Competitive upper-division entry

Admissions & Deadlines

• Fall priority deadline typically in spring
• Rolling admissions thereafter
• Contact: NAU Office of Admissions, Flagstaff Campus

2. Coconino Community College (CCC)

Best for Affordable Entry-Level Accounting Education

Coconino Community College provides accessible, lower-cost accounting education in Flagstaff. It serves students who want workforce-ready skills or plan to transfer to NAU.

Degree & Certificate Options

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting
• Bookkeeping certificates
• Business and accounting skill certificates

Curriculum Focus

• Introductory financial accounting
• Payroll and bookkeeping systems
• QuickBooks and accounting software
• Business math

The program is hands-on and practical, preparing students for entry-level roles such as:

• Bookkeeper
• Accounting clerk
• Payroll specialist

Tuition Advantage

In-state tuition averages under $4,000 per year, making it one of the most affordable routes into accounting in northern Arizona.

Transfer Pathway to NAU

Many students complete foundational coursework at CCC before transferring to NAU’s BBA in Accounting program. This can reduce overall bachelor’s degree costs significantly.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Very affordable tuition
• Flexible scheduling
• Small class sizes
• Strong local accessibility

Cons:

• No bachelor’s or master’s degree offered
• Not AACSB accredited
• Does not independently meet CPA 150-hour requirement

Admissions & Contact

• Open enrollment
• Multiple start terms annually
• Contact: CCC Admissions Office, Flagstaff Campus

Undergraduate vs. Graduate Accounting Programs in Flagstaff

Bachelor’s Degree (BBA in Accounting)

Best for students beginning a long-term accounting career or planning to pursue CPA licensure.

Master of Accountancy (MAcc)

Ideal for:

• Meeting the 150-credit CPA requirement
• Career changers with business background
• Advancing into managerial accounting roles

NAU currently offers the only graduate-level accounting program physically based in Flagstaff.

Online vs. On-Campus Accounting Programs in Flagstaff

NAU provides flexible learning formats including online degree completion pathways. This benefits:

• Working professionals
• Transfer students
• Returning adult learners

CCC also offers hybrid course formats, though most programs are campus-based.For students balancing work and school, online options reduce commuting time while maintaining access to faculty and advising services.

Career Outlook for Accounting Graduates in Flagstaff

Flagstaff’s economy includes:

• Education institutions
• Healthcare organizations
• Local government agencies
• Small and mid-sized businesses

Public accounting firms in northern Arizona regularly recruit NAU graduates for audit, tax, and advisory positions.According to labor market projections, accounting and auditing roles are expected to grow steadily through 2030, particularly for CPAs and professionals skilled in data analytics.

How to Choose the Right Accounting Program in Flagstaff

Consider these five factors before enrolling:

1. CPA Goals

If CPA certification is your goal, prioritize AACSB accreditation and graduate opportunities.

2. Budget

CCC offers significantly lower tuition. NAU provides broader career mobility.

3. Career Timeline

Associate programs allow entry into the workforce sooner. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees offer higher long-term income potential.

4. Internship Access

Ask about internship placement rates and employer partnerships.

5. Class Size and Faculty Credentials

Programs with practicing CPAs and smaller classes often provide stronger mentorship.

Why Flagstaff Is a Smart Place to Study Accounting

Flagstaff combines a small-city learning environment with access to statewide employers. Students benefit from:

• Direct faculty interaction
• Affordable cost of living relative to major metro areas
• Established transfer pathways
• Demand for accounting professionals in northern Arizona

For students seeking a focused academic environment without sacrificing career mobility, Flagstaff offers practical pathways into accounting at multiple education levels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting Programs in Flagstaff

Which Flagstaff school is better for becoming a CPA, NAU or CCC?

If you want to become a CPA, NAU is usually the stronger fit because it offers an AACSB-accredited BBA in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy that help you reach Arizona’s 150-credit requirement. CCC is best as a lower-cost starting point that you can later transfer from into NAU’s bachelor’s program.

How much does it cost to study accounting in Flagstaff?

At NAU, in-state undergraduate tuition for accounting is about $12,000 per year, not including housing and fees. At CCC, in-state tuition is usually between $3,500 and $4,000 per year, making it one of the most affordable ways to start an accounting path in northern Arizona.

Can you start at Coconino Community College and transfer to NAU accounting?

Yes. Many students begin with an AAS in Accounting or accounting certificates at CCC, then transfer their credits into NAU’s BBA in Accounting. This path lets you save on lower-division tuition while still finishing with a four-year degree in Flagstaff.

Are accounting programs in Flagstaff available online or only on campus?

NAU offers online degree completion options in accounting, which work well if you are a transfer student or a working professional. CCC uses a mix of on-campus and some hybrid classes, though most accounting coursework is still campus-based in Flagstaff.

What jobs can you get after studying accounting in Flagstaff?

With CCC training, you can qualify for roles like bookkeeper, payroll specialist, or accounting clerk. With NAU’s BBA or MAcc, you can pursue careers in public accounting, corporate finance, audit, tax, or government and nonprofit accounting across Arizona.