Accounting enrollment is finally picking up. According to new data from the National Student Clearinghouse, over 266,000 students are now studying accounting at the undergraduate level, a 12% jump from last year. It’s the third semester in a row that numbers have gone up and the second with double-digit growth.
According to CPA Practice Advisor, a lot of this has to do with what students are looking for. In a recent AICPA survey, nearly half said they picked accounting after taking a class. Others pointed to job security, solid pay, and the sense that accounting can open doors in lots of industries. And it helps that many students are meeting real accountants. 80% said they’ve attended events where professionals shared their career stories.
“More bright minds are choosing accounting, where graduates find dynamic career opportunities that draw on a mix of skills and backgrounds,” noted Susan Coffey, CEO of public accounting for the AICPA. “It’s inspiring to see positive trends in student interest. Enrollment growth underscores the need to continue to raise awareness of the benefits of accounting careers. Building future talent also hinges on continuing to make the path into accounting more accessible and the work, once there, rewarding.”
According to CPA Practice Advisor, behind the scenes, there’s been a push to make accounting feel more accessible. From scholarships and licensing changes to community college outreach and mentorship programs, the profession is trying to reach a wider group of students. That includes new pathways to becoming a CPA that lower the cost and time commitment.
To support this momentum, organizations across the profession are ramping up outreach. Programs include scholarship support, alternative CPA licensure pathways, classroom innovations, and career readiness events connecting students with working accountants. These efforts aim to raise awareness of what accounting offers—stability, flexibility and a wide range of career options—and to meet students where they are, especially at community colleges and high schools.