Accounting undergraduate enrollment grew 8.9% in spring 2026 year-over-year, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
This year, 281,992 students enrolled in four-year undergraduate accounting programs, compared to 266,868 last year. Enrollment has been steadily climbing for the past three years. In 2025, accounting programs saw a 12.7% increase, and a 4.8% increase in 2024.
"This is the third straight year we've seen increases, so accounting is really showing momentum right now among students," Susan Coffey, CEO of public accounting at the American Institute of CPAs, said in a statement. "But it's more than just enrollment data. We're seeing strong interest in the new CPA exam, rising entry-level pay within firms and finance teams, and more buzz in general about accounting as a great career choice for students and young professionals. The word is getting out."
Accounting's increase compares to 1.3% increase in enrollment across all majors, including for business, management and marketing majors. However, accounting enrollment at two-year and related undergraduate programs fell 3.2% to 64,900.
In 2025, CPA exam candidates were at their highest level since 2018, excluding the spike in 2023 before the change to a new exam format. Exam passers — those who pass all four sections — and unique exam candidates were also at their highest since 2017, with the same exception.
