If you’re deciding between Bentley University and Northeastern University for an accounting degree, Bentley is widely regarded as the stronger choice for students specifically focused on accounting or related business fields, thanks to its specialized business curriculum, deep connections to the accounting industry, and strong job placement rates. Northeastern, however, offers broader university resources, a renowned co-op program, and a wider range of academic opportunities, making it appealing for students who value flexibility and experiential learning. Your decision should be guided by your career goals, preferred campus culture, and the type of college experience you want.
Background: Overview of Both Universities
Bentley University is a private university in Waltham, Massachusetts, known primarily for its focus on business, accounting, and finance. It has about 4,000 undergraduate students and a reputation for producing job-ready graduates in business-related fields. Bentley’s curriculum is business-centered, with accounting as one of its flagship programs.
Northeastern University, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a larger private research university with about 15,000 undergraduates. It offers a wide array of majors and is famous for its cooperative education (co-op) program, which integrates classroom study with professional experience.
Accounting Programs: Curriculum and Focus
Bentley University’s accounting program is housed in the Department of Accountancy within the business school. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and related fields. Courses cover topics such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and information systems. Bentley also offers a five-year program where students can earn both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Accounting, which fulfills the 150-credit requirement for CPA eligibility in most states.
Northeastern University’s accounting major is offered through the D’Amore-McKim School of Business. The curriculum includes core business courses and specialized accounting classes: financial and managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and accounting information systems. Northeastern integrates experiential learning and allows students to pursue combined majors or minors in other fields. The school also offers a combined BS/MS in Accounting, designed to prepare students for the CPA exam.
Career Outcomes and Job Placement
Bentley University has a strong reputation for job placement in accounting. The school’s close relationships with Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) and regional firms mean many students secure internships and full-time roles before graduation. According to publicly available data, a high percentage of Bentley accounting graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The university’s career services office is known for its active involvement in student success, offering resume workshops, interview prep, and networking events tailored to accounting majors.
Northeastern University leverages its co-op program to provide students with 6-18 months of full-time, paid work experience before graduation. Accounting students at Northeastern often complete co-ops with top accounting firms or corporate accounting departments, sometimes leading to job offers. The university’s urban location in Boston also provides access to a large network of employers. Northeastern’s overall job placement rates are strong, and many accounting students benefit from the university’s extensive alumni network.
Experiential Learning: Internships and Co-ops
Bentley offers traditional internships, externships, and job-shadowing opportunities, many of which are facilitated through its career services office. The school hosts regular career fairs specifically for accounting and finance students, helping them connect with employers early in their academic careers. While internships are not required, they are strongly encouraged, and most accounting majors complete at least one during their time at Bentley.
Northeastern is unique for its mandatory cooperative education (co-op) program, which requires students to alternate semesters of academic study with full-time, paid work in their field. Accounting majors typically complete one or two co-op placements, gaining substantial real-world experience—often for the same firms that hire Bentley students as interns. This hands-on approach is a defining feature of a Northeastern education and is highly valued by employers.
Campus Life and Student Experience
Bentley University offers a close-knit campus environment in suburban Waltham, with a strong sense of community among business students. Campus resources are tailored to business and technology, including trading rooms, analytics labs, and student-run investment groups. Student life revolves around business-related clubs, Greek life, and athletics. The smaller size allows for more personalized attention from faculty and staff.
Northeastern University is set in the heart of Boston, offering a vibrant urban campus with access to the city’s cultural, professional, and social opportunities. The student body is diverse, and campus life is dynamic, with hundreds of clubs, organizations, and events. Students benefit from the energy of a larger research university with a global perspective.
Cost, Financial Aid, and Value
Both Bentley and Northeastern are private universities with tuition and fees that are on the higher end, typically over $50,000 per year (excluding room and board). Financial aid is available at both schools, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, and loans. Bentley offers specific scholarships for accounting majors, while Northeastern provides merit scholarships and additional financial support for students participating in co-op.
- Bentley may offer a better return on investment for students set on accounting, due to targeted recruiting and high placement rates in accounting firms.
- Northeastern offers value through its co-op program, which can help offset costs by allowing students to earn money during their studies and gain work experience.
It’s important to consider your personal financial situation, as well as the potential salary outcomes for accounting graduates from each school. Both universities have career outcome statistics and financial aid calculators on their websites to help students estimate costs and potential debt.
How to Choose: Factors to Consider
- Career goals: If you are certain about a career in accounting or public accounting (CPA), Bentley’s specialized approach and industry connections may give you a head start. If you want flexibility to explore other fields or combine accounting with another interest, Northeastern’s broader curriculum may be better.
- Learning style: Prefer a structured business curriculum and smaller classes? Bentley may be a fit. Want hands-on, real-world experience and urban energy? Northeastern excels here.
- Campus environment: Bentley offers a suburban, business-focused campus; Northeastern provides a large, urban university experience.
- Financial aid: Compare scholarship offers and net costs for your situation.
- Job placement: Both schools have strong records, but Bentley’s accounting placement is especially robust.
- Graduate study: Both offer combined BS/MS programs that satisfy CPA requirements, but check which aligns best with your state’s CPA licensing rules.
Common Challenges and Misconceptions
- Misconception: “All business schools are the same.” In reality, Bentley’s accounting program is more specialized, while Northeastern’s is broader.
- Challenge: The cost of attendance can be a barrier at both schools. It’s important to weigh merit scholarships, need-based aid, and the value of experiential learning or specialized recruiting.
- Misconception: “Co-op replaces internships.” At Northeastern, co-op is a deeper, longer work experience, but internships can still add value. Bentley students often complete multiple internships.
- Challenge: Meeting the 150-credit CPA requirement. Both schools offer pathways, but planning is essential.
Comparisons with Other Accounting Programs
In the Boston area, other universities such as Boston College, Boston University, and UMass Amherst also offer respected accounting programs. Bentley is unique for its business focus, while Northeastern stands out for experiential education. Boston College is known for its Jesuit tradition and strong alumni network; Boston University offers a large, research-driven environment; UMass Amherst is a public option with lower in-state tuition for Massachusetts residents. When comparing, consider factors like:
- Accreditation (AACSB is a gold standard for business schools)
- CPA exam pass rates
- Employer recruiting presence
- Alumni networks
- Specialized programs (e.g., forensic accounting, analytics)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bentley University or Northeastern better for CPA preparation?
Bentley’s accounting program is highly regarded for CPA preparation, with a curriculum designed to meet the 150-credit requirement and a strong track record of graduates passing the CPA exam. Northeastern also prepares students well, especially with its combined BS/MS program, but Bentley’s focused approach may give students an edge if CPA licensure is their primary goal.
Can I double major or minor in something outside accounting at either school?
Yes. At Bentley, you can double major or minor, but most options are within business-related fields. Northeastern offers more flexibility to combine accounting with non-business majors or minors, thanks to its larger and more diverse academic offerings.
What is the average starting salary for accounting graduates?
Both schools report competitive average starting salaries for accounting graduates, often in the range typical for new accountants in the Boston area. Exact figures vary by year and employer, but salaries are comparable and generally strong due to the schools’ reputations. Check each university’s career services website for the most current data.
How do internships and co-ops differ?
Internships are usually shorter (a summer or semester) and can be part-time or full-time. Bentley students typically do internships. Northeastern’s co-ops are longer (4-6 months, sometimes more) and always full-time, providing more in-depth work experience. Both types of experience are valued by employers.
Are there major differences in campus life?
Bentley offers a smaller, suburban campus with a business-focused student body and close faculty-student relationships. Northeastern’s urban campus is larger, more diverse, and offers access to Boston’s cultural and professional opportunities. Your preference for campus life may influence your decision as much as academics.
Do both schools have good alumni networks in accounting?
Yes. Bentley’s alumni are especially strong in accounting and finance, with many working at major firms. Northeastern’s larger alumni base is spread across many industries, but accounting graduates benefit from a robust network in Boston and beyond.
Conclusion: Which Is Right for You?
If your primary goal is to launch a career in accounting and you want a business-focused education with strong recruiting ties, Bentley University is the clear leader in the Boston area. If you value flexibility, hands-on learning through co-ops, and the energy of a large urban campus, Northeastern University is a compelling option. Both will prepare you well for success as an accountant—your fit will depend on your goals, learning style, and the campus experience you want. Visit both campuses if possible, talk to current students, and connect with career services to make an informed decision.
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