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Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

The stark earnings gap between accounting programs tells a compelling story about location and institutional resources. CUNY Medgar Evers College graduates earn $53,984 despite the program's 22.30% graduation rate, while Texas A&M International University graduates start at just $28,960 annually. This $25,024 difference highlights how regional job markets shape accounting career prospects. The Big Four accounting firms maintain major operations in New York, creating opportunities that smaller markets cannot match. CUNY schools dominate the best value rankings, with Hunter College offering the lowest net cost at $2,446 while maintaining respectable earnings. Meanwhile, University of Connecticut-Waterbury commands the highest earnings at $62,524, reflecting the strong financial services sector throughout the Northeast corridor. These programs serve students entering a field where the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth through 2032, with median wages of $78,000 nationally for accountants and auditors.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $13,339
Net Price Range
$46,930
Avg. Program Earnings
52.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,978 $50,105 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
2 $2,446 $38,559 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
3 $2,943 $41,464 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $3,482 $40,927 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
5 $3,830 $41,308 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
6 $3,061 $28,960 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
7 $5,881 $53,984 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
8 $4,694 $40,275 $3,283 29.6%
9 $5,115 $42,123 $7,490 32.8%
10 $5,202 $42,123 $2,764 42.5%
11 $7,599 $61,207 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
12 $6,351 $49,644 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
13 $7,168 $51,781 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
14 $8,896 $62,524 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
15 $5,458 $38,289 $3,148 26.8%
16 $6,199 $42,682 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
17 $5,918 $40,233 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
18 $4,734 $31,547 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
19 $7,131 $47,260 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
20 $6,480 $42,682 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
21 $4,285 $25,967 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
22 $8,837 $52,607 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
23 $8,001 $47,260 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
24 $9,144 $53,894 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
25 $8,130 $47,260 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
26 $10,017 $57,692 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
27 $8,916 $50,856 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
28 $8,931 $49,493 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
29 $8,463 $46,790 $6,270 40.7%
30 $11,504 $62,524 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
31 $6,747 $36,221 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
32 $6,500 $34,467 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
33 $10,898 $57,692 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
34 $10,550 $55,286 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
35 $9,133 $47,440 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
36 $9,900 $50,742 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
37 $10,097 $51,392 $6,906 37.0%
38 $9,957 $50,060 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
39 $7,360 $36,992 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
40 $10,011 $50,300 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
41 $9,477 $46,087 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
42 $9,121 $44,091 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
43 $10,997 $51,880 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
44 $10,043 $47,173 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
45 $10,442 $49,019 $8,300 50.9%
46 $13,339 $62,524 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
47 $10,904 $51,106 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
48 $10,353 $48,432 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
49 $9,918 $46,321 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
50 $10,319 $47,260 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings difference between top and bottom programs?

Geographic location drives most of the variation, with CUNY Medgar Evers graduates earning $53,984 compared to $28,960 at Texas A&M International. New York's concentration of financial services firms, Big Four accounting offices, and Fortune 500 companies creates higher starting salaries. Regional cost of living adjustments also factor into these differences, though the gap remains substantial even after accounting for housing costs.

How do graduation rates affect program value in accounting?

The data reveals concerning patterns, with several programs showing graduation rates below 50%. University of Florida achieves an impressive 91.50% rate while maintaining strong earnings of $49,644. Dalton State College graduates only 29.60% of students despite reasonable earnings of $40,275. Students should weigh completion likelihood heavily since accounting requires passing the CPA exam, which demands strong foundational knowledge.

Is attending a CUNY school worth it for accounting majors?

CUNY schools deliver strong value, with net costs ranging from $2,446 to $5,881 across six programs on this list. Baruch College stands out with $50,105 earnings and a 72.10% graduation rate for just $2,978 net cost. The CUNY system's location advantage in New York's financial district provides internship and job placement opportunities that justify the investment.

Does program selectivity correlate with better outcomes in accounting?

Not necessarily, based on these value leaders. University of Florida accepts only 23.35% of applicants and delivers strong outcomes, but CUNY Medgar Evers accepts 87.65% while producing the highest-earning graduates at $53,984. California State University-Northridge accepts 91.23% of students yet generates solid $61,207 earnings. Accounting success depends more on curriculum quality and regional job markets than exclusivity.

Where do accounting graduates find the best return on educational investment?

New York dominates the best value rankings, with five CUNY schools offering sub-$6,000 net costs and solid earnings potential. The state's financial sector concentration means accounting graduates can access positions at major firms, investment banks, and corporate headquarters. Florida also shows strong value, with University of Florida delivering $49,644 earnings and excellent graduation rates despite modest costs.

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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.