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Holy Family University breaks the mold for accounting education in Pennsylvania, charging students just $12,251 in net costs while maintaining a 60.40% graduation rate that outpaces many state schools. This Philadelphia institution demonstrates how private colleges can compete with public universities on affordability, especially when compared to the $33,968 sticker price that financial aid significantly reduces. Pennsylvania's accounting graduates enter a job market anchored by major employers like UPMC and Comcast, where financial professionals manage billions in revenue across healthcare systems and telecommunications networks. The state's 15 most affordable accounting programs span a wide cost spectrum, with net prices ranging from Holy Family's $12,251 to Rosemont College's $20,356. Public institutions like Lincoln University offer in-state students particularly strong value at $12,512, while University of Pittsburgh campuses provide consistent earning potential around $55,136 for graduates. The data reveals interesting patterns in debt loads, with Slippery Rock University graduates carrying just $21,250 in debt compared to Peirce College's $35,000, despite similar program costs.
50
Programs
$12,251 – $27,263
Net Price Range
$48,231
Avg. Program Earnings
56.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
2 $12,905 $15,060 5.3%
3 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
4 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
5 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
6 $17,034 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
7 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
8 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
9 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
10 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
11 $19,279 $19,404 38.9% 34.0%
12 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
13 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
14 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
15 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
16 $20,748 $26,156 55.6% 86.0%
17 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
18 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
19 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
20 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
21 $21,360 $13,920
22 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
23 $21,461 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
24 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
25 $21,873 $32,400 54.2% 65.2%
26 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
27 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
28 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
29 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
30 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
31 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
32 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
33 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
34 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
35 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
36 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
37 $24,449 $17,950 37.7%
38 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
39 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
40 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
41 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
42 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
43 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
44 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
45 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
46 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%
47 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
48 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
49 $27,141 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%
50 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Holy Family University the cheapest accounting program in Pennsylvania?

Holy Family University offers the lowest net cost at $12,251 for accounting students, despite a sticker price of $33,968. The university provides substantial financial aid that reduces costs by over $21,000 for the average student. With a 60.40% graduation rate and median earnings of $50,677, students receive strong value for their investment.

How do University of Pittsburgh campuses compare for accounting students?

Three University of Pittsburgh campuses rank among the most affordable options, with net costs ranging from $16,630 at Bradford to $18,952 at Johnstown. All three campuses report identical median earnings of $55,136 and debt levels of $24,188 for accounting graduates. Acceptance rates exceed 93% at all three locations, making admission relatively accessible.

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

Public schools generally offer lower sticker prices, with Lincoln University charging $12,512 in-state versus Holy Family's $33,968. However, financial aid can level the playing field, as Holy Family's net cost of $12,251 actually undercuts most public options. Private institutions like Saint Francis University achieve higher graduation rates at 72.80% compared to most public alternatives.

Does attending a more expensive program guarantee higher earnings?

Not necessarily, as the data shows earnings vary independently of program costs. University of Pittsburgh graduates earn $55,136 regardless of campus cost differences, while Slippery Rock graduates earn $42,123 despite reasonable program costs. Saint Francis University charges significantly more but produces graduates earning $46,087, demonstrating that price doesn't directly correlate with salary outcomes.

Where do Pennsylvania accounting graduates find the best job opportunities?

Pennsylvania's accounting graduates benefit from the state's strong healthcare and corporate sectors, with employers like UPMC requiring extensive financial management expertise. The presence of major pharmaceutical companies and Comcast creates demand for accounting professionals across industries. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metropolitan areas offer the highest concentration of accounting positions, with many programs strategically located in these economic centers.

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