2026 Best Accounting Schools in Washington – How to Become a CPA in WA

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Best Accounting Schools in Washington Table of Contents

1. Is becoming a CPA a good career move in Washington?
2. What are the steps to become a CPA in Washington?
3. How long does an accounting program take in Washington?
4. How much do accounting programs cost in Washington?
5. What are the costs and benefits of a master’s in accounting in Washington?
6. Washington schools offering accounting programs for 2026
7. What should you look for in a Washington accounting program?
8. How can accounting students build soft skills employers value?
9. What other careers can use accounting skills?
10. Which affordable online accounting degree option fits your needs?
11. How can a master’s in accounting improve career prospects?
12. Is an accounting degree worth the investment in Washington?
13. Is medical billing and coding a viable option for accounting professionals?
14. Why does choosing the right accounting program matter?
15. Can accounting skills support a move into urban planning?
16. Is forensic accounting a promising path in Washington?
17. How do you maintain and renew a CPA license in Washington?
18. Can accounting professionals move into academic roles?
19. Can accounting experience support a transition to high school math teaching?
20. Can accounting expertise strengthen legal career opportunities?

Quick Answer: Should You Study Accounting in Washington?

Accounting can be a practical career path in Washington if you want work that combines financial analysis, compliance, technology, and business advising. The state has demand across professional services, technology, aerospace, agriculture, government, healthcare, and consulting. Washington accountants also benefit from a median annual wage of $96,550, which is higher than the national mean annual wage of $93,260 for accountants.

The CPA route is more demanding than a general accounting career because Washington requires a board-approved bachelor’s degree or higher, 150 hours of college education, specific accounting and business coursework, the Uniform CPA Examination, an ethics requirement, and at least 12 months and 2,000 hours of qualifying experience. Students who want senior audit, tax, advisory, management, or public accounting roles should strongly consider the CPA pathway. Students who want bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, budgeting, or analyst roles may not need a CPA license immediately.

Is Becoming a CPA a Good Career Move in Washington?

Becoming a CPA in Washington can be a strong option for students who want a portable professional credential, access to accounting and advisory roles, and the ability to work in industries that need financial reporting, tax planning, auditing, compliance, budgeting, and risk management. The opportunity is not limited to public accounting firms. Washington’s economy includes technology, aerospace, agriculture and food manufacturing, clean technology, defense, tourism, professional services, consulting, and research-driven employers.

Washington Has an Active Professional Accounting Community

Washington accountants can find support through organizations such as the Washington State Society of CPAs and the local chapter of the CPA Firm Management Association. These groups matter because the accounting profession is dealing with real pipeline concerns, including fewer CPA exam candidates and fewer students entering accounting programs. For students, this creates both a challenge and an opportunity: employers need talent, but they also expect stronger technical, analytical, ethical, and technology skills than in the past.

Washington’s Board of Accountancy has also taken positions that reflect the state’s evolving business environment. For example, the board states that licensed Washington accountants can provide services to cannabis businesses. That policy shows how accounting work can expand into specialized, regulated sectors where tax, compliance, and advisory expertise are valuable.

Business Demand Comes From More Than One Industry

Accounting demand in Washington is not tied to a single employer type. The professional services sector remained a key contributor to job growth through the beginning of 2025. In 2024, the sector posted a 3.2% employment increase, with hiring especially active in computer systems design, management consulting, and scientific research and development.

The state also has major local industries that require accounting support, including aviation and aerospace, agriculture and food manufacturing, clean technology, military and defense, information and communication technology, and tourism. National and regional accounting firms with offices in Washington include Clark Nuber, Larson Gross, Rekdal Hopkins Howard, Deloitte, Ernst & Young (E&Y), Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

This range of employers helps answer a common student question: What can you do with an accounting degree in Washington? Depending on your education, experience, and licensure status, possible paths include audit, tax, corporate accounting, government accounting, advisory services, budget analysis, financial management, forensic accounting, and consulting.

Quality of Life and Cost of Living Should Both Factor Into Your Decision

Washington offers a mix of urban job centers and outdoor recreation, which can make it attractive to students and professionals who want career opportunities without giving up access to forests, mountains, water, and parks. The state is also known for cultural and political diversity. Its governor signed Executive Order 22-04, the Washington State Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Plan & Playbook, requiring implementation across the state.

Washington does not have a personal income tax, which can help workers keep more of their earnings. However, students should not ignore the state’s higher living costs. Washington ranks 13th among states with the highest cost of living, with a cost of living index of 114.2, meaning it is 14.2% higher than the national average. The livable wage for an individual without dependents is $18.54 per hour, according to Wisevoter.

The minimum wage in Washington is $16.28 per hour. As of January 2024, Washington had the second-highest minimum wage rate after the District of Columbia at $17.00 per hour, while the federal minimum wage was $7.25 per hour. Accountants in Washington can earn a median hourly wage of $44.78, which is more than 2.7 times the state minimum wage.

What Are the Steps to Become a CPA in Washington?

To use the CPA title in Washington, you must apply through the Washington Board of Accountancy. The board handles CPA licensing, reciprocity, renewal, reinstatement, and retirement. The path is similar to many states, but you should verify requirements directly with the board before enrolling in a program or applying for the exam.

The Washington Board of Accountancy provides detailed instructions for CPA applicants on its official website. Students should use those board resources as the final authority, especially if they earned credits in another state, completed international coursework, or are trying to combine undergraduate, graduate, and certificate credits.

You can work in many accounting-related roles without becoming a CPA, but the license can matter for public accounting, audit authority, promotion into senior roles, and long-term mobility. In Washington, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows mean annual wages of $59,380 for tax preparers, $61,540 for payroll and timekeeping clerks, $93,720 for budget analysts, $179,060 for financial managers, and $57,000 for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks.

How Long Does an Accounting Program Take in Washington?

The timeline depends on your starting point. A traditional student who begins with a bachelor’s degree and plans to become a CPA may spend six to seven years completing education, experience, exam preparation, testing, ethics, and licensing requirements. A common path includes four years for a bachelor’s degree, one year for a master’s degree, 12 months of qualifying experience, and additional time for CPA exam preparation and licensing steps.

Washington CPA candidates must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination within 18 months of passing the first section. Because of that window, students should avoid treating exam preparation as an afterthought. The best programs help students plan when to complete advanced accounting courses, apply for the exam, and begin structured review.

Students who already have an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance or a related field may be able to finish faster through a master’s degree, post-baccalaureate accounting certificate, or targeted prerequisite coursework. However, not every certificate provides enough credits to meet the 150-hour requirement. Before enrolling, ask for a written evaluation showing how your prior credits and planned courses will satisfy Washington’s education rules.

Washington postsecondary students have comparatively strong completion outcomes. A 2024 report from the state’s Education Research & Data Center shows six-year graduation rates of 70.3% for students at public institutions, 76.1% at private non-profits, and 49.2% at private for-profits. Nationally, the latest six-year postsecondary graduation rates were 64.1% at public institutions, 68.5% at private non-profits, and 30.2% at private for-profits.

How Much Do Accounting Programs Cost in Washington?

Accounting program costs in Washington vary widely by residency, degree level, institution type, credit load, delivery format, and living arrangement. Some public institutions charge different tuition for residents and non-residents. Some schools price full-time and part-time students differently. Others use one tuition rate for a program regardless of residency.

Based on reviewed Washington accounting programs, a 120-credit undergraduate degree may cost about $17,000 to $32,000 per year in tuition for in-state students and more than $40,000 for out-of-state students. Estimated tuition for a 30-credit master’s in accounting ranges from $23,700 to $32,000.

Private universities often cost more than public institutions, but sticker price is not the same as net price. Scholarships, grants, employer tuition benefits, transfer credits, assistantships, and professional association awards can change the actual cost. Students should also include CPA exam fees, review materials, books, transportation, housing, meals, technology, and lost income if they reduce work hours.

Gonzaga University and Seattle University are private institutions with master’s in accounting options and a single tuition rate regardless of residency. Gonzaga’s total tuition is $31,950, and its total cost of attendance, including fees, books, housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses, can reach up to $64,000. Seattle University’s master’s in accounting program costs up to $25,020 in tuition, while total cost of attendance can be approximately $34,863 or $45,849 depending on whether the student lives with parents or companions or lives independently.

Costs and Benefits of a Master’s in Accounting in Washington

A master’s in accounting can be worth considering in Washington if it helps you meet the 150-hour CPA requirement, strengthens your technical specialization, and improves access to internships, firm recruiting, and advanced roles. It is not automatically the best option for every student. Some students can reach 150 hours through lower-cost undergraduate credits, a second concentration, or a certificate. Others benefit from the structure and recruiting access of a graduate accounting program.

The cost of a master’s in accounting in Washington depends on the school. Public university tuition ranges from $23,700 to $29,187, while private institution tuition ranges from $25,020 to $31,950. Books, materials, housing, and other living costs can increase total cost of attendance to as much as $64,000. Washington’s higher-than-average cost of living can make budgeting especially important.

Reported outcomes can be strong but should be read carefully. Graduates have been reported to reach median wages of $117,300 within one year of graduation and up to $178,400 after ten years. Other Washington earnings data grouped under business, management, marketing, and related support services shows different results by degree level and reporting method. Use these figures as signals, not guarantees.

Washington Schools Offering Accounting Programs for 2026

Washington has several undergraduate and graduate accounting programs for students preparing for CPA licensure or accounting careers. Some programs are campus-based, while others offer flexible formats, including a master’s degree in accounting online and intensive accounting certificate options.

The schools below are examples of Washington institutions with accounting programs that can support CPA preparation. Before applying, confirm accreditation, curriculum requirements, credit totals, transfer policies, CPA exam preparation, internship access, and cost of attendance directly with each institution.

How to Use This School List

Do not choose a program only because it appears on a list. A strong accounting school for one student may be the wrong choice for another. A full-time student seeking public accounting recruitment in Seattle may prioritize a different program than a working adult in Eastern Washington who needs part-time online coursework. Compare each option against your CPA timeline, budget, transfer credits, preferred specialization, and career goals.

What Should You Look For in an Accounting Program in Washington?

Cost matters, but it should not be the only deciding factor. A cheaper program can become expensive if credits do not count toward CPA eligibility, courses are not offered when you need them, internship support is weak, or the program lacks employer relationships. A more expensive program can be worth it if it shortens your timeline, improves recruiting access, and helps you pass the CPA exam sooner.

Washington earnings data can help students think about return on investment, but it should not be treated as a promise. The Education Research & Data Center dashboard shows that graduates with bachelor’s degrees in accounting, grouped under business, management, marketing, and related support services, can earn a median wage of $51,600 one year after graduation, $62,100 two years after graduation, $80,200 five years after graduation, and $105,400 ten years later.

For master’s graduates in the same broad field grouping, recent data reports a median weekly wage of $1,840, or $95,680 annually, one year after graduation, with similar figures across subsequent years.

Use wage data as one part of your decision. Actual earnings depend on location, employer size, job function, CPA status, internship experience, industry, negotiation, technical skills, and the broader labor market.

How Can Washington Accounting Students Build Essential Soft Skills?

Accounting employers expect more than debits, credits, tax rules, and audit procedures. As software automates routine tasks and clients expect faster insights, accountants need to communicate clearly, evaluate data, explain risk, manage deadlines, and make ethical decisions. Students should build these skills before graduation, not after their first job starts.

Current Trends Affecting Accounting Students in Washington

Accounting education is changing because the work itself is changing. Students comparing Washington programs should look for curricula that include data analytics, accounting information systems, regulatory awareness, professional writing, and ethical decision-making. AI and automation can reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, but they also increase the need for accountants who can verify outputs, interpret results, identify risk, and advise decision-makers.

The profession is also responding to the declining number of new CPAs. National organizations have discussed ways to improve the CPA talent pipeline. For students, this means the CPA credential may remain valuable, but the path still requires careful planning, persistence, and exam readiness.

Common Mistakes When Choosing an Accounting Program

What Other Career Paths Are Available to People With Accounting Skills?

Accounting skills can support more than CPA work. People with accounting training may move into financial analysis, budgeting, taxation, compliance, healthcare finance, education administration, public-sector finance, analytics, and operations roles. Some career changes require additional licenses or degrees, so students should verify requirements before assuming accounting experience is enough.

For example, accounting skills can be useful in education budgeting or school administration, but classroom teaching has separate requirements. If you are interested in that direction, compare your background with elementary school teacher requirements in Washington.

Can Accounting Professionals Use Healthcare Career Pathways for Diversified Growth?

Healthcare organizations need accurate billing, compliance, budgeting, reimbursement analysis, and financial controls. Accounting professionals who understand healthcare operations may find opportunities in hospital finance, clinic administration, revenue cycle management, healthcare startups, and compliance-related roles. This does not mean an accountant needs to become a clinician, but understanding clinical career pathways can clarify how healthcare organizations operate. For context, review how to become a nurse practitioner in Washington.

Which Affordable Online Accounting Degree Option Fits Your Needs?

An online accounting degree can be useful if you need flexibility, want to keep working, or live far from a campus. The key is to confirm that the program is accredited, that credits apply to your CPA or career goals, and that support services are strong enough for remote learners. Compare programs based on cost, transfer policy, course availability, faculty access, internship options, career services, and CPA preparation. To begin a cost-focused comparison, review Research.com’s guide to the cheapest accredited online accounting degree options.

How Can a Master’s in Accounting Improve Career Prospects?

If you are asking, is a master’s in accounting worth it, the answer depends on your current credits, career goal, and budget. A master’s can help you qualify for the CPA exam, specialize in a high-value area, and access graduate recruiting. It may not be necessary if you can meet CPA education rules through a lower-cost route.

• Career advancement: Graduate education can make you more competitive for senior accounting, advisory, financial management, and leadership roles.
• CPA exam eligibility: In Washington, a master’s program can help students reach the 150-credit education requirement when a bachelor’s degree alone is not enough.
• Specialization: Graduate coursework can support focused study in taxation, auditing, analytics, financial reporting, or forensic accounting.
• Recruiting access: Some master’s programs offer internships, alumni connections, and employer pipelines that may be harder to access independently.
• Return on investment: The degree is most compelling when the expected career benefit justifies tuition, fees, living expenses, and time away from full-time work.

Is an Accounting Degree Worth the Investment in Washington?

An accounting degree can be worth the investment in Washington if it leads to CPA eligibility, strong internship access, in-demand technical skills, and a realistic path to roles with wage growth. The degree is less attractive when students borrow heavily for a program that lacks accreditation, does not meet CPA coursework rules, or provides limited career support. Before enrolling, compare program cost with likely earnings, graduation rates, CPA outcomes, and your willingness to complete the exam and experience requirements.

For a broader discussion of degree value, career outcomes, and alternatives, review Research.com’s guide on whether an accounting degree is worth it.

Is Medical Billing and Coding a Viable Career Path for Accounting Professionals in Washington?

Medical billing and coding may appeal to accounting professionals who like detailed records, compliance, documentation, and revenue cycle work. It is not the same as accounting, but both areas require accuracy, ethical handling of information, and knowledge of rules. This path may make sense for someone who wants to work in healthcare administration without becoming a CPA. To understand training and credential expectations, read about how to be a medical coder in Washington.

Why Choosing the Right Accounting Program in Washington Matters

The right accounting program can shorten your CPA timeline, reduce unnecessary credits, connect you with internships, and prepare you for the software, analytics, and communication demands of modern accounting. The wrong program can leave you with debt, missing prerequisites, weak exam preparation, and limited employer access.

Accreditation should be one of your first checks. Then evaluate CPA alignment, faculty expertise, program format, total cost, job placement, CPA pass rates, internship support, and employer relationships. Students comparing business schools more broadly can also review Research.com’s guide to the best business schools in Washington.

Pursuing an Accounting Career in Washington

Washington offers a practical environment for accounting students who want to work across technology, professional services, aerospace, clean technology, agriculture, government, nonprofit organizations, and consulting. The state’s employer base can create opportunities, but students still need to plan carefully. CPA licensure requires specific education, exam success, ethics preparation, qualifying work experience, and continuing education.

The best next step is to create a personal CPA plan. List your completed credits, remaining accounting and business courses, preferred schools, estimated cost, target exam date, internship strategy, and expected funding sources. Then confirm your plan with both the school and the Washington Board of Accountancy.

Can Accounting Skills Translate to Urban Planning Opportunities in Washington?

Accounting experience can support urban planning work when projects require budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, grant tracking, infrastructure finance, and public-sector reporting. However, urban planning has its own education and professional expectations. If this interdisciplinary path interests you, compare your current skills with the steps in Research.com’s guide on how to become an urban planner in Washington.

Is Forensic Accounting a Promising Career Path in Washington?

Forensic accounting combines accounting knowledge with investigation, fraud detection, litigation support, and financial analysis. It can be a strong specialization for accountants who enjoy evidence, documentation, interviews, ethics, and complex financial disputes. Washington’s business environment and regulated industries can create demand for professionals who understand both accounting controls and investigative methods. Students interested in related investigative training can also explore a forensic science degree in Washington.

How Do I Maintain and Renew My CPA License in Washington?

After becoming licensed, Washington CPAs must meet ongoing renewal and continuing professional education requirements. CPE commonly includes accounting updates, ethics, regulatory topics, and professional development. Keep documentation for every approved activity, monitor the renewal cycle, and check the Washington Board of Accountancy for current rules. For a focused licensing overview, see Research.com’s guide to CPA requirements in Washington.

Could Accounting Professionals Transition Into Academic Roles?

Experienced accounting professionals may move into teaching, training, curriculum development, or higher education roles, especially if they enjoy mentoring students and explaining complex financial concepts. Requirements vary by level and institution. Community colleges, universities, career schools, and K-12 settings may have different degree, certification, and teaching credential expectations. If you are considering education more broadly, review what degree you need to be a teacher in Washington.

Can Accounting Expertise Support a Transition to High School Math Teaching?

Accounting professionals often have strong quantitative, problem-solving, and applied math skills. Those strengths can be useful in a high school math classroom, but teaching requires more than subject knowledge. You must meet Washington teacher certification rules, learn instructional methods, and understand classroom management. For details, see how to become a high school math teacher in Washington.

Can Accounting Expertise Strengthen Legal Career Opportunities?

Accounting knowledge can be useful in legal settings involving litigation support, fraud investigations, compliance, financial documentation, tax disputes, and regulatory review. Some accountants work with law firms, corporate legal departments, or investigative teams. Others may pursue paralegal training or law-related credentials. If this path interests you, start with Research.com’s guide on how to become a paralegal in Washington.

Key Insights

• Washington can be a strong accounting market, but CPA planning is essential. The state projects 1.4% annual growth through 2032 for accountants and auditors, but CPA licensure requires a specific mix of education, exams, ethics, and experience.
• The 150-hour rule should guide your school choice. Do not assume a bachelor’s degree, certificate, or master’s automatically satisfies Washington CPA education requirements. Ask for a written course plan.
• Cost comparisons must include more than tuition. Housing, fees, books, CPA review, transportation, and reduced work hours can significantly affect return on investment.
• A master’s in accounting is most valuable when it solves a clear problem. It may be worth it if it completes CPA credits, improves recruiting access, or supports specialization. It may be unnecessary if a lower-cost credit path meets the same goal.
• Accreditation, outcomes, and employer access matter. Compare AACSB, ACBSP, ACCA, or other relevant accreditation, along with CPA pass rates, internships, job placement, and alumni connections.
• Technology is changing accounting work. Students should build data, analytics, software, communication, and ethical judgment skills alongside traditional accounting knowledge.
• Accounting skills are flexible. CPA work is only one option. Accounting training can also support roles in finance, healthcare administration, education, government, forensic accounting, compliance, urban planning, and legal support.

References:

1. Gonzaga University. Tuition & Financial Aid. https://www.gonzaga.edu/school-of-business-administration/graduate/macc/tuition-financial-aid
2. Washington Education Research & Data Center. Graduation rates for postsecondary students. https://erdc.wa.gov/publications/student-outcomes/graduation-rates-postsecondary-students-race-ethnicity
3. Seattle University. Cost of Attendance and Financial Need. https://www.seattleu.edu/costs/cost-of-attendance-and-financial-need
4. Statista Research Department. Minimum wages in the United States, by state in 2026. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/238997/minimum-wage-by-us-state
5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Washington. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wa.htm
6. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accountants and Auditors. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
7. Washington Education Research & Data Center. Earnings for graduates. https://erdc.wa.gov/data-dashboards/earnings-for-graduates
8. Washington State Employment Security Department. Learn about an occupation. https://esd.wa.gov/labormarketinfo/learn-about-an-occupation#/details
9. Wisevoter. Cost of Living by State. https://wisevoter.com/state-rankings/cost-of-living-by-state/#washington