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West Virginia University Institute of Technology graduates earn $50,060 annually while paying just $9,957 net cost, making it the state's accounting education standout. This impressive return contrasts sharply with private options like University of Charleston at $22,012 net cost. The state's 13 accounting programs serve a regional economy where energy companies, healthcare systems, and government agencies create steady demand for financial professionals. Marshall University offers the lowest net cost at $8,327, though with modest earnings of $37,568. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with six of the top seven most affordable options being state institutions.
13
Programs
$8,327 – $22,012
Net Price Range
$42,932
Avg. Program Earnings
45.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,957 $50,060 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
2 $8,327 $37,568 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
3 $9,104 $40,574 $8,400 53.2%
4 $9,055 $38,289 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
5 $12,997 $50,060 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
6 $12,391 $44,933 $8,642 49.5% 95.9%
7 $16,943 $44,407 $13,920 50.0%
8 $19,040 $37,568 $29,475 32.0% 72.7%
9 $15,306 $34,816 46.3% 64.9%
10 $12,529 $10,240 34.6% 97.2%
11 $22,012 $32,842 46.3% 67.7%
12 $19,428 $31,270 36.6% 75.3%
13 $18,148 $33,494 49.5% 96.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $12,000 earnings gap between top programs?

WVU Institute of Technology and West Virginia University both report $50,060 graduate earnings, while Marshall University graduates earn $37,568. The difference likely reflects program focus, with higher-earning programs emphasizing corporate accounting skills needed in energy and healthcare sectors.

How do private university costs compare to public options?

Private institutions charge $15,306 to $22,012 in net costs, while public universities range from $8,327 to $12,997. University of Charleston represents the highest cost at $22,012, nearly triple Marshall University's $8,327 rate.

Does the PROMISE Scholarship affect accounting program affordability?

The PROMISE Scholarship covers full tuition for qualifying students at state universities, making programs like Marshall University and Fairmont State particularly attractive. This benefit applies only to public institutions, not private colleges.

Where do West Virginia accounting graduates typically find employment?

The state's energy sector, including coal and natural gas companies, employs many accounting graduates alongside healthcare systems and state government. Regional CPA firms and corporate offices in Charleston and Morgantown provide additional opportunities for new graduates.

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