2026 Best Accounting Schools in Delaware – How to Become a CPA in DE

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Choosing an accounting program in Delaware is not only a school decision; it is also a licensing, cost, and career-planning decision. Delaware’s business-friendly legal environment attracts corporations, professional services firms, and finance-related employers, which helps explain why accounting remains a practical career path in the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Delaware employs an estimated 6,120 accountants and auditors, and this workforce is expected to increase steadily through 2034.

This guide explains how to become an accountant or CPA in Delaware, how long the path can take, what programs cost, which Delaware and nearby schools offer accounting degrees, and how to compare online, accelerated, certificate, bachelor’s, and master’s options. It is designed for students planning their first degree, working adults returning to school, and accounting professionals deciding whether a graduate credential or CPA license is worth the investment.

Best Accounting Schools in Delaware Table of Contents

Quick answer: Is accounting a strong career choice in Delaware?
How do you become an accountant or CPA in Delaware?
How long does an accounting program take in Delaware?
How much do accounting programs cost in Delaware?
Delaware schools offering accounting programs for 2026
What should you look for in a Delaware accounting program?
When does an accounting graduate certificate make sense?
Are online accounting programs a good option for Delaware students?
What if you are comparing accounting with other Delaware careers?
What challenges do accountants face in Delaware’s current market?
Can an accelerated accounting degree shorten the CPA timeline?
What advancement paths are available for Delaware accountants?
How are digital tools changing accounting work in Delaware?
How should you choose the right accounting program in Delaware?
How can forensic training strengthen an accounting career?
Why does continuing professional development matter?
How important are career support and regulatory guidance?
Can interdisciplinary learning improve your accounting skill set?
How can urban planning knowledge support accounting work?
How can teaching skills help accountants communicate better?
How can legal knowledge expand accounting career options?

Quick Answer: Is Accounting a Good Job in Delaware?

Yes, accounting can be a good career in Delaware for people who want stable business-focused work, a clear credentialing path, and access to corporate, public accounting, government, nonprofit, and financial services roles. The state’s corporate registration environment creates steady demand for professionals who understand financial reporting, compliance, tax, auditing, and business advisory work.

Factor	What it means for accounting students and professionals in Delaware
Business concentration	Delaware is widely known for its corporate legal framework. Around 66.7% of Fortune 500 companies have incorporated here, according to the Delaware Division of Corporations.
Tax environment	The state has no sales tax and VAT, relatively low local real property tax, and a cost of living index of 101.9, which is slightly above the national baseline of 100.
Employment outlook	Accountants and auditors in Delaware are projected to have 470 annual openings until 2032, with 3% growth by 2032 based on O*NET OnLine’s report.
Pay potential	Accountants in Delaware earn an average of $68,385 each year, while CPAs earn $92,059, according to ZipRecruiter in 2026.
Lifestyle considerations	Delaware offers suburban, urban, coastal, and park-centered living options, plus proximity to Mid-Atlantic hubs such as New York and Washington D.C.

Accounting is still not the right fit for everyone. The work can involve deadlines, detailed documentation, ongoing rule changes, client pressure, and long study periods for CPA candidates. It is best suited to people who are comfortable with numbers, regulations, documentation, software, and ethical responsibility.

How to Become an Accountant or CPA in Delaware

You can work in some accounting-related roles with a bachelor’s degree, but becoming a licensed CPA in Delaware requires meeting education, experience, exam, ethics, and permit requirements set by the Delaware Board of Accountancy. Because requirements can affect which degree you choose, students should check licensing rules before enrolling, especially if they are considering an online or out-of-state program.

Complete the required college education. Delaware CPA candidates must complete 150 semester hours of college education through a baccalaureate degree and higher with a major in accounting. The coursework must include at least 24 semester hours in accounting, auditing, and taxation.
Build supervised accounting experience. Candidates need at least 2,000 hours of work experience under the supervision of a practicing CPA in Delaware. The experience should involve services or advice that use accounting skills.
Apply for the Uniform CPA Exam. Applicants apply through CPA Central and arrange for official transcripts to be submitted by their academic institution or institutions.
Budget for application and exam fees. First-time applicants pay an application fee of $170 and separate examination fees for each of the four exam sections. Candidates may apply for only one section if they plan to take it within the next six months.
Pass the CPA Exam and ethics exam. Candidates may take the CPA Exam sections in any order, but all four sections must be passed within 18 months. Strong time management matters as much as content review, so students should learn how to prepare for accounting exams before scheduling sections. Delaware candidates must also pass the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Ethics Examination.
Apply for a Delaware Permit to Practice. Delaware CPA candidates must secure a Permit to Practice through Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services. This step requires a permit fee of $175 and submission of state or jurisdiction licensure verification, official transcripts, CPA Exam scores, Ethics Exam scores, and the affidavit of Supervised Work Experience.
Complete peer review when required. CPAs who issue compilation reports to the public must participate in a peer review program approved by the Board.

Before exam day, candidates should review the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy’s CPA Exam Candidate Guide so they understand scheduling, identification, testing procedures, and candidate responsibilities.

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Accounting Program Length in Delaware

The CPA route in Delaware can take six to eight years when students follow a traditional path that includes a four-year bachelor’s degree, additional credits or a master’s degree, supervised work experience, exam preparation, and licensing paperwork. A master’s degree in accounting can take as long as one year, and the CPA Exam process can take as long as 18 months because all four sections must be passed within the required window.

Path	Typical purpose	Best fit
Bachelor’s degree in accounting	Builds the foundation for staff accounting, auditing, tax, finance, and CPA preparation.	First-time college students or transfer students seeking entry-level accounting roles.
Bachelor’s-to-master’s or dual-degree option	Helps students move toward the 150 semester hours required for CPA eligibility.	Students who know early that they want CPA licensure.
Master’s degree in accounting	Adds graduate-level accounting knowledge and can help complete CPA education requirements.	Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or need advanced coursework.
Accounting graduate certificate	Provides targeted coursework in areas such as taxation, auditing, or financial management.	Professionals who need focused credits or specialization without a full master’s degree.
Accelerated accounting degree	Compresses coursework to shorten the academic timeline when appropriate.	Motivated students who can handle an intensive course load.

Many business schools offer accelerated, bridge, or dual-degree formats because the 150-credit CPA education requirement often extends beyond a standard bachelor’s degree. Students comparing graduate options may also review the best MBA programs with accounting concentrations if they want broader management training alongside accounting coursework.

Tuition and Costs of Accounting Programs in Delaware

Accounting program costs vary by school, residency status, course load, delivery format, and whether the student chooses a bachelor’s, certificate, or graduate program. According to the College Board, public tuition and fees in four-year institutions in Delaware cost $16,470, while out-of-state costs average around $39,340. At the University of Delaware, residents pay $17,660, and non-residents pay $43,220 during the 2025-26 academic year.

Cost item	Why students should evaluate it
Tuition and mandatory fees	Published tuition may not include all required institutional fees.
Residency classification	In-state and out-of-state pricing can differ substantially at public institutions.
Books, software, and technology	Accounting courses may require specialized platforms, digital textbooks, or exam-prep tools.
Housing and meals	Campus students should compare total cost of attendance, not tuition alone.
Transportation	Commuting, parking, and travel can affect the real cost of an on-campus program.
Student insurance and miscellaneous fees	These charges can raise the final bill beyond the advertised tuition rate.
CPA-related costs	Application fees, examination fees, ethics exam expenses, and review materials should be included in long-term planning.

Students trying to lower costs should compare transfer-credit policies, employer tuition assistance, scholarships, online delivery options, and the cheapest accredited online accounting degree programs. The lowest tuition is not always the best value if the program lacks accreditation, CPA-aligned coursework, advising, or employer connections.

Delaware Schools Offering Accounting Programs for 2026

The following Delaware and nearby accounting programs can help students prepare for accounting careers and, when planned carefully, CPA education requirements. The list considers curriculum structure, stated costs, accreditation, required credits, and program features. Students should verify current tuition, admissions requirements, course sequencing, and CPA alignment directly with each school before applying.

School	Program highlights	Cost per credit hour	Credits required	Accreditation
Delaware State University	The BS in Accounting blends classroom study with hands-on learning and an internship component. Students can also work toward the 150-credit CPA requirement through a five-year undergraduate-to-MBA pathway.	$346 in-state; $764 out-of-state	121	Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Wilmington University	The BS in Accounting includes subjects such as auditing, advanced accounting, business ethics, and business law. A Dual-Credit Program can help students make progress toward the 150-credit CPA requirement, and an internship elective supports applied learning.	$409	120	International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE); MSCHE
Goldey-Beacom College	The BS in Accounting emphasizes accounting knowledge along with computer and communication skills. Coursework includes taxation, cost accounting, business law, and accounting information systems.	$448	120	Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); MSCHE
University of Delaware	The MS in Accounting offers flexibility through areas such as financial management, management information systems, and analytics. Students may complete the program as fast as under a year in an accelerated format or take up to five years.	$876 in-state; $1,028 out-of-state	30	AACSB; MSCHE
George Washington University	The Master of Accountancy includes courses such as auditing theories, data analytics for accounting, managerial accounting, and microeconomics. The university also offers financial resources, including tuition discounts for employees of select companies.	$1,965	30	AACSB; MSCHE

What to Look for in an Accounting Program in Delaware

A strong accounting program should do more than award credits. It should help you complete the right coursework, develop technical and analytical skills, understand CPA requirements, and connect with employers or internship sites. This matters in Delaware because O*NET OnLine reports 3% growth for auditors and accountants in the state by 2032.

Accreditation. Confirm both institutional accreditation and business or accounting program accreditation where applicable. Accreditation affects credit transfer, graduate admissions, employer confidence, and access to some forms of financial aid.
CPA-aligned coursework. Review the curriculum against Delaware’s requirement for 150 semester hours and at least 24 semester hours in accounting, auditing, and taxation.
Specialization options. Students should think carefully about choosing a specialization in accounting. Common directions include public accounting, taxation, auditing, information systems, analytics, and forensic accounting.
Faculty and advising access. Good advising can prevent costly mistakes, such as graduating without the right course mix for CPA eligibility.
Internships and employer connections. Programs with internship support, networking events, workshops, and professional association connections can help students enter the local accounting market.
CPA Exam preparation. Look for review resources, practice exams, tutoring, faculty guidance, or partnerships with exam-prep providers. Students can also use AICPA’s tutorial and sample tests to become familiar with the exam format.
Technology coverage. Accounting work increasingly involves cloud systems, analytics tools, automation, and data security awareness, so technology-focused coursework can improve job readiness.

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Are Online Accounting Programs a Good Option for Delaware Students?

Online accounting programs can be a good choice for Delaware students who need flexibility because of work, caregiving, commuting distance, or military and relocation needs. The key is to confirm that the online program is accredited, accepted for your intended credential, and designed with enough accounting, auditing, taxation, and business coursework to support your goals.

When an online accounting program makes sense

You are working while studying. Asynchronous or evening formats can make it easier to continue earning income.
You already have college credits. Online programs may offer transfer-friendly pathways, but policies vary by school.
You need CPA education credits. Online undergraduate or graduate accounting courses can help close credit gaps if they meet Delaware requirements.
You want to reduce indirect costs. Online study may lower commuting, parking, and relocation expenses, though tuition and fees still require careful review.

When online study may not be ideal

You need frequent in-person structure to stay on track.
You want a campus-based internship network or face-to-face recruiting events.
Your chosen online program cannot clearly document CPA-aligned coursework.
You have not confirmed whether credits will transfer or count toward a future graduate program.

Delaware students can compare online accounting programs that offer coursework in areas such as taxation, auditing, financial management, accounting information systems, and analytics. Wilmington University and Goldey-Beacom College provide online bachelor’s-level accounting options, while the University of Delaware offers graduate-level accounting study that can help students move toward the 150-credit requirement.

When Does an Accounting Graduate Certificate Make Sense?

An accounting graduate certificate can be useful for professionals who already have a bachelor’s degree and want advanced coursework without committing immediately to a full master’s degree. It may also help students build expertise in taxation, auditing, financial management, or related areas.

Choose a graduate certificate if...	Consider a master’s degree instead if...
You need targeted graduate-level accounting credits.	You want a broader credential with deeper graduate study.
You are trying to strengthen a specific specialization.	You plan to pursue leadership roles that prefer or require a master’s degree.
You want a shorter academic commitment than a full graduate program.	You need a structured path that clearly completes remaining CPA education requirements.
You are testing whether graduate accounting study fits your goals.	You want access to a larger alumni network, internship structure, or graduate career services.

Students exploring this option can review an accounting graduate certificate to understand how certificate coursework may fit into professional development, CPA planning, or a later graduate degree.

What If You Are Comparing Accounting With Other Delaware Careers?

Accounting is a strong option for people who like financial systems, business rules, documentation, analytics, and compliance. If your main motivation is working directly with children, patients, legal clients, community development, or education, another Delaware career path may be a better match.

If you want to work with children in a classroom, review the elementary school teacher requirements in Delaware.
If you are comparing accounting with healthcare-focused advanced practice work, explore how to become a nurse practitioner in Delaware.
If you want a healthcare administration path connected to billing, coding, and reimbursement, learn how to be a medical coder in Delaware.
If your interests are closer to law, compliance, and legal documentation, compare accounting with how to become a paralegal in Delaware.
If you are interested in planning, public budgets, land use, and development, consider how to become an urban planner in Delaware.

What Challenges Do Delaware Accountants Face in Today’s Market?

Delaware accountants work in a market shaped by corporate compliance, tax complexity, digital accounting systems, data security expectations, and remote or hybrid work practices. The technical side of the profession is changing quickly, but the fundamentals still matter: accuracy, ethics, documentation, judgment, and clear communication.

Challenge	How to prepare
Changing technology	Build confidence with cloud accounting, data analytics, automation tools, spreadsheets, and accounting information systems.
Regulatory complexity	Follow state licensing rules, federal tax updates, financial reporting standards, and professional ethics requirements.
CPA Exam pressure	Create a realistic study calendar, use practice exams, and avoid scheduling sections before you are ready.
Competition for advancement	Develop a specialization, pursue relevant credentials, and document measurable work accomplishments.
Client and employer expectations	Improve communication skills so you can explain financial findings to non-accountants.

Can an Accelerated Accounting Degree Fast-Track a Delaware Accounting Career?

An accelerated accounting degree can shorten the academic portion of the path, but it does not eliminate Delaware’s CPA education, exam, ethics, work experience, or permit requirements. It is most useful for students who can handle a heavier pace and already know they want accounting as their primary career direction.

Accelerated formats may be especially helpful for students trying to complete the 150 semester hours required for CPA eligibility more efficiently. However, faster is not always better. Before choosing an intensive program, confirm that it is accredited, covers the necessary coursework, offers academic support, and leaves enough time for internships or CPA Exam preparation. Students comparing condensed pathways can review an accelerated accounting degree option.

What Career Advancement Opportunities Are Available for Accountants in Delaware?

Accounting careers often begin with staff-level work and expand into specialization, management, consulting, or firm ownership. In Delaware, advancement may be strongest for professionals who combine technical accounting ability with CPA licensure, software skills, industry knowledge, and leadership experience.

CPA licensure. The CPA remains a major credential for public accounting, audit, tax, advisory, and leadership roles.
Specialized certifications. Credentials such as Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) can support careers in management accounting, internal audit, controls, and corporate finance.
Industry specialization. Delaware’s business environment can create opportunities in corporate accounting, tax, audit, forensic accounting, financial analysis, nonprofit accounting, and government accounting.
Management roles. Experienced accountants may move into accounting manager, controller, finance director, or Chief Financial Officer roles.
Independent practice. Some CPAs build firms focused on tax preparation, consulting, financial reporting, bookkeeping oversight, or advisory services.
Professional networking. Involvement with accounting associations, alumni networks, and mentors can help professionals learn about openings, referrals, and specialization trends.

How Are Digital Innovations Reshaping Accounting Careers in Delaware?

Digital tools are changing what employers expect from accounting professionals. Cloud accounting platforms, automation, analytics dashboards, and data security practices can reduce manual work and increase the need for accountants who can interpret information, verify accuracy, and explain risks.

Students should look for coursework or projects involving accounting information systems, data analytics for accounting, spreadsheet modeling, audit technology, and business intelligence. Professionals already in the field can strengthen their value by learning how digital systems affect revenue, compliance, fraud detection, and internal controls across industries.

How to Choose the Right Accounting Program in Delaware

The best accounting program is the one that fits your licensing goals, budget, schedule, learning style, and career target. Rankings can be useful, but they should not replace a careful review of accreditation, CPA alignment, total cost, and graduate outcomes.

Start with your goal. Decide whether you want entry-level accounting work, CPA licensure, graduate study, tax specialization, audit work, corporate accounting, or a career change.
Check accreditation first. Confirm institutional accreditation and, when relevant, business accreditation such as AACSB, IACBE, or ACBSP.
Map the curriculum to Delaware CPA requirements. Ask the school to show how its courses support the 150 semester hours and 24 semester hours in accounting, auditing, and taxation.
Compare total cost, not just tuition. Include fees, books, technology, housing, commuting, exam costs, and time away from work.
Ask about internships and recruiting. Strong employer connections can make a major difference for students seeking experience before graduation.
Evaluate online flexibility honestly. Online learning can be efficient, but only if you can manage deadlines, communication, and independent study.
Review transfer and graduate-credit policies. These rules affect students who bring prior credits or plan to continue into a master’s program.
Compare business school options. Students who want a broader business foundation can also review the best business schools in Delaware.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

Question	Why it matters
Will this program meet Delaware CPA education requirements?	Graduating without the right credits can delay exam eligibility.
How many accounting, auditing, and taxation credits are included?	Delaware requires at least 24 semester hours in these areas for CPA candidates.
Can I complete 150 semester hours through this school?	Some students need a dual-degree, graduate certificate, or master’s pathway.
Are internships available to online and campus students?	Experience can help with employment and supervised-work planning.
What is the full cost of attendance?	Fees, housing, software, and exam costs can change the real price.
Who advises CPA-track students?	Licensing-focused advising can prevent course-selection mistakes.

How Can Forensic Education Boost an Accountant’s Career in Delaware?

Forensic accounting combines accounting knowledge with investigative thinking. It can be valuable for professionals interested in fraud examination, litigation support, internal investigations, compliance, insurance claims, or financial dispute analysis.

Accountants who want to strengthen investigative skills may benefit from coursework in auditing, analytics, fraud examination, business law, interviewing, and evidence documentation. Professionals comparing related investigative paths can also explore a forensic science degree in Delaware to understand how evidence-based reasoning can complement financial analysis.

How Can Continuous Professional Development Advance Your Accounting Career in Delaware?

Accounting knowledge does not stay fixed after graduation. Tax rules, software systems, reporting expectations, audit methods, and ethics requirements continue to evolve. Continuous professional development helps accountants remain accurate, employable, and prepared for promotion.

Use continuing education to keep up with regulatory and technical changes.
Pursue credentials only when they support a clear career goal.
Attend workshops or webinars related to tax, audit, analytics, accounting systems, or industry-specific issues.
Seek mentorship from CPAs, controllers, finance managers, or firm leaders.
Review broader career guidance on how to become accountant if you are still mapping your long-term route.

What Role Do Career Support and Regulatory Guidance Play in Your Success?

Career services and licensing guidance can significantly affect the value of an accounting program. Strong programs help students understand internships, resumes, interviews, CPA eligibility, course planning, and employer expectations. Weak advising can lead to avoidable delays, especially for CPA candidates.

Students should ask whether the program offers CPA-focused advising, resume workshops, recruiting events, alumni contacts, internship coordination, and help interpreting CPA requirements in Delaware. This support is especially important for online students, transfer students, working adults, and students changing careers.

How Can Interdisciplinary Learning Enhance Your Accounting Career in Delaware?

Accounting often overlaps with technology, law, education, management, healthcare, real estate, and public policy. Interdisciplinary learning can help accountants communicate with different departments, understand business operations, and translate financial information into practical decisions.

For example, professionals who understand training and instructional design may be better prepared to lead onboarding, explain accounting systems, or teach staff how to follow controls. Those exploring education-related skill sets can compare accounting communication needs with what degree do you need to be a teacher in Delaware.

How Can Urban Planning Knowledge Support an Accounting Perspective in Delaware?

Urban planning knowledge can be useful for accountants who work with municipalities, real estate developers, construction firms, public budgets, infrastructure projects, or community investment. Understanding land use, growth patterns, and public-sector planning can improve financial forecasting and risk analysis in those settings.

This does not mean accountants need to become planners. It means that broader knowledge of development and public finance can support better questions and more useful analysis. Professionals interested in that intersection can review how to become an urban planner in Delaware.

How Can Education-Centered Skills Enhance Your Accounting Career?

Accountants often need to explain complex rules to clients, executives, staff, auditors, or non-financial colleagues. Teaching skills can help professionals present budgets, train teams on controls, explain tax issues, and make financial data easier to act on.

Useful education-centered skills include lesson planning, assessment, audience awareness, clear examples, feedback, and communication structure. Accountants who want to strengthen these abilities may find it helpful to review education pathways such as how to become a high school math teacher in Delaware.

How Can Legal Expertise Expand an Accounting Career in Delaware?

Legal knowledge can strengthen accounting work in tax, audit, corporate governance, contracts, compliance, litigation support, and risk management. Delaware’s corporate environment makes this especially relevant for accountants who work with business entities, financial reporting, mergers, shareholder matters, or regulated industries.

Accountants do not need to become lawyers to benefit from legal literacy. Understanding how legal documents, liability, governance, and regulatory procedures work can improve collaboration with attorneys and strengthen financial analysis. Those interested in a law-adjacent pathway can explore how to become a paralegal in Delaware.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Accounting Program

Mistake	Better approach
Choosing a program before checking accreditation	Verify institutional and program-level accreditation before applying.
Assuming every accounting degree meets CPA requirements	Ask the school to map its courses to Delaware’s CPA education rules.
Comparing only tuition	Review total cost of attendance, fees, software, housing, travel, and exam-related expenses.
Ignoring transfer-credit rules	Request a written transfer evaluation before enrolling.
Assuming online programs are automatically cheaper or easier	Compare tuition, fees, workload, support services, and CPA eligibility documentation.
Waiting too long to plan CPA Exam timing	Create a study and exam schedule before graduation or immediately after completing required coursework.
Relying only on rankings	Use rankings as one input, then evaluate curriculum, cost, accreditation, advising, and outcomes.
Expecting salary outcomes to be guaranteed	Treat salary data as market context, not a promise; pay depends on role, experience, credential, employer, and location.

Key Insights

Delaware can be a practical state for accounting careers. Its corporate environment, business regulations, and demand for compliance and financial reporting support accounting employment opportunities.
The CPA path requires early planning. Delaware candidates need 150 semester hours, at least 24 semester hours in accounting, auditing, and taxation, 2,000 supervised work hours, the CPA Exam, the AICPA Ethics Examination, and a Permit to Practice.
Accounting education can take different forms. Bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, dual-degree pathways, graduate certificates, online programs, and accelerated formats can all make sense depending on your starting point and CPA goals.
Costs vary widely. Public four-year tuition and fees in Delaware cost $16,470 for in-state students and about $39,340 for out-of-state students, while program-level costs differ by school, format, and degree level.
Accreditation and CPA alignment matter more than convenience alone. Before enrolling, confirm that credits will count toward your intended credential and that the program provides adequate advising.
Technology is now part of accounting readiness. Students should look for exposure to cloud accounting, analytics, accounting information systems, automation, and data security concepts.
Career growth depends on specialization and continued learning. CPA licensure, forensic accounting, analytics, tax, audit, management accounting, legal literacy, and communication skills can all improve long-term options.

References:

AICPA & CIMA. (2025). MAP survey executive summary. https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/download/map-survey-executive-summary
Delaware Division of Corporations. (2024). Annual report statistics. Retrieved February 2026, from https://corp.delaware.gov/stats/
Hood, D. (2026. January 2). Accounting in 2026: The year ahead in numbers. Accounting Today. https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/accounting-in-2026-the-year-ahead-in-numbers
Ma, J., Pender, M., & Hu, X. (2025). Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2025. https://research.collegeboard.org/trends/college-pricing
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. (2025). How many CPAs are there? https://nasba.org/licensure/howmanycpas/
National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (2025). Clearinghouse Enrollment Insights Series: Final Fall Enrollment Trends. https://nscresearchcenter.org/final-fall-enrollment-trends/
O*NET OnLine. (2025). Delaware employment trends: Accountants and auditors. Retrieved February 2026, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/13-2011.00?st=DE
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System. Retrieved January 2026, from https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/000000
World Population Review. (2026). Cost of living index by state year. Retrieved February 2026, from https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/cost-of-living-index-by-state
ZipRecruiter. (2026). Accountant Salary in Delaware. Retrieved February 2026, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Accountant-Salary--in-Delaware
ZipRecruiter. (2026). CPA Salary in Delaware. Retrieved February 2026, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Cpa-Salary--in-Delaware

Other Things You Should Know About The Best Accounting Schools in Delaware

What are the top accounting programs in Delaware?

In 2026, the University of Delaware and Delaware State University are among the top choices for accounting programs. Both institutions offer comprehensive curricula and have strong reputations for preparing students for the CPA exam and accounting careers.

What is the cost of accounting programs in Delaware?

The cost varies by institution. Public tuition and fees in four-year institutions in the state cost $16,470, while out-of-state costs average around $39,340. At the University of Delaware, residents pay $17,660, and non-residents pay $43,220 during the 2025-26 academic year.

Can I complete an accounting degree online in Delaware?

Yes, some institutions offer online or hybrid accounting programs that allow students to complete coursework online while fulfilling other requirements, such as internships, in person.

Is Delaware a good state to be an accountant?

Yes, Delaware is a good state to be an accountant due to its thriving economy, tax-friendly laws, strong job market, and quality of life. The state's favorable business climate also creates numerous opportunities for accountants.

What specializations are available within accounting programs in Delaware?

Specializations may include forensic accounting, information systems, and public accounting. Each program offers different tracks, so it is important to choose one that aligns with your career goals.

What financial aid options are available for accounting students in Delaware?

Financial aid options include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many institutions also offer specific financial aid packages for accounting students to help offset the cost of tuition and other expenses.

How important is accreditation when choosing an accounting program?

Accreditation is crucial as it ensures that the program meets high educational standards. Accredited programs are recognized by employers and are necessary for CPA exam eligibility. Look for programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or similar bodies.

How do accounting schools in Delaware integrate local industry connections into their programs?

Accounting schools in Delaware integrate local industry connections into their programs by fostering strong partnerships with prominent accounting firms, corporations, and financial institutions in the region. These connections facilitate internships, co-op programs, and job placements, giving students practical experience and exposure to real-world accounting practices. Schools often host networking events, career fairs, and guest lectures featuring industry professionals. Additionally, collaboration with local businesses allows for tailored curriculum development that aligns with current industry needs and trends. These efforts ensure that students not only gain valuable insights and skills but also build a network of professional contacts that can enhance their career prospects.