A quality and affordable online master’s in accounting program develops critical thinking and communication skills as well as the hard skills associated with accounting. It also prepares you for a variety of positions such as a certified public accountant, financial advisor, and forensic accountant. A master’s degree in accounting opens doors for career advancement and higher pay, but many wonder how’ll they’ll complete the work while balancing other priorities.
Questions about online versus in-person learning, which program to choose, and how to pay for the degree also make getting your degree feel overwhelming. To help with these decisions, we’ve overviewed the most affordable online master’s in accounting programs below and provided suggestions for lowering how much you’ll pay for your degree.
18 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Accounting Programs for 2023
Though program quality, time commitment, pacing, and cost are all aspects students consider when selecting an online master’s in accounting program, cost is usually the most important and ultimately the deciding factor. The following rankings of affordable programs were determined by comparing key affordability and quality metrics data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). See our “About the ranking” button below for a full explanation of these rankings.
At Cabrini University, students can earn their accounting master’s in as little as 12 months. CU designed this program for recent accounting graduates or working professionals who are hoping to pivot or advance their current careers. To ensure students have the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the Uniform CPA exam, all coursework is based on the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant Uniform CPA Exam Blueprint. In addition to core accounting courses, students can also choose to take courses in specialized topics, including international or forensic accounting. For maximum convenience, students may begin their studies in any semester. Classes take place 100% online and are delivered in 8-week course formats.
Program Highlights:
Master of Accounting
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12-18 months
- Cost: $720/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
Fitchburg State University’s Master of Business Administration in Accounting online program prepares students to launch their accounting careers with roles as financial analysts and managers, auditing managers, and forensic accountants. Designed and taught by the same faculty as Fitchburg’s on-campus MBA, this program gives students a thorough grounding in business and financial expertise that will help them excel as managers across several industries. Though courses are delivered 100% online, this degree prioritizes participatory learning through online class discussions and collaborative group projects. Upon graduation, students will be able to calculate, record, and provide financial information about reporting entities, apply tax tables and rate schedules to determine taxable income and refunds, and distinguish and navigate federal and state government tax policies.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration in Accounting Online
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $436/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: ACBE
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
As part of Texas A&M – Corpus Christi’s online Master of Accountancy, students will prepare to become valuable executive team members at accounting firms and business enterprises in as little as one year. This program expands on the basic knowledge of accounting principles and business applications with additional training in organizational and management skills and financial record-keeping best practices. Required coursework includes studies in auditing and assurance services, information systems in accounting, and forensic accounting. Graduates will thoroughly understand how to employ analytical and problem-solving skills to inform financial decisions. Students can apply all MA program credits to the 150 hours required to take the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination.
Program Highlights:
Master of Accountancy
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12-20 months
- Cost: $13,080
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: AACSB
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Texas A&M University – Texarkana’s MSA program aims to prepare graduates for professional accounting careers in all areas of public, private, and governmental sectors. TAMUT partnered with industry experts to develop a program that focuses on teaching students the crucial accounting and managerial skills necessary to become global business leaders who will meet the needs of today’s businesses and governmental agencies. Students develop advanced critical thinking and analysis skills through various high-impact experiences and hands-on collaboration with peers. This degree can be completed online, providing working professionals convenience and flexibility. Upon graduation, students are prepared to sit for the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) or Certified Management Accounting (CMA) examinations.
Program Highlights:
MSA Program
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $391-$429.23/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: AACSB
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Georgia Southern University’s web-based Master of Accounting is ideal for individuals who want to pursue a master’s degree without putting their personal and work lives on hold. Students earn a master’s degree over two consecutive years of study, taking two courses each fall and spring and one course each summer. As a part of GU’s WebMAcc program, students gain the valuable skill set and financial expertise they’ll need to succeed in public accounting careers. Coursework is accomplished over 30 credit hours of study and assists students in fulfilling the state’s 150-hour requirement to apply for a CPA license. The core 18 credit hours consist of required accounting and business law classes, and students may choose from available elective courses to fulfill the remaining 12 credit hours. Students can complete coursework 100% online, making this program convenient for meeting the needs of busy working professionals.
Program Highlights:
Master of Accounting
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $527/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: AACSB
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
5 Ways to Save on Your Online Master’s Degree in Accounting
Cost is a major determining factor for most students when deciding where to earn their online master’s degree in accounting. While online learning reduces room and board as well as travel costs, the degree’s price tag is still significant. Below are five additional funding sources for your master’s degree.
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Scholarships, grants, and fellowships created for accounting master’s students.
Many programs offer scholarships, grants, and fellowships specifically for graduate or accounting master’s students. Scholarships are usually based on academic or professional accomplishments, and grants as well as some scholarships are determined by financial need. Fellowships can be awarded by a university, a professional organization, or a nonprofit. Many university websites, like Ohio Wesleyan University’s, provide information on fellowships. You can also explore scholarships, like the Robert Kaufman Memorial Scholarship offered by the Independent Accountants International Education Foundation, specifically for accounting students. More opportunities for scholarships can be found in OMD’s scholarships and resources guide.
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Work-Study or Assistantships
Assistantships or work-study programs allow students to save money on tuition and gain practical experience in the field. Universities offering assistantships often provide both a tuition waiver and a living stipend to offset the cost of coursework. Graduate assistants often work with professors in a variety of capacities such as grading or research. Work-study programs, such as the one offered by the federal government, provide employment in a related field and allow you to use your wages for tuition.
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Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs
Your employer may offer full or partial reimbursement for continuing education. Even if your employer does not offer an official reimbursement program, you should ask. If you plan to continue working during your degree, you can leverage how your knowledge and skills will immediately benefit your employer. Also emphasize how you will be better prepared to take on leadership roles on projects as a result of your education. Deloitte is one company that offers 100% graduate school tuition reimbursement.
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Payment Plans
Universities often offer payment plans to help students pay tuition costs in small increments. You can spread out your tuition costs throughout the year, and the exact breakdown (e.g., monthly, by semester, by percent) depends on the specific payment plan. Payment plans are not a loan and do not typically charge interest, but they do often have an enrollment fee. Many plans allow automatic withdrawal from your bank account, and some allow payment by credit card. Investigate any associated fees to these payment methods ahead of time.
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Paid Internships
For students not already employed full-time, paid internships are an opportunity to gain experience, network, and earn money to help pay for graduate school. These part-time jobs often are associated with lower pay, but they also give more space and time to focus on schoolwork. Look for paid internships with networking potential as well as a chance to gain valuable experience in the accounting field.
FAQs: Affordable Master’s Programs in Accounting
Q. What impacts the affordability of an online master’s program?
Multiple factors play into the cost of a master’s program. Whether a school is a private or public institution and if you have in-state or out-of-state residency status often impacts tuition rates. In addition, online programs are often cheaper because of savings from the waiving of student activity or other fees and not having to commute. The availability of scholarships, grants, and other programs (e.g., work-study or assistantships) can also affect affordability. Finally, transfer credits can be a great way to save you both time and money.
Q. What is the ROI of an online master’s degree in accounting?
Compared to other advanced business degrees, a Master of Accounting has one of the best ROIs because they’re relatively short with multiple fellowships and scholarships available. The median pay for an accountant, according to the BLS, is $77,250. If you complete an online program in a year and receive a pay increase, you may very well cover the cost of your online master’s degree in accounting fairly quickly. With the upper ten percent of accountants earning over $128,000, the ROI of this degree certainly makes it worthwhile.
Q. How can I ensure that an affordable master’s in accounting program is high-quality?
Check out a program’s accreditation status for assurance of its quality. You can see accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, but accreditation status should also be displayed on individual school websites. Many programs also list objectives for student learning to help you determine how the program translates into career skills and prepares you for advancement. You can also check into employment numbers for graduates of individual schools. Texas A&M University-Commerce, for example, reports that 91% of graduate students were employed within 12 months of graduating.
Q. Is an online master’s degree more affordable than an in-person program?
There are many factors to consider for determining which is more affordable, but online programs often come out on top. While many online programs include a fee for distance learning, these fees are often less than the fees paid by on-campus students. An online program is also more likely to allow you to continue working while earning your degree. Also consider that an online degree saves you money on travel costs.
Q. Can job experience count towards a master’s degree and help cut costs?
Upon admission, your university should review your experience to determine if any of it applies to your degree. Some programs allow you to place out of certain courses, reducing cost and increasing the speed at which you can earn your degree. Others may actually give you course credit toward the completion of your degree. Ask about credit for work experience before coming to a program since it may be a deciding factor in overall cost and time commitment.
Q. How can I know if an affordable master’s degree program is right for me?
Consider making a list of what matters most to you. Do you want to finish in less than two years? Do you want a fully-online program? Is networking important? Creating a list of your must-haves can help you weed out programs that do not fit your needs. Prioritizing those needs can help you make the final decision about which program to enroll in.