Navigating Graduate School Choices: The Impact of School Prestige in Public Accounting

As I approach the finish line of my bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself faced with a critical decision that could shape my professional future. In order to sit for the CPA exam, I need to fulfill 150 credit hours. However, I’ve recently come across a debate that has left me feeling uncertain: does the prestige of a school truly matter once you’ve earned your CPA?

While some individuals assert that the name on your diploma is overshadowed by the CPA credential, I can’t help but feel apprehensive about this notion. I’m weighing two distinct paths for my master’s program:

1. Continue at WGU – A convenient and cost-effective option that offers a familiar environment.

2. Transfer to a Traditional State Institution – A more conventional choice that may carry additional prestige.

My concern revolves around the lingering stigma often associated with online education, especially programs that employ competency-based models like WGU’s pass/fail grading system, which results in an automatic 3.0 GPA. I’m anxious that this could hinder my prospects for landing interviews with public Accounting firms or securing competitive entry-level positions.

I’m particularly keen to hear from those who have experience navigating the hiring landscape, whether as candidates or as hiring managers:

• When evaluating candidates, do recruiters genuinely overlook the name of the institution once they see a CPA credential?
• Are there success stories of individuals with a WGU degree who have successfully entered Big 4 or mid-tier firms?
• Is pursuing a master’s from a more traditional program genuinely worth the additional time and financial investment?

Though the prevailing advice suggests that having a CPA supersedes the weight of a school’s reputation, I can’t shake the feeling that choosing to remain at WGU for my graduate studies could limit my opportunities. I’m eager to hear insights from anyone who has faced a similar dilemma.

Thank you in advance for sharing your perspectives!