"Big 3" degree value?

[Chebasaz]

No, he sees that person went to Harvard and that's pretty much that, your UofP degree is useless. So yes, I do care how an employer would view my degree, because if he or she views it as worthless and I don't even get an interview, I just wasted my time and money.

Perfectly legitimate point, but you also need to understand that this doesn't apply to the vast portion of the job market.

If you're attempting to break into one of the Big 5 accounting firms, then yes.. the place you earn your accounting degree will most likely matter a great deal. If all things are even between you and the competing candidate, he (or she) who goes to the better institution will probably get the job. That's why people pay those sky-high prices for tuition.

Now if you're not specifically targeting one of those firms and you just want to get a job as an accountant, as long as it's regionally accredited and the school hasn't been plastered all over the news for being a sham, it likely doesn't matter to prospective employers. If you can get past the interview, you're likely in.

One other exception to this rule is at a local university. If you plan on settling somewhere like Baton Rouge and getting that accounting job, a degree from LSU will probably have more impact than it otherwise would. There's a bit of local pride involved.

All depends on what your goals are.