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Northern Kentucky University stands out with a $7,168 net price that beats every other accounting program in the state by at least $1,950. This Highland Heights campus produces graduates earning $51,781 annually, placing them well above the state average despite the program's affordability. Kentucky's accounting graduates find opportunities across major employers like Humana's Louisville headquarters, UPS Worldport operations, and Toyota's Georgetown manufacturing facility, where financial oversight drives daily operations. The 20 programs span a wide cost spectrum, with private options like Thomas More reaching $20,701 annually. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with Murray State at $9,121 and Eastern Kentucky at $9,962 following Northern Kentucky's lead. Graduation rates vary significantly across price points, from Alice Lloyd College's concerning 26.4% to University of Kentucky's strong 69.9% performance.
22
Programs
$7,168 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$44,972
Avg. Program Earnings
50.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
2 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
3 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
4 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
5 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
6 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
7 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
8 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
9 $16,238 $11,484 50.0%
10 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
11 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
12 $17,839 $14,080 26.4% 98.3%
13 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
14 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
15 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
16 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
17 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
18 $23,863 $26,080 46.4% 93.8%
19 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
20 $24,264 $27,850 57.3% 97.6%
21 $25,785 $14,220 30.2%
22 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Northern Kentucky University's accounting program such a standout value?

Northern Kentucky University offers the state's lowest net price at $7,168 while delivering strong graduate outcomes with $51,781 average earnings. The 48.3% graduation rate falls below some peers, but the earnings potential significantly exceeds programs costing twice as much. Students also benefit from an 86% acceptance rate and proximity to Cincinnati's financial sector.

How do public versus private accounting programs compare in Kentucky?

Public programs consistently offer better value, with the top five affordable options all being state institutions ranging from $7,168 to $10,916. Private schools like University of the Cumberlands enter at $11,286, while others like Thomas More reach $20,701. Georgetown College lacks earnings data despite charging $13,485 net price, making cost comparison difficult.

Is the University of Kentucky worth the higher cost at $17,218?

UK's $17,218 net price delivers the state's highest graduation rate at 69.9% and solid $50,000 median earnings. This flagship program offers more full resources and alumni networks than cheaper alternatives. The 94.89% acceptance rate means admission remains accessible despite the premium pricing.

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

The relationship proves inconsistent across Kentucky's accounting programs. Alice Lloyd College shows the worst graduation rate at 26.4% despite moderate $17,839 costs. Meanwhile, affordable options like Murray State achieve 59.5% graduation rates at just $9,121 net price. University of Kentucky leads at 69.9% but costs significantly more.

Where do Kentucky accounting graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Kentucky's major employers create strong demand for accounting professionals across multiple sectors. UPS Worldport in Louisville requires extensive financial operations support, while Humana's healthcare operations need specialized accounting expertise. Toyota's Georgetown plant and the state's bourbon industry also provide accounting career paths with competitive salaries.

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