The largest state in the contiguous U.S., Texas also had the world's 9th largest economy as of 2021, despite nationwide economic challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Forbes, Texas is one of the best U.S. states for business.
Texas is projected to add about 24,000 new accounting jobs from 2018-2028. Accountants can find work in the state's array of industries, including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. Texas accounting professionals can work as financial analysts, accounting managers, and real estate appraisers, among other roles.
An online accounting degree in Texas allows learners to build their education and network in the state where they plan to begin their careers. Explore this page to learn more about accounting degrees in Texas, degree financing options, and potential career paths for graduates.
Top Accounting Programs in Texas
Why Get an Accounting Degree in Texas?
| Population | 30,976,800 |
| Climate | Average Annual Temperature: 64.8 ℉ Annual Precipitation: 28.9 inches |
| Major Sports Teams | Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, Houston Texans, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Stars |
| Number of Higher Learning Institutions | 224 |
| Per Capita Income | $37,514 |
| Fortune 500 Companies | 95 |
| Accountants in Texas | 111,160 |
Texas' business-friendly economy creates plentiful jobs for accountants. Industries like aerospace, information technology, and advanced manufacturing thrive in Texas. This creates unique learning, networking, and career opportunities for accounting professionals.
BLS data for the second half of 2021 shows employment in Texas to be steadily improving. Increased job availability in the financial, professional, and business services industries may benefit accounting professionals.
Texas emphasizes educational excellence across all levels of schooling. In the latter half of the 20th century, the Texas Board of Education prioritized reforms to allocate public school funding and measure student success more equitably.
According to the Texas Higher Education Accountability System, the six-year graduation rate for public college and university students who began school in 2014 was 64.9%. The state developed the 60x30TX plan to help at least 60% of Texans aged 25-34 get a certificate or degree by 2030. The program also encourages graduates to gain marketable skills.
In-state learners can benefit from Texas' below-average cost of living. Some public two-year and four-year institutions also charge below-average tuition. Out-of-state learners can benefit from below-average nonresident tuition as well. Students from some bordering states qualify for out-of-state tuition waivers.
Education Statistics for Texas
Texas ranks among the states with the most four-year and two-year colleges, at 148 and 96, respectively.
Texas' higher education data mirrors national averages in many areas, including the percentage of students enrolled in distance education and the percentage of adults over 25 with a bachelor's degree.
The following table compares Texas higher education data with national numbers.
| Higher Education Statistics | Texas Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 109 | 3722 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 57 | 934 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 74.3% | 72.8% |
| Postsecondary Education Appropriations per Full-Time Student | $8,147 | $8,636 |
| Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education | $13,669 | $15,276 |
| Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree | 7.2% | 8.5% |
| Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree | 19.5% | 19.8% |
| Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher | 10.4% | 12.4% |
Accreditation for Texas Schools
Accreditation is a process to ensure academic quality at higher education institutions. Schools without proper accreditation may not provide an education that meets professional and academic standards. Credits from unaccredited schools might not transfer to accredited institutions.
Accreditation comes in two forms: institutional and programmatic. Most reputable schools in Texas hold institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Accounting programs may also earn subject-specific accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Considerations for Accounting Programs in Texas
Choosing an accounting degree that meets your needs is a must for any learner.
Students should examine details like program format, career services, and financial aid when researching accounting degrees in Texas. Cost of living and tuition influence affordability. Online, on-campus, and hybrid formats affect students' learning experience.
The following sections detail key factors to consider for accounting degrees in Texas.
On-Campus Versus Online Program Options
Texas students attend school online, on campus, or through hybrid programs that combine online and on-campus components. Compare these options below.
On-Campus Programs
On-campus programs provide hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Students who prefer working more closely with peers and instructors may succeed with on-campus programs.
In addition, Texas has a lower-than-average cost of living that can make attending an on-campus program in the state affordable for learners.
Online Accounting Degrees in Texas
Online programs require self-motivation and time management. Some programs have synchronous online class sessions, while others are entirely self-paced. Students living in other states can pursue an online accounting bachelor's degree in Texas. Flexible scheduling can also help learners with personal obligations complete their studies.
Hybrid Programs
A hybrid accounting degree in Texas blends on-campus and online classes. For example, students may complete coursework online during the week and attend in-person sessions every Saturday, or attend one week of in-person learning each month. These hybrid programs work well for learners who require some scheduling flexibility but still want face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers.
Paying for Your Accounting Degree
Average tuition for public schools in Texas falls below the national average. Still, attending a college or university can still be expensive. Students can apply for financial aid. Scholarships and grants do not require repayment. In contrast, loans require repayment with interest.
Texas learners can also fill out the Texas Application for State Financial Aid if they are ineligible to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The form determines eligibility for Texas-specific financial aid programs.
Learn more about financial aid for accounting programs in Texas at the following links:
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
The average in-state tuition for public schools in Texas is about one-third the average cost of out-of-state tuition. However, distance learners pursuing an online accounting degree in Texas might qualify for in-state tuition rates even if they live out of state.
Institutions may also offer a nonresident waiver for eligible students to receive reduced tuition. These waivers are usually reserved for learners with academic success or studying in specific fields. Eligible out-of-state students from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, or Oklahoma can apply for a bordering state waiver to receive in-state tuition.
Texas' Cost of Living
In addition to tuition, learners should consider Texas' cost of living when determining if the state is compatible with their financial situation. Cost of living measures the relative cost of necessities such as housing, healthcare, and food.
Texas scores 91.5 on the cost of living index, lower than the national average score of 100. Combined with its lower-than-average public college tuition, Texas can be a relatively affordable place for students to pursue an education.
Careers for Accounting Graduates in Texas
U.S. News & World Report ranks Texas as the 9th best economy in the country. The state also ranks 12th for employment, 17th for business environment, and 10th for growth. Texas' unemployment rate has steadily dropped throughout the second half of 2021. Employment has increased in accounting sectors like financial services, government, and professional services.
Texas is also home to offices for each Big Four accounting firm. These firms have locations in some of Texas' largest metropolitan areas, including Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Houston. Accountant and auditor jobs in Texas are projected to grow 18.8% from 2018-2028.
Texas' diverse industries make the state an attractive place to start businesses and careers. Accounting professionals can find jobs in high-demand sectors like utilities and transportation, business services, and healthcare.
Below, explore accounting careers in Texas.
Select Accounting Careers in Texas
Property Appraiser
Property appraisers assess the value of residential or commercial properties. They use real estate market trends, similar property values, and property-specific characteristics to determine value. Texas' lower-than-average cost of living and growing population increase the demand for real estate and, subsequently, property appraisers. These professionals typically enter the field with a bachelor's degree.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts help organizations make financial decisions. They evaluate company data, industry trends, and future goals to determine the best course of action. A master's degree is preferable for financial analysts. These professionals work for healthcare organizations, financial services firms, and other industries in Texas.
Compliance Officer
A compliance officer ensures a company and its employees follow tax and financial regulations. Texas' bustling economy creates a demand for compliance officers in medium-to-large organizations across industries. Generally, these professionals need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Texas Employment Trends
| Job Availability | Texas | National |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Employment | 115,697 | 1,538,400 |
| 2022 Projected Employment | 137,595 | 1,605,800 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2022-32 | 18.9% | 4.4% |
| Career | Texas Employment | Texas Average Annual Salary | National Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree Recommended | |||
| Bookkeeping and Auditing Clerks | 140,550 | $46,520 | $47,440 |
| Credit Counselors | 3,960 | $45,420 | $53,440 |
| Payroll Clerks | 14,170 | $50,710 | $54,690 |
| Bachelor's Degree Recommended | |||
| Compliance Officers | 38,770 | $75,490 | $80,190 |
| Cost Estimators | 20,240 | $76,340 | $79,520 |
| Property Appraisers and Assessors | 4,680 | $71,130 | $76,110 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 41,120 | $101,650 | $109,710 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors | 3,410 | $61,430 | $65,370 |
| Master's Degree Recommended | |||
| Accountants and Auditors | 111,160 | $88,820 | $90,780 |
| Budget Analysts | 3,770 | $81,760 | $90,880 |
| Financial Analysts | 25,100 | $102,590 | $112,950 |
| Financial Managers | 63,800 | $170,970 | $174,820 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | 18,740 | $118,390 | $150,670 |
Texas is one of the top-employing states for all the aforementioned accounting careers. The average Texas salaries for many of these careers exceed national averages. This is the case for compliance officers, cost estimators, and property appraisers and assessors.
Generally, the highest average Texas accounting salaries are for master's degree positions, including financial managers and personal financial advisors.
Texas Requirements for Certified Public Accountants
Each state requires specific steps to become a certified public accountant (CPA). If you plan to CPA licensure in Texas, you should check with the state's accountancy board for a complete list of certification requirements. Generally, future Texas CPAs should meet the following criteria: