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University of North Alabama stands out as Alabama's most affordable accounting program at $11,024 net cost, while maintaining a solid 95.68% acceptance rate and 54% graduation rate. This significant affordability advantage becomes even more striking when compared to private options like Faulkner University at $21,165. Alabama's growing aerospace and automotive sectors, anchored by major employers like Hyundai and Airbus, create steady demand for accounting professionals to manage complex manufacturing operations and supply chain finances. The state's 15 accounting programs span a wide cost range of over $10,000, with public institutions consistently offering better value. Earnings potential varies considerably across programs, from $35,416 at Alabama A&M to $45,696 at UAB, reflecting both program quality and regional job market access. Alabama's Student Grant Program provides additional financial support for in-state students, making these already affordable programs even more accessible for residents seeking accounting careers in the state's expanding economy.
23
Programs
$11,024 – $32,977
Net Price Range
$42,008
Avg. Program Earnings
50.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
2 $13,832 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
3 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
4 $13,889 $11,248 30.2% 96.6%
5 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
6 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
7 $14,596 $9,436 35.7% 92.2%
8 $14,850 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
9 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
10 $17,053 $13,710 49.4% 59.8%
11 $17,727 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
12 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%
13 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
14 $20,957 $13,420 25.0% 94.1%
15 $21,165 $23,920 37.7% 82.4%
16 $21,401 $28,650 46.9% 66.0%
17 $22,150 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
18 $22,923 $13,920
19 $23,351 $22,750 64.2% 57.2%
20 $23,384 $21,838 49.9% 68.1%
21 $23,897 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
22 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%
23 $32,977 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of North Alabama the cheapest accounting program in Alabama?

University of North Alabama offers accounting students a net cost of just $11,024, significantly below the state average. The school maintains a 95.68% acceptance rate, making it highly accessible to students. Graduates earn a median of $39,369, providing reasonable return on investment given the low educational costs. The program's combination of affordability and accessibility makes it particularly attractive for budget-conscious students.

How much do accounting graduates earn compared to program costs in Alabama?

Alabama accounting graduates see earnings ranging from $35,416 to $45,696 depending on their school. University of Alabama at Birmingham leads with $45,696 median earnings despite a moderate $17,727 net cost. University of Montevallo graduates earn $44,933 with costs of $17,053. The strongest earnings-to-cost ratio comes from University of North Alabama, where low costs of $11,024 still produce $39,369 median earnings.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private accounting programs?

Public accounting programs in Alabama average significantly lower net costs than private options. The most expensive programs include private institutions like Faulkner University at $21,165 and University of Mobile at $19,603. Meanwhile, public schools like University of North Alabama ($11,024) and Troy University ($13,869) offer substantial savings. Public institutions also tend to have lower student debt levels, with many programs keeping debt under $25,000.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Alabama accounting schools?

Alabama's accounting programs show mixed relationships between cost and graduation success. Higher-priced University of Alabama at Birmingham achieves a 62.4% graduation rate at $17,727 net cost. However, affordable University of North Alabama maintains a solid 54% rate despite its $11,024 cost. Some expensive programs like Miles College show concerning 25.7% graduation rates, while moderate-cost Jacksonville State achieves 51.1% completion.

Where do Alabama accounting graduates find the best job opportunities?

Alabama's aerospace and automotive sectors provide strong accounting career paths, particularly near Huntsville's aerospace corridor and Mobile's automotive manufacturing. UAB graduates in Birmingham earn the highest median salaries at $45,696, benefiting from the city's corporate headquarters presence. University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates earn $38,289, well-positioned for aerospace accounting roles with NASA and defense contractors. The state's expanding manufacturing base creates consistent demand for cost accounting and financial analysis professionals.

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