Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for an online master’s in accounting program is the The University of Texas at Dallas, followed by the University of Connecticut.
- Rankings consider factors like accreditation, ROI, and program flexibility, emphasizing value for working professionals.
- Many programs offer hybrid options, specialized tracks, and access to student organizations to enhance career opportunities.
There are many valid reasons for pursuing a master’s in accounting online. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that careers in accounting are projected to grow faster than average in the next decade, making the field an especially attractive one for those with an interest in the subject.
For working professionals, going back to school to receive the credentials necessary to become a CPA or related accounting professional can be a tedious effort, however.
Featured Programs
Colleges and universities understand this and have begun to create hybrid and online programs to accommodate professionals who prefer to complete their coursework from home and on their own schedules.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
AACSB Accreditation – 2 points
Awards and Recognition (Related to Accounting)
• National Level – 2 points
• Regional Level – 1 point
20-Year Net ROI
• Above 500,000 – 5 points
• Above 400,000 – 4 points
• Above 300,000 – 3 points
• Above 200,000 – 2 points
• Above 100,000 – 1 point
Innovative Programs and/or Teaching Methods in Accounting – 1 point
Accounting Internship Opportunities – 1 point
Accounting Scholarship Opportunities – 1 point
Affiliated Centers and Institutes on Campus – 1 point
Related Student Organizations and Societies – 1 point
Wow Factor – 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
Best Value Colleges for a Master’s in Accounting Online
Choosing the right online master’s in accounting degree program can be a complex endeavor in and of itself. While looking for an affordable program is wise, there are other factors to consider such as academic rigor, student services, and teaching methods.
In order to aid students with an interest in the field, we’ve compiled a list of 20 best value colleges for a master’s in accounting online, taking into account the program’s ROI as well as the features listed in the rating and ranking methodology above.
In cases where two or more schools received the same number of points, we used tuition to break the tie, awarding the more affordable school the higher ranking. The school awarded the most points received the #1 spot.
#20 – Saint Leo University
Online Master of Accounting
Saint Leo, Florida
Points: 4
Tuition: $20,850
Saint Leo University offers a 30-credit hour online master of accounting degree for students with a background in business. The program was developed with CPA exam requirements in mind, meaning students who complete their master’s in accounting online through Saint Leo University will have a greater chance of success on the exam.
Specialty course topics include Contemporary Issues in Auditing, Advanced Cost Accounting, Business Law and the Accountant, and Federal Taxation of Business Entities. Students without a business background may become eligible for the program by taking pre-requisite courses.
#19 – SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Online Master of Science in Accounting
Utica, New York
Points: 4
Tuition: $14,949
SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers a 33-credit hour online master’s in accounting degree program that can accommodate both full-time and part-time students. Designed primarily for students who hold an undergraduate degree in accounting, the program guides participants through advanced topics in accounting such as Fund Accounting, Managerial Economics, and Management Information Systems.
Elective courses are selected from the School of Management offerings. Students without an accounting background can still complete their master’s in accounting online by enrolling in pre-requisite foundation courses.
#18 – Stetson University
Online Master of Science in Accounting
DeLand, Florida
Points: 5
Tuition: $25,620
Stetson University offers an online master’s in accounting from its AACSB-accredited School of Business Administration and the M. E. Rinker Sr. Institute of Tax and Accountancy. The program itself is also separately accredited and is taught by an award-winning faculty.
Students who elect to complete their master’s in accounting online from Stetson will benefit from a flexible, convenient program format without having to sacrifice the one-on-one attention from professors they would expect from an on-campus program.
The program is comprised of ten courses covering advanced accounting topics such as Advanced Accounting Theory, Information Technology and Business Strategy, and Current Issues in Accounting.
#17 – Regis University
#17 – Regis UniversityOnline Master of Science in Accounting
Denver, Colorado
Points: 5
Tuition: $21,000
The online master’s in accounting program at Regis University is an accelerated program offered through the school’s College of Business and Economics. Although the program is designed for students with previous experience in accounting, those new to the field do have the option of taking 10-15 credit hours of prerequisite courses prior to beginning the master’s in accounting online.
In addition to foundation courses, core requirements, and a capstone course, students may choose from specialized electives on topics such as international accounting, forensic accounting, and IT auditing.
#16 – Post University
#16 – Post UniversityOnline Master of Science in Accounting
Waterbury, Connecticut
Points: 5
Tuition: $18,750
Students enrolled in the online master’s in accounting program at Post University can choose to complete their degree entirely online or opt for a hybrid format, taking some of the required classes on campus. Unlike some other programs, Post’s master’s in accounting online is broad, focusing not only on numbers, but key skills necessary for career success such as verbal and written communication skills, decision making, and leadership skills.
Students benefit from the school’s robust learning management platform, which allows for easy and effective collaboration with classmates and professors.
#15 – Florida Atlantic University
Online Executive Master of Accounting
Boca Raton, Florida
Points: 5
Tuition: $11,100
Florida Atlantic University offers an online master’s in accounting with a concentration in Forensic Accounting through its School of Executive Accounting Programs. Although students can complete their entire master’s in accounting online via this program, optional live lectures are held each Saturday morning on the Fort Lauderdale campus.
Students can benefit from further engagement by participating in the Accounting Student Association or the university’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an accounting honors society. The 2-year program allows students to explore advanced topics in forensic accounting including expert testimony, fraud investigation, and litigation support.
#14 – Southern Utah University
#14 – Southern Utah UniversityOnline Master of Accountancy
Cedar City, Utah
Points: 5
Tuition: $10,532
Southern Utah University offers an online master’s in accounting program through its prestigious School of Business. The program boasts a nearly 100% placement rate, with most students receiving promising employment offers even before they graduate.
Southern Utah’s Department of Accounting hosts the Professional Accountancy Club (PAC), which gives students the opportunity to network with one another as well as with potential employers. The program can be completed in as little as two semesters, and students may opt to take some courses in person or complete their entire master’s of accounting online.
#13 – University of Miami
#13 – University of MiamiOnline Master’s of Professional Accounting
Coral Gables, Florida
Points: 6
Tuition: $60,800
The University of Miami offers an online master’s in accounting program designed for professionals with a background in business. The program’s curriculum consists of 32-40 credit hours, depending upon whether or not students have completed previous accounting coursework, and can typically be completed within 16 and 20 months.
Students who choose to complete their master’s in accounting online through the University of Miami will enroll in 7-week modular courses, each worth 4 credit hours. This format allows working professionals to complete coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule.
#12 – Texas A&M University – Commerce
#12 – Texas A&M University – CommerceCommerce, Texas
Online Master of Science in Accounting
Points: 6
Tuition: $21,925
The online master’s in accounting offered through the College of Business at Texas A&M University – Commerce is available to students with an undergraduate degree in accounting as well as those new to the field. However, students without a background in accounting must take two prerequisite courses: Principles of Accounting and Intermediate Accounting.
The 37-hour online accounting master’s degree consists of a 21-credit hour core, a 10-credit hour advanced core, and 6 credit hours of elective courses. Students choose electives to complete one of five available concentrations: Professional Accounting, Attestation, Personal Financial Planning, Forensic Accounting, and Taxation.
#11 – Rider University
#11 – Rider UniversityOnline Master of Accountancy
Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Points: 7
Tuition: $28,950
Rider University offers an online master’s in accounting program with an optional concentration in fraud and forensic accounting. The interactive curriculum is delivered via a state-of-the-art technology program, allowing students to attend live webinars and even chat with professors in real-time.
Students who complete their master’s of accounting online through Rider receive the same quality instruction from the same professors who teach on-campus accounting courses. In addition, the MS accounting online is accredited by AACSB, meaning graduates are eligible to take the CPA exam in all 50 states.
#10 – University of Massachusetts – Amherst
#10 – University of Massachusetts – AmherstOnline Master of Science in Accounting
Amherst, Massachusetts
Points: 7
Tuition: $22,500
The University of Massachusetts – Amherst offers an online master’s in accounting through its Isenberg School of Management. Students can choose to complete the 30-credit hour program completely online or opt for a hybrid format, taking some courses on campus.
Even students who complete their entire master’s of accounting online still benefit from the school’s prestigious alumni network and receive career placement services, however. Designed by professional accountants, the program holds a separate AACSB accreditation and is known for preparing students for success on the CPA exam.
#9 – Western New England University
#9 – Western New England UniversityOnline Master of Science in Accounting
Springfield, Massachusetts
Points: 8
Tuition: $23,520
The 30-credit hour online master’s of accounting offered through Western New England University is AACSB-accredited and can be completed in as little as 15 months. Students enrolled in the program will complete foundation courses, core courses, and elective courses with the option of concentrating in forensic accounting and fraud investigation.
Although the majority of the master’s of accounting online will be completed through the school’s learning management system, students do have the option of attending some classes in person. The program is taught by experienced faculty members, all of whom have terminal degrees in the field.
#8 – Sacramento State University
#8 – Sacramento State UniversityOnline Master of Science in Accountancy
Sacramento, California
Points: 8
Tuition: $22,200
The online master’s in accounting from Sacramento State University is an 18-month program in which students attend weekly online meetings in addition to completing self-paced activities. State-of-the-art technology allows the program to be fully interactive.
For example, students collaborate with one another using synchronous web conferencing, and faculty members hold live office hours during which students can confer with them in real-time.
The 30-credit hour online accounting master’s degree consists of core courses such as Cost Analysis and Control, Taxation of Business Entities, and Business Environment and Concepts as well as a culminating experience project in accounting and ethics.
#7 – Georgia Southern University
#7 – Georgia Southern UniversityOnline Master of Accounting
Statesboro, Georgia
Points: 8
Tuition: $20,610
The online master’s in accounting degree program offered through Georgia Southern University is a 30-credit hour program designed to be completed over the course of six semesters. Enrolled students take foundational accounting courses such as Tax Research, Current Legal Issues, and Fraudulent Financial Reporting as well as specialized electives offered by the school’s College of Business.
The program is accredited by AACSB and has been recognized for excellence by several reputable publications. Students who choose to earn their master’s in accounting online take classes from the same professors who teach accounting classes on campus and have access to the same resources as traditional students.
#6 – University of Alabama – Birmingham
#6 – University of Alabama – BirminghamOnline Master of Accounting
Birmingham, Alabama
Points: 8
Tuition: $12,110
The University of Alabama – Birmingham offers an online master’s in accounting through its Collat School of Business. Students have the option to earn a general master of accounting degree (MAc) or pursue a concentration in internal auditing.
Despite completing their master’s in accounting online, UAB students still have access to internships and career placement services and can participate in related student organizations such as the school’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi and the National Association of Black Accountants. The university is one of only four schools in Alabama to receive accounting accreditation by AACSB International.
#5 – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Online Master of Science in Accounting
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Points: 9
Tuition: $40,950
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an online master’s in accounting through its Kenan-Flagler School of Business. UNC Chapel Hill is well-known for preparing its accounting students for career success; 99% of students who complete the online accounting master’s degree receive employment offers within three months of graduation, and most are making upwards of $100,000 a year after 5 years on the job.
Adventurous students may choose to complete their studies online while studying internationally through the university’s Global Immersions program.
#4 – Auburn University
#4 – Auburn UniversityOnline Master of Accounting
Auburn, Alabama
Points: 9
Tuition: $25,500
Auburn University offers an online master’s in accounting through the Harbert College of Business. The program has been nationally recognized for its quality instruction and academic rigor, which is comparable to the university’s on-campus master’s in accounting.
Auburn is well-known for preparing its accounting students for the CPA exam; in 2015, approximately 80% of students passed the test on their first sitting. Students who enroll in the master’s of accounting online through the university view lectures recorded in smart classrooms, enabling them to complete coursework at their own pace.
#3 – Rutgers University
#3 – Rutgers UniversityOnline Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accountancy
Newark, New Jersey
Points: 10
Tuition: $37,680
The online master’s in accounting offered through Rutgers University has been nationally recognized for excellence and specifically lauded for its ability to inspire student engagement. The 30-credit hour program focuses of governmental accounting and offers a variety of specialized courses such as Federal Financial Management, Public Sector Forensic Accounting, and Applied Public Finance.
There is no entrance exam required for the program, and out-of-state residents are eligible for in-state tuition. Students may choose to complete their entire master’s in accounting online or attend some classes in person at the New Brunswick or Newark campuses.
#2 – University of Connecticut
#2 – University of ConnecticutOnline Master of Science in Accounting
Storrs, Connecticut
Points: 10
Tuition: $8,250
The online master’s in accounting from the University of Connecticut was the school’s first online master’s program and has been ranked the second best MS in accounting degree program in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program boasts a dual accreditation by AACSB and has received recognition by the United States Distance Learning Association.
UConn’s master’s in accounting online is uniquely flexible, allowing students to design an individualized program by selecting eight different electives from topics such as auditing, information systems, managerial accounting, and forensic accounting.
#1 – University of Texas – Dallas
#1 – University of Texas – DallasOnline Master of Science in Accounting
Dallas, Texas
Points: 11
Tuition: $45,360
The online master’s in accounting at the University of Texas- Dallas is offered through the Naveen Jindal School of Management. The 36-credit hour program can be completed within 24 months and is flexible enough to be customized to students’ individual career interests, such as corporate accounting or assurance services, for instance.
Students who choose to complete their master’s in accounting online through UT Dallas may still participate in the school’s wide variety of accounting-related student organizations such as the Accounting Leadership Association, Beta Alpha, Psi, and ASCEND, an accounting organization created especially for Asian and Pacific Islander students.
This concludes our ranking of the top 20 values in master’s in accounting online degree programs.
By CVO Staff
Related Articles on Accounting and Business:
- Accelerated Master’s in Accounting Online
- Most Affordable Online Accounting Degrees
- Business Administration Degree Online
- Master’s in Finance Online
- Master’s in Statistics Jobs
- Online PhD/Doctorate in Accounting
- Online PhD Programs in Management Information Systems
- Choosing the Right Business Degree Program
- Master’s in Economics Jobs