[mark417]

So in the spring, I registered with an online profit school (strayer). I like it there so far, they offer a lot of options with different concentrations and they offer a lot of flexibility with classes. I read a lot that employers don’t value their education as much as private schools even if It is regionally accredited (not AACSB of course). What I want to know is why do so many employers look down on these schools? If they have the same “regional” accreditation as a private school, and you pass the exam, what’s the difference? Accounting is concrete and no matter what school you go to, you need to know the material to pass the exam!

My fear is that I might hurt my future chances of employment by not going with a private school. But I’ve already started and I feel like it’s working for me. I’ve only taken two courses so far and have a 4.0. Will I get an interview with an accounting firm?

Mark Prussock

[Double A]

Perception is reality, unfortunately. These schools are perceived as less quality despite being accredited. Depending on your background you may not have to worry about it. If you pass the CPA exam before looking for a job it won't matter as much.

I was in a similar situation coming out of undergrad because I went to a smaller state school. While I knew the material and had a great GPA my options were limited because of the school. While this did hinder my job search a little I made sure to branch out and go to many different events to talk to as many recruiters as possible.

Maybe a good idea would be to reach out to a few recruiters in the area to get their take on it.

[wr8280]

I graduated from a for-profit school and passed the CPA exam. I never ever heard a recruiter ask about my degree, only if I had passed the exam. That being said, you better freaking pass the exam because those schools aren't respected. I just went there to get my required credits in order to sit for the exam, it was never the end goal.

FAR- 82
REG- 93
AUD- 89
BEC- 88

You are smarter, more focused, and more brilliant than you give yourself credit for. Believe in yourself and truly know in your heart that you can do it.

[fuzyfro89]

It's a negative perception that you will have to overcome. Unfortunately, for some people like you, it's the only option available due to financial or other personal constraints.

Like wr8280 said, YOU HAD BETTER PASS THE EXAM!!!

Getting a degree from a “diploma mill for profit school” is seen as sub-par to traditional universities because the perception is that you must be less intelligent or capable than other students. That may or may not be the case for everyone, but just know that it's an uphill battle. Passing the CPA will make up for a lot of that negative perception since it shows you at least have a base level of competency in accounting/finance/tax/law topics.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the situation. When I was in the military, they paid for me to get my MBA from the University of Phoenix because I was in and out of the country and needed to do it distance learning. The interviewers said they were very impressed that I was able to complete it while deploying in and out of the Middle-East so it made me look good. However, if all you've done is for profit schools, naturally your degree isn't going to receive the same recognition than a traditional university so you'll be put at a disadvantage compared to the other applicants. For-profit schools have a stigma so it is what it is.

[Missy]

You ask, why do employers look down on for profit schools, then add you have a 4.0. You may be an exceptional student I have no idea but the perception is that they grade easier and everybody walks out with a 4.0. I happened to take all my classes online from a state school but for all anybody can tell from my transcripts I was, sitting in a classroom.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[mw798]

Are you going there for you MBA? If so, I wouldn't even list it on your resume after you get your CPA. As others have stated, perception of these type of schools is not very favorable. There are other managers at my company who won't even interview candidates with University of Phoenix or Strayer MBAs. I've seen more than a few resumes of candidates from these schools and every candidate has had a 4.0 GPA or very close to it, so I assume grade inflation is common at these schools.

[JohnWayneIsGod]

‘Will I get an interview with an accounting firm?'

Find out who recruits from your school. Try to contact recruiters at the firms that interest you, and ask them if they recruit from the school that you are attending.

‘I read a lot that employers don't value their education as much as private schools even if It is regionally accredited (not AACSB of course)'

Again, try to talk to someone who makes hiring decisions about your school. Like you, I went to a regionally accredited school that was not AACSB accredited, but I spoke to a few unbiased CPAs that were in management positions before making the commitment. Passing the CPA will likely replace any negative perceptions about your degree, but your degree should be good enough to get you work even if you have not sat for the exam.

FAR - 80

Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.

-John Wayne

[MaLoTu]

You are not going to have an advantage based on your degree, but that doesn't mean you will not get interviews. You will, however, have to rely on your ability to sell yourself. Networking is a must when your school isn't recruited from.

Like wr8280 stated above, it really is not a focal point of an entry-level interview. They want to know you have a degree and you can sit for your state's exam. The interviewer probably even relies on the recruiting to determine that. I am not sure if the school will be a deciding factor as to whether you get an interview, but that can be greatly mitigated by networking.

[ruggercpa2b]

For what its worth, I did the Devry route to get my credits to be able to sit for the exam. I was hired at Deloitte and worked there for 2.5 years. I don't remember anyone asking about what school I went to when I submitted my application but they did ask me my education level and if I was eligible to sit. I have interviewed at both PWC, EY and a few regional firms when I was looking to leave and never had anyone ask me about that. They were more interested in knowing where I was with the exam. This has been in the last 6 months since I left the green dot that I interviewed at the other firms. I ultimately decided to go to industry.

Like noted above, you do have to sell yourself and network. But discount yourself to be out of the running even though I know people always say the worst about the online schools.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Author]

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