Accountants are the backbone of any business or organization. They keep track of the numbers to tell companies what’s working and what isn’t. With a St. Ambrose BBA in Accounting, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to work in a number of sectors and help clients achieve their strategic goals. Our program challenges you to think critically and underlines the importance of written and verbal communication skills so you’re ready to be an asset to any team.
What is a BBA in Accounting degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BBA in Accounting?
At St. Ambrose, we’ll help you discover what kind of accountant you want to be. When you graduate with your BBA in Accounting, you’ll be ready for the CPA exam, or to work for any sized business. Our experiential learning boosts your resume and gives
Experiential learning
Participate in a service learning class and complete an internship with a local employer.
Supportive environment
Our faculty are experts in their field and ready to mentor you as you search for a meaningful career.
Industry-aligned curriculum
We work with employers to ensure our courses equip you with the hard and soft skills organizations are looking for.
State-of-the-art facilities
Many of your courses take place in McMullen Hall. It offers collaborative classroom spaces that mimic workplace settings.
Fortune 500 relationships
We've partnered with local Fortune 500 firms like Deloitte, Modern Woodmen, and HNI to help you land an internship.
What you’ll learn in your Accounting Program
In our accounting program, you’ll start with core business classes before diving into specialized areas of accounting. You’ll learn to plan, coordinate, and control the finances of any business or organization while honing writing and communication skills employers value.
- Mastery of the accounting cycle and its application in real-world scenarios.
- Proficiency in preparing the statement of cash flows, a vital financial document for assessing liquidity.
- Understanding of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting requirements, essential for compliance with regulatory standards.
- Practical experience preparing tax returns.
Explore BBA in Accounting Courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits, 36 gen ed credits, 36 core business credits, 27 accounting credits, 21 general elective credits, and 1 internship.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 300 | Accounting Fundamentals and Professional | 3 credits |
| ACCT 301 | Intermediate Accounting | 2 credits |
| ACCT 404 | VITA Seminar | 3 credits |
| ACCT 410 | Advanced Accounting | 3 credits |
| ACCT 460 | Accounting Internship | 1-3 credits |
How much does a BBA in Accounting cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,189 | $36,378 |
| Housing** | $4,019 | $8,038 |
| Food*** | $2,670 | $5,340 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,018 | $50,036 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University’s Accounting program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) recognizes institutions committed to continuous improvement that ensures their business program will give students the skills employers want.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation and recognition provide the assurance we meet standards for quality faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability.
How does SAU support accounting students?
St. Ambrose University’s accounting faculty have more than 30 years of combined teaching experience. With a particular focus on experiential learning, our faculty are passionate about providing tangible opportunities that not only help their students but benefit the local community as well. Our faculty are actively involved in advising and mentoring you so you’ll be ready for the next step in your accounting career.
Accounting faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BBA in Accounting?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Accounting Scholarships
St. Ambrose offers six scholarships supporting students who pursue an accounting degree with awards ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 per year. Learn more about scholarships for accounting students.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
An Accessible Education
"Cost is obviously a big thing for anybody going to college. When I found out about the Ambrose Advantage, it took the stress off me and my family. Now I can focus on my classes and getting a start on my career."
-Bailey Hird, Fairfield, Iowa
What’s on campus for accounting students?
Make connections in the business world through our Marketing and Finance Clubs. Meet marketing and finance professionals, take trips to area and regional businesses, and network at on-campus job fairs. The connections you make will boost your confidence as you search for a meaningful career.
Putting skills into practice
“I’ve been provided with numerous opportunities to network, interview, and listen to professionals make presentations about a company or career path. The Career Center and the Business and Accounting departments do an amazing job of providing opportunities to strengthen our professional skills.”
-Alex Denton '19, BBA in Accounting
What are the admission requirements for a BBA in Accounting?
Start your accounting career at St. Ambrose. Here are the admissions requirements for our BBA in Accounting.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with an accounting degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our accounting program could achieve.
Potential Job Titles
- Certified public accountant
- Auditor
- Tax accountant
- Forensic accountant
- Budget analyst
- Financial controller
Potential employment settings
- Accounting firm
- Government agency
- Educational institution
- Financial institution
- Corporation
- Consulting firm
Traits of an Accountant
- Attention to detail
- Analytical
- Ethical judgment
- Numerical accuracy
- Communication
- Problem-solving
Industry facts
- The median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $78,000 in May 2022.
- Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032.
For more information on accounting employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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Become who you are meant to be
With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
