Navigating Graduate School Choices: Is Prestige Essential for Public Accounting Careers?

As I approach my graduation from Western Governors University (WGU) with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, I am faced with a pressing decision: how to accumulate the necessary 150 credit hours required for the CPA exam. The question that looms over me, fueled by my readings in various forums, is whether the prestige of an institution truly affects job prospects in public Accounting once you hold your CPA.

Currently, I have two distinct paths in front of me:

1. Stay at WGU for my master’s: This option is appealing due to its affordability and the familiarity I have built with the competency-based model.

2. Transfer to a traditional state or local university: This choice would likely provide a different educational experience and potentially carry more weight in the eyes of employers.

Despite the perspective that the institution’s reputation fades into the background once the CPA is achieved, I cannot help but worry about the lingering stigma surrounding online education, particularly from programs like WGU that utilize pass/fail grading and automatically assign a 3.0 GPA. My primary concern is whether this background might impede my chances of securing a position in a public accounting firm or obtaining competitive entry-level roles.

To those who have navigated the hiring landscape—whether as applicants or as hiring managers—I’m eager to understand:

• Do recruiters truly overlook the institution’s name after you obtain your CPA?
• Are there any success stories from individuals with a WGU credential who managed to break into prominent firms like the Big 4 or notable mid-tier companies?
• Is the investment of time and finances in a traditional master’s program worthwhile compared to continuing at WGU?

While the common sentiment is that achieving a CPA outweighs the school’s name, doubt lingers. Might I be limiting my future opportunities by choosing to pursue my master’s degree with WGU?

I welcome insights or experiences from anyone who has found themselves in similar situations. Thank you for your guidance!