Accountants Are In Demand

A new survey shows that more than 203,000 students enrolled in accounting-degree programs in the 2006-2007 school year—an increase of 19% from 2003-2004. Meanwhile, 16% more accounting students graduated with bachelor's degrees and 18% more earned master's degrees in 2006-2007 compared to 2003-2004. Hiring at public-accounting firms also rose 83% over this period, reports the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a national trade group. Survey respondents included 242 U.S. colleges and 639 public-accounting firms.