Skip to main content

Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Boston College accounting graduates command the highest starting salaries at $69,937, nearly double what Bay Path University graduates earn at $38,289. This $31,648 earnings gap reflects the broad spectrum of accounting opportunities across Massachusetts, from Big Four firms in Boston's Financial District to regional practices serving the state's biotech and healthcare sectors. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst delivers strong value with a $23,691 net cost producing $63,646 average earnings, while maintaining an 83% graduation rate. Massachusetts employs over 45,000 accountants across industries ranging from mutual funds in Boston to manufacturing firms in Springfield. Public universities generally offer the strongest return on investment, with UMass-Dartmouth accepting 96% of applicants at just $20,605 net cost. Private colleges like Bentley University and Stonehill College command premium prices but connect students directly to Boston's financial services industry, where accounting professionals support everything from venture capital firms to hospital systems.
25
Programs
$14,590 – $39,866
Net Price Range
$53,573
Avg. Program Earnings
63.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $23,691 $63,646 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
2 $14,590 $38,289 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
3 $17,970 $46,869 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
4 $20,605 $45,956 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
5 $25,702 $55,964 $35,013 28.4% 74.2%
6 $21,436 $46,087 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
7 $29,969 $59,485 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
8 $25,299 $47,260 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
9 $39,866 $69,937 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
10 $28,853 $50,606 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
11 $30,031 $50,105 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
12 $31,065 $51,169 $40,375 63.6% 84.9%
13 $38,787 $62,388 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
14 $39,324 $62,260 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
15 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
16 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
17 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
18 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
19 $24,944 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
20 $36,868 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
21 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
22 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
23 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
24 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
25 $29,504 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UMass-Amherst the top value choice for accounting students?

UMass-Amherst combines a reasonable $23,691 net cost with impressive $63,646 average earnings for accounting graduates. The 83% graduation rate ranks among the highest for public universities in the state. Students benefit from proximity to Boston's financial sector while paying significantly less than private alternatives like Boston College, which costs $39,866 annually.

How do private college accounting programs justify their higher costs?

Boston College graduates earn $69,937 on average, the highest in the state, despite the $39,866 annual cost. Bentley University produces $62,388 average earnings with an 88% graduation rate, reflecting strong industry connections. These schools place graduates directly into Boston's competitive accounting market, where major firms recruit heavily from local campuses.

Is Bay Path University worth considering despite lower graduate earnings?

Bay Path offers the lowest net cost at $14,590, making accounting education accessible to more students. While graduates earn $38,289 on average, this represents solid entry-level compensation in western Massachusetts markets. The 76% acceptance rate and small class sizes provide personalized attention that larger universities cannot match.

Does location within Massachusetts affect accounting career prospects?

Boston-area schools like Suffolk University and Fisher College connect students to the state's largest accounting employers, including PwC, EY, and Deloitte. Western Massachusetts programs serve regional businesses and healthcare systems that require accounting expertise. The state's biotech industry, concentrated around Cambridge, creates specialized opportunities for accounting graduates with science backgrounds.

Where do Massachusetts accounting graduates typically find employment?

Massachusetts employs over 45,000 accountants across industries from mutual funds to medical device companies. Boston's Financial District houses major accounting firms serving Fortune 500 clients, while smaller practices throughout the state support local businesses. Healthcare systems like Partners HealthCare and biotech companies require specialized accounting knowledge, creating niche opportunities for graduates.

More Accounting and Related Services Rankings

Cheapest Accounting and Related Services in Massachusetts Accounting and Related Services Under $20,000 in Massachusetts

Related

All Accounting and Related Services Programs Best Colleges in Massachusetts Best Accounting and Related Services in Massachusetts

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