Navigating Graduate School Decisions in Accounting: The Impact of Program Prestige

As I approach the completion of my Bachelor’s in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself at a crossroads regarding my next steps toward achieving the necessary 150 credit hours for CPA eligibility. A recurring theme I’ve encountered in discussions is the notion that the prestige of one’s educational institution becomes less relevant once the CPA is obtained. Yet, I can’t help but feel apprehensive about this perspective.

Currently, I’m weighing two primary options for my master’s degree:

1. Remaining at WGU for my master’s program, which is cost-effective and familiar.
2. Transferring to a more traditional state university or local institution.

One of my major concerns is the lingering stigma associated with online education, particularly from competency-based programs like WGU. Given that WGU utilizes a pass/fail grading approach and automatically assigns a GPA of 3.0, I worry that this may adversely affect my prospects in securing positions within public Accounting firms or attaining desirable entry-level roles.

To those who have navigated the hiring process—whether as candidates or recruiters—I pose the following questions:

• Do hiring managers truly overlook the name of the institution once you earn your CPA?
• Has anyone successfully entered Big 4 or mid-tier firms with credentials from WGU?
• Is the investment of additional time and resources in a traditional graduate program worthwhile?

While it is widely accepted that obtaining a CPA outweighs the importance of the school’s name, I am still concerned that choosing to stay at WGU for my graduate education might restrict my future career opportunities. I welcome insights from others who have faced similar dilemmas. Your experiences and perspectives would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!