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Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Virginia

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

Washington and Lee University graduates in Accounting and Related Services earn $66,449 annually, the highest in Virginia, though students pay a net cost of $23,911 after aid. This stark contrast with University of Virginia's College at Wise, where students pay just $11,180 but earn $30,409, illustrates how dramatically value calculations shift across the state's 20 programs. Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors creates strong demand for accounting professionals, with major employers like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen requiring financial expertise for government compliance. Public universities dominate the middle ground, with Virginia Tech graduates earning $62,632 while paying $23,790 net cost. The state's VTAG grant program helps bridge affordability gaps at private institutions, making programs like Bryant & Stratton College more accessible at $12,134 net cost despite its 28.10% graduation rate.
30
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$46,098
Avg. Program Earnings
56.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,134 $41,937 $18,457 28.1%
2 $18,287 $58,974 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
3 $14,170 $43,575 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
4 $23,911 $66,449 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
5 $11,180 $30,409 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
6 $16,640 $45,008 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
7 $23,790 $62,632 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
8 $21,816 $56,114 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
9 $19,452 $47,260 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
10 $33,417 $66,355 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%
11 $14,553 $28,019 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
12 $22,341 $42,433 $17,488 100.0% 33.3%
13 $20,473 $37,856 $18,484 44.7% 82.7%
14 $20,215 $34,704 $10,735 26.3%
15 $27,759 $47,260 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
16 $19,580 $32,925 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
17 $29,552 $47,361 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
18 $32,145 $40,485 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
19 $25,153 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
20 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
21 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
22 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
23 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
24 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
25 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
26 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
27 $27,538 $16,637 50.0%
28 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
29 $26,254 $16,637 66.7%
30 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $55,269 earnings gap between Virginia's highest and lowest-paying accounting programs?

Washington and Lee University graduates earn $66,449 while Virginia State University graduates average $28,019, reflecting significant differences in alumni networks and career placement. Washington and Lee's 94.90% graduation rate and selective 16.96% acceptance rate indicate rigorous academics that prepare students for high-paying positions. Virginia State's 40.70% graduation rate suggests completion challenges that may limit earning potential. The gap also reflects regional job markets, with Northern Virginia's federal contracting sector offering higher salaries than rural areas.

How does debt load affect the true value of Virginia's accounting programs?

DeVry University students graduate with $45,916 in debt despite earning $42,433, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. Washington and Lee provides better value with only $16,750 debt for $66,449 earnings, while Virginia Tech offers $62,632 earnings with $18,500 debt. Public universities generally offer lower debt loads, with George Mason averaging $20,000 debt for $58,974 earnings. The debt differences often determine whether graduates can afford homes in Virginia's expensive Northern region.

Does the VTAG grant make private Virginia accounting programs worth considering?

The VTAG grant helps students afford private programs, making Bryant & Stratton's $12,134 net cost competitive with public options despite lower earnings of $41,937. However, Bryant & Stratton's 28.10% graduation rate raises completion concerns that could offset affordability benefits. Randolph-Macon College at $27,759 net cost produces graduates earning $47,260 with a solid 74.60% graduation rate. Private programs may offer smaller classes and career services that justify higher costs for some students.

Where do Virginia accounting graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Northern Virginia offers the strongest job market, with federal contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen requiring accounting expertise for government compliance work. Richmond's banking sector and Virginia Beach's military contracting create additional opportunities for accounting graduates. George Mason University's location in Fairfax positions graduates well for federal accounting roles, helping explain their $58,974 average earnings. Rural programs like UVA-Wise serve local markets but offer lower earning potential at $30,409 due to limited corporate presence.

Is Virginia Tech worth the premium over other public accounting programs?

Virginia Tech's $23,790 net cost produces graduates earning $62,632, significantly outpacing similar programs like James Madison at $21,816 cost and $56,114 earnings. Tech's 86.30% graduation rate exceeds most Virginia programs, suggesting strong support systems that help students complete degrees. The school's engineering reputation may open doors in technical accounting roles that command higher salaries. However, students should weigh the $8,252 cost difference against the $6,518 earnings premium when making decisions.

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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.