25 Most Affordable Top Ranked Schools for an Online Master’s in Accounting Degree 2018

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By BMD Staff

In this article, we feature the most affordable among top-ranked online master's in accounting degree programs.

According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), a master's degree in accounting ensures that the education requirements needed to obtain CPA credentials are met. Requirements can be completed by earning a master's in accounting (accountancy) or an MBA with concentration in accounting. The AICPA stresses the importance of meeting these requirements early in a student's educational career because employers look favorably upon it. Even if a student does not pursue CPA licensing, the benefits of an earned master's degree in accounting far outweigh any cons.

Methodology

We examined 55 schools that offered an online master's degree in accounting or an MBA with accounting concentration. We then reviewed the school's rankings from major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. We selected the 25 most affordable institutions based on their graduate tuition rates and fees listed by NCES College Navigator.

The top-ranked schools for an online master's in accounting degree are listed below in order of affordability.

Ranking Affordable Top Master's in Accounting Online 2016

#25 – Florida Institute of Technology

Online MBA in Accounting

Melbourne, Florida

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,128

Florida Institute of Technology offers an online MBA in accounting degree program that is designed to prepare students with the credentials needed to sit for the CPA certification exam. The program is 100% online and may be completed in two years. Required courses include financial management, managerial accounting, managerial economics, and organizational behavior. The MBA accounting track courses include governmental and non-profit accounting, international accounting and reporting, and strategic cost management. Florida Tech is ranked as the 161st best national university by U.S. News and World Report and the 131st best college for veterans. The school's online MBA programs are ranked 107th in the nation.

For more information: Florida Institute of Technology

#24 – University of Connecticut

Online Master's in Accounting

Storrs, Connecticut

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,296

The University of Connecticut offers a master's in accounting program that is AACSB-accredited and recognized by the United States Distance Learning Association. Full-time and part-time study options are available. The school encourages working students to take no more than two courses each semester due to the intensive nature of the program. Courses include contemporary financial accounting issues, financial planning for accounting professionals, financial reporting and analysis in the financial services industry, and taxation of business entities. The school is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. U.S. News ranks the institution as the 57th best national university in the country.

For more information: University of Connecticut

#23 – Maryville University of St. Louis

Online Master's in Business with Accounting

St. Louis, Missouri

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,558

Students attending Maryville University of St. Louis may earn an accredited online master's in business degree with accounting concentration. The accounting specialization is designed to help prepare students for the CPA certification examination. The program meets the requirements necessary to qualify to sit for the exam. Accounting courses include auditing, financial accounting, financial statement analysis, managerial accounting, and performance management. The university is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 161st best national university and the 131st best college for veterans.

For more information: Maryville University of St. Louis

#22 – George Mason University

Online Master's in Accounting

Fairfax, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,304

George Mason University offers an online master's in accounting degree program that is designed to prepare students to meet the 150-credit licensing requirement needed to sit for the CPA certification examination. Course requirements include fraud examination, global accounting environment, government and non-profit accounting, and professional accounting. George Mason is ranked nationally with U.S. News and World Report. The 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 135th best national university and the 68th top public school. Additional rankings include #18 for most innovative schools and #111 for the best colleges for veterans.

For more information: George Mason University

#21 – University of Hartford

Online Master's in Accounting and Taxation

West Hartford, Connecticut

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,198

The University of Hartford offers a master's degree program in accounting and taxation (MSAT) that is designed for students who desire a career in professional accounting. The program meets the requirements for CPA licensing and helps prepare students to sit for the examination. Classes include advanced auditing, financial reporting and analysis, and taxation of business organizations. University of Hartford ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 92nd best regional university in the North and the 66th best college for veterans.

For more information: University of Hartford

#20 – SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Online Master's in Accountancy

Utica, New York

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,159

The AACSB-accredited online master's in accounting degree program at SUNY Polytechnic Institute accommodates both full-time and part-time students. The program is designed to help students satisfy the 150-hour licensure requirements for the state of New York. Completion of the program provides students with the eligibility requirement to sit for professional accounting examinations, including the CPA licensing exam. Course requirements include advanced income tax research, funding accounting, and managerial economics. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 122nd best regional university in the North and the 37th top public school. The online graduate business programs (excluding the MBA) are ranked #61.

For more information: SUNY Polytechnic Institute

#19 – California Baptist University

Master's in Accounting Online

Riverside, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,942

California Baptist University's affordable online master's in accounting degree program prepares students for professional careers working as licensed accountants. The program is designed to offers course requirements necessary to sit for the CPA licensing examination in the state of California. Required courses include advanced topics in managerial accounting, ethics and professional responsibilities of CPAs, financial management, and taxation for business entities. The program is ACBSP-accredited and considered one of the most affordable programs of its kind. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 39th best regional university in the West and the 31st best college for veterans.

For more information: California Baptist University

#18 – University of Texas at Dallas

Online MS in Accounting

Dallas, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,940

The online MS in accounting at the University of Texas in Dallas (UT Dallas) is offered to students and professionals who want to develop the skillset required to sit for professional accounting certification exams. The program requires business and accounting core and elective courses that are designed to satisfy the requirements needed to take the CPA exam. Courses include accounting communications, ethics for professional accountants, and fundamentals of taxation. UT Dallas is a nationally ranked institution. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 140th best national university and 71st top public school. The institution's graduate business school is ranked #33 and the online graduate business programs (excluding the MBA) are ranked #4 in the country.

For more information: University of Texas at Dallas

#17 – Colorado State University

Online Master's in Professional Accounting

Fort Collins, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,357

Colorado State University offers an affordable online master's in accounting degree that is specifically designed for students who want to become certified public accountants (CPA). Course requirements include accounting ethics, advanced accounting, fundamentals of research and writing, and governmental accounting. Ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report, Colorado State University boasts quality online courses taught by the same profvessors who teach on campus. U.S. News ranks the institution as the 127th best national university, the 61st top public school, and the 105th best college for veterans. The school's online graduate business programs, not including the MBA, are ranked 37th in the nation.

For more information: Colorado State University

#16 – University of Scranton

Online Master of Accountancy

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,162

The accredited online master's in accounting program from the University of Scranton is designed to expose students to the ethical foundations of the Jesuit tradition while preparing them with the knowledge required to sit for the CPA licensing examination. The University of Scranton's Kania School of Management's accounting program is AACSB accredited. Course requirements include accounting ethics, effective accounting communication, financial management, managerial economics, and occupational fraud and abuse. The University of Scranton is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 8th best regional university in the North, the 15th best value school, and the 7th best college for veterans.

For more information: University of Scranton

#15 – Regis University

Online Master's in Accounting

Denver, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,800

Regis University offers an affordable online master's in accounting degree program that is designed for students interested in broadening their accounting skills and meeting the eligibility requirements needed to sit for the CPA certification exam. Course requirements include business or corporate finance, ethical and legal environment of business, financial and managerial accounting, and interpreting accounting information. Regis is regionally ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 28th best regional university in the West and the 24th best college for veterans. The school's online graduate business program, excluding the MBA, is ranked #82 in the country.

For more information: Regis University

#14 – Aurora University

Online Master's in Accountancy

Aurora, Illinois

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,800

Aurora University offers an affordable online master's in accountancy degree program that is designed for working professionals who want to earn eligibility requirements to sit for the Uniform Public Accountant Exam or the Certified Management Accountant Exam. The MSA program requires courses in accounting theory, advanced cost and managerial accounting, governmental and not-for-profit accounting, taxation of partnerships, and taxation of persons. Students with a bachelor's degree outside of accounting are required to take classes in advanced accounting, financial management, financial reporting, and foundations of economics. Aurora University is a regionally ranked institution. In previous years, the school has earned recognition as among the best regional universities in the Midwest.

For more information: Aurora University

#13 – Auburn University

Online Master of Accountancy

Auburn, Alabama

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,418

The online master's in accountancy program at Auburn University is designed for working professionals who want to earn advanced skills in accounting. The program mirrors the full-time on-campus option, offering similar courses taught by the same professors who teach traditional classes. A required three-day on-campus residency must be completed during the final spring semester of the program. Required courses include advanced auditing and assurance services, federal tax research, integrated accounting applications, and research in accounting. Auburn is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 102nd best national university and the 46th top public school. Auburn's graduate business school is ranked #83 and the online graduate business program is ranked #7.

For more information: Auburn University

#12 – Concordia University – Wisconsin

Online MBA in Accounting

Mequon, Wisconsin

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,984

Concordia University offers an online accounting program that is designed to provide the skills necessary to sit for the national CPA examination. Successful completion of the program earns an MBA in Accounting. Course requirements for the accounting track include database management, fraud management, statutory accounting, and systems analysis and design. MBA core classes include applied statistical methods, business ethics, corporate finance, leadership and organizational behavior, and strategic management. Concordia is ranked as the 54th best regional university in the Midwest, according to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report. The school's online MBA program is also ranked #141 in the country.

For more information: Concordia University Wisconsin

#11 – Bellevue University

Online Master's in Accounting

Bellevue, Nebraska

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,900

Bellevue University offers an accredited online master's in accounting degree program that helps prepare students for the requirements of the CPA licensing exam. Course requirements include accounting theory, advanced accounting problems, financial auditing, international accounting, and taxation of business entities. Students have the option to specialize by adding finance or tax as a concentration. Bellevue is a regionally ranked institution by U.S. News and World Report. The school's online MBA program and online graduate business program (excluding the MBA) are both ranked. In fact, Bellevue's online graduate business program, including accounting, is ranked #85 in the nation.

For more information: Bellevue University

#10 – Indiana Wesleyan University

Online Master's in Accounting

Marion, Indiana

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,700

Indiana Wesleyan University offers an accredited online master's in accounting degree program that is designed to prepare students with the skills needed to advance their accounting careers. The online MSA degree offers courses in accounting information systems and control, advanced managerial accounting, ethics and business law for accountants, and forensic accounting and fraud examination. The program also assists students with the requirements necessary to sit for the CPA exam. Indiana Wesleyan is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 30th best regional university in the Midwest, the 12th best value school, and the 25th best college for veterans.

For more information: Indiana Wesleyan University

#9 – Brenau University

Online Accounting MBA

Gainesville, Georgia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,364

Brenau University offers an affordable online MBA in accounting degree program with two optional areas of concentration. The public accounting concentration is recommended for students who intend to take the CPA exam, while the management accounting concentration is designed for students who want to work as CFOs or CMAs. The public accounting track offers courses in advanced accounting, auditing, financial state and business analysis, and fraud detection and internal control. Brenau University is regionally ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 61st best regional university in the South, according to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges.

For more information: Brenau University

#8 – Saint Leo University

Online Master's in Accounting

Saint Leo, Florida

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,730

Saint Leo University offers an affordable online master's in accounting degree program that is designed to provide students with technical skills and financial acumen needed to work as professional accountants. The program prepares students to pass the CPA and CMA certification exams. An online MBA with accounting concentration is also available. Required courses for the master's in accounting program include accounting theory, contemporary issues in auditing, federal taxation of business entities, and using financial accounting information. Saint Leo is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 71st best regional university in the South. The online graduate business programs (excluding the MBA) are ranked #56 in the nation.

For more information: Saint Leo University

#7 – Georgia Southern University

Online Master's in Accounting

Statesboro, Georgia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,728

Georgia Southern University offers an affordable online master's in accounting degree program with classes taught by the same faculty that teach in the on-campus AACSB-accredited School of Accountancy. Coursework is delivered entirely online with required classes in accounting information systems, advanced accounting, current legal issues, fraudulent financial reporting, and tax research. Georgia Southern is a nationally ranked institution. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school's online business programs as among the best in the country. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school's online graduate business programs (excluding the MBA) as #33 in the country.

For more information: Georgia Southern University

#6 – Liberty University

Online Master's in Accounting

Lynchburg, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,000

Liberty University offers an accredited online master's in accounting degree program designed to prepare students with the requirements needed to sit for the CPA examination. Curriculum is delivered entirely online to accommodate the schedules of working students. Core course requirements include accounting ethics, advanced business law for accountants, advanced cost accounting, and tax research and jurisprudence. Liberty University is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 80th best regional university in the South and the 58th best college for veterans. The school's online graduate business programs, not including the MBA, are ranked 75th in the nation.

For more information: Liberty University

#5 – Southern Utah University

Online Master of Accountancy

Cedar City, Utah

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,756

Southern Utah University offers an affordable online master's in accountancy degree program that is designed to satisfy Utah's 150-hour requirement to take the CPA licensing examination. According to the program's website, there is nearly a 100 percent job placement rate for accounting graduates. Required accounting courses include business law, accounting ethics, auditing, and practice and theory. Electives may include corporate tax, forensic accounting, pass thru entities, or property transactions. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university as the 70th best regional institution in the West and the 24th top public school. The university's online graduate business programs, including accounting, rank 46th in the nation.

For more information: Southern Utah University

#4 – University of New Mexico

Online Master's in Accounting

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,488

The University of New Mexico's Anderson School of Management offers an affordable online master's in accounting degree with four available concentration areas – advanced, information assurance, professional, or tax. Core requirements include classes in accounting and management information systems, cost accounting, financial accounting, and tax research. The University of New Mexico is ranked nationally by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists UNM as the 180th best national university in the country, the 100th top public school, and the 192nd best global university.

For more information: University of New Mexico

#3 – Emporia State University

Online Master's in Accountancy

Emporia, Kansas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,488

Emporia State University offers an affordable online master's in accountancy degree program that prepares students for careers as professional accountants. The program is designed to meet the 150-hour requirement to sit for the CPA licensing exam in the state of Kansas. Required courses and electives include advanced income tax, income taxation of corporations and other entities, international economics, and tax planning and research. Emporia is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, the school is ranked as the 104th best regional university in the Midwest and the 37th top public school. The online graduate business programs, including accountancy, are ranked 80th in the country.

For more information: Emporia State University

#2 – Gardner-Webb University

Online Master's in Accounting

Boiling Springs, North Carolina

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,430

One of the most affordable online master's in accounting degree programs is offered at Gardner-Webb University. Students who complete the program earn a master's of accountancy (MAcc). Required courses include accounting theory and practice, advanced auditing, federal income tax, government and not-for-profit accounting, and managerial accounting. The program offers three areas of concentration: forensic emphasis, general, or tax. Gardner-Webb is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. U.S. News ranks the school as the 41st best regional university in the South and the 32nd best college for veterans.

For more information: Gardner-Webb University

#1 – Florida Atlantic University

Online Master's in Forensic Accounting

Boca Raton, Florida

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,657

The most affordable online master's in accounting degree program on our list is from Florida Atlantic University. The unique program offers an online executive master of accounting with a concentration in forensic accounting. The two-year program is designed for working professionals who want to acquire new skills in a highly specialized area of accounting. Courses include dispute resolution, fraud investigation and prevention, litigation support, and valuation. Florida Atlantic University is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The school's online graduate business programs, including accounting, are ranked #26 in the country.

For more information: Florida Atlantic University

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