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Accounting is the language of business, helping firms communicate with investors, regulators, and giving managers a picture of corporate health.
A typical MBA program with a focus in accounting will not only teach you the nuts and bolts of financial recordkeeping, it will also teach you how to best apply those technical skills in real world large-scale situations, while taking the overall business model of your company in mind.
With an MBA in accounting, you’ll be a stronger candidate for management and executive positions rather than being limited to number-crunching.
What kind of accounting degree should you get?
The MBA in accounting is one avenue for students who are interested in financial analysis - usually as it pertains to making management decisions in corporations. Students interested in practicing independently as a CPA may also consider pursuing a Master’s degree in Accounting degree, either in person or an online master's in accounting. Students should consult their respective CPA State Licensing Board about the specific coursework that would make you eligible to sit for the CPA exam in your state.
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How much do people make with an MBA in accounting?
Depending on your employer and job description, you can expect a salary of $50,000 and up as an accountant with an MBA. According to Payscale.com, accountants with an MBA average $50-65,000 in compensation.
Those in executive positions are paid more. A corporate controller makes around $99,000 a year, while an accounting manager averages $74,000. Those working in consulting or investment firms may make much more, both as salary and in bonuses.
A key benefit of earning an MBA is the flexibility and relevancy it offers across industries – and an MBA specializing in accounting only emphasizes that flexibility with career opportunities in public, private and government roles offering a range of opportunities in many fields.
Whether your goal is to move into an accounting role or advance as a leader with accounting skills, the ability to analyze and interpret financial data is a sought-after skill and increasingly important as organizations expand across the globe.
What are the requirements for an MBA in accounting?
To apply for competitive MBA programs in accounting, you will need a bachelor’s degree with coursework that shows you’re well prepared for graduate work in business. You don’t necessarily have to major in business or economics as an undergraduate to be a competitive candidate.
You’ll also take the GRE or GMAT, depending on the requirements of each school. Finally, you’ll complete a personal essay and interview process to ensure you’re a good fit for the school.
We’ve ranked the top 15 accounting MBA programs that can help you become a leading candidate for an accounting or financial analysis position. Our rankings take into account factors including reputation, graduation rates, selectivity, and faculty resources. Some, but not all, are targeted towards management professionals already working in the field and require previous work experience for admission. Check those requirements carefully so you can find the program that best fits your needs.
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
CollegeChoice.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 Most Affordable Online MBA In Accounting Degrees
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
The master's in accounting program at Northwestern University is one of 147 master's degrees offered by the university. Students advance their training and increase their career opportunities in the MBA in accounting program. Flexible enrollment options, including on-campus and online classes, help enrollees fit school into their busy schedules.
The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and practical knowledge to build a comprehensive understanding of accounting. Students often complete internships and other experiential learning opportunities to build career-ready skills. Candidates may also be able to choose a concentration, building specialized skills in a specific area of accounting.
Northwestern University at a Glance:
Location: Evanston, Illinois
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 9%
Graduate Tuition In State: $56,067
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $56,067
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 64%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$56,232
Out-of-state
$56,232
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$56,067
Out-of-state
$56,067
Retention Rate
98%
Acceptance Rate
9%
Students Enrolled
22,448
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
2%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Most Affordable Online MBA In Accounting Degrees
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
Columbia University in the City of New York offers a master's in accounting for students seeking career advancement. The private institution welcomes degree-seekers with a variety of enrollment options, including online programs created with working professionals in mind. During the master of science in accounting and fundamental analysis program, learners build on their undergraduate knowledge to gain an advanced understanding of accounting.
While earning a master's degree, enrollees rely on college resources and support services for assistance. Financial aid advisors recommend scholarships and grants, while academic advisors help with course selections. Master's degree-seekers also take advantage of networking and training events hosted by the university.
Columbia University in the City of New York at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 140
Total Online Master's Programs: 12
Admission Rate: 5%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 6-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $47,600
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $47,600
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $77,900
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,763
Out-of-state
$57,763
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$47,600
Out-of-state
$47,600
Retention Rate
99%
Acceptance Rate
5%
Students Enrolled
31,456
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Most Affordable Online MBA In Accounting Degrees
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
4 years
Campus
The accounting master's degree at University of Chicago is one of 81 master's programs offered at the university. The MBA in accounting serves students seeking advanced education and increased career opportunities. At the school, graduate programs offer flexible enrollment options, including schedules designed for working professionals.
Learners gain a comprehensive understanding of accounting through a curriculum that highlights theoretical and practical approaches. Students strengthen their career-readiness through internships and hands-on learning opportunities. A concentration also helps learners specialize their training and pursue focused careers after completing the master's degree.
University of Chicago at a Glance:
Location: Chicago, Illinois
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 6%
Graduate Tuition In State: $60,300
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $60,300
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 57%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,642
Out-of-state
$57,642
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$60,300
Out-of-state
$60,300
Retention Rate
99%
Acceptance Rate
6%
Students Enrolled
17,452
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Most Affordable Online MBA In Accounting Degrees
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Virginia offers a master's in accounting for students seeking career advancement. This Charlottesville-based public school serves degree candidates of all types, with online enrollment options to accommodate working professionals. During the MS in accounting program, learners take graduate-level courses in accounting to enhance their understanding of the field.
Whether enrolled online or on campus, master's candidates can access a generous selection of college resources and support services. Academic advisors help with course selections, while career counselors host workshops, offer internship programs, and provide career planning services. Master's degree-seekers also attend networking events and make use of library services.
University of Virginia at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 72
Total Online Master's Programs: 8
Admission Rate: 24%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $16,578
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,770
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $56,800
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,970
Out-of-state
$47,833
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,578
Out-of-state
$27,770
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
24%
Students Enrolled
25,012
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Most Affordable Online MBA In Accounting Degrees
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
The master's program in accounting at the University of Pennsylvania offers an affordable, rigorous option for graduate learners. The MBA in accounting program helps students grow their career opportunities and increase their earning potential. Graduate programs prioritize flexibility through their enrollment options, which help enrollees balance school with work or other responsibilities.
During the program, learners complete a challenging curriculum that builds comprehensive knowledge of accounting. Students strengthen their career-readiness through internships and hands-on learning opportunities. Learners choose concentrations and electives to build specialized skills in a specific area of accounting.
University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 8%
Graduate Tuition In State: $36,254
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $36,254
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 59%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$51,156
Out-of-state
$51,156
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$36,254
Out-of-state
$36,254
Retention Rate
98%
Acceptance Rate
8%
Students Enrolled
26,675
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
