Most Affordable Online Master's In Accounting Degrees

A ranking of the most affordable online master's in accounting degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
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Updated May 8, 2023

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Accounting gets a bad rap. Blame it on popular culture, which hasn’t exactly built up the profession (think Angela Martin and Kevin Malone on The Office).

But do you know who else were accountants? South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, MMA Fighter Chuck Liddell, and Itzhak Stern (the guy who helped Oskar Schindler save thousands of Jews during WWII). Still think accountants are boring?

But then if you are here looking for online master’s programs in accounting, I’m probably preaching to the choir. You probably know that with the passing of legislation like the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other recent legislation accountants are busier than ever learning, interpreting, and applying the new laws.

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They're so busy in fact, that we've put together a wide range of different accounting-related rankings. And if you're looking for other affordable graduate programs, have a look at the College Choice list of the most affordable graduate schools.

Demand has resulted in a record upswing in students choosing accounting as a major. This is not a fad. Accounting is one the most dependably in-demand fields there is, even during the depths of a recession. It’s also one of the most dependably lucrative fields, with a median pay of $67,190 per year, and opportunities to make even more, especially those with advanced degrees.

Why go on for a masters degree in the accounting? Remember when I mentioned that recent upswing in students? That means that there is more competition. Anything you can do to polish that resume is going to help you. Plus, more time as a student means more time networking in online forums and through fraternal organizations like Beta Alpha Psi.

But the most common reason people go on to get a Master’s degree is to complete the credit unit requirements to take the CPA exam. This test is notoriously demanding (only 50 percent pass) and the further education you get with a masters in accounting is going to help you knock it out of the park. If your goal is to sit for the CPA exam, please check out your state’s requirements to ensure the super-affordable programs College Choice has discovered for you will fit with your professional goals.

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What are the most affordable online master's degrees in accounting?

If you’re interested in a Master’s degree in accounting, you have likely already completed- or are soon to complete- a bachelor’s degree in the field or a closely related field (like statistics or finance). If not, allow College Choice to help you find the very best bachelor’s degrees or online bachelor’s degrees in accounting. However, if you don’t have an accounting undergraduate degree and don't intend to get one but are still interested in a graduate degree in the field then stick around, there are a couple of programs on our list designed for people in your situation.

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#1 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Accounting Degrees

Western Governors University

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online

Western Governors University’s flexible programs allow graduate students to earn a degree while they work and maintain other obligations. A master's degree in accounting is among the 29 online master's degrees delivered from the Salt Lake City, Utah, campus. This adaptable program makes graduate education accessible to degree-seekers with busy lives.

Applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in the same field or a related one. Once enrolled, students in the master's in accounting program receive the advanced education necessary to prepare for mid- to senior-level positions. A doctorate or another terminal degree is the next step for some people who graduate from this program.

The current tuition rate stands at $7,500 per year for residents of Utah and other states. Learners can contact the financial aid department to find out more about if they qualify for grants and scholarships. Loans may also be available to help students pay for all or part of the program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,380
Out-of-state
$6,380
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
136,139
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#2 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Accounting Degrees

American Public University

  • Charles Town, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online

Without significantly interrupting their lives, graduate students can earn accounting degrees at American Public University, an institution that emphasizes flexibility and accessibility. At the school’s location in Charles Town, West Virginia, faculty deliver 32 online master's degrees such as the master of science in accounting. This degree accommodates degree-seekers’ need for flexibility with a format that offers accessibility from anywhere you live.

A bachelor’s in the major is a typical requirement for many master’s programs, but criteria vary depending on the degree. A master’s degree such as the master's in accounting is a worthy undertaking for many people because the investment often pays off with advanced job opportunities and potentially higher pay. The program also prepares the holder for a terminal degree such as a Ph.D.

The tuition rate does not vary based on residency, with people living in West Virginia or other states paying $6,615 per year. Paying for tuition is always a concern, and grants and scholarships are avenues for exploration. Students can also pay for a graduate degree with federal loans.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,804
Out-of-state
$6,804
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,615
Out-of-state
$6,615
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
45,249
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Accounting Degrees

University of South Dakota

  • Vermillion, SD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of South Dakota administers a number of quality online graduate programs. The master of professional accountancy has a lot of the qualities people with a bachelor’s in accounting need to advance their education in this field. This program emphasizes rigorous academics and a flexible learning format.

Learners in the master of professional accountancy program study in classes with a 15-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio that is conducive to personalized learning. They acquire the advanced training employers want in potential hires knowledgeable about accounting best practices. Graduates leave the program well-prepared for careers in academia, business, and industry, along with a doctoral program in some cases.

The institution charges South Dakota students $6,062 in tuition per year, and $11,656 for those living elsewhere. Many degree-seekers reduce this bill with grants and scholarships from the school and third parties. There are also student loans available, an option taken up by about 52% of enrollees at this institution.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,697
Out-of-state
$11,172
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,062
Out-of-state
$11,656
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
9,920
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Accounting Degrees

Franklin University

  • Columbus, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Franklin University is a private college with many programs to offer from the Columbus, Ohio, campus. The institution’s 11 master's degrees available from a distance help make the college a leader in online graduate education. The MS in accounting is ideal for learners interested in the accounting field.

Graduate students can use online education such as this program to accomplish a goal that may otherwise seem unachievable because of logistical issues. Recorded video sessions may be available to allow anytime viewing, and faculty may let enrollees complete coursework at their own pace within a given timeframe. The degree provides a rigorous education that does not sacrifice strong preparation for career advancement.

The requisite background for entry into a master’s program is usually a bachelor’s degree and other requirements. Contact the program website for all of the application details such as how to submit transcripts and letters of recommendation.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,552
Out-of-state
$9,552
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,080
Out-of-state
$16,080
Retention Rate
47%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,031
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Accounting Degrees

Saint Joseph's College of Maine

  • Standish, ME
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Prospective accounting graduate students should consider Saint Joseph's College of Maine for flexible programs that allow them to earn an advanced degree while they work. Located in Standish, Maine, the school offers a ranked master of accountancy in its catalog of eight online master's programs. This adaptable degree opportunity makes graduate education accessible to caretakers, full-time workers, and anyone unable to relocate for school.

Applicants to master's degree programs typically need a bachelor's or the equivalent in the same or a similar field. A master’s degree such as the master of accountancy program is a worthy undertaking for many people because the investment often pays off with advanced job opportunities and potentially higher pay. Some degree recipients interested in research, academia, or related positions will pursue a Ph.D. after this program.

The school keeps tuition competitive with $9,470 per year for residents of Maine or other states. Learners can contact the financial aid department to find out more about if they qualify for grants and scholarships. Loans may also be available to help students pay for all or part of the program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$36,720
Out-of-state
$36,720
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,470
Out-of-state
$9,470
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
1,987
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

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