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Accounting and Related Services Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Baruch College graduates earn $50,105 annually while paying just $2,978 in net costs, making it the earnings leader among budget-friendly accounting programs nationwide. The gap between top earners and lowest-earning graduates spans nearly $25,000, with Universidad Central de Bayamon graduates starting at $25,967 despite similar training in financial fundamentals. Public institutions dominate this affordable tier, with 11 of the 15 schools charging under $5,000 after aid. The accounting field continues expanding across all regions as businesses require financial compliance specialists and tax preparers. CUNY schools particularly stand out, claiming four spots in this group while maintaining acceptance rates between 47% and 69%. Texas contributes two universities to this list, reflecting the state's growing business sector and demand for accounting professionals. These programs prepare students for roles ranging from bookkeeping to forensic accounting, with graduation rates varying from 20% at Ohio University-Eastern to 72% at Baruch.
50
Programs
$200 – $7,382
Net Price Range
$37,762
Avg. Program Earnings
41.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $200 $2,340 30.1% 98.5%
2 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
3 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
4 $2,879 $6,560 54.9%
5 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
6 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
7 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
8 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
9 $3,645 $7,630 62.0%
10 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
11 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
12 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
13 $4,496 $7,050 37.3% 90.1%
14 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
15 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
16 $4,704 $6,970 52.2%
17 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
18 $4,989 $7,050 23.6% 39.6%
19 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
20 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
21 $5,216 $6,400 32.6%
22 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
23 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
24 $5,732 $8,054 56.2%
25 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
26 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
27 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
28 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
29 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
30 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
31 $6,310 $5,966 62.5%
32 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
33 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
34 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
35 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
36 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
37 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
38 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
39 $6,680 $5,966 41.7%
40 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
41 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
42 $7,075 $4,714
43 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
44 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
45 $7,201 $3,106 41.2%
46 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
47 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
48 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
49 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
50 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $24,000 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paid graduates?

Baruch College graduates earn $50,105 annually while Universidad Central de Bayamon graduates start at $25,967, reflecting regional job markets and program focus. New York's financial sector offers higher starting salaries than Puerto Rico's smaller business environment. School reputation and alumni networks also influence earnings potential. The difference highlights how location impacts accounting career trajectories even with similar education costs.

How do CUNY schools maintain such low debt levels for accounting students?

CUNY accounting graduates carry between $10,822 and $14,125 in debt, well below national averages. The system's public funding keeps tuition low while financial aid covers most remaining costs. Many students commute from home, reducing living expenses significantly. These schools serve large populations of working students who attend part-time, allowing them to earn while learning.

Where do accounting graduates from these affordable programs typically find employment?

Public accounting firms, government agencies, and small businesses hire most graduates from these budget-friendly programs. The $28,960 to $50,105 earnings range reflects positions from staff accountants to senior financial analysts. Regional employers value graduates from local schools for their understanding of state tax codes and business practices. Many alumni advance to CPA status within five years of graduation.

Is the 20% graduation rate at Ohio University-Eastern typical for affordable accounting programs?

Ohio University-Eastern's 20% graduation rate represents the lowest among these schools, with most others achieving 30% to 72% completion rates. The campus serves primarily working adults and transfer students who face scheduling challenges. Baruch College's 72% rate demonstrates that affordable programs can achieve strong outcomes. Regional campuses often struggle with retention compared to main university locations.

Does attending a $200 net cost school like Colegio Universitario limit career prospects?

The $200 net cost reflects Puerto Rico's lower living costs and targeted financial aid, not program quality. Graduates still learn essential accounting principles, tax preparation, and financial analysis skills. However, mainland opportunities may require additional certifications or coursework. The extremely low cost allows students to graduate debt-free, providing flexibility for further education or professional development.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.