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Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Indiana

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

Purdue University Northwest delivers Indiana's most affordable accounting education at just $8,463 annually, though graduates earn $36,848 on average. This creates a fascinating contrast with Notre Dame's $27,823 net cost that leads to $68,289 in early career earnings. Indiana's accounting programs span from ultra-accessible public options to selective private institutions, with graduation rates varying from 37% to nearly 97%. The state's strong manufacturing base, anchored by companies like Cummins and Eli Lilly, creates steady demand for financial professionals who can navigate complex regulatory environments. Public universities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with five schools charging under $13,000 annually. Private institutions like Grace College demonstrate that higher costs can yield strong returns, with graduates earning $55,770 despite the $18,406 price tag. Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program adds another layer of affordability for qualifying students, potentially making even pricier options accessible.
33
Programs
$8,463 – $43,465
Net Price Range
$48,985
Avg. Program Earnings
60.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,463 $36,848 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
2 $13,945 $56,867 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
3 $12,188 $46,589 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
4 $12,621 $46,357 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
5 $12,267 $41,599 $10,110 47.6%
6 $12,820 $41,789 $27,150 70.0% 55.7%
7 $15,898 $49,019 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
8 $18,406 $55,770 $30,034 69.9% 84.6%
9 $16,767 $50,606 $8,216 37.2%
10 $18,748 $49,644 $36,136 55.8% 76.1%
11 $19,268 $50,856 $37,090 44.8% 66.4%
12 $21,583 $55,964 $46,588 67.0% 94.2%
13 $27,823 $68,289 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
14 $24,327 $53,984 $39,104 76.6% 74.6%
15 $23,069 $50,606 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%
16 $19,086 $41,565 $9,900
17 $21,976 $47,260 $9,576 100.0% 24.4%
18 $23,594 $47,260 $39,100 60.9% 93.8%
19 $21,318 $41,565 $30,446 31.4% 64.7%
20 $25,580 $47,260 $35,600 67.6% 91.9%
21 $15,725 $37,760 60.5% 93.5%
22 $22,144 $35,640 49.4% 51.8%
23 $19,726 $33,320 57.2% 99.5%
24 $38,472 $45,980 80.2% 82.1%
25 $20,739 $22,650 29.9%
26 $20,230 $42,676 71.3% 76.3%
27 $22,762 $37,350 63.4% 92.9%
28 $28,552 $51,430 76.5% 83.9%
29 $43,465 $33,490 52.3% 78.2%
30 $20,361 $35,420 60.7% 98.1%
31 $13,710 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
32 $13,879 $12,830 33.3%
33 $14,989 $16,480 69.1% 71.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Notre Dame graduates earn $68,289 compared to $36,848 for Purdue Northwest alumni, a difference of over $30,000 annually. This reflects Notre Dame's 96.8% graduation rate and 12.91% acceptance rate, indicating highly selective admissions. The school's extensive alumni network and national reputation open doors to high-paying positions at major corporations and accounting firms.

How do Indiana's public universities compare for accounting value?

Purdue's main campus offers the best balance with $13,945 net cost and $56,867 earnings, plus an 83.1% graduation rate. Indiana State costs slightly less at $12,188 but graduates earn $46,589 with only a 41.1% graduation rate. Ball State falls in the middle at $15,898 with $49,019 earnings and 63.3% graduation rate.

Is the debt load manageable at Indiana's accounting programs?

Most programs keep debt reasonable, with 10 schools reporting under $25,000 in average borrowing. Purdue Global stands out negatively with $39,311 in debt despite moderate earnings of $41,599. Notre Dame and Grace College both show just $19,500 in debt, making their strong earnings even more attractive for return on investment.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in Indiana?

Not necessarily, as the data shows mixed patterns across acceptance rates. Notre Dame's 12.91% acceptance rate produces the highest earnings at $68,289, but University of Southern Indiana accepts 94.44% of applicants while still generating solid $46,357 earnings. Several schools with acceptance rates above 80% demonstrate that accessibility doesn't automatically mean lower outcomes.

Where do graduation rates create the biggest concerns for students?

Indiana Wesleyan's National & Global program shows just a 37.2% graduation rate despite decent earnings potential of $50,606. Indiana State's 41.1% rate also raises red flags for a public university option. Purdue Northwest's 44% graduation rate creates risk despite the low $8,463 cost, suggesting students should carefully evaluate support systems before enrolling.

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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.