Best Accounting Programs in Tacoma Washington

Key Takeaways

• Tacoma offers strong accounting pathways at the associate, bachelor’s, and graduate levels through Tacoma Community College, University of Washington Tacoma, and Bates Technical College.
• UW Tacoma stands out for AACSB-accredited business education and CPA preparation at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
• Tacoma Community College provides a cost-effective transfer pathway to four-year accounting programs across Washington.
• Bates Technical College focuses on practical bookkeeping and accounting skills ideal for immediate workforce entry.
• Choosing the best program depends on career goals, CPA eligibility plans, tuition budget, and preferred learning format.

Why Study Accounting in Tacoma, Washington?

Tacoma is one of the key economic hubs in the South Puget Sound region. With proximity to Seattle, a growing port economy, healthcare systems, government agencies, nonprofits, and small businesses, accounting professionals are consistently in demand.

According to Washington State employment projections, accountants and auditors continue to see steady growth, with competitive salaries that often exceed $75,000 annually depending on experience and credentials such as CPA licensure.

For students seeking affordable tuition, transfer flexibility, and access to well-regarded public institutions, Tacoma provides a strategic location to begin or advance an accounting career.

Best Accounting Programs in Tacoma, Washington

1. University of Washington Tacoma – Milgard School of Business

Location: Downtown Tacoma
Degree Levels: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Accounting option), Master of Accounting (MAcc)
Accreditation: AACSB-accredited business school

UW Tacoma is widely considered the top destination for students pursuing a four-year or graduate accounting degree in Tacoma. The Milgard School of Business holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide.

Program Strengths

• Rigorous accounting curriculum covering financial accounting, auditing, taxation, managerial accounting, and ethics
• CPA exam preparation integrated into advanced coursework
• Master of Accounting program designed to meet the 150-credit requirement for CPA eligibility in Washington
• Strong internship connections with regional accounting firms and corporations
• Downtown campus with access to networking events and corporate partnerships

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate applicants must meet UW admission standards and complete prerequisite business courses. Graduate applicants for the MAcc typically need a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite accounting coursework, and competitive GPA scores.

Ideal For

Students aiming to become Certified Public Accountants, corporate accountants, auditors, or financial analysts in the Puget Sound region.

2. Tacoma Community College (TCC)

Location: West Tacoma
Degree Levels: Associate of Arts (AA) with accounting focus, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting Technician
Format: On-campus and select online courses

Tacoma Community College offers an affordable entry point into accounting education. It is especially valuable for students who plan to transfer into a four-year university such as UW Tacoma or other Washington institutions.

Program Strengths

• Lower tuition compared to four-year universities
• Transfer agreements with Washington public universities
• Practical coursework in bookkeeping, payroll, taxation, QuickBooks, and Excel
• Small class sizes and accessible faculty support

Tuition Advantage

Washington residents benefit from significantly lower per-credit tuition at TCC compared to universities, making it one of the most cost-effective routes toward a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Ideal For

Students seeking affordable education, career changers exploring accounting fundamentals, or those planning to transfer into a bachelor’s program.

3. Bates Technical College

Location: Multiple Tacoma campuses
Degree Levels: Accounting and Bookkeeping certificates and associate degrees
Focus: Career and technical education

Bates Technical College specializes in hands-on, workforce-ready training. Its accounting-related programs emphasize applied bookkeeping skills, computerized accounting systems, and payroll operations.

Program Strengths

• Shorter completion timelines than traditional four-year degrees
• Practical software training aligned with employer needs
• Workforce-focused curriculum designed for immediate employment
• Support services for adult learners and career pivot professionals

Ideal For

Students who want to enter the workforce quickly in roles such as accounting clerk, payroll specialist, or bookkeeping professional without pursuing CPA licensure.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Tacoma Accounting Programs

SchoolDegree LevelsBest ForCPA PrepCost RangeUW TacomaBachelor’s, MAccCPA-track, corporate careersYesModerate to HighTacoma Community CollegeAssociateTransfer and affordabilityPartialLowBates Technical CollegeCertificate, AssociateWorkforce entryNoLow to Moderate

How to Choose the Right Accounting Program in Tacoma

1. Define Your Career Goal

If your goal is CPA licensure, select a program that helps you meet Washington’s 150-credit education requirement. UW Tacoma’s MAcc is specifically structured for this path.

If you want to work in bookkeeping or small business accounting without CPA certification, Bates Technical College or TCC may be sufficient.

2. Review Accreditation

AACSB accreditation, such as that held by UW Tacoma’s business school, signals high academic standards. This is particularly important for students targeting competitive careers in public accounting firms.

3. Compare Total Cost of Attendance

Look beyond tuition. Include fees, textbooks, commuting expenses, and the potential earnings benefit of internships. Many students reduce costs by completing general education at TCC before transferring.

4. Evaluate Internship and Career Support

Strong programs provide networking events, career fairs, resume workshops, and employer connections. UW Tacoma offers direct access to regional employers in Tacoma and Seattle.

5. Consider Online and Hybrid Flexibility

Students balancing work and family responsibilities should inquire about hybrid formats, evening classes, or partial online availability, particularly at TCC and UW Tacoma.

Career Outlook for Accounting Graduates in Tacoma

Tacoma’s economy includes logistics, healthcare systems, municipal agencies, tribal enterprises, manufacturing, and professional services firms, all requiring accounting expertise.

Common Career Paths

• Staff Accountant
• Tax Associate
• Auditor
• Financial Analyst
• Government Accountant
• Accounts Payable or Payroll Specialist

Entry-level salaries for accounting technicians in Washington often begin around $45,000 to $55,000 annually, while CPAs and experienced accountants frequently surpass $80,000 depending on specialization and employer.

Transfer and CPA Pathway Planning

One of the smartest strategies for Tacoma students is a structured transfer plan:

1. Complete an Associate degree at Tacoma Community College.
2. Transfer to UW Tacoma to earn a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an Accounting focus.
3. Enroll in the Master of Accounting program to reach 150 credits for CPA eligibility.
4. Sit for the Washington State CPA exam.

This pathway balances affordability and long-term earning potential.

Map Snapshot: Accounting Schools in Tacoma

• UW Tacoma: 1900 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA
• Tacoma Community College: 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA
• Bates Technical College: Multiple campus locations across Tacoma

All three institutions are accessible by public transportation and serve students across the South Puget Sound region.

Final Considerations Before Applying

• Attend an information session or campus tour.
• Request detailed curriculum outlines to compare accounting concentrations.
• Ask about job placement rates and employer partnerships.
• Speak with academic advisors about CPA educational requirements if applicable.
• Review financial aid packages and scholarship options specific to business or accounting majors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting Programs in Tacoma

Which Tacoma accounting program is best if you want to become a CPA?

If you plan to become a CPA in Washington, the strongest fit is usually the University of Washington Tacoma. Its bachelor’s degree in business with an accounting option plus the Master of Accounting (MAcc) are structured to help you reach the 150-credit CPA education requirement and prepare for the exam.

Is Tacoma Community College a good place to start an accounting degree?

Yes. Tacoma Community College is a cost-effective way to start. You can complete an associate degree with an accounting focus, then transfer to a four-year school such as UW Tacoma to finish a bachelor’s and continue toward CPA eligibility if you choose.

How is Bates Technical College different from TCC and UW Tacoma?

Bates Technical College focuses on short-term, hands-on training for bookkeeping and entry-level accounting roles. It is a good option if you want certificates or an associate degree that leads directly to jobs such as accounting clerk or payroll specialist, without planning for CPA licensure.

Can you complete an accounting program in Tacoma while working full-time?

You may be able to. Tacoma Community College and UW Tacoma both offer some evening, hybrid, or online courses, which can help you balance school and work. Bates Technical College also serves many adult learners and may provide flexible scheduling for certain programs.

What is a common affordable pathway to a CPA-focused accounting career in Tacoma?

A common route is to start with an associate degree at Tacoma Community College, transfer to UW Tacoma for a bachelor’s in business with an accounting option, then complete the MAcc at UW Tacoma. This helps you manage tuition costs while earning the 150 credits needed for CPA eligibility in Washington.