We are resident of GA in Atlanta. Got accepted from the business school of UGA (the honour program too) and UIUC, planning to take Accounting major. No financial aid and scholarship received from UIUC. Received scholarship from UGA. UGA accounting major ranking is13; UIUC accounting major ranking is 3 both by US News. Does it have much difference in job opportunities after graduation between UGA and UIUC? Overall which one is the ideal college to pick?
Congratulations on two great choices. What is the difference in net cost between the two? In what geography would you like to ultimately live post-grad? Have you visited UIUC?
Here are recent outcomes, it does seem Gies has higher median salary, but there is no separate detail on accounting outcomes.
UIUC Gies outcomes https://uofi.app.box.com/s/xmq21r645v4n0c6x3qqrgczxyslzc8ti
UGA Terry outcomes https://www.terry.uga.edu/students/career-services/undergraduate/employment-stats
Lastly, with regard to accounting, do some research as to the potential impact AI may have on jobs, and what types of jobs/activities accounting majors are likely to have in the future. I expect both of those schools’ career centers will be able to adequately educate students about this as well.
I am a CPA as is my S. Congrats on having two outstanding choices. A few comments related to accounting:
– Keep in mind that to become a CPA one now needs 150 credits. A typical BS degree is about 120 credits. Many students go on for a one year MS in Accounting (some can get the credits done in 4 years using a combination of AP/IB/summer courses). Keep that extra year in mind when planning out finances.
–I would have your child contact UGA career services (and possibly the accounting department as well) and try to get a sense of what percentage of students end up at Big 4 CPA firms. See if the big international accounting firms recruit heavily at UGA (I am guessing they do but try to do some research).
–Also consider where you child would like to end up. If it is GA then there might be a bigger alumni base if he/she attends UGA. Do know that it will be possible to recruit with a Big 4 firm at UIUC for a position in GA.
–Does your child strongly prefer one school to the other?
–What is the dollar difference between UGA and UICU? Is the price difference easily manageable by your family (ex. no loans, no hardship)?
Unless your family is rolling in money, I wouldn’t recommend paying OOS tuition for an accounting degree. Terry is a strong business school and it’s accounting program is strong.
I am too a CPA and S is working at a Big 4 firm and I agree with all the above. Whichever school you decide on, whether you are on a 5 year track or a 4 year track to achieve the 150 semester units or 225 quarter units, you should plan ahead if the goal is to work for a Big 4 firm and to secure a permanent job offer from a Big 4 firm before you graduate.
Two summers before you graduate, you should apply for the 2 day Leadership Programs offered by the Big 4 firms. This program leads to a 10 week internship the following summer and a likely job offer after completion of the internship. The application process starts around 8 to 9 months before the summer and it is very competitive. For example, if you plan to graduate in 4 years with the 150 semester units, the application process for the Leadership Program starts early in the sophomore year for the summer between sophomore and junior years. All is not lost if you do not get into the Leadership Program, but most summer internship offers are from the program as most permanent jobs offers are from summer internships.
Just so OP knows there are options beyond the Big 4…I am a CPA, but haven’t worked in a job that technically requires a CPA ever (e.g., Big 4 audit, tax accounting)…I went to a large corporate management training program, where undergrad business majors (regardless of actual major) work as financial analysts, and progress (or not) from there. Financially, my starting salary was similar to those who went the Big 8 route (dating myself). I am sure both UIUC and UGA career centers can give OP more details re: accounting major jobs/salary ranges
Keep in mind the salary ranges for schools are geographically influenced and where the jobs are recruited to(think West Coast for CS etc). The CoL in Chicago is more than ATL so keep this in mind and many jobs are outside Big 4. UGA is a no brainer. Now if UGA was ranked 48th then I’d have a different opinion probably.
What if you decide on majoring in something other than accounting ?
Thank you everyone for the valuable feedback! We will take all of these into consideration to pick the final school.
In regarding majors, Accounting, Finance and MIS, which one has the better future in job opportunities, stability and salary.
Accounting and Finance have some cross-overs but I feel Accounting can do everything a Finance degree can but not the other way around. MIS is totally different field.
Also a CPA and I’m from GA. I’d choose UGA, and take the savings and use it for a Masters degree when you’re done with undergrad. Congrats!