Is an Accounting Degree Worth It?

If you're considering a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you might have questions about what the degree program is like and what you can do with it.

Choosing your major or degree program is a big decision, but doing your research can help you make a choice that works for you, your interests and your goals.

First Things First: Is Accounting a Hard Major?

When it comes to choosing a major, you might ask yourself about the difficulty of that degree. For an accounting degree, you may worry about how hard it will be… or how much math will be involved. Mona Stephens, an associate dean of business at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), said this concern is not uncommon among students.

Some accounting degree courses do fall into the category of what you probably think of as typical “math” classes. For example, you can expect to take a course in statistics. But many classes in your accounting degree will focus on the theories, documentation and laws that inform accounting practices, like microeconomics or federal taxation.

“Accounting works with numbers, but there is surprisingly little math involved,” Stephens said. “Computers handle most of the calculations."

According to Stephens, an accountant uses numbers to document and tell an organization's financial story.

“Accountants analyze what the numbers mean, communicate insights to others and provide the information business leaders need to make informed decisions,” she said.

Stephens has been an instructor and administrator at SNHU for 15 years. During this time, she’s seen students face challenges and learn skills to help them succeed. As an associate dean, she now oversees accounting, finance and business analytics programs and courses.

So, What Makes Someone a Good Accountant?

Stephens noted that you may be a good fit for a degree in accounting if you:

• Enjoy solving problems and understanding what the numbers mean: Using financial information to identify trends and help companies make informed decisions.
• Are detail-oriented and value accuracy: Paying attention to details helps keep financial records complete, reliable and trustworthy.
• Like using data to support business decisions: Analyzing financial information helps leaders understand performance and plan ahead.
• Can communicate clearly and explain information to others: Turning complex financial information into insights for others to understand and use.

Every major comes with its own set of challenges, and they will be different for every student.

“Accounting can be challenging, but you don't have to navigate it alone,” said Stephens. “Whether you need help understanding accounting concepts, planning your coursework or balancing school with other commitments, SNHU offers a variety of support services designed to help you succeed in your courses and prepare for your future career.”

How Valuable is a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting?

If you are interested in becoming an accountant, getting your bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field (like business administration) is a good first step. While there are some jobs you can do without a bachelor's degree, like becoming an accounting clerk, auditing clerk or bookkeeper, your earning potential will see a significant increase if you have a bachelor's degree.*

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2025, accountants and auditors with a bachelor’s degree made a median salary of $83,680 compared to the median salary of $50,670 for accounting clerks, auditing clerks or bookkeepers.*

In addition to increasing your earning potential and career options, an accounting degree can also lay the groundwork for further certifications, like becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).*

For Blake Venable '24, earning a bachelor's degree in accounting was a personal goal to build on his career. Running several businesses and working as an accountant, Venable said the coursework directly benefited his professional work.

"I know that what we're doing and what we're practicing and what we're learning is obviously going to translate into the real world because I'm already doing it," Venable said.

Accounting Degree Career Outlook and Outcomes

Your bachelor’s degree in accounting can be the gateway to multiple career opportunities — and the career outlook for accountants is good.* According to the BLS, there will be an expected 115,300 job openings for auditors and accountants each year between 2025 and 2035, which is a growth rate of 5%.* This is slightly higher than the projected 3% growth rate across all careers in the U.S.*

According to Stephens, an accounting degree opens the door to a variety of career opportunities.

“Because every organization relies on financial information, accounting graduates can work in almost any industry,” she said. “The degree provides a strong business foundation and the flexibility to pursue different career paths as your interests and goals evolve.”

She also noted that some career paths you may choose to pursue with an accounting degree include:

• Auditing: Auditors make sure that an organization’s financial statements are accurate and compliant with relevant laws.
• Financial analysis: Financial analysts guide businesses in decision-making based on data and financial insights. Find out how you can become a financial analyst.
• Forensic accounting: Forensic accountants and fraud examiners investigate financial transactions and crimes. If this interests you, explore how to become a forensic accountant.
• Public accounting: Public accountants advise individuals and businesses on tax matters.

Stephens encourages students to gain experience beyond the classroom through internships, professional organizations, industry events and certifications.

“These opportunities can help students build their professional network, strengthen communication, problem-solving and technology skills and better prepare for today's workplace,” Stephens said.

She also noted that employers are looking for professionals who can not only analyze financial information but also communicate insights and use data and technology to support business decisions.

Is an Accounting Degree a Good Fit for Me?

If you’re thinking about a bachelor's degree in accounting, take the time to look at your options and your goals.

“For students considering accounting, I encourage them to learn more about the field and the variety of career paths it offers,” Stephens said. “Accounting is a challenging but rewarding degree, and students who are curious, willing to learn and interested in solving problems often find that there are many opportunities to align the degree with their interests and career goals.”

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Meg Palmer ’18 is a writer and scholar by trade who loves reading, riding their bike and singing in a barbershop quartet. They earned their bachelor’s degree in English language and literature at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and their master’s degree in writing, rhetoric and discourse at DePaul University (’20). They are currently attending Northeastern University as a first-year PhD student studying English with a focus in rhetoric and digital humanities. While attending SNHU, Meg served as the editor-in-chief of the campus student newspaper, The Penmen Press, where they deepened their passion for writing. Connect with them on LinkedIn.