Top 5 Universities in the USA for Chartered Accountancy (CA) Students
While Chartered Accountancy (CA) is a professional designation typically pursued through accounting bodies like ICAI (India), ACCA (UK), or CPA (USA), many CA students from countries like India, Pakistan, South Africa, and Nigeria look to the United States to further their education. Whether to gain an edge in global finance, pursue CPA (Certified Public Accountant) credentials, or advance into leadership roles in international business, studying at a top U.S. university is a strategic move.
While the U.S. doesn’t offer a “CA” degree per se, it does provide world-renowned master’s programs in accounting, finance, and business that align perfectly with a CA’s skill set. These programs also prepare students for the U.S. CPA exams, provide deep exposure to U.S. GAAP and IFRS, and open doors to Big Four firms, multinational corporations, and public sector roles.
Below are the top 5 universities in the USA ideal for CA-qualified or CA-track students looking to level up their careers.
1. University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business
Location: Austin, Texas
Why It Stands Out:
UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business is consistently ranked among the top accounting schools in the U.S. Its Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) program is ideal for CA students wanting to transition into the U.S. accounting ecosystem.
Program Highlights:
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Strong CPA exam preparation integrated into coursework.
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Ranked #1 for graduate accounting programs by U.S. News & World Report.
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Optional internship component with top accounting firms, including the Big Four.
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Direct connections to U.S. recruiters and corporate partners.
Career Advantage:
Graduates are heavily recruited by Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, and Fortune 500 companies. The university’s reputation in accounting ensures high employability and strong alumni networks across the U.S.
2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Gies College of Business
Location: Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
Why It Stands Out:
A pioneer in accounting education, the Gies College of Business offers a Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) that attracts students from all over the world—including those with CA credentials.
Program Highlights:
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One of the largest accounting research faculties in the U.S.
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Curriculum tailored to prepare international students for the U.S. CPA.
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Offers both on-campus and online formats, providing flexibility.
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Partnerships with CPA review providers and recruiters.
Career Advantage:
The school has a vast alumni network and an excellent placement record. Many CA-qualified international students use the MSA as a bridge to secure accounting roles in the U.S.
3. University of Southern California (USC) – Leventhal School of Accounting
Location: Los Angeles, California
Why It Stands Out:
USC’s Leventhal School of Accounting is part of the prestigious Marshall School of Business and is known for its rigorous accounting and tax programs.
Program Highlights:
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Offers a Master of Accounting (MAcc) and Master of Business Taxation (MBT).
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Highly diverse international student body.
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Close ties to West Coast financial markets and global firms.
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Strong CPA pass rates among graduates.
Career Advantage:
USC’s location in California—home to many Fortune 500 headquarters and accounting firms—means excellent internship and job opportunities, especially for CA professionals wanting exposure to U.S. corporate finance and tax.
4. New York University (NYU) – Stern School of Business
Location: New York City, New York
Why It Stands Out:
NYU Stern is one of the top business schools globally and offers robust accounting, finance, and business analytics programs suited for CAs aiming to work in corporate finance, investment banking, or consulting.
Program Highlights:
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Offers a Master of Science in Accounting and several finance-focused MBA concentrations.
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Access to top employers on Wall Street and in global consulting.
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Integrated CPA preparation in the curriculum.
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Stern’s emphasis on leadership and data analytics enhances a CA’s technical background.
Career Advantage:
NYC is a global financial hub. CA students at NYU often transition into roles at JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, and other world-leading firms.
5. Indiana University – Kelley School of Business
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Why It Stands Out:
Kelley School of Business is well-regarded for its Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) and its integration with U.S. CPA exam requirements. The program is popular among international and CA-qualified students.
Program Highlights:
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Customizable curriculum tailored to international accounting professionals.
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Strong mentorship and career coaching.
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Faculty with experience in both U.S. GAAP and IFRS.
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Affordable tuition with high ROI.
Career Advantage:
Graduates land roles in public accounting, corporate finance, and consulting across the U.S. Kelley’s career services provide extensive support for international students navigating U.S. job markets.
Final Thoughts
Although the U.S. doesn’t award the Chartered Accountant designation directly, it offers elite graduate programs that are ideal for CA-qualified professionals or CA students seeking global advancement. Whether your goal is to earn a U.S. CPA license, enter the corporate finance world, or work for a Big Four firm in an international setting, the universities listed above provide the foundation, credibility, and network to help you succeed.
If you’re a CA or in the final stages of your CA journey, pursuing a master’s degree at one of these top U.S. universities could be your gateway to a global career.