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Cheapest Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Missouri

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

College of the Ozarks stands apart from Missouri's accounting programs with a net price of just $7,669, nearly $4,400 less than the next most affordable option at Truman State University. This dramatic cost difference reflects the school's unique work-study model where students work on campus to offset educational expenses. Missouri's accounting graduates enter a market shaped by major employers like Cerner and BJC HealthCare, where financial management and compliance roles are essential to healthcare operations and technology services. The state's 20 accounting programs show a clear divide between public and private costs, with public universities averaging around $12,000-$15,000 in net price while private institutions range from the strong College of the Ozarks to programs exceeding $38,000. Graduates from University of Missouri-Kansas City command the highest early-career earnings at $54,543, while Central Methodist University graduates start at $31,799. The earnings spread of over $22,000 highlights how program choice and geographic location within Missouri can significantly impact financial outcomes for accounting professionals.
33
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$43,957
Avg. Program Earnings
54.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
3 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
4 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
5 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
6 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
7 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%
8 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
9 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
10 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
11 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
12 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
13 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
14 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
15 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
16 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
17 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
18 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
19 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
20 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
21 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
22 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
23 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
24 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
25 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
26 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
27 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
28 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
29 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
30 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
31 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
32 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
33 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so much cheaper than other Missouri accounting programs?

College of the Ozarks operates on a unique work-study model where students work 15 hours per week on campus to help cover their educational costs. This results in a net price of just $7,669, compared to the $12,030 at Truman State University, the next most affordable option. The school accepts only 21.13% of applicants and maintains a 61.30% graduation rate. Students essentially earn their education through campus employment rather than taking on traditional student debt.

How do public university accounting programs compare to private ones in Missouri?

Missouri's public universities offer significantly lower costs, with most ranging from $12,000 to $17,500 in net price compared to private institutions. Truman State University provides excellent value at $12,030 net cost with a 68.40% graduation rate. Public programs like Southeast Missouri State and Northwest Missouri State deliver strong earnings potential at $49,527 and $50,439 respectively. The major exception is College of the Ozarks, a private school that costs less than any public option due to its work program structure.

Where do Missouri accounting graduates earn the most after graduation?

University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates command the highest early-career earnings at $54,543, likely benefiting from the metropolitan job market and proximity to major employers. Southeast Missouri State and Northwest Missouri State follow with earnings of $49,527 and $50,439 respectively. Park University graduates also perform well at $53,810 despite the school's 30% graduation rate. The Kansas City area appears to offer the strongest compensation for new accounting professionals in the state.

Is student debt a major concern for Missouri accounting students?

Student debt levels vary considerably across Missouri accounting programs, ranging from $16,750 at Central Methodist University to $29,608 at Harris-Stowe State University. Most programs keep debt reasonable, with schools like University of Missouri-St Louis averaging $18,774 and Southeast Missouri State at $18,402. The combination of affordable public tuition and Missouri's A+ Scholarship, which covers community college costs, helps many students minimize borrowing. Programs with higher earnings potential often justify slightly higher debt levels through improved long-term financial outcomes.

Does acceptance rate affect the quality of Missouri accounting programs?

Acceptance rates don't necessarily correlate with program outcomes in Missouri's accounting market. College of the Ozarks has the lowest acceptance rate at 21.13% but also the most affordable cost structure. Truman State University balances selectivity at 45.05% acceptance with strong graduation rates of 68.40%. Meanwhile, Southeast Missouri State accepts 86.31% of applicants but still delivers solid earnings of $49,527 for graduates. The relationship between selectivity and value depends more on individual program strengths than admission difficulty.

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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.