Bentley or Penn State for Undergraduate Accounting?

Question

i plan on majoring in accounting and i'm wondering which school would be the better choice. i live in new york city and these two schools are pretty much the same distance from me and money should not be an issue.

nink · Answer

Both schools are pretty much equal in reputation.

However, Penn State's 5th year MS Accounting program is still in development, the last time I checked. Almost all the states in US are now going to require 150 hrs of credits before allowing one to sit for CPA exam. I think for the state of Pennsylvania, this kicks in 2012.

If you want to work in nearby major cities such as NYC, you are going to need the MS degree. (unless the position is for audit position, they are going to want to recruit students who can sit for CPA exam. For Bentley, you need MS degree as well because the state of Massachusetts requires this 150 hr requirement)

FutureCPA · Answer

hmm so if you were in my position which university would you pick?

nink · Answer

I suggest you visit both schools before making any decision.

Visit the school's career office and find out which (and how many) Big and mid-sized accounting firms recruit at each school every year.

Also, "fit" is very important. You will be spending at least next 4 years at your undergraduate institution. You have to like the culture, student body, academic curriculum, location and etc.

FutureCPA · Answer

thanks for the advice. have you been to either bentley or penn state?

nink · Answer

I've been to both campuses for recruiting on several occasions when I was at Big 4.

FutureCPA · Answer

which one did you like better if you don't mind me asking?

nink · Answer

It really depended on candidates. Neither school is favored against the other.

(If you are asking if there are specific schools that Big 4 firms favor, yes - there are schools like that such as USC, Notre Dame, University of Virginia, NYU, etc to name a few.)

Every school has their share of stars and busts.

You can get an interview with Big 4 firm at either school with high GPA. I would say that your GPA is the most important factor in getting first round interview invite.

Therefore, go to the school that you like and take care of your GPA. That is the best option.

If you are worried about school pedigree, my advice is - attend Penn State or Bentley for 4 years. In your junior yr, study for GMAT. Then apply to 5th year school in one of the premier accounting schools like USC or Notre Dame.

TheWhiteMagic · Answer

My recommendation to you is to compare the curriculum and subjects of these two universities and select one that sounds more interesting to you.

Hope this may help your making decision. ^_^

Bentley or Penn State for Undergraduate Accounting?

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