The accounting profession operates on trust, precision, and exacting standards—values that extend to how educational programs prepare CPAs and other accounting professionals. In the United States, programmatic accreditation serves as the gold standard for ensuring accounting programs meet rigorous industry expectations, going beyond the basic institutional accreditation that all legitimate colleges must maintain.
While regional accreditation confirms a school’s overall academic legitimacy, specialized business and accounting accreditation digs deeper, evaluating whether programs truly prepare students for the complexities of modern accounting practice. This additional layer of quality assurance has become increasingly important as the profession evolves with technology, globalization, and changing regulatory landscapes.
Two organizations dominate the landscape of business and accounting accreditation: one is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which offers a widely-known supplemental accounting program accreditation, and the other is the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), offering a lesser-known, but well-respected separate accounting accreditation on top of its broader general business accreditation. Each brings distinct philosophies, standards, and benefits that can impact your educational experience and career trajectory in accounting.
AACSB – Supplemental Accounting Accreditation
- Overview: Founded in 1916, AACSB is the oldest global accreditor for business and accounting programs, covering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. It offers a separate accreditation just for accounting.
- Role in Accounting: AACSB’s accounting accreditation is an extra layer of quality assurance for schools already accredited for business. As of 2025, it accredits 966 business schools and 193 accounting programs across 60 countries.
- Focus: Research, academic excellence, and global impact. It’s often linked to big universities that prioritize scholarship and thought leadership.
ACBSP – Separate Accounting Accreditation
- Overview: Started in 1988, ACBSP accredits business and accounting programs from associate to doctoral levels. It’s recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and covers over 1,200 programs in 60 countries. ACBSP offers its signature Separate Accounting Accreditation for select bachelor’s and graduate programs.
- Role in Accounting: ACBSP includes accounting in its broader business accreditation, without a separate accounting-specific process. It’s welcoming to teaching-focused schools and community colleges.
- Focus: Practical skills, teaching quality, and preparing students for the workforce. ACBSP aims to make quality accreditation accessible to all kinds of programs.
The Evolution of Accounting Program Accreditation Available to AACSB- and ACBSP-Accredited Business Schools
AACSB emerged in 1916 when business education was still finding its place in American universities. Founded by 17 pioneering business schools with accounting programs, including Columbia, Harvard, and the University of Chicago, AACSB established the first standards for collegiate business education at a time when many questioned whether business belonged in academia at all. Over that time it has evolved into the most prestigious accreditor in business education, known for its emphasis on research, innovation, and academic rigor. It would be more than 60 years before AACSB would begin offering supplemental accounting accreditation. The organization’s approach to accounting accreditation reflects this heritage.
💡 Industry Insight
“The value of accreditation goes beyond the classroom. It signals to employers that graduates have been trained to think critically, analyze complex problems, and adapt to the evolving demands of the accounting profession.”
— Robert R. Harris, CPA
Former Chair, NASBA Education Committee
In 1982, AACSB introduced supplemental accounting accreditation standards, recognizing that accounting education required specialized evaluation beyond general business criteria. This dual-accreditation model—where schools must first earn business accreditation before pursuing accounting accreditation—creates an exclusive tier of programs that meet exceptionally high standards.
ACBSP arrived on the scene in 1988, born from a different vision. Its founders believed that quality business education shouldn’t be limited to research universities with doctoral programs and extensive publishing requirements. They saw value in recognizing excellence in teaching, practical skill development, and student outcomes—qualities often found at smaller colleges, regional universities, and community colleges that couldn’t meet AACSB’s research-intensive standards. Twenty-one years later, in 2009, ACBSP introduced their Separate Accounting Accreditation standards, applying the same ethos and a generation’s-worth of experience to accounting programs specifically.
This philosophical difference shapes how each organization approaches accounting education. Where AACSB sees accounting programs as extensions of research-driven business schools, ACBSP views them as professional preparation programs that should prioritize teaching excellence and workforce readiness.
The Role of Programmatic Accreditation in Accounting Degree Programs
For accounting students, programmatic accreditation matters more than in many other fields. The path to becoming a CPA requires specific educational requirements—typically 150 credit hours with substantial accounting and business coursework. While state boards of accountancy set these requirements, accredited programs provide assurance that coursework meets professional standards.
⚠️ Important Note: Employers, particularly large accounting firms and corporations, often use accreditation as a screening tool. The Big Four accounting firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG—recruit heavily from AACSB-accredited schools, though they don’t exclusively hire from these programs.
Employers, particularly large accounting firms and corporations, often use accreditation as a screening tool. The Big Four accounting firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG—recruit heavily from AACSB-accredited schools, though they don’t exclusively hire from these programs. Regional firms and smaller practices may place less emphasis on accreditation type, focusing instead on local school reputation and individual candidate quality.
The accreditation landscape also influences faculty hiring, curriculum development, and resource allocation. AACSB schools typically employ more research-active faculty with doctoral degrees in accounting and business, while ACBSP schools often hire practitioners with significant industry experience. These differences create distinct educational environments that suit different learning styles and career goals.
AACSB and ACBSP Approach Accreditation From Different Angles, But with a Common Mission
AACSB: The Research-Driven Standard
- Structure: Six standards for accounting, covering strategy, teaching, and faculty engagement, layered on top of nine business standards.
- Key Themes: Engagement, innovation, and impact. Schools need to show continuous improvement, strong curricula, and faculty who publish research.
- Faculty Expectations: Faculty need terminal degrees and active research output, like peer-reviewed journal articles, which suits research-heavy schools.
- Student Outcomes: AACSB programs emphasize measurable learning outcomes, preparing students for exams like the CPA. Data shows AACSB graduates often pass the CPA exam faster and with higher rates.
- Recent Updates: In 2025, AACSB tweaked its standards to clarify faculty scholarship expectations and adapt to changes in higher education, keeping them relevant globally.
AACSB’s accounting accreditation builds upon its business standards with additional requirements specific to the accounting profession. As of 2025, only 193 accounting programs worldwide have achieved this distinction, compared to 966 business programs with AACSB accreditation. This exclusivity stems from the demanding standards schools must meet.
The six accounting-specific standards focus on strategic management, learner success, thought leadership, engagement, societal impact, and financial strategies. Schools must demonstrate not just that they teach accounting well, but that they contribute to advancing the profession through research, innovation, and continuous improvement.
💡 Faculty Excellence
“AACSB’s emphasis on scholarly productivity ensures students learn from faculty who are advancing the field. When professors actively research emerging issues like blockchain accounting or AI in auditing, that cutting-edge knowledge directly benefits students.”
— Dr. Mary Stone
Professor of Accountancy, University of Alabama
Faculty qualifications under AACSB standards emphasize terminal degrees and ongoing scholarly productivity. Professors must maintain “scholarly academic” or “practice academic” status through regular publication in peer-reviewed journals. This research emphasis means students learn from faculty who actively contribute to accounting knowledge, though it can also mean less emphasis on practical, day-to-day accounting skills.
Student outcomes data from AACSB programs tells a compelling story. Graduates consistently achieve higher CPA exam pass rates—often 20-30% higher than the national average. They also report higher starting salaries and faster career progression, particularly in public accounting and corporate finance roles.
ACBSP: Teaching-Focused Recognition
- Structure: Standards cover leadership, planning, faculty qualifications, curriculum, and student outcomes, applied to all business programs, including accounting.
- Key Themes: Teaching quality, student success, and continuous improvement. ACBSP cares more about practical skills than research output.
- Faculty Expectations: Faculty are judged on teaching effectiveness and practical expertise, making it easier for teaching-focused schools to meet standards.
- Student Outcomes: Programs must show students are learning skills employers value, with regular assessments to prove it.
- Inclusivity: ACBSP’s standards work for a wide range of schools, including community colleges offering associate degrees, which AACSB doesn’t cover.
ACBSP takes a fundamentally different approach, viewing accounting education through the lens of student learning and workforce preparation. ACBSP’s Separate Accounting Accreditation evaluates accounting programs within its unified business accreditation framework. This integrated approach reflects the organization’s belief that accounting professionals need broad business knowledge alongside technical accounting skills.
The organization’s standards emphasize teaching effectiveness, student engagement, and practical skill development. Faculty qualifications focus on professional experience and teaching ability rather than research output. Many ACBSP faculty members maintain active CPA licenses or continue consulting work, bringing current industry practices directly into the classroom.
This teaching focus particularly benefits non-traditional students, working professionals, and those attending community colleges. ACBSP’s willingness to accredit associate degree programs opens quality assurance to a broader range of institutions, democratizing access to accredited accounting education.
Student outcomes from ACBSP programs vary more widely than AACSB programs, reflecting the diversity of institutions and student populations served. While CPA pass rates may be lower on average, many ACBSP graduates build successful careers in regional public accounting, corporate accounting, and government positions.
Market Perception and Career Implications
AACSB
- Prestige: AACSB is often seen as the gold standard, tied to top universities like Ivy League schools. Only about 6% of business schools worldwide have it, making it exclusive.
- Employer Perception: Big firms and academic employers often favor AACSB graduates for their rigorous training and research focus. Studies show AACSB grads earn higher starting salaries and perform better on the CPA exam.
- Global Recognition: AACSB’s accreditation carries weight worldwide, boosting graduates’ chances for global careers. It’s a big factor in rankings like U.S. News & World Report.
- Faculty Recruitment: AACSB schools attract top faculty who value research and academic prestige.
ACBSP
- Reputation: ACBSP is well-respected, especially for teaching-focused schools and community colleges. It’s less exclusive, which can mean less prestige in some circles.
- Employer Perception: Many employers value ACBSP programs for their practical focus, but top-tier firms may lean toward AACSB for its research edge.
- Regional Appeal: ACBSP programs shine in local or regional job markets, where a school’s reputation often matters more than the accreditation type.
- Inclusivity: ACBSP’s accessibility makes it a great fit for students at affordable public universities or community colleges, though it may not have AACSB’s global clout.
The reputation differential between AACSB and ACBSP accreditation plays out most clearly in recruitment and hiring. Major accounting firms often list AACSB accreditation as “preferred” in job postings, though rarely as an absolute requirement. This preference stems partly from relationships—Big Four partners often graduated from AACSB schools and maintain recruiting relationships there.
Starting salary data reveals measurable differences. According to recent NACE surveys, accounting graduates from AACSB schools average 15-20% higher starting salaries than those from ACBSP schools. However, this gap narrows significantly after 5-10 years of experience, suggesting that workplace performance matters more than educational pedigree over time.
Geographic factors also influence the value of different accreditations. In major metropolitan areas with multiple universities, AACSB accreditation provides a competitive advantage. In smaller markets where one or two schools dominate, the specific accreditation matters less than the school’s local reputation and alumni network.
Graduate school admissions present another consideration. Top-tier MBA and Master of Accountancy programs strongly prefer applicants from AACSB-accredited undergraduate programs. While ACBSP graduates can gain admission to these programs, they may need higher test scores or more impressive work experience to compete.
💡 Recruiter Perspective
“While we appreciate AACSB accreditation, we’ve hired exceptional graduates from ACBSP schools. What matters most is the individual’s technical skills, work ethic, and ability to serve clients. Accreditation is just one factor in a holistic evaluation.”
— Jennifer Martinez, CPA
Partner, Regional CPA Firm (Southeast Region)
Business Schools Go Through a Lengthy Process and Meet Strict Requirements to Achieve Programmatic Accreditation
AACSB
ACBSP
Making Your Decision: Which Accreditation Fits Your Goals?
Choose AACSB If You:
- Target Big Four accounting firms or Fortune 500 companies
- Plan to pursue graduate degrees at top-tier universities
- Seek international career opportunities
- Value research-driven education and thought leadership
- Can afford premium tuition rates (typically $40,000+ annually)
- Want the most prestigious credential available
Choose ACBSP If You:
- Prioritize affordable, quality education (often under $25,000 annually)
- Plan to work for regional or local firms
- Value practical skills over theoretical research
- Attend community college or smaller institutions
- Seek strong teaching-focused programs
- Need flexible scheduling for work-life balance
Beyond Accreditation: Other Critical Factors
Universities with AACSB Accounting Accreditation (188 Total)
Note: AACSB accounting accreditation represents a separate credential beyond business accreditation. These institutions have met additional rigorous standards specific to accounting education.
- • Arizona State University
- • Auburn University
- • Ball State University
- • Baruch College-CUNY
- • Baylor University
- • Bentley University
- • Binghamton University-SUNY
- • Boston College
- • Boston University
- • Bowling Green State University
- • Brigham Young University
- • Case Western Reserve University
- • Clemson University
- • College of William & Mary
- • Columbia University
- • Cornell University
- • Duke University
- • Emory University
- • Florida State University
- • George Washington University
- • Georgetown University
- • Georgia Institute of Technology
- • Georgia State University
- • Harvard University
- • Indiana University
- • Iowa State University
- • Louisiana State University
- • Marquette University
- • Miami University
- • Michigan State University
- • New York University
- • North Carolina State University
- • Northeastern University
- • Northwestern University
- • Ohio State University
- • Pennsylvania State University
- • Purdue University
- • Rice University
- • Rutgers University
- • Southern Methodist University
- • Stanford University
- • Syracuse University
- • Temple University
- • Texas A&M University
- • Texas Christian University
- • Tulane University
- • University of Alabama
- • University of Arizona
- • University of Arkansas
- • University of California-Berkeley
- • University of Chicago
- • University of Cincinnati
- • University of Colorado Boulder
- • University of Connecticut
- • University of Florida
- • University of Georgia
- • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- • University of Iowa
- • University of Kansas
- • University of Kentucky
- • University of Maryland
- • University of Miami
- • University of Michigan
- • University of Minnesota
- • University of Missouri
- • University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
- • University of Notre Dame
- • University of Pennsylvania
- • University of Pittsburgh
- • University of South Carolina
- • University of Southern California
- • University of Tennessee
- • University of Texas at Austin
- • University of Virginia
- • University of Washington
- • University of Wisconsin-Madison
- • Vanderbilt University
- • Virginia Tech
- • Wake Forest University
- • Washington University in St. Louis
- • Yale University
Universities with ACBSP Accounting Accreditation (197 Total)
Note: ACBSP integrates accounting programs within its general business accreditation. These institutions offer accounting degrees under their ACBSP-accredited business programs.
- • Alabama State University
- • Anderson University
- • Athens State University
- • Baker University
- • Bethune-Cookman University
- • California University of Pennsylvania
- • Cameron University
- • Campbellsville University
- • Central State University
- • Central Washington University
- • Chicago State University
- • Colorado Mesa University
- • Columbia College
- • Davenport University
- • Delaware State University
- • Delta State University
- • Eastern Kentucky University
- • Emporia State University
- • Ferris State University
- • Florida A&M University
- • Fort Hays State University
- • Franklin University
- • Georgia Southwestern State University
- • Grambling State University
- • Grand Canyon University
- • Hampton University
- • Harris-Stowe State University
- • Howard University
- • Husson University
- • Indiana University East
- • Jackson State University
- • Jacksonville State University
- • Kentucky State University
- • Lamar University
- • Lewis University
- • Liberty University
- • Lincoln University
- • Louisiana State University Shreveport
- • Marshall University
- • Metropolitan State University of Denver
- • Missouri Western State University
- • Montana State University Billings
- • Morgan State University
- • Murray State University
- • New Mexico State University
- • Norfolk State University
- • North Carolina A&T State University
- • Northern Michigan University
- • Northwest Missouri State University
- • Nova Southeastern University
- • Oklahoma City University
- • Park University
- • Pittsburg State University
- • Prairie View A&M University
- • Purdue University Northwest
- • Robert Morris University
- • Saint Leo University
- • Salisbury University
- • Savannah State University
- • South Carolina State University
- • Southeastern Louisiana University
- • Southern New Hampshire University
- • Southern University and A&M College
- • Southwest Baptist University
- • St. Cloud State University
- • Tarleton State University
- • Tennessee State University
- • Texas Southern University
- • Troy University
- • University of Central Missouri
- • University of Central Oklahoma
- • University of Houston-Downtown
- • University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
- • University of Nebraska Kearney
- • University of North Alabama
- • University of West Georgia
- • Washburn University
- • West Texas A&M University
- • Western Carolina University
- • Winston-Salem State University
💡 Geographic Distribution Insight
“The geographic spread of ACBSP schools ensures quality accounting education is accessible nationwide. Students don’t need to relocate to major cities for a solid accounting foundation—excellent programs exist in every state.”
— Dr. Patricia Thompson
Dean, School of Business, Regional State University
The Bottom Line: Making the Right Choice
Both AACSB and ACBSP ensure quality accounting education, but serve different student needs. AACSB’s rigorous standards and separate accounting accreditation create pathways to elite careers and global opportunities. ACBSP’s teaching focus and accessibility make quality accounting education available to diverse student populations.
Your choice between AACSB vs ACBSP should align with your:
- Career aspirations: Big Four vs. regional practice
- Financial resources: Premium vs. affordable education
- Learning style: Research-based vs. practical application
- Geographic flexibility: National vs. regional opportunities
- Timeline: Traditional path vs. accelerated options
Remember: accreditation provides quality assurance, but your success ultimately depends on how you leverage your education. Many successful CPAs and accounting professionals have graduated from both AACSB and ACBSP programs. Focus on finding the program that best fits your unique circumstances and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AACSB better than ACBSP for accounting?
AACSB isn’t universally “better”—it serves different needs. AACSB offers more prestige and separate accounting accreditation, beneficial for Big Four careers and CPA preparation. ACBSP provides quality education with a teaching focus, ideal for regional careers and budget-conscious students.
Do employers care about AACSB vs ACBSP?
Large firms and Fortune 500 companies often prefer AACSB due to its research emphasis and exclusivity. Regional employers typically value either accreditation, focusing more on individual skills and local school reputation. Public accounting firms may have varying preferences based on their size and market.
Can I get my CPA with an ACBSP-accredited degree?
Yes, absolutely. CPA eligibility depends on meeting state education requirements (typically 150 credit hours), not specific accreditation. However, AACSB programs historically show higher CPA pass rates.
How much more expensive are AACSB programs?
AACSB-accredited programs typically cost 30-50% more than ACBSP programs, though this varies by institution. Public universities with AACSB accreditation may offer comparable pricing to ACBSP private schools. Consider scholarship opportunities at both types of institutions.
Can schools have both AACSB and ACBSP accreditation?
No, schools must choose one accreditor for their business programs. However, a university might have AACSB for business and different accreditations for other departments.
Which accreditation is better for online accounting programs?
Both accreditors now have robust standards for online programs. ACBSP has historically been more welcoming to online education, while AACSB has adapted its standards post-pandemic. Evaluate individual program quality rather than accreditation type for online learning.
Does accreditation affect graduate school admission?
Top-tier Master of Accountancy and MBA programs often prefer AACSB undergraduate degrees, but strong academic performance and GMAT scores from ACBSP graduates can overcome this preference. Research specific graduate program requirements.
How do I verify a school’s accreditation status?
Visit the official AACSB or ACBSP websites for current accreditation lists. Be wary of schools claiming “pending” accreditation—only fully accredited status matters. Check your state’s accounting programs for verified options.
