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 institutions 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 arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree evaluated schools to build 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
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
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. Typical Accounting student debt is $27,000. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full La Salle University report
You'll get strong value at Nichols College, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Dudley, MA, Nichols College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,705. Typical Accounting student debt is $25,858. Nichols College alumni report median earnings of $58,063 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nichols College admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full Nichols College report
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #4 on this year's best-value Accounting ranking in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $8,727 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $8,727 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 2085 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Governors University landed the #5 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Students borrow a median of $22,489 to complete their Accounting program here. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. Set against $22,489 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Western Governors University
Colorado State University Global Campus landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,000 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $34,167 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,813. That is a strong return on a $34,167 median debt. Colorado State University Global Campus has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on Colorado State University Global Campus
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce placed #7 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit school based in Mercedita, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,780. Graduates carry a median of $11,328 in student loans. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce alumni report median earnings of $26,721 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,328 median debt. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce report
University Of Scranton ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Set 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%. See the full University Of Scranton profile
Universidad Del Turabo ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Set in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,750. Typical Accounting student debt is $26,617. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $26,223. Set against $26,617 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Universidad Del Turabo
Culver Stockton College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Culver Stockton College is a private not-for-profit school based in Canton, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,875. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Accounting program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Culver Stockton College
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Accounting student debt is $24,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Drake University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Typical Accounting student debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,901. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read the full report on Drake University
Charleston Southern University placed #12 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Set in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,520 in tuition and fees. Charleston Southern University Accounting students take on a median of $27,569 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,898. Set against $27,569 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Charleston Southern University
Truman State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Truman State University is a public school based in Kirksville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Typical Accounting student debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,280 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Truman State University
Universidad Metropolitana ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Universidad Metropolitana is a private not-for-profit school based in San Juan, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. Universidad Metropolitana Accounting students take on a median of $22,802 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,490. Set against $22,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Universidad Metropolitana profile
Calvin College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Grand Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $39,350. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Accounting program here. Median earnings reach $58,375 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full Calvin College profile
Wilmington University placed #17 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Typical Accounting student debt is $22,243. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. Set against $22,243 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wilmington University
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median Accounting program debt is $22,482. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,482 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Illinois State University profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Accounting program here. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Northern Illinois University placed #20 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Fitchburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Fitchburg, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. The median Accounting program debt is $25,840. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Fitchburg State University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. 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. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Accounting program here. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
West Texas A And M University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Students borrow a median of $19,651 to complete their Accounting program here. 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. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Holy Family University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. Holy Family University Accounting students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,235 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Holy Family University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Holy Family University report
Butler University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Indianapolis, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,560. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Butler University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on Butler University
American Public University System landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,122 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. 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
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Xavier University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,425. Xavier University Accounting students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,873 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Xavier University profile
Youngstown State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Typical Accounting student debt is $23,279. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Youngstown State University profile
University Of Maryland University College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Typical Accounting student debt is $26,930. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,287. That is a strong return on a $26,930 median debt. More on University Of Maryland University College
Lindenwood University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Gonzaga University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. Gonzaga University Accounting students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,892. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Gonzaga University
Baldwin Wallace College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit school based in Berea, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,832. The median Accounting program debt is $27,000. Baldwin Wallace College alumni report median earnings of $54,122 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Baldwin Wallace College has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Baldwin Wallace College profile
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,648. Graduates carry a median of $31,946 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,527. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Liberty University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,855 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $29,855 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Liberty University report
Seattle University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $23,734 in student loans. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Seattle University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Seattle University report
Biola University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Set in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,984. The median Accounting program debt is $23,875. Median earnings reach $56,778 ten years out. Set against $23,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Biola University profile
Gardner Webb University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,750. Gardner Webb University Accounting students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gardner Webb University admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on Gardner Webb University
York College Pennsylvania placed #39 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. The median Accounting program debt is $27,000. York College Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,012 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full York College Pennsylvania report
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,010. The median Accounting program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,600 to complete their Accounting program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. 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. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,470. Typical Accounting student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,075 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Concordia University Wisconsin admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Wisconsin
Montclair State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. 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. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Montclair State University
Oklahoma Christian University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Based in Edmond, OK, Oklahoma Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,180. Students borrow a median of $24,721 to complete their Accounting program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,203. Set against $24,721 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Oklahoma Christian University
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota Accounting students take on a median of $25,793 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,793 median debt. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Westfield State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Westfield, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,179, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Westfield State University Accounting students take on a median of $25,910 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,346. That is a strong return on a $25,910 median debt. Westfield State University admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Westfield State University
Lubbock Christian University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $28,540 in tuition and fees. The median Accounting program debt is $28,337. Median earnings reach $53,787 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,337 median debt. Lubbock Christian University admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Lubbock Christian University report
Post University placed #48 among the best-value Accounting schools in the United States. Post University is a private for-profit school based in Waterbury, CT. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,922. The median Accounting program debt is $39,360. Median earnings reach $38,696 ten years out. Set against $39,360 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Post University report
Fontbonne University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Fontbonne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,976. Typical Accounting student debt is $33,503. Fontbonne University alumni report median earnings of $48,825 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Fontbonne University report
University Of Delaware ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Accounting student debt is $26,177. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Fairfield University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Accounting schools. Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fairfield, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,400. Typical Accounting student debt is $26,633. Median earnings reach $88,794 ten years out. Set against $26,633 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairfield University admits about 33% of applicants. Get the full Fairfield University report
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
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (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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