Accounting Schools in Vermont

Vermont’s colleges and universities offer several programs in accounting, from general accounting to advanced programs focused on CPA licensure. This overview of accounting schools in Vermont will help you find a program that matches your skills and career goals. As an alternative to traditional accounting programs, some students find that online accounting schools are a more convenient and efficient way to earn a degree to support their accounting careers.

Quick Facts

• 7 not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Vermont.¹
• 4 schools offer a certificate in accounting.¹
• 2 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.¹
• 6 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.¹
• 3 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.¹
• No schools ranked in College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023.²
• No schools ranked in the Princeton Review’s Best Colleges for Accounting Majors 2023.³
• No programs ranked in US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs 2023.⁴
• No schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023.⁵
• No schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2022-2023.⁶
• No schools are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in Business and Accounting.⁷
• 2 schools have accounting programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).⁸
• No schools have accounting programs accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).⁹

Comparison of Vermont Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Vermont to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options. For further school statistics, including median SAT, ACT, and GMAT scores, see our Vermont business schools page.

Table Notes:
*Median Debt: The median debt is the cumulative federal loan debt, excluding PLUS loans, at the time of graduation for students who completed an undergraduate program (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree) as reported by College Scorecard for academic year 2020-2021 based on ​​National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) data.
**Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry: Median earnings are the middle value of earnings, at which half earned more and half earned less, measured 10 years (2020-2021) after the first year of study (2010-2011) for all students, institution-wide, who received federal loans and who are employed but not enrolled in school. Note that this value includes those who completed their program of study as well as those who discontinued study without receiving an award.

Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases a report including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.¹¹ The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Vermont in 2019 (the most recent report available*) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers in Vermont being 53.8%:

1. University of Vermont 76.7%
2. Champlain College 42.1%
3. Saint Michael’s College 37.5%

*As NASBA makes significant changes to the CPA Exam as part of the CPA Evolution initiative, new candidate score reports by state are not anticipated until at least mid-2024.

Schools in Vermont with Accounting Degrees

To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in Vermont, we have profiled select programs below. Be sure to visit the websites of programs of interest for more detailed information on courses, admissions requirements and deadlines, and faculty.

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

Norwich University

Students at Norwich University can complete an ACBSP-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. In this accounting degree program, students gain a foundation in management, economics, and computer information systems to understand how business functions on all levels. Critical analysis and communication skills are emphasized so students can properly interpret financial data and make important financial decisions. Students also gain experience with accounting technology and software to learn how to prepare income tax returns. They take required courses such as Cost Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Business Law. They can also choose electives to further personalize their degree, such as Advanced Federal Income Tax; Government and NGO Accounting; and Data Analytics for Accounting.

Saint Michael’s College

Saint Michael’s College offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that teaches students to understand and interpret financial data and communicate effectively in business. Students gain a solid understanding of accounting concepts before participating in a final research project. The Saint Michael’s program is closely connected with community businesses, which provide students with local internship opportunities. Students who choose not to complete an internship participate in the course Organizational Problem Solving, which teaches them to work in teams to solve accounting challenges for organizations. Saint Michael’s also offers numerous study abroad opportunities to teach students about global business practices. Elective course options include Excel and Business Applications; Nonprofit Accounting; and Capital Budgeting.

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Graduate Accounting Programs

Castleton University

Castleton University, which joined with Northern Vermont University (NVU) and Vermont Technical College (VTC) to form Vermont State University (VTSU) in July 2023, offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting that prepares students for high-level accounting careers and CPA licensure. This program focuses on public accounting, ethics, auditing, risk management, and taxation. Students learn critical thinking and in-depth research skills to solve complex accounting problems. Concentration-specific courses include Taxation of Business Entities; Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting; and Advanced Auditing and Professional Ethics. A baccalaureate degree is required to apply, although it does not have to be in accounting or business. Students without a related undergraduate degree, however, are required to complete additional prerequisite coursework.

University of Vermont

The Grossman School of Business at the University of Vermont (UVM) offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) that prepares students for CPA licensure. While developing professional writing and presentation skills, students learn about auditing, tax research, and financial reporting. Students gain an understanding of US and international financial reporting standards to prepare them for careers in both domestic and international business. Required coursework includes CPA Law and Accounting Research, Regulations, and Ethics. In addition to the general MAcc, graduate students can choose from one of three concentrations to specialize their degree; Auditing and Financial Reporting; Federal Taxation: Compliance and Planning; and Sustainability Reporting and Assurance. Full-time students with all of the necessary prerequisites can complete the UVM accounting master’s degree in as little as two semesters, while those without an accounting program take an average of two years to earn their degree. An accelerated program is also offered to undergraduate students completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) at the UVM.

Online Accounting Programs

Champlain College

Champlain College in Burlington offers several fully online accounting degrees, including a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting, which is designed to prepare students for a successful career in business. Accounting majors work closely with experienced faculty in small classes through one-on-one interactions and mentorships. Champlain’s accounting program emphasizes experiential learning by encouraging students to participate in nearby internships and work in the Accounting and Finance Lab. Students can work within the community through the Vermont Income Tax Assistance Program, through which they gain experience preparing income taxes for low-income and elderly residents. In addition to the online BS in Accounting, Champlain also offers several 100% online accounting certificates, including a general Accounting Certificate, an Advanced Accounting Certificate, a Cost Accounting Certificate, and a Forensic Accounting Certificate. Those interested in CPA licensure can also enroll in Champlain’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting or complete the online Accounting Graduate Certificate.

Northern Vermont University

Students at Northern Vermont University (NVU), now a part of Vermont State University (VTSU), can earn an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This accounting program emphasizes real-world experience to prepare students for a broad range of business careers. Students participate in case studies, computer simulations, and projects with real clients to train them to be effective leaders and problem solvers. Small class sizes allow students to work closely with experienced accounting faculty. The degree includes 39 credits of business core, 21 credits for a Management concentration, and 27 credits in accounting courses. Specialized accounting courses such as Forensic Accounting; Auditing and Assurance Services; and Strategic Management prepare students for a variety of careers in accounting or licensure requirements. The BS in Accounting is a dual degree, allowing students to graduate with both a BS in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration with a Management concentration. Courses at NVU are offered on a flexible rolling schedule, making this degree accessible to all types of students. NVU also offers on-campus accounting bachelor’s degrees.

Vermont CPA Requirements

To become a Certified Public Accountant in Vermont, applicants must complete 150 semester hours, 42 of which must be accounting related. Applicants may sit for the Uniform CPA Exam after earning 120 credit hours, 30 of which must be accounting related. One year of experience, consisting of at least 2,080 hours, working under a licensed CPA is also required. After completing all 150 credit hours and required experience hours, candidates must pass a four-hour self-study exam in Professional Ethics. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Professional Ethics exam qualifies. After obtaining licensure, individuals must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every two years to maintain their license.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Vermont

Vermont’s diverse business community allows ample opportunities for accounting graduates. Ski resorts are a major industry in Vermont, with companies such as Killington Grand Resort Hotel, Jay Peak Resort, and Vail Resorts being major employers in the state. Burton Snowboards is also headquartered in Burlington, Vermont. Other large employers in Vermont include IBM, Interconnect, and GE Aviation. Several banks and healthcare businesses in the state may also need professional accountants. CPAs with an entrepreneurial spirit may choose to open their own private accounting practice.

Vermont Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area