Conduct a search to ensure the desired accounting school has appropriate accreditation credentials. Accreditation by an authorized agency guarantees that the education provided meets an acceptable level of quality. The U.S. Department of Education does not issue accreditation, but the Secretary of Education is required to publish a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies. Accreditation information is usually listed on the school's website. Be sure to verify the authenticity of the accrediting agency (see Resources below).
Calculate or find the acceptance rate of the accounting school. Generally, top-ranked schools have a low acceptance rate due to the competitive number of applications. Meanwhile, low-ranked schools have a high acceptance rate because they tend to issue more admittances. But this isn't always the case. To find an accounting school's acceptance rate, conduct a search through U.S. News World and Report (see Resources below). This news publication ranks higher education institutions across the United States and posts statistics -- such as acceptance rates -- to support its claims.
Find the student enrollment statistics for the accounting school. More students generally means more classes will be offered, as will more cultural events. On the other hand, according to SuperCollege.com, smaller colleges have more events per student, and they usually have more merit because the courses tend to be more specific and customized. To find an accounting school's student enrollment statistics, refer to U.S. News World and Report (see Resources below).
Determine the cost of attendance. According to CollegeConfidential.com, higher education is like a consumer product -- you get what you pay for. A hefty price tag may deter prospective students, but keep in mind that many expensive schools have superior financial aid available. To find an accounting school's tuition cost, conduct a search through College Board (see Resources below). This online service, like U.S. News World and Report, ranks higher education institutions across the United States and posts school statistics.
Investigate the types of degrees and programs offered. Obviously an accounting school offers an accounting program, but go to the institution's website to preview the different degree types offered (certificate, associate's, bachelor's, master's, etc.). When deciding to which school to apply, know your goals and which degree you want to earn. For more information on the various types of degrees and their specifications, see Resources below.