<p>DS will be graduating this spring with an accounting degree from Miami (Ohio). Due to recent changes in the CPA requirements in Illinois, he will be going on for a masters to meet the new requirements. (While a masters degree isn't required, you would need at least one full semester of classes to meet the new requirements with your standard BBA degree - so, why not go one more semester and get a masters.)</p>
<p>Last week he was admitted to Michigan-Ross and Indiana-Kelley. He also had a very good interview with Notre Dame-Mendoza (who said they will let him know their decision after they receive his semester grades).</p>
<p>All three are great schools and have top accounting programs. I think he is leaning to Michigan or Notre Dame. Mom and Dad will be paying and fortunately DS basically got one year at Miami free with scholarships. Assuming he gets in to Notre Dame, any thoughts as to which is better?</p>
<p>The Big 4 will hire from all 3 of these MACC programs-choose based on other factors besides job placement like the location, environment, approach to learning, etc.</p>
<p>My S graduated from ND’s MS in Accounting program this past May – he had a really good experience there on every front (academically, socially) and he ended up with multiple Big 4 offers. I’m sure you can do well out of any of the programs. If you have any specific questions about ND’s program, feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>“You say the Illinois reqs have changed - are you in state? UIUC is #3 for accounting. Would be the best choice with the in state price.”</p>
<p>Yes, we were originally looking at UIUC, but he has secured an internship at a Big 4 firm for next summer. (He studied in Europe last year during fall semester so he missed the normal on-campus recruiting by the Big 4 for internships last summer - though he was able to get an internship at a large financial services company.) The problem is UIUC starts its masters in June - no exceptions - so he would have to give up the Big 4 internship. That’s not happening.</p>
<p>“Out of the 3, Ross. Unless he really likes ND.”</p>
<p>He is a legacy at both Michigan and ND. Grandpa got his PhD at Michigan, and Mom and an uncle went to ND. So no wonder why these two are his top choices. I think ND is the sentimental choice - he’s grown up going to ND games and summer camps, but Michigan has strong programs in so many areas.</p>
<p>“And, just so you know the change that requires 150 credits to become a CPA is a nationwide standard (not just IL).”</p>
<p>Yes, Illinois has had the 150 requirement for 10+ years, but beginning 7/1/13 they increased number of accounting hours from 24 to 30 and added some other requirements related to accounting research, ethics and communication. You use to be able to use any community college course to make it to 150 - wine tasting, horse back riding etc… I guess they caught on.</p>
<p>Update - DS was accepted to ND with a nice scholarship! Now ND is almost $30k less than Michigan. Mom and Dad now definitely have a favorite! I don’t know how generous Michigan is - they don’t provide scholarship information until March. Any money has to be merit as we are a 99,999 EFC. I’ve heard Michigan is not very generous with OOS - is that true?</p>
<p>Congratulations!!! Not only was he accepted but with a great scholarship to boot – that is wonderful!! I don’t expect that UM will match that scholarship as they are typically not generous with OOS students (which I understand as UM is a state supported university). Best of luck to your S wherever he ends up. It is not possible to make a bad choice. And if you have any additional questions about ND’s MSA program going forward, feel free to PM me.</p>