Next semester starts 05/19/2025
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.
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 employers the confidence you’re ready to start your career upon graduation.
Participate in a service learning class and complete an internship with a local employer.
Our faculty are experts in their field and ready to mentor you as you search for a meaningful career.
We work with employers to ensure our courses equip you with the hard and soft skills organizations are looking for.
Many of your courses take place in McMullen Hall. It offers collaborative classroom spaces that mimic workplace settings.
We partner with public accounting firms like Deloitte, RSM, and Honkamp, and Fortune 500 companies like Deere, CAT and HNI to help you land an internship.
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.
| 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 |
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 the cost of attendance.
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,917 | $37,833 |
| Housing** | $4,140 | $8,280 |
| Food*** | $2,750 | $5,500 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,947 | $51,893 |
*Based on 2025-2026 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.
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 our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
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.
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.
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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
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.
“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
Start your accounting career at St. Ambrose. Here are the admissions requirements for our BBA in Accounting.
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
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
Potential employment settings
Traits of an Accountant
For more information on accounting employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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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.
