2026 Best Value Accounting Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Accounting master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2085 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Accounting Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full La Salle University profile
Out of the 2085 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Nichols College landed the #2 spot. Based in Dudley, MA, Nichols College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,705. Typical Accounting student debt is $25,858. Median earnings reach $58,063 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,858 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Nichols College
A rank of #4 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. The median Accounting program debt is $8,727. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $8,727 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
You'll get strong value at Western Governors University, which ranked #5 this year. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Graduates carry a median of $22,489 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. Set against $22,489 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Governors University
Colorado State University Global Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Colorado State University Global Campus is a public school based in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,000. Graduates carry a median of $34,167 in student loans. Colorado State University Global Campus alumni report median earnings of $76,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Colorado State University Global Campus report
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce placed #7 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Based in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,780. Students borrow a median of $11,328 to complete their Accounting program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $26,721. That is a strong return on a $11,328 median debt. About 34% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
University Of Scranton ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,652. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Universidad Del Turabo came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. The median Accounting program debt is $26,617. Universidad Del Turabo alumni report median earnings of $26,223 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,617 median debt. Read more about Universidad Del Turabo
Culver Stockton College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Set in Canton, MO, Culver Stockton College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,875 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Accounting program here. Median earnings reach $46,092 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Culver Stockton College report
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #11 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Charleston Southern University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,520. Students borrow a median of $27,569 to complete their Accounting program here. Median earnings reach $45,898 ten years out. Set against $27,569 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Charleston Southern University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Charleston Southern University
Drake University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Drake University
Truman State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Truman State University is a public school based in Kirksville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. The median Accounting program debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,280. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Truman State University
Universidad Metropolitana came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Juan, PR, Universidad Metropolitana is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Universidad Metropolitana Accounting students take on a median of $22,802 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,490 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,802 median debt. Read the full report on Universidad Metropolitana
Calvin College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Set in Grand Rapids, MI, Calvin College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,350. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Calvin College alumni report median earnings of $58,375 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Calvin College profile
Wilmington University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,243 to complete their Accounting program here. Median earnings reach $53,844 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,243 median debt. Get the full Wilmington University report
Illinois State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median Accounting program debt is $22,482. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Set against $22,482 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Accounting students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Northern Illinois University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Accounting program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Fitchburg State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota Accounting students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
West Texas A And M University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. The median Accounting program debt is $19,651. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
Holy Family University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,330. Typical Accounting student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $62,235 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Holy Family University report
Butler University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Butler University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,560 in tuition and fees. Butler University Accounting students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $77,235 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Butler University
American Public University System landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical Accounting student debt is $29,122. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on American Public University System
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Accounting Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Youngstown State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Youngstown State University Accounting students take on a median of $23,279 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Youngstown State University
Xavier University placed #27 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Based in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,425. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Accounting program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,873. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Xavier University
University Of Maryland University College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Typical Accounting student debt is $26,930. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,287. That is a strong return on a $26,930 median debt. Read more about University Of Maryland University College
Lindenwood University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. The median Accounting program debt is $26,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,278 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Lindenwood University
Gonzaga University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Gonzaga University alumni report median earnings of $78,892 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Gonzaga University
Baldwin Wallace College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,832. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,122. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Baldwin Wallace College has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Baldwin Wallace College
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,648. The median Accounting program debt is $31,946. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,946 median debt. See the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global profile
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #33 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Accounting program here. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Typical Accounting student debt is $29,855. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Liberty University
Seattle University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $23,734 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,272 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on Seattle University
Biola University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Biola University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Mirada, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $48,984. Students borrow a median of $23,875 to complete their Accounting program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,778 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on Biola University
Gardner Webb University placed #38 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Based in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,750. Gardner Webb University Accounting students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Gardner Webb University alumni report median earnings of $48,039 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gardner Webb University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Gardner Webb University report
York College Pennsylvania came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in York, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. York College Pennsylvania Accounting students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about York College Pennsylvania
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Teaneck, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,010. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus Accounting students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Accounting program debt is $23,600. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $23,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Concordia University Wisconsin ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Located in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,470 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Accounting program here. Median earnings reach $56,075 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Wisconsin profile
Montclair State University placed #43 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Typical Accounting student debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Montclair State University
Oklahoma Christian University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Edmond, OK, Oklahoma Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,180 in tuition and fees. Oklahoma Christian University Accounting students take on a median of $24,721 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Oklahoma Christian University
University Of South Dakota ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. University Of South Dakota Accounting students take on a median of $25,793 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $25,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. More on University Of South Dakota
Westfield State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,179, with out-of-state students paying around $18,259. Graduates carry a median of $25,910 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Westfield State University admits about 81% of applicants. More on Westfield State University
Lubbock Christian University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,540. Graduates carry a median of $28,337 in student loans. Lubbock Christian University alumni report median earnings of $53,787 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Lubbock Christian University report
Post University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Waterbury, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $15,922. The median Accounting program debt is $39,360. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,696. That is a strong return on a $39,360 median debt. Get the full Post University report
Fontbonne University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Fontbonne University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,976. Typical Accounting student debt is $33,503. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,825 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Fontbonne University
University Of Delaware landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $26,177 in student loans. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Fairfield University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fairfield, CT. Students from in state pay about $58,400 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,633 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $88,794. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fairfield University
Related Accounting Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Accounting Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Accounting Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Accounting Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Accounting Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Accounting Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Accounting Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Accounting Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 2085 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.