The Best Bachelor's in Accounting Programs in the District of Columbia for 2027
Key Points: Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia
- Georgetown University ranks #1 in the District of Columbia on a 96.3 Program Score, with a 95% graduation rate.
- Private schools hold most of the places on this list.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, University of the District of Columbia, ranks #7.
- Programs analyzed
- 8
- In-state tuition range
- $5,292-$67,896
- Average graduation rate
- 62%
- Median salary (BLS)
- $87,660
We analyzed 8 business programs in the District of Columbia on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor of accounting actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 8 ranked programs in the District of Columbia runs from $5,292 to $67,896 a year, a $62,604 spread for the same credential.
Georgetown University tops the list with a 96.3 Program Score on a 95% graduation rate, at $67,896 a year in-state. Across all 8 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 62%, ranging from 14% to 95%. The national median pay in the field is $87,660 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Accounting Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia, Compared by Score
Georgetown leads at 96.3, and Strayer-Global Region closes the chart at 65.0. Longer bars rank higher.
Our Methodology for Ranking Accounting Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 8 Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia, Ranked for 2027
The 8 best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia, ranked by outcomes.
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 95%
- Admit rate
- 13%
- In-state
- $67,896
- Out-of-state
- $67,896
Georgetown University's accounting major requires 15 credits in accounting on top of the McDonough business core, including a technology course.
- 95% graduation rate
- Program Score 96.3
- $67,896 tuition
- 15 credits of accounting
Georgetown University's accounting major sits inside the McDonough School of Business and builds on the business core with five accounting courses, totaling 15 credits. Students take 6 credits of required courses, led by ACCT-3101 Corporate Financial Reporting, plus 6 credits of accounting electives and 3 credits of technology-based coursework such as Python, data visualization, databases or data science. Electives include Tax and Regulation, Financial Statement Analysis, Auditing and Analytics, and Mergers, Acquisitions and Complex Financial Structures. The school suggests pairing accounting with Finance, Operations and Analytics, or Marketing, and it names consulting, banking, private equity, technology and public accounting among the career paths for majors. Students aiming for the CPA or CFA designation are told to consult accounting faculty and their state Boards of Accountancy about requirements.
Georgetown has a 95% graduation rate and admits 13% of applicants. Tuition is $67,896 for both in-state and out-of-state students. The program's Program Score of 96.3 out of 100 is the basis of its ranking. It suits students who are admitted to a highly selective university and want an accounting major paired with a second business field and some technical coursework. Anyone planning on CPA licensure should confirm the credit requirements with their state board early.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 84%
- Admit rate
- 47%
- In-state
- $67,420
- Out-of-state
- $67,420
George Washington University's accountancy bachelor's ends in a team Financial Accounting Capstone with partner organizations, inside a 30-credit major.
- 84% graduation rate
- Program Score 93.8
- $67,420 tuition, in-state and out-of-state
- Financial Accounting Capstone with partner organizations
The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at George Washington University pairs specialized accounting knowledge with a general education. The degree requires at least 120 credits, including 30 credits of accountancy major courses. Coursework includes intermediate accounting, federal income tax, business law, advanced accounting, auditing, accounting systems and advanced tax. In the Financial Accounting Capstone, a 3-credit course, teams of three to five students prepare recommendations for a partner organization on tax, auditing, internal financial control and marketing projects. The page notes that most states require 150 credit hours to sit for the CPA exam, and that some employers require CPA certification for hiring or promotion. It also lays out course sequences for studying abroad in the fall or spring of junior year, and warns that many major courses are offered only in fall and spring.
GW graduates 84% of its students and admits 47% of applicants. Tuition is $67,420, identical for in-state and out-of-state students. The program's Program Score is 93.8 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. The degree suits students aiming at public accounting, corporate accounting or government work who plan around the 150-hour CPA path, and who want a team consulting project on their record before they graduate.
American University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 75%
- Admit rate
- 62%
- In-state
- $57,952
- Out-of-state
- $57,952
A 62-credit accounting major at Kogod, and the school reports 100% of graduates working, in grad school or both.
- 75% graduation rate
- Program Score 91.1
- $57,952 in-state tuition
- 62-credit major
American University teaches this B.S. in accounting through the Kogod School of Business. The page states that the major requires 62 credits, made up of 38 credit hours of business core courses and 24 credit hours of advanced accounting. Electives include forensic accounting and governmental and nonprofit accounting, and students can add a minor such as sustainability or business analytics, or a digital technology generalist certificate. The program says it prepares graduates for entry-level accounting positions, graduate school or the CPA licensure process. The school reports that 100% of accounting graduates in the May 2018, 2019 and 2020 classes were working, in graduate school or both six months out. Students can also use the Kogod Tax Policy Center and an accounting mentorship program.
Federal data show a 75% graduation rate and a 62% admit rate at American University. Tuition is $57,952 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program has a Program Score of 91.1 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a business core alongside advanced accounting, who may be aiming at CPA licensure, and who want to pair the major with a minor or certificate. The Washington, DC setting is described as a draw for internships in the private sector, government and nonprofits.
Howard University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 70%
- Admit rate
- 41%
- In-state
- $35,344
- Out-of-state
- $35,344
Howard University's accounting BBA offers an optional concentration in Computer Information Systems within the 120-credit degree.
- 70% graduation rate
- Program Score 90.1
- $35,344 tuition
- Computer Information Systems concentration
Howard University's Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting is housed in the School of Business and prepares graduates for public accounting, corporate accounting, and government and nonprofit accounting. The program's stated mission is to provide a comprehensive education that equips students for leadership roles in accounting, auditing or other career paths. Learning goals include understanding accounting and auditing concepts, producing and analyzing financial reporting, applying technology to accounting information, and recognizing the impact of global issues. Students can add a concentration in Computer Information Systems, which requires INFO 210, INFO 330, INFO 370 and an INFO elective, or one in Information Systems. Concentrations are fulfilled through major electives within the original 120 credit hour degree requirements. The school reports that all degree programs are assessed under AACSB standards.
Howard has a 70% graduation rate and admits 41% of applicants. In-state and out-of-state tuition is $35,344. The program's Program Score of 90.1 out of 100 is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want an accounting degree that can be combined with information systems coursework without adding credits beyond the standard degree.
Catholic University of America
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 79%
- Admit rate
- 83%
- In-state
- $56,930
- Out-of-state
- $56,930
A B.S. in accounting aimed at CPA preparation, with a Government and Non-Profit Accounting course in the sequence.
- 79% graduation rate
- Program Score 83.8
- $56,930 in-state tuition
- B.S., B.S.B.A. co-specialization or minor
The Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and the page says it helps students develop the skills needed for the Certified Public Accountant certification. Students typically complete a 120 credit-hour curriculum. Sample courses include Intermediate Accounting I, Cost Accounting and Government and Non-Profit Accounting. Students who prefer a broader business degree can take a B.S.B.A. co-specialization in Accounting, which must be paired with another B.S.B.A. specialization, or an accounting minor of 6 courses or 18 to 24 credit hours. The page lists career paths in public accounting, private industry, government and the nonprofit sector.
Federal data show a 79% graduation rate and an 83% admit rate at The Catholic University of America. Tuition is $56,930 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program has a Program Score of 83.8 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who know they want accounting and are considering the CPA route, as well as those who would rather add accounting to another business specialization. The faculty are described as practitioners who guide students in their accounting careers.
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 58%
- In-state
- $18,288
- Out-of-state
- $18,288
A B.S. in accounting with a required internship and an online degree-completion route for working adults.
- 47% graduation rate
- Program Score 69
- $18,288 in-state tuition
- Required internship
Gallaudet University's B.S. in Accounting covers accounting theory and practice, with coursework in financial accounting, managerial accounting, business analytics and financial statement analysis. Students learn to prepare and interpret financial statements under GAAP and use industry-standard software, and a required internship adds practical experience. Faculty advisors work with students who want to become CPAs to plan the coursework for the exam's educational requirements. The page lists ACBSP accreditation and an on-campus format, and the 2025-2026 requirements summary totals 128 credits. Entry to the major requires a 2.5 GPA and a grade of C+ or better in BUS 101 and BUS 181. An Online Degree Completion Program offers the same degree online for students who have already completed some college coursework.
Federal figures show a 47% graduation rate and a 58% admit rate at Gallaudet University. Tuition is $18,288 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program has a Program Score of 69 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a small-campus accounting degree with a built-in internship, and adults with prior credits who need the online completion route. Applicants should plan to meet the major's GPA and prerequisite requirements.
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC · Public
- Grad rate
- 33%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $5,292
- Out-of-state
- $12,144
An AACSB-accredited accounting B.B.A. with 15-student average classes and an IRS-authorized tax clinic.
- 33% graduation rate
- Program Score 66.7
- $5,292 in-state tuition
- Open admission
The University of the District of Columbia offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. The page reports average class sizes of 15 students, a faculty made up largely of CPAs, and endorsement by the Institute of Management Accountants. The school reports AACSB accreditation. Graduation takes 124 credit hours: 30 in major requirements, 51 in ancillary requirements, 37 in general education and 6 in electives. Students get hands-on experience with modern accounting software, and the page mentions internship opportunities with firms such as Deloitte and CohnReznick. They can also prepare taxes for District residents through UDC's IRS-authorized tax clinic, and join the National Association of Black Accountants chapter or the Accounting Club.
Federal data show a 33% graduation rate, and the university has open admission. In-state tuition is $5,292, against $12,144 for out-of-state students. The program has a Program Score of 66.7 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a low-cost accounting degree in Washington, DC with small classes and practical tax experience. Prospective students should weigh the 33% graduation rate and plan for the support they will need to finish the full 124 credits.
Strayer University-Global Region
Washington, DC · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 14%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $13,725
- Out-of-state
- $13,725
Strayer's accounting BBA teaches QuickBooks, Excel and both personal and corporate tax return preparation across 40 courses.
- 14% graduation rate
- Program Score 65
- $13,725 tuition
- Up to 28 transfer classes
Strayer University-Global Region offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with an Accounting concentration, made up of 40 courses of 11 weeks each and delivered online, with in-person options at select campuses. The page lists skills that include using Excel and QuickBooks to provide accounting information, recording journal entries, preparing and evaluating financial statements, and preparing personal and corporate federal income tax returns. Students also study inventory planning and control, cost distribution and the statistical models used in cost accounting. Two digital badges, Accounting Foundations and Auditing Essentials, are included at no additional cost for completing specific course sequences. Up to 28 transfer classes can count. Strayer reports ACBSP programmatic accreditation for its business degrees.
Federal data shows a 14% graduation rate at Strayer Global Region, and the school is open admission. Tuition is $13,725 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program has a Program Score of 65 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It is aimed at adults with prior credits who want an online accounting degree on a flexible schedule, with the caveat that completion rates at the school are low.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Accounting Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia
The median school on this list graduates 73% of its students. The highest rates belong to Georgetown University (95%) and George Washington University (84%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 Georgetown University95% graduation rate
- #2 George Washington University84% graduation rate
- #5 The Catholic University of America79% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Accounting Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia?
On this list, 2 of 8 schools are open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Of the rest, 3 schools admit fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being Georgetown University at 13%.
- #1 Georgetown University13% admitted
- #4 Howard University41% admitted
- #2 George Washington University47% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Accounting Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia
This list holds 1 public, 6 private nonprofit, and 1 for-profit schools.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Campus Size Across the Accounting Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia
Enrollment on this list runs from 1,335 at Gallaudet University to 25,374 at George Washington University. Of the 8, 2 enroll 20,000 students or more and 2 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Accounting Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Georgetown UniversityGeorgetown | $141,931 | $33,661 |
| #2 | George Washington UniversityGeorge Washington | $116,795 | $35,760 |
| #3 | American UniversityAmerican | $119,020 | $41,302 |
| #4 | Howard UniversityHoward | $98,645 | $33,002 |
| #5 | The Catholic University of AmericaCatholic University of America | $114,909 | $32,543 |
| #7 | University of the District of ColumbiaUDC | $71,572 | $9,519 |
| #8 | Strayer University-Global RegionStrayer-Global Region | $66,108 | $23,175 |
Four years out, medians on this list run from $66,108 at Strayer-Global Region to $141,931 at Georgetown.
Georgetown leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.
After grants, the average undergraduate pays least at UDC, $9,519 a year, and most at American, $41,302.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
What a Bachelor of Accounting Costs in the District of Columbia
In-state tuition among the 8 ranked accounting programs in the District of Columbia runs from $5,292 to $67,896 a year. University of the District of Columbia anchors the low end at $5,292, while Georgetown University sits at the top at $67,896. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay more, which can reorder this list for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $21,168 in tuition at the low end against roughly $271,584 at the high end for the same bachelor of accounting. Against the national median of $87,660 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Online Accounting Options in the District of Columbia
2 of the 8 ranked District programs offer a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online accounting degree carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
- #4 Howard UniversityWashington, DC
- #8 Strayer University-Global RegionWashington, DC
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Accounting Careers and Pay After a District Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $87,660 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $5,292 or $67,896 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
How to Become a CPA in the District of Columbia
The District's experience rules, as published by NASBA in October 2026, ask two years of a bachelor's holder and one year of anyone with a post-baccalaureate degree; 30 semester hours beyond the bachelor's can stand in for one of the two years. Experience must be earned within the ten years before applying.
| Education | Experience | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 2 years | Available |
| A post-baccalaureate degree, or a bachelor's plus 30 semester hours | 1 year | Available |
To sit for the exam: 120 semester hours including a bachelor's degree, with 27 hours in accounting subjects. Every route also requires passing all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination.
A bachelor's in accounting from this list can now lead to a license in the District of Columbia with no fifth year of coursework, by way of the two-year route. Taking the extra 30 credits now buys a shorter apprenticeship instead, one year of experience rather than two.
Checked against the District of Columbia Board of Accountancy and the law behind it in October 2026. These rules are changing state by state, so confirm them with the board before you plan a course schedule around them.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions About Accounting Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia
What is the best accounting bachelor's degree in the District of Columbia?
By Program Score, Georgetown University ranks first among the 8 accounting programs in the District of Columbia we analyzed, with a 96.3 score and a 95% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does an accounting bachelor's degree cost in the District of Columbia?
In-state tuition among the ranked District programs runs from $5,292 to $67,896 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students may pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online accounting bachelor's degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $87,660 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not a figure specific to the District of Columbia or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
Data Sources
- U.S. Dept. of Education (IPEDS)
- BLS Occupational Outlook: Accountants and Auditors
- BLS wage data (OEWS)
- AACSB Accreditation
- AICPA (CPA licensure)
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (earnings by field of study; net price)
- NASBA, District of Columbia experience requirements (updated October 15, 2026)