College Decision for public accounting
Hey All, I am new to WSO, and am looking for some advice as a high-school senior wanting to break in to either Consulting or Public accounting as an accounting major.
I got accepted direct admission into both Fisher school of business at OSU, and Kelley school of business at IU. My dilemma is that i got around $15k of aid at OSU and am still waiting for scholarships at IU. I am upper middle class, out of state and wondering which one I should lean towards.
Thanks
Based on the most helpful WSO content, both OSU Fisher and IU Kelley are solid options for accounting majors, but there are a few key factors to consider:
Cost: With $15k in aid at OSU and pending scholarships at IU, OSU currently appears to be the more affordable option. If IU scholarships don’t come through, the cost difference could be significant, especially as an out-of-state student.
Reputation for Accounting: Kelley has a stronger reputation overall for business and accounting, particularly with its Investment Banking Workshop and other specialized programs. However, for public accounting specifically, both schools can provide strong opportunities, and the difference may not be as pronounced.
Placement and Alumni Network: Kelley has a robust alumni network and strong placement in consulting and accounting roles. OSU Fisher also has a good track record, but Kelley might edge out slightly in terms of national recognition and connections.
Fit and Personal Preference: Consider where you feel more comfortable. Campus visits, interactions with current students, and your personal preferences for location and culture should play a role in your decision.
If IU scholarships make the cost comparable, Kelley might be the better choice for its stronger reputation and network. However, if OSU remains significantly cheaper, it’s a great option that can still set you up for success in consulting or public accounting.
Sources: Ohio State Fisher, Indiana Kelley, Villanova, or Emory for business undergrad?, Last-minute Decision: Vanderbilt vs. IU-Kelley (undergrad), Indiana University (Kelley) vs University of Iowa (Tippie), Kelley School of Business at Indiana University or University of Florida?, IU Kelley Transfer Prospects
Kelley. Public accounting isn’t as ridiculous to enter as a lot of other areas of finance, partially because a lot of CPA’s leave due to long hours during peak seasons. Very worthwhile credentials to have and if you stick it out you can earn pretty good money.
Kelley is going to be your best bet if we’re assuming financial aid isn’t the determining factor. If you end up choosing public accounting, you shouldn’t have much of an issue getting into it from either school (but Kelley would have the advantage). In terms of consulting placement, Kelley is the clear choice.
As long as you have a pulse and aren't severely paralyzed, you will get into public accounting from literally any school ever without even having to try
It's not that hard to break into public accounting. Both OSU and Indiana will have plenty of programs that will make that very achievable. Pick based on which you liked more / think will be more fun / makes more financial sense
TBH Kelley has a weirdly overhyped reputation, at least from their own POV. If you know the meme where the guy in 3rd place is blasting champaign it's kind of like that. It's good, but so are other big ten schools. It's close enough in rankings and job placements with peer schools like OSU and Wisconsin such that differences in outcome are more due to differences in input / student than they are to environment. There used to be a bigger difference but big ten schools have been getting a lot better in general over the last 20ish years
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