Is a degree in accounting worth It?
If you're detail-oriented, excel at math, and thrive at problem-solving under pressure, a bachelor's degree in accounting may be an excellent major to consider. Explore bachelor's in accounting curricula, possible careers, salary expectations, and job market outlook to discover if this degree is worth it.
By: Janice Mejías Avilés, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo
Last updated: June 12, 2025
What is a bachelor's degree in accounting?
A bachelor's degree in accounting is an undergraduate program that equips learners with core knowledge of accounting, finance, economics, quantitative methods, management, and taxation principles.
Accounting programs often offer minors in specialties like business analytics, finance, or management.
Core courses may include:
- Auditing
- Financial reporting and bookkeeping
- Financial management
- Statistics
Electives may include topics in high-demand fields like forensic accounting and international finance.
Admissions requirements vary by school but generally include:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts (high school diploma or previous college experience)
- Standardized test scores
- A CV or résumé
- A personal statement/essay
- An English proficiency test
Benefits of a bachelor's degree in accounting
Earning a bachelor's in accounting could:
- Provide you with a direct pathway into the job market. A bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education requirement for accounting and auditor roles, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Offer you increased career opportunities, with a projected 6% faster-than-average job growth from 2023 to 2033, per the BLS.
- Help you access high-paying roles across industries.
- Prepare you to meet the requirements necessary to sit the certified public accountant (CPA) or certified management accountant (CMA) exams.
How much money can you make with a bachelor's degree in accounting
With a bachelor's degree in accounting, you could enter the workforce earning competitive salaries across all industries, including banking, entertainment, healthcare, and tech. You could also find job opportunities in private and public sectors and nonprofits.
Your earning potential will depend on your location, industry, experience, and additional certifications, such as CPA or CMA.
Take a look at typical job titles and their median annual salaries in 2023, as reported by the BLS:
Job title | Median annual salary (2023) |
Accountant | $79,880 |
Auditor | $79,880 |
Financial specialist | $80,090 |
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents | $76,900 |
If you enjoy working with numbers and making strategic decisions and want career stability, advancement opportunities, and strong earning potential, earning a bachelor's degree in accounting might be worth it.