Navigating Graduate School Choices: Does School Prestige Matter in Public Accounting?

As I approach the finish line of my bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself in a dilemma about my next steps, particularly regarding my master’s program. I’m aware that to sit for the CPA exam, I’ll need to complete 150 credit hours, but I can’t shake my concerns about the impact of my school’s reputation on my future career in public Accounting.

Through my research, I’ve frequently encountered the viewpoint that the significance of school prestige diminishes once you become a CPA. However, the more I think about it, the more I question if this advice truly holds weight in the job market, especially when it comes to entering public accounting.

Currently, I’m contemplating two primary paths:

1. Staying at WGU for my master’s: This choice offers a cost-effective and familiar environment.
2. Transferring to a traditional state university: This option may provide a more recognized program, albeit at a higher financial and time cost.

One concern that lingers in my mind is the potential stigma associated with online education, particularly with competency-based programs like WGU. Given that grades are often a pass/fail evaluation and automatically set at a 3.0 GPA, I wonder if this could hinder my prospects when aiming for roles in public accounting firms or securing more competitive entry-level positions.

To those of you who have navigated similar crossroads, I would greatly appreciate your insights:

• Do hiring managers place less importance on the school’s name once you possess a CPA credential?
• Have any of you successfully entered Big 4 or mid-tier firms with a degree from WGU?
• Is the investment in a traditional master’s program truly worthwhile, or does the CPA credential outweigh the name of your institution?

While the prevailing advice often suggests that the CPA credential supersedes the importance of the school name, I still feel a nagging worry that sticking with WGU for my graduate studies might restrict my career opportunities. If you’ve been in a similar situation, I would truly value your perspective and experiences.

Thank you in advance for your help!