2026 Best Value Accounting Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Accounting master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2085 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Business Degree Central 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. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,800. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Accounting program here. Median earnings reach $67,416 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full La Salle University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Nichols College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Dudley, MA, Nichols College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,705 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,858 to complete their Accounting program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,063 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,858 median debt. Nichols College has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read the full report on Nichols College
Out of the 2085 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #4 spot. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Accounting student debt is $8,727. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $8,727 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
A rank of #5 makes Western Governors University one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Graduates carry a median of $22,489 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Located in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,000. The median Accounting program debt is $34,167. Colorado State University Global Campus alumni report median earnings of $76,813 a decade after entry. Set against $34,167 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Global Campus has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Colorado State University Global Campus
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce Accounting students take on a median of $11,328 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,721 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,328 median debt. About 34% of those who apply are admitted. More on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
University Of Scranton offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,777. The median Accounting program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Universidad Del Turabo landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gurabo, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Graduates carry a median of $26,617 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,223 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,617 median debt. See the full Universidad Del Turabo profile
Culver Stockton College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Canton, MO, Culver Stockton College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,875. The median Accounting program debt is $26,000. Culver Stockton College alumni report median earnings of $46,092 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Culver Stockton College has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Culver Stockton College report
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Accounting student debt is $24,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Drake University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Accounting program here. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. More on Drake University
Charleston Southern University placed #12 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Located in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,520. Graduates carry a median of $27,569 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,898. Set against $27,569 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on Charleston Southern University
Truman State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. The median Accounting program debt is $23,250. Truman State University alumni report median earnings of $56,280 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Truman State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Truman State University
Universidad Metropolitana offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in San Juan, PR, Universidad Metropolitana is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. Typical Accounting student debt is $22,802. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,490 ten years after entry. Set against $22,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Universidad Metropolitana
Calvin College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Grand Rapids, MI, Calvin College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,350. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Accounting program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,375 ten years after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Calvin College
Wilmington University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Typical Accounting student debt is $22,243. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wilmington University report
Illinois State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Illinois State University Accounting students take on a median of $22,482 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $22,482 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. The median Accounting program debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Northern Illinois University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Accounting program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Fitchburg State University placed #21 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Set in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Typical Accounting student debt is $25,840. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Fitchburg State University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #22 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Located in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,080. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota Accounting students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,170 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
West Texas A And M University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. West Texas A And M University Accounting students take on a median of $19,651 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
Holy Family University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,330. Typical Accounting student debt is $27,000. Holy Family University alumni report median earnings of $62,235 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Holy Family University admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Holy Family University
Butler University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Butler University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,560. The median Accounting program debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $77,235 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Butler University has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on Butler University
American Public University System placed #26 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. American Public University System Accounting students take on a median of $29,122 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $29,122 median debt. Read more about American Public University System
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Accounting Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. 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. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
Xavier University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,425. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,873 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Xavier University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Xavier University
University Of Maryland University College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Typical Accounting student debt is $26,930. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,930 median debt. More on University Of Maryland University College
Lindenwood University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. More 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. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Gonzaga University profile
Baldwin Wallace College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,832 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,122. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baldwin Wallace College admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Baldwin Wallace College report
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Minnesota State University Moorhead Accounting students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Marion, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,648. Students borrow a median of $31,946 to complete their Accounting program here. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global alumni report median earnings of $59,986 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,946 median debt. Get the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global report
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $29,855 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $29,855 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Liberty University
Seattle University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Seattle University Accounting students take on a median of $23,734 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,272 ten years after entry. Set against $23,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Seattle University profile
Biola University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Based in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,984. The median Accounting program debt is $23,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,778 ten years after entry. Set against $23,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full Biola University profile
Gardner Webb University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,750 in tuition and fees. Typical Accounting student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,039. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Gardner Webb University profile
York College Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full York College Pennsylvania profile
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. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #41 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical Accounting student debt is $23,600. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Set against $23,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Mequon, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. The median Accounting program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $56,075 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Concordia University Wisconsin admits about 78% of applicants. More on Concordia University Wisconsin
Montclair State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Montclair State University
Oklahoma Christian University placed #44 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Oklahoma Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Edmond, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,180. The median Accounting program debt is $24,721. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oklahoma Christian University report
University Of South Dakota landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. University Of South Dakota Accounting students take on a median of $25,793 in debt. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. Set against $25,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Westfield State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,179 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Westfield State University Accounting students take on a median of $25,910 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,346 ten years after entry. Set against $25,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. 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. Set in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,540 in tuition and fees. Typical Accounting student debt is $28,337. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,787 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lubbock Christian University profile
Post University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Waterbury, CT, Post University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,922. Typical Accounting student debt is $39,360. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Post University
Fontbonne University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Fontbonne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,976. Graduates carry a median of $33,503 in student loans. 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. More on Fontbonne University
University Of Delaware placed #50 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. This public school is set in Newark, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Accounting student debt is $26,177. 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. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Fairfield University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fairfield, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,400. The median Accounting program debt is $26,633. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $88,794. Set against $26,633 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Fairfield University
Related Accounting Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Business Degree Central (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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).
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