Navigating the Path to Public Accounting: Should You Worry About School Prestige?

As a soon-to-be graduate from Western Governors University (WGU) with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, I find myself at a crossroads, contemplating my next steps toward obtaining the necessary 150 credit hours for the CPA exam. While I have been absorbing advice from various discussions, there seems to be a recurring theme suggesting that school prestige diminishes in importance once the CPA is in hand. Yet, I can’t help but feel uncertain about this notion.

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

1. Continue at WGU: This would keep me in a familiar environment with a cost-effective program.
2. Transfer to a Traditional College: This would involve enrolling in a state school or a local university renowned for its Accounting program.

My hesitation stems from the lingering stigma associated with online education, particularly in competency-based programs like WGU, which implement a pass/fail grading system and assign an automatic GPA of 3.0. My greatest fear is the potential impact this may have on my prospects for securing a position in public accounting or advancing to more desirable entry-level roles.

I’m reaching out to those who have navigated the industry, either as candidates or hiring professionals:

• Do recruiters genuinely prioritize CPA credentials over the reputation of the educational institution?
• Does anyone have experiences to share about landing positions at Big 4 firms or mid-tier organizations with a WGU degree?
• Is the investment of both time and finances in a more conventional program justified?

While the prevailing advice suggests that having a CPA far outweighs the influence of your school’s name, I can’t shake the concern that remaining at WGU for my graduate studies might limit my future opportunities. Your insights, especially from those who have faced similar dilemmas, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your thoughts and experiences!