Navigating Graduate Options: Is School Prestige Important for a Future in Public Accounting?

As I approach graduation with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself at a crucial crossroads. In order to qualify for the CPA exam, I need to accumulate 150 credit hours, and now I must decide whether to continue my education at WGU or seek out a more traditional university.

Throughout my research and readings, I frequently encounter the belief that school prestige becomes less impactful once you obtain your CPA. However, I’m beginning to question this perspective.

I’m weighing two significant options:

1. Continue at WGU for my Master’s Program: This option is cost-effective and allows me to remain in a familiar academic environment.

2. Transfer to a Traditional State University: This would likely expose me to more conventional learning experiences, but at a higher cost and possibly more demands on my time.

My primary concern revolves around the lingering stigma associated with online education—especially programs like WGU that operate on a competency-based model utilizing pass/fail grading and typically assign a flat GPA of 3.0. I can’t help but worry that this might affect my job prospects, particularly with public Accounting firms or when seeking out desirable entry-level positions.

I would greatly appreciate advice from those who’ve navigated similar decisions—whether as candidates or hiring managers:

• Do Recruiters Prioritize Educational Background?: Once you have your CPA, is there really an opportunity for schools—especially online ones—to fade into the background?

• Success Stories from WGU Graduates?: Are there those out there who have successfully entered Big Four or mid-tier firms with a degree from WGU?

• Is Traditional Education Worth the Investment?: For those who have opted for a more conventional master’s program, was it beneficial? Did it enhance your career opportunities?

While the conventional wisdom often posits that “CPA > school name,” I still have reservations. I want to ensure I’m not inadvertently narrowing my career prospects by opting to stay with WGU for my graduate education. I invite your thoughts and experiences on how to best approach this pivotal decision. Thank you for your insights!