DS is planning on majoring in accounting and is deciding between TCNJ (in-state) and the University of Scranton (where his sister is currently a sophomore). His current HS accounting teacher (has had same teacher all 4 years of HS) is a big proponent of TCNJ, especially for in-state accounting job prospects post college. However, we absolutely love the University of Scranton and what it has meant for DD. COA would be fairly similar between the two schools (significantly less if DS commutes to TCNJ rather than living on campus). Just wondering if anyone on CC has any thoughts on each school’s accounting program and potential post college job opportunities?
I had a kid get an accounting degree last year (not from either of your colleges). Although accounting grads have an easier time getting jobs than most other majors, you can’t overestmate the importance of the internships.
As you probably know, it seems to be quite common that companies hire people who have done well for them as interns, & it seems to be much harder to get the first full-time job if you haven’t had an internship, even if it’s at another company. But getting that first internship isn’t easy.
My kid had several friends, relatives, & relatives of friends all brag that they knew somebody that would give my kid an internship. But it was all talk & no action. If you have a very very reliable connection in the accounting field, then an internship should be no problem. And if your kid gets a real high gpa, it will be easier. If neither of those are the case, then I would heavily research the availability of summer & in-term internships for students at each school, & also how much assistance the college provides to those seeking accounting internships.
Thanks for your feedback @moooop
Also, most likely your child will pursue a MAcc degree (you need 150 credits for a CPA, and you might as well get a masters if you are at around 120 when you get your undergrad degree).
OP. TCNJ unless the Catholic component is very important to your student and cost is not a concern for you. The Jesuit commitment to service and a broader education beyond accounting is valuable imho. It’s a lifetime reward and helps accountants build better connections with clients. It’s more than the numbers over time. But tcnj is a really fine school.
@yikesyikesyikes Yes, DS is definitely planning on getting his MAcc… should have enough AP/CAP credits to give him a good shot at getting his MAcc in 4 years.
@privatebanker Yes, the Jesuit education at Scranton would be ideal, however, the value of the in-state TCNJ (with Merit Scholarship) is also hard to pass up. DS is not only an excellent student (4.0 UW/5.8 W), but also a very caring and selfless person who would thrive at a Jesuit institution like Scranton. I wish things didn’t always have to revolve around money… $-)
As noted above, internships are important. I believe that one can apply to a wide variety of schools for a master’s in accounting program. So if TCNJ is significantly lower in cost than the University of Scranton, that might be the wiser choice.
A few comments in no particular order (FWIW I’m a CPA as is my S):
– Which school does your S prefer? Just because UScranton is great for your older D does not mean that it will be the right fit for your son. All kids are not the same. My kids chose two very different undergrad schools and both had fantastic experiences that suited each of them very well.
–Agree with @moooop that it is worth doing research about internships. Most Big 4 internships are attained through interviewing on campus so I’d see what career services at both schools has to say (how mamy/what % of class get internships, how many/what % of class with Big 4 firms, which offices etc.). My gut wonders if TCNJ may have an edge especially with the NJ offices of the firms but you absolutely need to do your own research.
–Also look into the ease of getting a masters in 4 years. It may be tougher to do at UScranton because he would need to fulfill the sizeable Jesuit core curriculum. You can probably get the course catalogues/graduation requirements from online searches and get an idea of what courses AP credits are accepted for, core requirements, requirements for major and see if a four year Masters is more feasible in one school versus the other.
–Note that most people do stay at one school through the Masters degree for accounting but there are some one year Masters in Accountancy programs that might be options if he does require a fifth year to get that degree. (ex. my S went to Fordham undergrad and got his MS in accounting at Notre Dame).
-I think there is a big advantage to living on campus if that is affordable. It really comes down to family finances.
@Publisher after scholarships the COA (living on campus) is very close between the two schools…the commuting option for TCNJ is what creates a financial advantage. Have to weigh this vs the social/emotional benefits of living on campus.
The 150 hour requirement might be satisfied by earning a master’s in taxation or in data analytics depending upon any specific state licensing requirements. A master’s in a specialty area other than accounting might enhance employment prospects.
Thanks for your feedback @happy1
Anecdotally, TCNJ will have a bigger draw to Big 4 on campus recruiting, if that is your goal. My son didn’t want me to ever retire so he selected Bucknell over TCNJ. My older research was very strong on TCNJ’s Acctg program and recruitment.
My oldest is a CPA with a Masters and didn’t get an interview with any Big 4 firms. My youngest will have 150 credits in 4 years, no masters and got 3 Big 4 internship offers his sophomore year (for Jr yr completion). So, in my 2 person research, if you want Big 4, go to a school where they really want the undergrads.
Also, a MAcc is not helpful with the Big 4. However, as @Publisher (post 10) indicated, a specialty master’s in tax, etc may be helpful to distinguish yourself. Seems impossible to achieve in 4 years, though.
@Happy1 is routinely the most knowledgeable in this area - go 'Pards!
A few more comments:
– My S found that getting a MS in Accounting was very helpful in his getting a Big 4 job. But as I noted above he had an unusual situation where he went to a different college (that was highly attractive to Big 4 firms) for his MS. He interned at a latge international (but not Big 4) CPA firm. I do agree with @pardullet that it is very helpful to attend a college that the Big 4 recruits heavily from.
– The majority of Big 4 jobs are obtained through the internship process. Students try to get nternships the summer before they get 150 credits.
–My S knew one person who got a MS in Accounting in four years so under certain circumstances it is possible.
(@pardullet LOL. Definitely Go Pards!! My D had a fantastic experience there.)
I’m a little late to the game but my two cents is go TCNJ. I’m a CPA and I know that TCNJ is a high recruitment school for Big 4 and much closer than UofS to Philly/NYC/NJ offices. And it’s a lot easier to afford those extra credits if necessary, with TCNJ.
Thanks for your feedback @Sparcky…it is a two horse race heading down the backstretch between TCNJ and The University of Scranton for DS…the COA is similar between the two for us…TCNJ has better proximity…but Scranton has a better feel for him (DD and her great group of friends have already embraced/welcomed him)…thinking a decision will be made in the next few weeks 
Please let Scranton Admissions know if you need any help as you make your final decision. Go Royals!
What graduates are doing and where they are working and how much they are paid:
https://career.tcnj.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/168/2018/08/FYO-2017-Bus-Report_MA_8-16-18.pdf