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Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in New York

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

Baruch College stands out among New York's accounting programs with net costs under $3,000 yet graduates earning over $50,000 annually. This strong return on investment reflects the school's strategic location in Manhattan's Financial District, where students gain direct access to Wall Street firms, Big Four accounting companies, and countless financial services organizations. The CUNY system dominates the state's best value rankings, claiming eight of the top ten spots with net costs ranging from $2,446 to $5,881. While private options like Monroe College charge significantly more at $10,376 net cost, the earning potential varies dramatically across institutions. SUNY schools like Geneseo and Oneonta command higher net costs around $18,000 but deliver strong graduate earnings exceeding $55,000. New York's accounting job market benefits from the state's role as a global financial center, with the NYC metro area hosting headquarters for major banks, investment firms, and multinational corporations requiring extensive accounting and financial reporting expertise.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $42,581
Net Price Range
$47,259
Avg. Program Earnings
60.8%
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 $5,881 $53,984 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
7 $5,115 $42,123 $7,490 32.8%
8 $4,734 $31,547 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
9 $9,900 $50,742 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
10 $11,669 $42,682 $24,705 32.1% 95.5%
11 $10,376 $37,291 $17,922 57.5% 59.8%
12 $18,021 $56,114 $8,966 72.1% 74.9%
13 $14,117 $41,937 $19,126 27.5%
14 $18,833 $55,286 $8,812 70.2% 72.5%
15 $14,642 $41,937 $15,891 18.3%
16 $21,364 $60,325 $10,363 83.6% 41.8%
17 $18,486 $49,962 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
18 $15,844 $41,007 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
19 $15,644 $40,461 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
20 $13,882 $35,772 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
21 $18,322 $46,087 $32,720 70.7% 77.7%
22 $17,622 $44,170 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
23 $18,481 $45,794 $8,524 68.9% 58.3%
24 $26,870 $63,600 $37,840 71.8% 76.6%
25 $26,556 $62,154 $21,810 65.0% 71.3%
26 $15,770 $35,772 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
27 $17,231 $39,009 $8,769 60.4% 82.6%
28 $16,547 $36,579 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
29 $20,470 $44,802 $10,782 73.4% 67.7%
30 $18,740 $41,007 $38,135 70.2% 89.6%
31 $26,881 $53,358 $50,850 66.0% 82.3%
32 $23,901 $47,260 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
33 $31,046 $61,058 $51,424 61.4% 82.9%
34 $21,547 $41,007 $38,970 71.0% 78.3%
35 $27,151 $49,962 $40,150 70.4% 81.1%
36 $28,348 $52,107 $47,290 68.9% 72.8%
37 $32,965 $59,417 $50,510 74.1% 75.2%
38 $27,951 $50,270 $45,880 57.4% 96.4%
39 $25,133 $42,682 $28,600 40.3%
40 $21,344 $36,141 $37,720 62.6% 88.6%
41 $42,581 $71,351 $61,992 80.3% 54.1%
42 $29,694 $49,436 $57,016 70.8% 67.2%
43 $23,736 $39,369 $41,370 65.7% 88.3%
44 $31,955 $51,273 $57,950 73.6% 78.4%
45 $35,129 $55,422 $55,450 67.1% 69.3%
46 $23,735 $36,852 $37,932 64.0% 96.0%
47 $28,150 $43,128 $39,666 74.4% 73.1%
48 $39,660 $60,623 $46,140 79.8% 62.9%
49 $41,026 $61,303 $63,061 81.4% 51.8%
50 $32,697 $48,432 $44,405 75.8% 80.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Baruch College such strong value for accounting students?

Baruch College combines a net cost of just $2,978 with graduate earnings of $50,105, creating one of the best cost-to-earnings ratios in the state. The school maintains a 72.1% graduation rate while accepting under half of applicants at 49.53%. Its location in Manhattan's Financial District provides unparalleled internship and job opportunities with major accounting firms and financial institutions.

How do CUNY schools compare to SUNY options for accounting value?

CUNY schools offer dramatically lower net costs, with six institutions under $6,000 compared to SUNY schools averaging over $15,000. However, SUNY Geneseo and Oneonta deliver higher graduate earnings at $56,114 and $55,286 respectively. CUNY Brooklyn College provides a middle ground with a $2,943 net cost and $41,464 in graduate earnings, plus a solid 56.6% graduation rate.

Is the high cost of living in New York worth it for accounting graduates?

Graduate earnings ranging from $31,547 to $60,325 help offset New York's expensive living costs, especially for those working in high-paying financial sectors. Baruch and Medgar Evers College graduates earn over $50,000 annually, providing better purchasing power. The state's concentration of accounting jobs in finance, media, and healthcare creates advancement opportunities that can justify the higher expenses.

Does attending a private accounting program in New York provide better value?

Private programs generally offer poor value compared to public options in New York. Monroe College charges a $10,376 net cost but graduates earn just $37,291, while The College of Westchester costs $11,669 with $42,682 earnings. Both carry significantly higher debt loads at $24,513 and $32,823 respectively, compared to CUNY schools averaging under $15,000 in debt.

Where do accounting graduates find the best job opportunities in New York?

Manhattan's Financial District offers the highest concentration of accounting opportunities, with Wall Street firms, investment banks, and corporate headquarters driving demand. Baruch College graduates particularly benefit from this proximity, earning $50,105 on average. The broader NYC metro area hosts numerous Fortune 500 companies requiring accounting professionals, while upstate regions offer opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and regional banking at potentially lower living 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.