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Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania's accounting programs reveal sharp cost contrasts that shape career trajectories across the state's finance-heavy economy. Holy Family University delivers the lowest net cost at $12,251 while producing graduates earning $50,677 annually, creating an impressive return on investment that outpaces many programs charging twice as much. The University of Pittsburgh's three regional campuses offer nearly identical outcomes with net costs ranging from $16,630 to $18,952, all feeding into the same $55,136 average salary pipeline. Pennsylvania's accounting graduates enter a job market anchored by major financial institutions like PNC Bank, healthcare giant UPMC's financial operations, and pharmaceutical companies requiring specialized cost accounting expertise. Public institutions consistently deliver lower net costs than private counterparts, with West Chester University graduates earning $59,253 despite a $22,673 net cost. Meanwhile, private options like Susquehanna University command $26,539 net costs but produce the highest earners at $58,221 annually, demonstrating how program choice significantly impacts both debt load and earning potential in Pennsylvania's finance sector.
50
Programs
$12,251 – $40,429
Net Price Range
$50,712
Avg. Program Earnings
63.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,251 $50,677 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
2 $12,905 $50,439 $15,060 5.3%
3 $16,630 $55,136 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
4 $17,034 $55,136 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
5 $18,952 $55,136 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
6 $21,409 $56,415 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
7 $17,216 $45,207 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
8 $22,673 $59,253 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
9 $20,800 $53,775 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
10 $19,173 $46,087 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
11 $21,664 $50,439 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
12 $21,043 $46,673 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
13 $26,539 $58,221 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
14 $19,685 $42,682 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
15 $24,051 $52,107 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
16 $19,524 $42,123 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
17 $23,553 $50,543 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
18 $30,528 $63,997 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
19 $33,549 $70,324 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
20 $30,314 $63,430 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
21 $21,360 $44,407 $13,920
22 $26,198 $54,386 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
23 $20,822 $42,682 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
24 $25,544 $51,392 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
25 $21,461 $42,682 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
26 $22,222 $44,170 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
27 $23,331 $45,696 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
28 $27,686 $53,608 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
29 $25,885 $50,022 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
30 $22,746 $43,922 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
31 $21,972 $42,123 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
32 $23,281 $44,468 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
33 $28,132 $53,629 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
34 $25,747 $48,725 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
35 $30,470 $57,318 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
36 $27,263 $50,856 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
37 $22,558 $41,937 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
38 $25,866 $48,041 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
39 $30,074 $55,136 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
40 $35,487 $63,997 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
41 $29,219 $51,922 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
42 $24,791 $42,682 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
43 $30,465 $51,392 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
44 $24,829 $41,565 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
45 $23,206 $38,289 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
46 $40,429 $66,147 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
47 $27,700 $44,776 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
48 $28,329 $45,500 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
49 $38,428 $59,858 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
50 $29,944 $46,478 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Holy Family University such a strong value for accounting students?

Holy Family University offers the lowest net cost at $12,251 among Pennsylvania accounting programs while maintaining respectable graduate earnings of $50,677. The Philadelphia location provides access to major financial employers and internship opportunities. With a 77.44% acceptance rate and 60.40% graduation rate, students can reasonably expect to complete their degree and enter the workforce with manageable debt levels.

How do the University of Pittsburgh regional campuses compare for accounting value?

All three Pitt regional campuses produce graduates earning identical $55,136 salaries with similar debt loads of $24,188. Bradford offers the lowest net cost at $16,630, followed by Greensburg at $17,034 and Johnstown at $18,952. Johnstown shows the strongest graduation rate at 53.40%, while all three maintain acceptance rates above 93%, making them accessible options for most applicants.

Is there a significant earnings difference between public and private accounting programs in Pennsylvania?

Public programs generally offer better value with lower costs and competitive earnings. West Chester University graduates earn $59,253, among the highest in the state, while maintaining reasonable net costs. Private institutions like Susquehanna command higher net costs at $26,539 but deliver strong earnings of $58,221. The earnings gap between public and private programs is often smaller than the cost difference.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Pennsylvania accounting programs?

Higher graduation rates don't necessarily require higher costs in Pennsylvania accounting programs. Saint Francis University achieves the highest graduation rate at 72.80% with a moderate $19,173 net cost. Meanwhile, expensive programs like Susquehanna maintain strong 74.10% graduation rates. However, budget-friendly options like Holy Family still deliver respectable 60.40% graduation rates, proving value exists across price ranges.

Where do Pennsylvania accounting graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Pennsylvania's accounting graduates benefit from the state's strong financial sector, including major banks, healthcare systems, and pharmaceutical companies. UPMC's extensive operations require specialized healthcare accounting expertise, while companies like Comcast need financial analysts and auditors. The state's manufacturing base also creates demand for cost accountants. Average starting salaries range from $42,123 to $70,324 depending on the program and employer type.

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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.