Skip to main content
Capital University accounting graduates earn $57,318 annually, making it the top earner among Ohio's accounting programs despite charging $23,585 in net costs. This premium reflects strong connections to Columbus's financial sector, where major corporations like Nationwide Insurance and American Electric Power maintain headquarters requiring skilled accounting professionals. Ohio's manufacturing backbone, anchored by companies like Honda and Procter & Gamble, creates steady demand for cost accountants and financial analysts across the state. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans nearly $19,000, with Ohio State graduates earning $57,149 compared to Shawnee State's $41,193. Public universities dominate the value equation, with Youngstown State offering the lowest net price at $11,877 while still preparing graduates for careers averaging $42,276. Private institutions like Walsh University and Ohio Wesleyan command higher costs but deliver competitive outcomes, particularly for students targeting corporate finance roles in Ohio's major metropolitan areas.
50
Programs
$5,971 – $38,909
Net Price Range
$48,787
Avg. Program Earnings
53.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,877 $42,276 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
2 $14,981 $47,781 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
3 $18,292 $57,149 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
4 $16,065 $48,901 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
5 $15,216 $46,087 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
6 $14,325 $41,937 $19,542 20.7%
7 $17,460 $50,439 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
8 $15,389 $41,193 $9,622 43.0%
9 $20,413 $54,359 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
10 $19,614 $50,606 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
11 $20,004 $50,141 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
12 $23,585 $57,318 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
13 $21,619 $51,273 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
14 $20,204 $46,790 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
15 $19,476 $44,649 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
16 $25,022 $57,318 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
17 $22,872 $52,107 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
18 $20,918 $47,650 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
19 $17,430 $38,289 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
20 $22,140 $47,260 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
21 $27,662 $58,777 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
22 $23,156 $49,064 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
23 $25,727 $53,629 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
24 $22,605 $46,999 $9,577 30.3%
25 $22,881 $47,260 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%
26 $20,320 $41,937 $13,420 21.2% 93.9%
27 $23,731 $48,432 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
28 $20,088 $40,896 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
29 $28,617 $56,054 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
30 $27,654 $53,984 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
31 $21,596 $41,937 $28,930 38.1% 60.4%
32 $31,236 $58,152 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
33 $20,609 $36,848 $12,930 54.2%
34 $32,342 $57,318 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
35 $23,722 $36,848 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
36 $38,909 $54,661 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
37 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
38 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
39 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
40 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
41 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
42 $21,607 $23,700 35.7%
43 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
44 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
45 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
46 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
47 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
48 $21,296 $36,032 41.9% 54.1%
49 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
50 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio State's accounting program worth the $18,292 net cost?

Ohio State accounting graduates earn $57,149 annually, ranking second in the state for post-graduation earnings. The program maintains an 87.70% graduation rate, significantly higher than most Ohio competitors. Students benefit from extensive alumni networks in Columbus's corporate sector and access to Big Four accounting firms that recruit heavily from the Fisher College of Business.

How do Ohio's private accounting programs compare to public options?

Private programs like Capital University ($23,585 net cost) and Ohio Wesleyan ($21,619) often provide smaller class sizes and personalized attention. Capital University graduates earn the highest salaries at $57,318, while Walsh University combines reasonable costs ($20,004 net) with strong earnings potential ($50,141). However, public universities typically offer better value propositions for cost-conscious students.

Is Wright State University a good choice despite its 45.90% graduation rate?

Wright State offers one of Ohio's most affordable accounting programs at $15,216 net cost with graduates earning $46,087 annually. The university's location in Dayton provides access to aerospace and defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, which require specialized accounting expertise. Students who complete the program typically see positive return on investment despite the lower graduation rate.

Does University of Toledo offer competitive value for accounting students?

Toledo charges $17,460 in net costs while graduates earn $50,439, creating one of Ohio's better earnings-to-cost ratios. The 55.60% graduation rate exceeds several state competitors, and the program benefits from Toledo's industrial base including glass manufacturer Owens Corning. Students gain practical experience through internships with regional manufacturers and healthcare systems.

Where do Ohio accounting graduates find the best job opportunities?

Columbus leads Ohio employment opportunities with major employers like JPMorgan Chase, L Brands, and Cardinal Health requiring accounting professionals. Cleveland's healthcare sector, anchored by Cleveland Clinic, creates demand for healthcare accountants earning above-average salaries. Cincinnati's corporate presence includes Procter & Gamble and Kroger, while Youngstown and Toledo offer manufacturing accounting roles with stable career paths.

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