As we know, Florida is one of the growing states in the U.S. It has numerous top-tier universities and colleges. And all colleges or universities offer strong accounting programs. However, you need to prepare for a CPA license, or you want a degree of bachelor’s and master. Florida provides various options, like online and offline, with affordable fees and strong job placement opportunities.
In this article, we understand why we study accounting in Florida and discover the best accounting schools in Florida, and provide information related to the best colleges for an accounting degree in Florida. And how to choose the right colleges.
Why Study Accounting in Florida Schools?
Studying accounting in Florida allow students with a well-balanced education program experience, real-life exposure, and substantial career prospects. The state boasts a rapidly expanding business atmosphere with numerous industries such as tourism, hospitality, real estate, finance, and healthcare, which, in turn, escalates the need for accountants. Besides that, students have access to elite universities, solid internship programs, and big accounting firms like Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG that are very active in the Florida market and readily hire.
Since Florida has no income tax and keeps attracting new enterprises, opportunities for employment remain stable and lucrative. In addition to that, students benefit from a warm climate, diverse communities, and an overall reasonably priced lifestyle, which makes Florida a wise place to start an accounting career.
Steps / Reasons:
- Florida has an expanding multiple-business environment, and the state offers strong job opportunities to students.
- Leading universities provide excellent accounting programs.
- Big Four firms and major companies are socially active in recruiting accounting software for students.
- Students get internship opportunities in different sectors like tourism, real estate, and healthcare.
- Living expenses are relatively affordable for students.
- Accounting programs give a platform for students to obtain accounting certifications such as CPA and CMA.
Top 10 Best Accounting College in Florida
Cover the top 10 best accounting schools in Florida, and understand their value ranking and fee structure.
University of Florida
- It is Located in Gainesville, Florida, United States.
- This University is one of the highest ranked universities in Florida. It continuously stayed in the top U.S. accounting programs for several years.
- Provides innovative degree programs of Bachelor’s, Master of Accounting (MAcc), and 3/2 combined degrees.
- Positive CPA pass rates and high job placements have been typical of the program.
- Fee Price: Around $28,698 per year (out-of-state) and $6,580 (in-state) approx.
- Many big industries recruit at Florida University for hiring students like Deloitte, EY, PWC, and KPMG.
Florida State University
- The location of Florida State is Tallahassee in Florida.
- FSU is a great school for accounting research and strong CPA preparation.
- Offers BS in Accounting + MAcc programs.
- This university is the right choice for those students who are really interested in working in corporate finance or auditing.
- The fee structure of Florida State is around $21,783 (out-of-state) and $6,717 (in-state) approx.
University of Miami
- UM is situated in Coral Gables (Miami) Florida.
- Miami University is a private university it is of such a great quality that it can be ranked higher than many state universities.
- Delivering smart classes and a top-notch professor.
- Ensure powerful recruiting from finance, audit, and tax firms in Miami.
- Students are allowed to pursue BBA, MSA, and Accounting PhD easily.
- The miami yearly charging the fee around $58,400 USD approx.
University of South Florida
- That university is one of the most affordable university that have a great and well-ranked department in accounting.
- It is located in Tampa, Florida.
- Give strong internship opportunities in Tampa’s
- South Florida offers Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accounting.
- The fee structure of South Florida $17,500 out-of-state, $6,340 in-state, approximately.
University of Central Florida
- Central Florida has the largest area for the student campus.
- That university is located in Orlando, Florida.
- Perfect University for students those looking for wide networking Opportunities
- They feature BS and MS in accounting at a reasonable price.
- The fee structure of Central Florida is $22150 for out-of-state and $6,370 for in-state, approximately.
Florida International University
- FIU is offering an online accounting option for students and has strong business programs.
- Situated in Miami, Florida
- It provides online degrees in accounting that are very helpful for students living in different states.
- Quite a few students may get accounting internships at corporate offices in Miami.
- The fee structure of Florida International is $18,863 out-of-state, $6,765 in-state, approximately.
Florida Atlantic University
- Based in Boca Raton, Florida
- Offers BBA, Master of Accounting, and Executive programs.
- FAU is also a nice place for CPA exam prep, and career services to students are top-notch.
- Fees structure of Florida Atlantic $17,324 and $4,879, approximately.
Nova Southeastern University
- It college located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States.
- Privately funded University with attractive programs in small business and accounting.
- Make a degree in accounting available both online and offline.
- Nova University’s fee structure is approximately $34,500 yearly.
University of North Florida
- Besides smart classes, it also offers students great professor support.
- North Florida College is located in Jacksonville, FL, United States.
- It is really helpful for students who want to study in a clean or spacious environment.
- The fee structure of UNF is $18,880 for an out-of-state student and $6,480 for an in-state student, approximately.
- Students will be able to afford the university fee criteria easily without facing any trouble.
The Stetson University
- That is located in DeLand, Florida, United States.
- Provide a student private business school with a challenging accounting curriculum.
- Offers degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Stetson fee structure around $54,000 per year.
What to Check When Choosing a College in Florida?
Selecting the best accounting schools in Florida. Check your list, like your goals, budgets, and the type of program you want.
Program specifications
In which you have to know which program you want to do. There are various Best Accounting Schools in Florida that provide various programs like.
- BS in Accounting
- MS in Accounting
- Accounting Information System
- Provide a CPA preparation
So choose the college whose specifications match your curriculum and goals.
CPA Requirements in Florida
If you want to be a certified public accountant. So you need to check this accounting program and that help to choose the best accounting schools in florida.
- You have to require 150 credit hours
- Select a particular course in audit, taxation, business law, and ethics
- It support for CPA exam preparation (review classes, practice tests, etc.)
Many colleges in Florida provide high CPA pass rates. That reflects a good indicator of program quality.
Graduation Rate & Reputation
You have to check this also before choosing the best accounting schools in Florida.
- Graduation success rates
- CPA exam pass rates
- Reputation of the business/management accounting school
- Alumni success stories
Tuition Fees & Affordability
In Florida, many colleges are available they offer a mix of public universities and highly ranked private universities. So, go through this list before selecting a college.
- In state vs out of state tuition
- Additional living expenses
- Scholarship and financial accounting aid availability
- Online program costs
Location & Environment
Florida has different types of cities, each offering unique advantages:
- Miami corporate offices, international business, Big 4 firms
- Orlando tourism and hospitality accounting opportunities
- Tampa rising financial hub with internship openings
- Gainesville & Tallahassee are quiet, student-friendly towns
Why Do You Need a CPA in Florida?
You must have a CPA in Florida as it is the highest professional license in accounting, and it enables you to carry out the work that non-CPAs are not allowed to do by law. Possession of a CPA license leads to more career opportunities, a higher salary, and professional prestige in the finance and accounting domain. For instance, in Florida, CPAs can only sign audited financial statements, represent clients before the IRS, and engage in specialized roles like auditing, taxation, and forensic accounting.
Becoming a CPA in Florida allows you to:
- Have access to well-paid jobs in accounting, audit, and finance
- Get a job at one of the Big 4 firms or a large corporation
- Be authorized to sign and issue audit reports
- Employers and clients will trust you more
- You can start your own accounting practice
- You can promote to senior positions such as controller, CFO, or finance manager
- Make a name for yourself in Florida’s competitive job market
- Holding a CPA license is not merely a certificate—it is a professional necessity for most of the top accounting and finance careers.
Conclusion
The selection of best accounting schools in Florida should be based on the academic quality, cost, your career goals, plans for getting a license, and personal lifestyle. By assessing school specializations, CPA readiness, tuition, and internship availability, you will be able to locate a college that not only nurtures your personal development but also empowers you to create a prosperous career in accounting.