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Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Minnesota

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

Accounting programs across Minnesota create a striking earnings divide that reflects the state's varied economic market. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn $60,594 annually, while Herzing University-Minneapolis graduates start at $41,937, showing how institutional choice directly impacts financial outcomes. This $18,657 gap becomes even more meaningful when considering that Minnesota hosts major accounting employers like UnitedHealth Group and Target Corporation, both requiring skilled financial professionals for their massive operations. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with net costs ranging from $10,874 at UM-Crookston to $18,609 at Minnesota State-Mankato. Saint Cloud State University offers particularly strong value with 95% acceptance rates and $53,608 graduate earnings at just $14,485 net cost. The Minnesota State Grant system helps bridge affordability gaps, making quality accounting education accessible across income levels. Students find opportunities spanning from Fortune 500 corporate accounting to nonprofit financial management throughout the Twin Cities metro and beyond.
30
Programs
$10,874 – $31,307
Net Price Range
$52,023
Avg. Program Earnings
62.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,874 $46,869 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
2 $14,485 $53,608 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
3 $17,139 $60,594 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
4 $14,760 $47,729 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%
5 $18,464 $52,651 $14,318 64.5% 80.7%
6 $18,609 $52,464 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
7 $15,205 $41,937 $13,420 73.5% 94.3%
8 $17,050 $46,193 $10,164 53.4% 77.5%
9 $18,148 $49,136 $10,498 60.9% 73.8%
10 $21,385 $57,860 $48,311 57.7% 80.6%
11 $19,181 $51,077 $9,780 38.4% 81.7%
12 $17,816 $46,999 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
13 $17,566 $45,618 $25,000 58.8% 69.1%
14 $18,305 $46,790 $14,436 33.3%
15 $21,034 $53,358 $43,160 67.7% 96.8%
16 $21,563 $53,108 $49,758 65.1% 92.5%
17 $25,140 $59,124 $36,830 68.4% 92.5%
18 $19,071 $44,783 $10,899 53.2%
19 $25,651 $56,641 $30,020 71.8% 65.5%
20 $26,895 $57,995 $54,310 75.9% 73.9%
21 $27,018 $57,589 $53,942 75.7% 86.2%
22 $28,065 $58,673 $53,884 83.0% 87.8%
23 $23,949 $49,562 $40,454 63.0% 96.6%
24 $23,875 $49,084 $43,942 52.4% 76.5%
25 $28,439 $54,869 $42,930 75.2% 72.5%
26 $30,525 $58,274 $52,284 75.2% 77.0%
27 $27,324 $30,200 64.3% 66.6%
28 $24,674 $18,910 30.8%
29 $23,574 $29,460 63.6% 90.8%
30 $31,307 $18,252 100.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Minnesota-Twin Cities worth the higher $17,139 net cost for accounting students?

UM-Twin Cities graduates earn $60,594 annually, the highest among all Minnesota accounting programs, justifying the premium cost. The 84.80% graduation rate far exceeds most alternatives, with graduates carrying just $22,342 in debt. Major Minneapolis employers like Target and UnitedHealth Group actively recruit from this program. The combination of strong earnings and reasonable debt creates long-term financial advantages that offset the initial investment.

How does Saint Cloud State University achieve such strong value in accounting education?

Saint Cloud State offers 95% acceptance rates while maintaining $53,608 graduate earnings at just $14,485 net cost. In-state students pay only $10,117, making this one of the most affordable quality options available. Graduates carry $23,051 in debt but earn enough to manage payments comfortably. The 46.90% graduation rate, while modest, reflects the open-access mission combined with solid career outcomes.

Is attending a private accounting program in Minnesota worth the additional expense?

Hamline University demonstrates private value with graduates earning $57,860 annually, second only to UM-Twin Cities. However, the $21,385 net cost represents a significant premium over public alternatives. Saint Mary's University charges $21,034 with $53,358 earnings and a strong 67.70% graduation rate. Private programs often provide smaller class sizes and career services that justify costs for students seeking personalized attention.

Does geographic location within Minnesota affect accounting career prospects significantly?

Twin Cities programs typically produce higher-earning graduates, with UM-Twin Cities and Hamline University leading at $60,594 and $57,860 respectively. Greater Minnesota schools like UM-Crookston still provide solid value at $46,869 earnings with much lower costs. Bemidji State and Southwest Minnesota State offer regional opportunities with earnings around $46,000-$47,000. Location affects initial opportunities, but Minnesota's statewide business network provides mobility for ambitious graduates.

Where do Minnesota accounting graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Major employers include UnitedHealth Group, Target Corporation, 3M, and numerous regional healthcare systems requiring financial expertise. The Twin Cities metro area concentrates most Fortune 500 opportunities, while greater Minnesota offers positions in agriculture, manufacturing, and local government. CPA firms throughout the state hire entry-level staff, with Big Four presence in Minneapolis. Many graduates also pursue roles in the state's cooperative and nonprofit sectors, which maintain strong accounting standards.

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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.