College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2025 Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region

167 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
14,167 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$55,065 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #8 in popularity, accounting is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

In 2025, College Factual analyzed 167 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 14,167 degrees in accounting to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Accounting School

Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region Your choice of accounting school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for accounting schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Accounting Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Accounting
Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting
Master's Degrees in Accounting
Doctor's Degrees in Accounting

The accounting school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Accounting in the Great Lakes Region

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the accounting degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Great Lakes Region Schools in Accounting

1
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
353 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$74,731 Median Starting Salary

It is difficult to beat University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign if you wish to pursue a degree in accounting. Located in the city of Champaign, UIUC is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 353 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign get an earnings boost of around $19,666 above the typical earnings of accounting majors.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
88 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$74,771 Median Starting Salary

University of Notre Dame is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in accounting. Located in the suburb of Notre Dame, Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Notre Dame is a great university overall.

There were roughly 88 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from University of Notre Dame earn a boost of approximately $19,706 over the average income of accounting majors.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Notre Dame

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Accounting Program Name

If you have a knack for numbers and want a career that allows you to use your skills in the business field, consider the online Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program at Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BS in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
370 Accounting Degrees Awarded
0.8% Growth in Graduates

Any student pursuing a degree in accounting has to look into Ohio State University - Main Campus. Ohio State is a fairly large public university located in the city of Columbus. A Best Colleges rank of #70 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Ohio State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 370 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting degree program at Ohio State University - Main Campus earn $7,334 above the average graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from Ohio State University - Main Campus

4
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
172 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$67,819 Median Starting Salary

It's difficult to beat Michigan State University if you want to pursue a degree in accounting. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #54 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 172 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting program at Michigan State University get $12,755 above the typical college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from Michigan State University

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
208 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$69,172 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Madison, UW - Madison is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were about 208 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from University of Wisconsin - Madison earn $14,108 more than the average accounting graduate.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Wisconsin - Madison

6
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
273 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$70,085 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Chicago, DePaul is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #135 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means DePaul is a great university overall.

There were roughly 273 accounting students who graduated with this degree at DePaul in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from DePaul University make $15,020 more than the typical accounting graduate.

More information about a degree in accounting from DePaul University

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
166 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$67,954 Median Starting Salary

Miami University - Oxford is a fairly large public university located in the town of Oxford. A Best Colleges rank of #134 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Miami University - Oxford is a great university overall.

There were about 166 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting major at Miami University - Oxford get $12,889 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from Miami University - Oxford

Sponsored
Associates Degree Type
AS in Accounting Program Name

Break into the accounting field with the skills you need to succeed with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in AS in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
97 Accounting Degrees Awarded
67.0% Growth in Graduates

IU Bloomington is a very large public university located in the city of Bloomington. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were approximately 97 accounting students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the accounting degree program at Indiana University - Bloomington get $20,925 more than the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in accounting from Indiana University - Bloomington

9
Marquette crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
85 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$67,665 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Milwaukee, Marquette is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #114 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Marquette is a great university overall.

There were roughly 85 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from Marquette University receive $12,600 more than the average accounting student.

More information about a degree in accounting from Marquette University

10
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
99 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$63,021 Median Starting Salary

Purdue is a very large public university located in the city of West Lafayette. A Best Colleges rank of #65 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Purdue is a great university overall.

There were roughly 99 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from Purdue University - Main Campus get an earnings boost of about $7,956 over the average income of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from Purdue University - Main Campus

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
125 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$58,487 Median Starting Salary

Located in the rural area of Marion, IWU is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 41 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were about 125 accounting students who graduated with this degree at IWU in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global receive $3,422 more than the standard accounting grad.

More information about a degree in accounting from Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MBA in Accounting Program Name

Enhance your business and financial management knowledge, and prepare for leadership roles with the online accounting MBA from Southern New Hampshire University that fits right into your life.

More information about a degree in MBA in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
190 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$58,368 Median Starting Salary

UC is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Cincinnati. This university ranks 6th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 190 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus earn a boost of approximately $3,303 above the average earnings of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus

13
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
118 Accounting Degrees Awarded
5.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Chicago, Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #100 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Loyola Chicago is a great university overall.

There were approximately 118 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the accounting degree program at Loyola University Chicago earn $15,735 above the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in accounting from Loyola University Chicago

14
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
157 Accounting Degrees Awarded
8.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Kenosha, Gateway Technical College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 4th out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were about 157 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Gateway Technical College in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the accounting program report average early career wages of $41,575.

More information about a degree in accounting from Gateway Technical College

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
74 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$65,127 Median Starting Salary

UDayton is a large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Dayton. This university ranks 8th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 74 accounting students who graduated with this degree at UDayton in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from University of Dayton receive $10,062 more than the typical accounting student.

More information about a degree in accounting from University of Dayton

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Accounting Program Name

Gain the competitive edge required to advance in today's financial environments with this online graduate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
208 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$64,561 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize suburb of Normal, Illinois State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 208 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State in the most recent year we have data available. Accounting degree recipients from Illinois State University get an earnings boost of approximately $9,497 over the typical income of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from Illinois State University

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
109 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$61,856 Median Starting Salary

OHIO Athens is a very large public university located in the town of Athens. This university ranks 7th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 109 accounting students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from Ohio University - Athens Campus receive an earnings boost of approximately $6,791 over the typical income of accounting majors.

More information about a degree in accounting from Ohio University - Athens Campus

18
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
102 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$45,333 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Madison, Madison College is a public college with a large student population. This college ranks 5th out of 46 colleges for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were roughly 102 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Madison College in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the accounting program earn around $45,333 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in accounting from Madison Area Technical College

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
72 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$64,792 Median Starting Salary

Case Western is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Cleveland. A Best Colleges rank of #116 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Case Western is a great university overall.

There were about 72 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Case Western in the most recent data year. Accounting degree recipients from Case Western Reserve University get an earnings boost of approximately $9,727 above the average income of accounting graduates.

More information about a degree in accounting from Case Western Reserve University

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Business Administration - Accounting Program Name

Gain a foundation in accounting principles and practices online at Southern New Hampshire University and boost your stock in any financial field.

More information about a degree in BS in Business Administration - Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
142 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$54,702 Median Starting Salary

Kent State is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Kent. This university ranks 9th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 142 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Kent State in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the accounting program make an average of $54,702 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in accounting from Kent State University at Kent

21
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
787 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$35,068 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 4th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 787 accounting students who graduated with this degree at Ivy Tech Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the accounting program state that they receive average early career wages of $35,068.

More information about a degree in accounting from Ivy Tech Community College

22
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
164 Accounting Degrees Awarded
10.4% Growth in Graduates

FVTC is a fairly large public college located in the midsize suburb of Appleton. This college ranks 9th out of 46 colleges for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were approximately 164 accounting students who graduated with this degree at FVTC in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the accounting program report average early career income of $41,261.

More information about a degree in accounting from Fox Valley Technical College

23
John Carroll crest
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
68 Accounting Degrees Awarded
8.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of University Heights, John Carroll is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 20th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 68 accounting students who graduated with this degree at John Carroll in the most recent year we have data available. Those accounting students who get their degree from John Carroll University earn $7,080 more than the average accounting student.

More information about a degree in accounting from John Carroll University

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
134 Accounting Degrees Awarded
$68,471 Median Starting Salary

NIU is a fairly large public university located in the small suburb of Dekalb. This university ranks 20th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 134 accounting students who graduated with this degree at NIU in the most recent data year. Those accounting students who get their degree from Northern Illinois University receive $13,406 more than the standard accounting student.

More information about a degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University

25
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
187 Accounting Degrees Awarded
61.0% Growth in Graduates

North Central Technical College is a moderately-sized public college located in the small city of Wausau. This college ranks 17th out of 46 colleges for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were roughly 187 accounting students who graduated with this degree at North Central Technical College in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the accounting program earn an average of $31,001 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in accounting from Northcentral Technical College

Rest of the Top Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region

26
27
28
29
30
31
COD crest
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL
32

33

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Accounting students in the Great Lakes Region that almost earned our Best Accounting Schools in the Great Lakes Region award.

Rank College Location
34 Xavier University Cincinnati, OH
35 Franklin University Columbus, OH
36 Oakland University Rochester Hills, MI
37 Wayne State University Detroit, MI
38 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI
39 Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WI
40 University of Toledo Toledo, OH
41 Augustana College Rock Island, IL
42 University of Wisconsin - La Crosse La Crosse, WI
43 Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI
44 Butler University Indianapolis, IN
45 Ball State University Muncie, IN
46 Illinois Wesleyan University Bloomington, IL
47 Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WI
48 Purdue University Global West Lafayette, IN
49 Hope College Holland, MI
50 Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OH
51 Calvin University Grand Rapids, MI
52 Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WI
53 Davenport University Grand Rapids, MI
54 Saint Xavier University Chicago, IL
55 North Central College Naperville, IL

Best Accounting Colleges by State

Explore the best accounting colleges for a specific state in the Great Lakes Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Michigan 322 2,427
Ohio 314 3,277
Illinois 304 3,097
Indiana 294 1,647
Wisconsin 273 1,606

View All Rankings >

Accounting is one of 21 different types of Business, Management & Marketing programs to choose from.

Accounting Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Accounting 10,178
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping 3,343
Accounting and Finance 293
Accounting and Business/Management 214
Other Accounting and Related Services 123
Auditing 16

View All Accounting Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Business Administration & Management 49,608
Finance & Financial Management 9,998
Marketing 9,993
General Business/Commerce 9,703
Management Sciences & Quantitative Methods 8,318
Business Support & Assistant Services 6,236
Human Resource Management 5,033
Entrepreneurial Studies 2,003
Management Information Systems 1,758
Hospitality Management 1,754

View All Accounting Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options