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Cheapest Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Virginia

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

Virginia accounting programs show dramatic cost gaps that reveal strategic opportunities for smart students. The University of Virginia's College at Wise delivers an accounting education for just $11,180 net cost while George Mason University graduates earn $58,974 annually, creating a compelling value equation across the state's 20 programs. This earning potential aligns with Virginia's strong accounting job market, driven by federal contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton requiring financial oversight. Public institutions dominate the affordability rankings, with five schools under $15,000 net cost, yet private options like Bryant & Stratton College produce graduates earning $41,937 despite higher upfront investment. The state's proximity to Washington DC creates unique opportunities in government accounting and defense contracting, fields where Virginia accounting graduates find ready employment. With graduation rates ranging from 26.30% at American National University to 69.30% at George Mason, students must balance cost considerations with completion likelihood and career outcomes.
30
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$46,098
Avg. Program Earnings
56.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
2 $12,134 $18,457 28.1%
3 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
4 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
5 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
6 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
7 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
8 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
9 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
10 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
11 $19,580 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
12 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
13 $20,215 $10,735 26.3%
14 $20,473 $18,484 44.7% 82.7%
15 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
16 $21,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
17 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
18 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%
19 $22,341 $17,488 100.0% 33.3%
20 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
21 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
22 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
23 $23,911 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
24 $25,153 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
25 $26,254 $16,637 66.7%
26 $27,538 $16,637 50.0%
27 $27,759 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
28 $29,552 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
29 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
30 $33,417 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UVA's College at Wise such an affordable option for accounting students?

UVA's College at Wise offers the lowest net cost at $11,180 while maintaining a 49.80% graduation rate and 75.57% acceptance rate. The school serves as UVA's regional campus in southwestern Virginia, providing the university's academic reputation at significantly reduced costs. Graduates earn $30,409 annually, which represents solid entry-level accounting salaries for the rural Virginia market.

How do Virginia's public and private accounting programs compare on cost and outcomes?

Public schools dominate the affordability rankings with six programs under $16,000 net cost, led by UVA Wise at $11,180. Private schools like Bryant & Stratton College cost $12,134 but produce higher-earning graduates at $41,937 annually. The gap narrows when considering that public school graduates from George Mason earn $58,974, the highest in the state.

Does Virginia's location near DC benefit accounting program graduates?

Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors creates strong demand for accounting professionals. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton require extensive financial oversight and compliance work. George Mason graduates earning $58,974 annually often secure positions with these federal contractors, while Norfolk area graduates from Old Dominion find opportunities in military accounting and shipbuilding finance.

What explains the wide graduation rate variations among Virginia accounting programs?

Graduation rates span from 26.30% at American National University to 69.30% at George Mason University, reflecting different student populations and institutional support systems. For-profit schools like ECPI University show 44.70% graduation rates despite $20,473 net costs. Traditional public universities typically achieve higher completion rates, with Radford University reaching 49.60% while maintaining reasonable $16,640 net costs.

Where should students focus when choosing between Virginia's most affordable accounting programs?

Students should examine the cost-to-earnings ratio alongside graduation rates when selecting programs. UVA Wise offers excellent value at $11,180 with reasonable outcomes, while George Mason justifies its $18,287 cost with $58,974 graduate earnings. Regional considerations matter too, as Norfolk area schools like Old Dominion connect students to military and maritime accounting opportunities.

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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.