2026 Accounting Schools in California – How to Become a CPA in CA

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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1. Best accounting programs in California for 2026
2. How to become a CPA in California
3. California CPA license renewal requirements
4. How long it takes to become an accountant or CPA in California
5. Accelerated pathways to CPA certification in California
6. Cost of accounting degrees in California
7. CPA and accountant salaries in California
8. Job outlook for accountants and CPAs in California
9. Industries in California that hire the most CPAs
10. Career paths for CPAs and accounting graduates in California
11. Practicing in California with an out-of-state CPA license
12. Why accounting remains a strong career option in California
13. How to prepare for the CPA exam in California
14. How to choose the right accounting school in California
15. Trends changing financial accounting careers in California
16. Soft skills California CPAs need
17. Current CPA licensing standards in California
18. Moving from accounting into teaching in California
19. How urban planning knowledge can support accounting careers
20. Alternatives to becoming a CPA in California
21. Using forensic science skills in accounting
22. Transitioning from accounting to healthcare careers
23. Medical billing and coding as a related finance skill
24. Technology in accounting education and practice

List of the 2026 Best Accounting Programs in California

How this ranking should be used

A ranking can help you build a shortlist, but it should not be the only basis for choosing a school. Accounting students should also check accreditation, CPA course coverage, transfer policies, internship access, total cost of attendance, recruiting outcomes, and whether the program offers enough accounting, business, ethics, and accounting study units to support California CPA eligibility.

Research.com evaluated this list using our methodology. We also reviewed information from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, Peterson’s database and its Distance Learning Licensed Data Set, College Scorecard, and the National Center for Education Statistics to make the information clearer for students comparing programs.

1. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California offers accounting programs through the USC Leventhal School of Accounting. Its BS in Accounting is designed for students who want a rigorous business and accounting foundation, with options to double major in business or another field, add a minor, or pursue the Progressive Master’s Degree. That pathway allows students to work toward the BS and either a Master of Accounting (MAcc) or Master of Business Taxation (MBT) at the same time and finish in five years or less. Students may also participate in research, community service, and global group projects.

• Program Length: Four years
• Tracks/Concentrations:
  • BS in Accounting
  • Progressive Degree (BS and Master’s)
  • Accounting Minor
  • Risk Management Minor
• Cost per Credit: $2,244 (unit basis)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 128
• Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

2. University of California (UC), Berkeley

The UC Berkeley accounting pathway is housed in the Haas School of Business. Students may take accounting courses through the Spieker Undergraduate Business Program, as coursework connected to another major, or through the Berkeley Charter of Professional Accountancy (BCPA) summer program. The BCPA is particularly useful for students who need 30 accounting subject units toward the 150 credits required to apply for a California CPA license. Classes are offered in the evening, and some may be online.

• Program Length: Four years (Spieker Undergraduate Business Program), Two summers (Introductory and Advanced BCPA)
• Tracks/Concentrations: Business (Spieker), BCPA
• Cost per Credit: $16,608 (undergraduate new students); $14,742–$15,924 (undergraduate old students); $10,995–$11,995 (BCPA unit-based)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 122 (Spieker), 30 (BCPA)
• Accreditation: AACSB

3. Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University offers undergraduate accounting study through the Leavey School of Business. Its BS in Commerce with a major in Accounting is built to prepare students for the CPA and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams. The Accounting and Information Systems (AIS) major has a STEM designation, which may appeal to students interested in the technology side of accounting. Students who do not have an accounting background can consider the Certificate in Advanced Accounting Proficiency (CAAP), which delivers undergraduate-level accounting courses in condensed weekend sessions.

• Program Length: Four years
• Tracks/Concentrations:
  • Accounting
  • Accounting and Information Systems (AIS)
• Cost per Unit: $1,684
• Required Credits to Graduate: 175
• Accreditation: AACSB

4. Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna College is a private non-profit liberal arts college with a strong reputation in economics. Its Robert Day School of Economics and Finance offers an Economics-Accounting major that can be paired with a financial economics or leadership sequence. The major includes eleven accounting and economics courses and a senior thesis capstone. It is a good fit for students who want accounting preparation within a broader analytical, communication-focused, and economics-centered curriculum.

• Program Length: Four years
• Tracks/Concentrations:
  • Financial Economics
  • Leadership
• Cost per Class: $11,271.66
• Required Credits to Graduate: Completion of 11 courses in accounting and economics
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

5. Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University offers a BS in Accounting through Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. The curriculum emphasizes financial accounting, managerial accounting, critical thinking, ethics, communication, teamwork, and diversity. Students interested in global business exposure may study abroad through the international studies program during sophomore year. Pepperdine also offers an accounting minor.

• Program Length: Four years
• Tracks/Concentrations: Accounting
• Estimated Tuition: $65,990 (flat rate 12–18 units/semester)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 128
• Accreditation: WSCUC

What graduates say about studying accounting in California

Key findings for accounting students in California

• The average in-state tuition and fees in public four-year institutions in CA is $10,641. Out-of-state tuition and fees cost $24,270.
• Accountants in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara areas receive the highest annual wages at $124,070.
• The job outlook for accountants and auditors in CA is 8.2%, or 19,010 annual job openings.
• Beyond accounting service firms, CPAs in CA are commonly employed in company and enterprise management, government, real estate, and computer systems design industries.
• 91% of Californian jobs require digital skills, including foundational abilities and industry-specific skills such as information security and mobile banking.

How to become a CPA in California?

California CPA licensure is rule-driven, so students should understand the requirements before choosing electives or accepting work experience. A program may be respected academically but still require careful planning to ensure you complete the right mix of accounting, business, ethics, and accounting study units. Students who are still exploring accounting-related credentials may also compare CPA requirements with the best bookkeeper certification options for entry-level or small-business finance roles.

1. Complete the education requirement. California requires a bachelor’s degree or higher approved by the California Board of Accountancy (CBA). The degree must be equivalent to at least 150 semester units and include accounting subjects (24 units), business-related subjects (24 units), accounting study (20 units), and ethics study (10 units).
2. Gain supervised accounting experience. Candidates need at least 12 months of general accounting experience under an active licensed CPA. This experience may be completed before, during, or after the CPA exam. Candidates who want authority to provide attestation services must complete at least 500 hours of attest experience. If general accounting experience was earned five years ago or more before the licensure application is submitted, the CBA may require additional study.
3. Apply for and pass the CPA exam. First-time applicants must finish all education requirements before applying because the CBA does not pre-qualify coursework. Candidates create an account through the CBA website, pay the initial application fee, wait for approval, choose exam sections, pay exam fees, and receive a notice to schedule (NTS). The exam must be taken within nine months of receiving the NTS.
4. Meet the ethics requirement that applies to your application date. First-time licensure applicants seeking licensure before July 1, 2024 must pass the California Professional Ethics for CPAs (PETH). Applicants licensed after that date do not need to take the ethics exam but must complete a Regulatory Review course for their first renewal. Because this is a recent CBA change, applicants should check the Board and California Society of CPAs (CalCPA) for current guidance.
5. Submit the CPA license application. After passing all CPA exam sections, applicants submit the license application through the CBA website with required documents and wait for Board review and approval.

What is the license renewal process for CPAs in California?

A California CPA license expires every two years. CPAs renew online, pay a renewal fee, and should review current CBA fee rules because renewal fees are being increased.

California CPAs must complete 80 hours of continuing education (CE) during the two years before license expiration. CE may include technical or non-technical subjects, ethics, governmental accounting, accounting and auditing, Preparation Engagement, fraud, and Regulatory Review. Licensees should use the CBA website as the primary source for the exact mix of CE requirements that applies to their license status and practice area.

There are 116,012 licensed CPAs in California as of this writing, including 65,307 active licensees and 41,416 inactive licensees. (CBA, n.d.).

How long does it take to become an accountant in California?

Entry-level accounting jobs may be available with undergraduate credentials, including associate or bachelor’s degrees, depending on the employer and role. Associate degrees generally take two years, while bachelor’s programs usually take four years. For CPA licensure, the highest degree in college required may be a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, depending on how you complete the 150 semester units. Many business colleges in California offer combined bachelor’s and master’s accounting pathways that can be completed within five years.

CPA candidates also need supervised work experience, and some CPA specializations may call for at least one year of relevant experience after graduation. In many cases, the full path to CPA licensure takes at least five to six years. Career changers without accounting or business backgrounds may use certificate, bridge, or post-baccalaureate accounting programs that last from a few weeks or months to one year.

What are the accelerated pathways to CPA certification in California?

Accelerated accounting pathways are useful when you already know you want CPA eligibility and want to reduce unnecessary time in school. In California, the most common fast-track options include combined bachelor’s/master’s programs, summer CPA unit programs, online or hybrid accounting coursework, and post-baccalaureate certificates for students who already hold a degree.

Some universities allow students to earn the 150 credits required for CPA eligibility within five years instead of the typical six. Online and hybrid options may also help working students keep earning income while completing remaining accounting or ethics units. Programs that integrate CPA exam preparation can be especially helpful, but students should still verify that the curriculum satisfies California’s required unit categories. If speed is a priority, compare accelerated accounting degree programs and ask each school how its credits map to CBA requirements.

What is the cost of accounting degrees in California?

California can be affordable or expensive depending on the institution type, residency status, delivery format, and how many extra units you need for CPA eligibility. The College Board identifies California as the state with the most affordable two-year college tuition and fees for in-district attendees for the 2024-2025 academic year, at $1,440.

For public four-year institutions in CA, average in-state tuition and fees during the same academic year are $10,641. That is slightly below the Western U.S. average of $10,820 and below the national average for public four-year institutions of $11,260.

Costs rise sharply for out-of-state and private options. At UC Berkeley, residents are charged $16,420 for the 2024–2025 school year, while non-residents pay $50,620 for tuition and fees. Across California four-year public institutions, average out-of-state tuition and fees are approximately $33,540, compared with the national average of $29,150 for out-of-state students at public four-year institutions.

Private non-profit tuition and fees in CA cost $44,917 from 2024 to 2025, which is higher than the national average of $41,540 for the same type of institution. These figures do not include housing, meals, transportation, insurance, books, supplies, personal expenses, or fees connected to internships or on-the-job training programs.

Students concerned about cost should compare scholarships, grants, employer tuition support, transfer pathways, online options, and program length. An inexpensive program can become costly if it does not provide the credits needed for CPA eligibility, while a higher-priced program may be more valuable if it offers strong internship access and a built-in 150-unit plan. Students looking for lower-cost formats can also review affordable online education options.

How much do CPAs in California earn?

The BLS reports an annual mean wage of $105,380 for accountants and auditors in California. Nationally, the annual mean wage is $93,260, and the median annual wage is $81,330. These figures cover accountants and auditors broadly, not only licensed CPAs.

CalCPA reports that a Tax Accountant Level I earns an average of $69,223, while a Payroll Accountant earns $77,359. The average salary range for these positions is around $62,000 to $87,000. In addition, as of February 2026, the estimated total pay for a CPA in the San Francisco area is approximately $190,390 per year, with an average salary of $122,068.

Within California, location matters. Accountants in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara areas receive the highest annual wages at $124,070 (BLS, 2024b). In other California areas, accountants and auditors generally earn around $80,000 to $93,000. Salary outcomes depend on experience, employer type, specialization, licensure, industry, and local labor conditions, so students should avoid treating any wage figure as guaranteed.

What is the job outlook for CPAs in California?

Based on recent information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*NET OnLine, and the Employment Development Department of California, accountants and auditors in the state show a projected growth rate of 7% through 2032, with approximately 18,290 annual job openings.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are also identified among middle-skill occupations in demand in several local areas, including Middle Sierra, North Coast County, North State, North Central Coast, Inland Empire, San Joaquin Valley, and Bay-Peninsula.

Accountants and auditors appear among in-demand high-skill jobs in Ventura, North Bay, East Bay, Capital, Southern Border, Orange, and Los Angeles Basin regions. Nationwide employment growth is only 4%, but accounting and auditing expertise remains needed by organizations that must manage tax compliance, financial reporting, audits, risk controls, budgets, and business decisions.

What industries in California employ the most CPAs?

The California Employment Development Department identifies the following leading industries for CPAs, accountants, and auditors:

1. Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services
2. Company and Enterprise Management
3. State Government
4. Local Government
5. Real Estate
6. Computer Systems Design and Related
7. Merchant Wholesalers of Durable Goods
8. Motion Picture and Video Industries (Hollywood)
9. Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
10. Merchant Wholesalers of Nondurable Goods

These employers need accounting professionals for financial reporting, bookkeeping, tax planning, compliance, internal controls, budgeting, audit support, payroll, and business analysis. California also has established accounting firms such as Armanio LLP, Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt, and Novogradac, as well as offices of the Big 4: Ernst & Young (EY), Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG).

What career paths are available for CPAs in California?

A CPA license can be valuable, but it is not the only accounting-related career path. Students should decide whether they want public accounting licensure, corporate finance advancement, tax specialization, fraud investigation, government accounting, or a business leadership role. The best path depends on your tolerance for exam preparation, interest in regulation and compliance, desired industry, and long-term income goals.

• Public accountant: Works in audit, tax, advisory, or assurance services for individuals, companies, nonprofits, and government-related clients.
• Corporate accountant: Manages financial statements, close processes, budgets, revenue recognition, internal controls, and management reporting.
• Small business owner: CPAs with entrepreneurial goals may pair accounting knowledge with online business management degrees to launch or manage a company.
• Forensic accountant: Combines accounting, investigation, and fraud analysis. Students may strengthen this direction with an online degree in criminal justice.
• Chief financial officer: Experienced accounting professionals may advance into executive roles that oversee financial strategy, forecasting, reporting, risk management, and planning.
• Tax lawyer: Some CPAs pursue legal training to understand what do tax lawyers do and advise clients on complex tax disputes, planning, and compliance issues.
• Accounting teacher: Professionals who want to teach may later earn your teaching degree online or pursue academic qualifications appropriate to the level they want to teach.

Can you practice as a CPA in California with a CPA license out-of-state?

CPA mobility rules have made interstate practice easier for many licensed professionals. Under changes in the CPA mobility rules developed by NASBA and the AICPA, CPAs may often serve clients in another state in person or virtually without completing a full new licensing process. However, not every state follows the same approach, and California has its own rules.

In California, out-of-state CPAs must satisfy Practice Privilege Reporting Requirements. This generally includes holding a valid and current public accountant license or certificate and having practiced as a CPA for four of the last ten years.

Out-of-state CPAs must also meet education, examination, and experience requirements approved by the CBA. As of 2024–2025, there were approximately 7,800 out-of-state CPAs in California. Out-of-state CPAs cannot maintain an office or business location in California except as employees of a California firm, but mobility still expands career options for accounting graduates across state lines.

Why become an accountant in California?

Modern accounting is much broader than traditional bookkeeping. Accountants increasingly advise organizations on risk, technology, compliance, data quality, reporting systems, strategic planning, tax efficiency, fraud prevention, and operational performance. California’s economy makes this especially important because employers operate across fast-changing industries such as technology, media, healthcare, real estate, government, and consulting.

Strong accounting schools in California are responding by teaching students not only financial accounting and taxation but also analytics, communication, ethics, systems thinking, and digital tools. That matters because employers increasingly expect accountants to explain the meaning behind the numbers, not just prepare reports.

Digital competence is now central to accounting work. A study by the National Skills Coalition (NSC) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that 92% of U.S. jobs require digital skills. In California, 91% of jobs require foundational skills such as computer literacy or typing and industry-specific abilities such as information security and mobile banking. This applies whether you work as a CPA in California or as a certified public accountant New York.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers paper titled “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain on the Accounting Profession” explains that big data, machine learning, AI, and blockchain are changing accounting by streamlining work, reducing errors, and creating new roles. For students, the lesson is clear: choose programs that teach both accounting fundamentals and technology-enabled analysis.

How can you effectively prepare for the CPA exam in California?

CPA exam preparation should begin before graduation, not after. California candidates should first confirm that their coursework meets CBA education categories, then build a study schedule around the exam sections they plan to take. Because the notice to schedule (NTS) must be used within nine months, timing matters.

1. Map your courses to CBA categories. Identify accounting subjects, business-related subjects, accounting study, and ethics study before applying.
2. Choose an exam sequence. Decide which section to take first based on your strengths, recent coursework, and available study time.
3. Use practice questions early. Practice exams reveal weak areas faster than rereading notes.
4. Study consistently. Short daily sessions are often more sustainable than irregular cramming.
5. Join a study group or use mentoring. Peer accountability and guidance from licensed professionals can help you stay on schedule.
6. Track application deadlines and fees. Do not let administrative steps delay your exam timeline.

For a broader step-by-step career roadmap, see Research.com’s guide on how to become a CPA.

Which accounting schools in California should you consider for a successful career?

The right accounting school is the one that matches your licensing goal, budget, academic background, and target employers. Prestige can help, but practical fit matters more. A student who needs an affordable transfer pathway may make a different choice than a student targeting Big 4 recruiting, a career changer needing CPA units, or a working adult who needs online flexibility.

When comparing schools, look beyond tuition and ask whether the program has strong accounting faculty, CPA-aligned coursework, employer relationships, internships, alumni networks, career advising, and technology training. Many of the best business schools in California also provide mentorship, applied projects, and recruiting connections that can support early career placement.

What emerging trends are shaping financial accounting careers in California?

Financial accounting careers in California are being shaped by sustainability reporting, data analytics, automation, changing compliance expectations, and the need for faster financial insight. Employers increasingly want accountants who can interpret financial information, explain business implications, and work with digital reporting tools.

Students who want to work in financial reporting, corporate accounting, or advisory roles should build skills in analytics, internal controls, systems, communication, and professional judgment. For a deeper look at related roles, review Research.com’s guide to careers in financial accounting.

What are the essential soft skills that can help you succeed as a CPA in California?

Technical competence gets accountants into the profession, but soft skills often determine who advances. California employers operate in complex, fast-moving industries, so CPAs need to communicate clearly, manage pressure, and work across teams.

• Communication: Translating financial data into plain language for clients, executives, regulators, or non-finance teams.
• Critical thinking: Evaluating financial situations, identifying inconsistencies, and making evidence-based judgments.
• Adaptability: Responding to new rules, software, automation, reporting expectations, and business models.
• Time management: Handling month-end closes, tax deadlines, audits, client requests, and competing priorities.
• Teamwork: Collaborating with auditors, tax staff, analysts, attorneys, executives, and operations teams.
• Ethical judgment: Recognizing when professional standards, independence, confidentiality, or public trust may be at risk.

What are the current CPA licensing standards in California?

California CPA licensing standards include education, examination, experience, and ethics-related requirements. Because rules can change, candidates should treat the California Board of Accountancy as the official source and verify requirements before applying for the exam or license. This is especially important for students using transfer credits, online programs, international coursework, or post-baccalaureate certificates.

For a focused explanation of state-specific licensing rules, see Research.com’s guide to CPA requirements in California.

Can accounting professionals transition into teaching roles in California?

Yes, accounting professionals can move into teaching, but the requirements depend on the level and setting. Teaching accounting at a college, university, professional school, community college, or K-12 environment may involve different degree expectations, teaching credentials, or professional qualifications. Practical accounting experience can be valuable in the classroom because students benefit from real-world examples of audits, tax work, financial reporting, and business decision-making.

Professionals considering this move should review education and credential requirements early. Research.com’s guide on what degree do you need to be a teacher in California can help you understand the teaching pathway.

Can urban planning expertise create strategic value for accounting professionals in California?

Urban planning knowledge can be useful for accounting professionals who work with municipal finance, infrastructure projects, real estate development, public-private partnerships, government budgets, or community investment. Understanding zoning, infrastructure funding, local development priorities, and public finance can help CPAs advise clients and organizations more strategically.

This combination is not necessary for most accounting roles, but it may be valuable for professionals in real estate, government accounting, consulting, or public-sector finance. To explore the planning side of this career blend, see how to become an urban planner in California.

Are there alternative careers to being a CPA in California?

Yes. Accounting students do not have to become CPAs to build strong careers in finance, business, compliance, analytics, payroll, bookkeeping, budgeting, or operations. Some roles value accounting knowledge but do not require licensure. Others involve a larger career pivot.

If you enjoy explaining concepts, mentoring, or working with younger learners, education may be worth exploring. Research.com’s guide to elementary school teacher requirements in California outlines one teaching pathway. If you prefer finance without CPA licensure, consider financial analysis, budget analysis, consulting support, internal reporting, payroll management, or operations finance.

Can integrating forensic science enhance your accounting career in California?

Forensic skills can strengthen an accounting career when the role involves fraud detection, litigation support, internal investigations, compliance reviews, insurance claims, or financial crime analysis. Forensic accountants need strong attention to detail, documentation habits, interviewing awareness, and the ability to explain findings clearly.

Accounting professionals interested in investigative work may benefit from learning how forensic processes operate in legal and public-sector settings. One possible complementary path is a forensic science degree in California, though accountants should choose this route only if it directly supports their target roles.

Can accounting professionals transition to a healthcare career in California?

Accounting skills can transfer into healthcare finance, revenue cycle management, compliance, budgeting, and operations roles. However, moving into a clinical healthcare profession requires education and training very different from accounting. Students should distinguish between healthcare finance roles, which may use accounting skills, and clinical roles, which require patient-care preparation.

Those considering a clinical healthcare career should compare the education, licensure, clinical training, and long-term career demands before making the switch. Research.com’s guide on how to become a nurse practitioner in California explains one advanced healthcare pathway.

Can mastering medical billing and coding expand your career opportunities?

Medical billing and coding can be a useful add-on for accounting professionals interested in healthcare finance. It connects financial processes with reimbursement, documentation, coding standards, payer rules, and compliance. This combination can support roles in clinics, hospitals, insurance-related organizations, and healthcare administration.

It is not a substitute for a CPA license, but it may broaden opportunities for accountants who want to specialize in healthcare revenue operations. To explore the training route, see how to be a medical coder in California.

What is the role of technology in accounting education and practice?

Technology is now part of core accounting work. Students who graduate without exposure to accounting systems, analytics, cloud platforms, automation, and cybersecurity concepts may be less prepared for modern roles. In California, where many employers operate in technology-driven industries, digital fluency is especially important.

Technology in accounting education

• Accounting software: Programs may train students on tools such as QuickBooks, Xero, and SAP so they can work with common business platforms.
• Cloud-based systems: Online and hybrid programs often use cloud tools for coursework, collaboration, and remote access.
• Data analytics and visualization: Tools such as Tableau and Power BI help students analyze financial data and communicate findings visually.
• Virtual simulations: Many accelerated accounting degree programs online use simulations to help students apply accounting concepts to practical business scenarios.

Technology in accounting practice

• Artificial intelligence: AI-supported tools can automate invoice processing, payroll workflows, tax calculations, reconciliations, and anomaly detection.
• Blockchain: Accountants may need to understand how blockchain affects audit trails, transaction verification, and financial recordkeeping.
• Cybersecurity: As financial data becomes more digital, accountants must understand data protection, access controls, and privacy-related risk.
• Advanced analytics: Predictive and prescriptive analytics allow accountants to help organizations anticipate risks and make forward-looking decisions.

How students can prepare for a technology-driven accounting career

1. Choose programs with applied software training. Ask whether students use current accounting, tax, audit, ERP, or analytics tools.
2. Build data skills early. Spreadsheet modeling, database basics, visualization, and analytics are increasingly valuable.
3. Understand cybersecurity basics. Accountants often handle sensitive financial information and need to recognize data risk.
4. Keep learning after graduation. Accounting technology changes quickly, so continuing education is part of career maintenance.
5. Balance automation with judgment. Software can process transactions, but professionals still need to interpret results, identify risks, and communicate decisions.

Common mistakes to avoid when choosing an accounting school in California

Key Insights

• California is a strong accounting market because it has the largest accountant and auditor workforce in the U.S. and is among the five top-paying states for the profession.
• The best accounting program is not automatically the most famous one. It is the program that fits your budget, CPA timeline, credit needs, learning format, and target employers.
• California CPA candidates must plan for at least 150 semester units, including specific accounting, business, accounting study, and ethics requirements.
• Accelerated bachelor’s/master’s programs, summer CPA unit programs, online coursework, and post-baccalaureate certificates can shorten the route to eligibility when chosen carefully.
• Accounting salaries in California are strong, but outcomes vary by location, industry, licensure, experience, and technical skills.
• Technology is no longer optional in accounting. Students should look for programs that include accounting software, analytics, cloud tools, cybersecurity awareness, and automation-related learning.
• Before enrolling, ask every school how its curriculum supports CPA eligibility, what internships are available, what the total cost will be, and whether online or transfer students receive the same level of advising.

References:

• California Board of Accountancy. (n.d.). California licensees by type. Retrieved June 7, 2024, from https://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/licensees/index.shtml
• California Society of CPAs. (n.d.). CPA salary guide. Retrieved June 7, 2024, from https://www.calcpa.org/become-a-cpa/cpa-salary-guide California Employment Development Department employment projections
• National Center for Education Statistics. (2024, January). Average undergraduate tuition, fees, room, and board charges for full-time students in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by control and level of institution and state: Academic years 2021-22 and 2022-23. Digest of Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_330.20.asp
• PayScale. (2024, March 21). Average certified public accountant (CPA) salary in Los Angeles, California. Retrieved June 7, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Certified_Public_Accountant_(CPA)/Salary/b9c40be2/Los-Angeles-CA
• O*NET OnLine. (2024, May 21). California employment trends - Accountants and auditors. Retrieved June 7, 2024, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/13-2011.00?st=CA
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024a, April 3). Occupational employment and wages - Accountants and auditors. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132011.htm
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024b, April 3). State occupational employment and wage estimates - California. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ca.htm
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024c, April 17). Accountants and auditors. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm