Which Big 4 is hardest to get into?

Asked by: Danika Larkin  |  Last update: April 23, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (57 votes)

The higher number might be on account of KPMG having a proportionally smaller consulting practice than its rivals – and consulting is the most competitive Big Four role to get into. EY might have the clearest figures.

Which of the Big 4 is the most prestigious?

PwC is considered the most prestigious due to its position as the largest professional services firm in the world by revenue. Some key facts about PwC: Generates over $43 billion in annual revenue. Employs over 295,000 people across 157 countries.

Is it hard to get hired at a Big 4?

Overall, while many applicants are qualified, the combination of rigorous academic standards, relevant experience, and strong interpersonal skills makes it a challenging process. Preparing thoroughly and demonstrating a clear understanding of the industry and the specific firm can improve your chances.

Is EY or PwC more prestigious?

PwC and EY are at a similar level of prestige. Both PwC and EY offer strategy and operations consulting services, with the firms using acquisitions to bolster their strategy offerings. Specifically, PwC acquired Booz & Company (now “Strategy&”) and EY acquired Parthenon Group (“EY-Parthenon”).

Who pays more EY or KPMG?

For entry-level positions, EY and PwC pay roughly the same and about 10% more than Deloitte and KPMG. All firms pay similar bonuses on top of the base salaries offered.

Which BIG 4 Firm IS THE BEST? We Rank the BIG 4 on Salary, Size & Culture! [PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY]

39 related questions found

What GPA do you need for EY?

Min GPA 3.20 out of 4.00 from reputable Universities. Understanding on the principles of business management. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Which Big 4 is best to work?

PwC and Deloitte are the most prestigious

If you ask most people about prestige, they'll probably rank PwC/Deloitte > EY > KPMG. This is reflected in pricing, for example. Big 4 will compete with each other on pricing.

How hard is it to get a job at KPMG?

KPMG, the smallest of the Big Four by most metrics, is tougher to parse. According to careers advice site thecambridgeconsultant, the firm received around 50,000 applicants to 3,900 roles in the USA, an acceptance rate of around 7.8%.

Is it hard to get into Deloitte?

Yes, it is hard to get a job at Deloitte. It is one of the most prestigious accounting firms in the United States. It receives 500,000 applications annually from highly competitive job seekers with exemplary talents and academic backgrounds.

What GPA do the Big 4 want?

We would, however, say that the minimum GPA required is 3.0. But if you find that yours is a bit lower than that, just work on your GPA for grad school, gain work experience, or take on leadership roles during your academic career. These are called compensating factors.

Which Big 4 has the best culture?

KPMG Work Culture

Though the smallest of the Big 4 firms, KPMG is known to have the best work-life balance amongst its employees. The company places an emphasis on employee engagement and has the lowest churn rate of the Big 4.

Which of the Big 4 pays best?

If you want to make the most money in consulting, Deloitte pays the best. However if you want to make the most money in auditing or tax PwC is likely your best bet.

Which consulting firm is the hardest to get into?

McKinsey's recruiting process is one of the most competitive in the world. The firm typically hires candidates with Ivy League backgrounds and/or prestigious work histories. McKinsey is also known for pioneering the recruitment of advanced professionals with non-business degrees to its consulting teams.

Which is the oldest Big Four?

Deloitte, the oldest of the big four, was founded in 1845 by William Welch Deloitte in London, England. PwC, originally known as Price Waterhouse, was founded in 1849 by Samuel Lowell Price and William Hopkins Holyland in London. EY, originally known as Ernst & Young, was founded in 1989 by Arthur Young and Alwin C.

What GPA do you need for KPMG?

Preferred applicants have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

What is the highest salary in KPMG?

The highest-paying job at KPMG India is a Managing Partner with a salary of ₹64.4 Lakhs to ₹1.9 Crore per year. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹27.98 lakhs per year. The top 1% earn more than a whopping ₹54.99 lakhs per year.

How hard is it to get a job at PwC?

Very hard indeed. A recent article in The Time exploring the Big Four (and KPMG, especially) revealed that PwC had an acceptance rate in 2022 of approximately 2.5%, based on the 304,000 applications it received to its 7,500 roles (including 2,000 entry level ones).

Why Deloitte and not other Big 4?

Deloitte has more revenue and more employees. You could say it's the biggest of the Big. Deloitte gets a large chunk of its revenue from consulting.

What GPA do you need for Deloitte?

Strong academic record, minimum GPA of 3.0.

What is the average salary of a EY graduate?

EY pay FAQs

The average salary for a Graduate Program is £35,133 per year (estimate) in London, which is 23% higher than the average EY salary of £28,500 per year (estimate) for this job.

What GPA do Ivy Leagues look at?

To get into most Ivy League schools, you'll need an average GPA between 3.9 and 4.0. However, if you're aiming for a top Ivy League university such as Stanford, MIT, or others, a 4.0 GPA — or close to it — is expected.