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Updated:May. 29, 2025
By Big 4 Accounting Firms
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Accounting Schools in Georgia

georgia accounting programs

Accounting is a very sought after field for those looking for an eventual career. In Georgia, there are plenty of schools to choose from. Be sure to research each program before choosing as some programs are not specifically designed for preparing for the CPA exam.

Some of the options in Georgia include:

  • Augusta State University
  • Georgia College & State University
  • Georgia Southwestern State University
  • Georgia State University
  • Savannah State University
  • University of Georgia, and several others

Getting Started Looking at Colleges

Depending on how far you want to go in your career, you will want to find a program that will help get you there. If you are not planning on becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), you may find a program that is suited for lower level accounting positions.

If however, you decide that you want to obtain your license and become a full fledged CPA, you will want to find a program that will suit your needs and challenge you to learn some of the most complex financial concepts.

Check out the program’s website.

  • Has the school won any awards?
  • Are the faculty knowledgeable and perhaps even renowned in accounting circles?

You can get in touch with a member of the faculty if you have any specific questions about the courses they offer and the difficulty level.

You can probably get in touch with a current student or an alumnus and they can give you the best idea of what to expect from that particular program. There are also websites that show rankings of both professors and schools.

The Process to Start Your Career

Becoming a CPA certainly doesn’t happen overnight. There are a lot of requirements that need to be met before you can obtain your licence. Note that every state is different in what they require in order to qualify.

In general, most states require that you have a minimum bachelor’s degree with 150 semester hours. Some schools offer accelerated programs that let you achieve a masters in five years with the required 150 credits.

A certain amount of those credits must be in accounting while another amount must be in business courses.

The CPA Exam Basics

Once you obtain your degree, you must qualify for the CPA exam. Note that this exam is very difficult and has a very low pass rate. Less than half the students who apply are successful.

If you succeed in passing the exam, an ethics exam is then administered. You also need to have a certain number of hours of working experience in:

  • finance
  • accounting
  • tax
  • business management, or other similar jobs

Once all of those requirements are met, you may then be granted your license.

Accounting Standard in Georgia

In the state of Georgia, you must have a minimum bachelor’s degree or higher with 150 semester hours.

Of those hours, thirty must be in accounting subjects and twenty four must be in business related subjects. You must pass the CPA exam, the ethics exam, and you must also have a minimum of one year of working experience.

The total number of hours must be minimum 2000 hours. Your hours must also be verified by a licensed CPA in good standing.

Georgia Accounting Salary (avg)
National Accounting Salary (avg)
$65,000
$57,000

Annual Salary Estimates in Georgia

The first thing you probably did when you decided you wanted to pursue a career in accounting was check to see what the earning potential is. Every state is different in what accountants make annually. It also depends on where you work.

If you work for a larger company that can afford to pay you well, you may be making even more than the average amount for CPAs. Or you may be working for a smaller company that pays a modest salary.

Or you may be working independently and depending on how successful you are, can command your own prices. On average in Georgia, a CPA can expect to make around $77,000 per year.

This number also depends on how much experience you have. You may not start off making that amount but you can certainly work your way up.

Georgia Accounting Jobs
Average Salary
Big4 Accountant
$85,000
Senior Corporate Accountant
$78,000
Property Accountant
$57,000
Tax Accountant
$65,000
Bookkeeper
$44,000

University of Georgia’s J.M. Tull School of Accounting

Georgia accounting training

Listed among some of the best schools in the country, University of Georgia offers an impressive accounting program that can help train students to one day earn their CPA licence.

With programs at undergrad, masters and Ph.D. levels as well as a five year BBA/MAcc program, University of Georgia’s J.M. Tull School of Accounting strives to prepare its students with knowledge and expertise in complex accounting, finance, and business strategies. Its staff are some of the most respected figures in accounting who are committed to advancing the accounting discipline.

University of Georgia is equipped to bring you start to finish to your CPA exam and to prepare you for some of the most difficult financial concepts.

Georgia Universities


Augusta State University2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904
Berry College2277 Martha Berry Hwy NW, Mt Berry, GA 30149
Clark Atlanta University223 James P Brawley Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
Clayton State University2000 Clayton State Blvd, Morrow, GA 30260
Columbus State University4225 University Ave, Columbus, GA 31907
DeVry University3505 Koger Blvd #170, Duluth, GA 30096
Emory University201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322
Georgia College & State University231 W Hancock St, Milledgeville, GA 31061
Georgia Southern University1332 Southern Dr, Statesboro, GA 30458
Georgia Southwestern State University800 Georgia Southwestern State University Dr, Americus, GA 31709
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA 30302
Kennesaw State University1000 Chastain Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144
Middle Georgia State College100 College Station Dr, Macon, GA 31206
Mercer University – Atlanta3001 Mercer University Dr, Atlanta, GA 30341
Morehouse College830 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
North Georgia College and State University82 College Cir, Dahlonega, GA 30597
Oglethorpe University4484 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30319
Paine College1235 15th St, Augusta, GA 30901
Piedmont College165 Central Ave, Demorest, GA 30535
Savannah State University3219 College St, Savannah, GA 31404
Shorter College315 Shorter Ave SW, Rome, GA 30165
University of GeorgiaAthens, GA 30602
University of West Georgia1601 Maple St, Carrollton, GA 30118
Valdosta State University1500 N Patterson St, Valdosta, GA 31698

Georgia Community Colleges


Albany Technical College1704 S Slappey Blvd, Albany, GA 31701
Altamaha Technical College777 West Cherry Street, Jesup, GA 31545
Athens Technical College800 US Hwy 29 N, Athens, GA, 30601-1500
Atlanta Technical College1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta GA 30310
Augusta Technical College3200 Augusta Tech Dr, Augusta, GA 30906
Central Georgia Technical College3300 Macon Tech Dr, Macon, GA 31206
Columbus Technical College928 Manchester Expressway, Columbus, GA 31904-6572
Darton State College2400 Gillionville Rd, Albany, GA 31707
Georgia Highlands College3175 Cedartown Hwy, Rome, GA 30161
Georgia Perimeter College3251 Panthersville Rd, Decatur, GA 30034
Georgia Piedmont Technical College495 N Indian Creek Dr, Clarkston, GA 30021
Lanier Technical College2990 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, GA 30566
Southeastern Technical College3001 E First St, Vidalia, GA 30474
Southern Crescent Technical College501 Varsity Rd, Griffin, GA 30223

Georgia’s Finest Accounting Programs

University of Georgia

According to the 32nd Annual Professor’s Survey of 2013, in the top 25 undergraduate accounting programs in the country, University of Georgia ranked number eleven, Of the masters accounting programs, University of Georgia ranked number fourteen (down from number eleven in 2012).

Their doctoral program also ranked number fourteen (down from number thirteen in 2012). Of the top twenty five undergraduate programs with 22+ full time accounting faculty, University of Georgia placed number nine.

Additionally, according to Accounting Degree Review’s Rankings and Reviews of the Best Accounting Degree Programs, University of Georgia ranked number ten, the Terry College of Business is ranked among the best.

Georgia State University


With a comprehensive, AACSB-accredited accounting program, Georgia State University is becoming more and more of an attractive choice for prospective accountants. Its undergraduate business program scores highly in the U.S. News national ranking (45th), while the university is listed as the 6th nationwide in the Up-and-Coming schools category.

The School of Accountancy within the J. Mack Robinson College of Business offers a wide range of specializations for accounting students.
The Bachelor of Business Administration program with a focus in accounting provides a broad foundation in accounting and business knowledge, while also preparing students for graduate study in accounting.

At the graduate level, you can choose between a Master of Professional Accountancy, a Master of Taxation, a Master of Science in Information Systems Audit and Control or a Master of Business Administration – depending on the career path you wish to pursue. A master’s degree can help you fulfill CPA requirements, as well as equip you with advanced accounting skills.

Students at Georgia State University can also pursue a PhD program within the School of Accountancy.

Among the unique opportunities available to prospective accountants at this school are the extracurricular activities offered by the many accounting societies on campus: Beta Alpha Psi, NABA, ALPFA, ASCEND, Tau Alpha Chi and the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Accounting students may also apply for a wide range of prestigious awards and scholarships that recognize outstanding academic work and leadership skills.

Throughout your studies you will benefit from services that can help you with career opportunities. You can register with the Robinson Career Management Center and you are also required to complete a number of internships as part of your course. You will also have opportunities to expand your professional network, for example by joining business fraternities.

The accounting program at Georgia State University offers the right blend of quality teaching and hands-on experience that can give you a competitive edge on the job market.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Getting Started Looking at Colleges
  2. The Process to Start Your Career
  3. Accounting Standard in Georgia
  4. Annual Salary Estimates in Georgia
  5. University of Georgia’s J.M. Tull School of Accounting
  6. Georgia Universities
  7. Georgia Community Colleges
  8. Georgia’s Finest Accounting Programs
    1. University of Georgia
    2. Georgia State University

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