How is the recruitment at the two schools I know the recruitment at SLO is good but how is UCSB, also would they be able to get you jobs SF for both schools? And how do the two programs overall compare?
I believe the accounting program at UCSB is more highly regarded than that at Cal Poly SLO. In general, it is better to attend UC schools, especially for business and business econ (which accounting will fall under) than a Ca St. Univ. school, which Cal Poly is. In the Big Four firms in San Francisco, there are many more UCSB accounting alums than there are Cal Poly SLO accounting alums. That itself tells you the quality of UCSB.
Sorry to jump in here so late. I recruited the West Region for one of the Big 4 firms for many years. Our firm had internal ratings of all major college accounting programs nationwide. Cal Poly’s accounting program was actually rated a bit higher than UCSB. That said, I’ve personally recruited on campus at both schools and hired great candidates at each. In response to a comment that the poster made immediately above, I think you would find that the Big 4 offices in San Jose would have a very healthy number of professionals with accounting degrees from SLO, as their San Jose offices would be responsible for recruiting SLO, not the SF offices. And I would encourage anyone who wants to get into public accounting to strongly consider San Jose/Silicon Valley as the opportunities for rapid growth and development are strong. All this being said, if you are interested in a career with a Big 4 or other public accounting firm you can’t go wrong with either school. Good luck with your decision.
While it may be beneficial to attend a UC, or a “name” school for business in general, for accounting specifically, it doesn’t matter nearly as much. Most UCs don’t even offer accounting.
What’s important is that the school is heavily recruited from the Big 4 if that’s where you intend to take your career ultimately. Location is another major factor, as Thunderhorse pointed out.
I think you’d be fine at both schools, as they’re both quite heavily recruited by the Big 4. Just pick the one you feel will fit you most at this point.