When it comes to business careers, accountants have one of the highest percentages of workers with an advanced degree in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Only management analysts and chief executives have a higher percentage of advanced degrees than accountants.
Why do so many accountants earn a master's degree? Graduate programs help accountants prepare for professional licenses, like the certified public accountant (CPA) license, and other credentials. A master's degree also helps accountants specialize in their careers.
However, the cost of a master's in accounting can be a barrier for some students. Fortunately, you can find an affordable online master's program to advance your accounting education. Our ranking introduces the cheapest online master's in accounting to help you find a program that fits your budget.
Popular Online Accounting Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Cheapest Master's in Accounting
#1 Most Affordable Online Accounting Master’s Programs 2025
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
UNC's online master of accounting program is open to students of all backgrounds and combines experiential learning with academic rigor. The curriculum builds managerial, communication, and leadership skills by incorporating behavioral science perspectives into its technical accounting, finance, and quantitative analysis coursework.
Students can personalize their learning by pursuing one of three concentration options: taxation, auditing, and financial analysis and reporting. All three areas are covered in the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination. Electives offer further specialization and customization opportunities.
Highlights
- Open to applicants from non-accounting backgrounds
- Reduced curriculum requirements for undergraduate accounting majors
- Offered through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB(-accredited Kenan-Flagler Business School
Considerations
- Third-highest tuition of the programs in this ranking
- Non-accounting students may need up to 36 months to complete the program
- Orientation requirement applies
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Most Affordable Online Accounting Master’s Programs 2025
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
UTRGV's online master of accountancy program offers an accelerated and relatively affordable learning experience. Students pay $472 per credit for the 30-credit program, which takes graduation in 12 months.
Of the 30 required credits, 18 credits cover electives in taxation, wealth management, auditing, and fraud examination. The three-course core focuses on data analytics, professional ethics, and accounting information systems.
Program graduates meet Texas state requirements for taking the CPA exam, even for learners who did not major in accounting as undergraduates.
Highlights
- Customizable specialization opportunities
- Compact seven-week course lengths
- Accredited by AACSB
Considerations
- Failing even a single course leads to automatic dismissal
- Required capstone course carries oral and written requirements
- Leveling courses apply to students with non-accounting undergraduate majors
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Most Affordable Online Accounting Master’s Programs 2025
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
UWF's online master of accountancy offers rigorous preparation for the CPA exam while opening doors to career paths in accounting, business, and finance. The program's track record includes the highest first-time CPA exam pass rate of any public institution in Florida and the third-highest in the entire United States.
Students also benefit from four specialization paths, with each concentration focusing on a relevant area of the CPA exam. Options include analytics, business analysis and reporting, information systems, and taxation.
The program supplements practical applied training with soft skills development. Graduates emerge with well-rounded communication skills and a strong grasp of advanced technical accounting.
Highlights
- Accredited by AACSB
- Military tuition discounts available
- All courses integrate communication and presentation skills
Considerations
- Does not meet F1 visa requirements
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 required across all upper-division undergraduate coursework
- Out-of-state students not eligible for waivers pay much higher tuition
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Most Affordable Online Accounting Master’s Programs 2025
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
FIU's online master of accounting program uses an intensive immersion model to deliver an innovative curriculum with two concentration options. Students can choose from tracks in taxation and assurance. Both paths emphasize technical accounting skills and analytical thinking.
The 30-credit, 12-month program uses a cohort model to promote collaboration and networking, with online students gaining full access to extensive resources offered through FIU's business career services. Learners take two courses at a time, with each course lasting eight weeks.
Highlights
- Accredited by AACSB
- Built-in access to Becker CPA exam prep course
- Curriculum accommodates working professionals
Considerations
- Requires an undergraduate major in accounting or business
- Additional prerequisites and higher costs apply to non-accounting majors
- Highest tuition of any program in this ranking
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Most Affordable Online Accounting Master’s Programs 2025
The University of Texas at Dallas
- Richardson, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
The internationally focused UT Dallas online MS in accounting program takes a multidisciplinary approach that develops accounting, financial analysis, research, and communication skills. Coursework emphasizes accounting for both the public and private sectors, with a strong focus on accounting software, assurance, internal auditing, and taxation.
Students can choose from a two-year cohort structure, or UT Dallas' self-paced "Accounting Flex" model. Both options include extensive specialization and degree customization options, including dual-degree opportunities and more than 30 available accounting electives.
Students local to the UT Dallas campus can also pursue consulting placements, which offer valuable networking and experiential learning opportunities.
Highlights
- Program aligned with Institute of Certified Public Accountants proficiency standards
- Supports CPA, certified management accountant, and certified internal auditor licensure/certification
- Lowest-cost program featured in this ranking
Considerations
- Cohort program offers fall admissions only
- Students with non-accounting undergraduate degrees have limited concentration options
- Must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all coursework to qualify for graduation
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Most Affordable Online Accounting Master’s Programs 2025
California State University, San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
CSUSB's online MS in accountancy covers 33 semester credits, including core and elective requirements, plus a three-unit culminating experience. This structure builds skills in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and accounting information systems while supporting extensive customization options.
For the culminating experience, students can choose from a capstone-style project or a comprehensive accounting examination. The latter option offers particularly relevant preparation for licensure and certification-track accounting exams.
CSUSB considers applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. However, program candidates must submit GMAT/GRE scores or transcripts from an AACSB-accredited bachelor's program.
Highlights
- Self-designed concentrations available through independent study courses
- Extensive built-in CPA exam prep requirements
- Waivers available for relevant professional experience
Considerations
- Up to eight prerequisite courses may be required
- "C" grade or better required in all courses
- Cannot retake a failed culminating experience without a successful academic petition
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#7 Most Affordable Online Accounting Master’s Programs 2025
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
UIUC's iMSA program has a strong analytics focus and develops technical skills through hands-on learning. Delivered through a Coursera partnership, the program emphasizes fundamentals, including financial accounting, auditing, reporting, and taxation.
Students can also build microcredentials into their degrees. Options include a concentration in accounting analytics, plus any of UIUC's graduate accounting certificate pathways.
Highlights
- Self-paced coursework
- Qualify for advanced standing in a UIUC MBA program
Considerations
- Synchronous delivery model
- Tuition costs vary depending on selected electives
- Time commitment of 10-15 hours per class per week
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Most Affordable Online Accounting Master’s Programs 2025
California State University, Sacramento
- Sacramento, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
The CSUS online MS in accountancy trains students in all areas covered on the CPA exam. It also offers flexibility: Students take one six-week course at a time, proceeding the curriculum in an asynchronous fully online format. This accelerated structure leads to graduation in 18 months.
CSUS uses a variety of innovative multimedia tools to enhance learning, supplementing traditional didactics with external learning materials, live instructor availability, and online skills assessments. With a total tuition of $22,000, the program is also comparatively affordable and positions graduates for strong returns on their educational investment.
Highlights
- All courses available year round
- Accredited by AACSB
- Open to non-accounting, non-business undergraduate majors
Considerations
- Merit-based scholarships no longer available to new students
- Professional accounting experience recommended (but not required)
- Minimum "B" grade required in pre-accounting foundational course
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#9 Most Affordable Online Accounting Master’s Programs 2025
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
NC State Online's master of accounting program delivers a professionally oriented learning experience in a self-guided, self-paced format. The program's core curriculum offers specialization tracks in business and industry or public accounting, plus additional specializations in information technology, risk management, and tax strategy.
The 31-credit curriculum was specifically designed for early-to-mid-career business professionals from accounting or non-accounting backgrounds. Students can graduate in one year or as many as six years. NC State offers summer and fall start dates.
Highlights
- Above-average first-time CPA exam pass rate (74% vs. 53% nationally)
- Personalized, goal-oriented career counseling available
- Convenient prerequisite program for non-accounting majors
Considerations
- GMAT scores required
- Information technology, risk management, and tax strategy specializations each require 2-3 additional courses
- Highly competitive admission process
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Most Affordable Online Accounting Master’s Programs 2025
Northern Illinois University
- Dekalb, IL
- 4 years
- Online
What You Should Know
NIU's online master of accountancy program is specifically designed for learners with bachelor's degrees in non-accounting fields. Students take two courses per semester and proceed through coursework at their own pace. The part-time program offers a path to graduation in two years. Graduates meet Illinois educational requirements for taking the CPA exam.
Twenty-seven of the program's 33 required credits cover fundamental core requirements in financial reporting, accounting information systems, taxation, assurance, and analytics. As a result, alumni pass the CPA exam at rates that exceed both Illinois and national averages.
Highlights
- Accredited by AACSB
- Ideal for career changers and advancement-minded professionals
- Access accounting career fairs attended by recruiters from more than 50 employers
Considerations
- $834 per credit makes this one of the costlier programs featured in this ranking
- No concentration options
- GMAT or GRE scores required for applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 2.75
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Accounting.com ranks the best accounting degrees using reputable sources such as the U.S. Department of Education. We build our rankings with four main metrics in mind: academics, cost, reputation, and program availability. We also consider subfactors like retention rate, federal aid amounts, and return on investment to help you find the right program for you.
This ranking is from 2025. Learn more about our process by visiting our school rankings methodology page.
What Factors Into an Accounting Master's Affordability?
The cheapest online master's in accounting programs usually charge the lowest tuition rates. While tuition plays a big role in affordability, so do other factors. Delivery format, financial aid, and your enrollment status can all influence the net price of your degree — which is how much you'll pay out of pocket.
Tuition
At the graduate level, tuition can vary widely. Graduate tuition averaged around $20,500 for the 2021-22 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). However, public universities cost an average of $12,600, while private institutions cost $28,000. By choosing an in-state public institution, you can cut the cost of your master's degree by more than half.
When researching tuition, pay attention to how the program calculates its rates. Many online programs charge a per-credit rate, but some use flat rates per semester. By taking a higher course load, these flat-rate programs can potentially save you money. With per-credit tuition rates, transferring credits toward your degree can mean a lower tuition bill.
Enrollment Status
How does your enrollment status impact the affordability of a master's degree? Online programs appeal to working students because it's easier to balance school with your work schedule. By enrolling part time in an online master's in accounting, you can potentially work full time while in graduate school. Although the total cost of the degree may be the same, a part-time status can help spread the cost over time. And working gives you an income source to cover expenses.
When researching programs, pay attention to whether your enrollment status changes the cost. Part-time programs may cost more at schools that charge per semester.
Location
Location can make a difference in the cost of your online accounting master's degree. Public universities generally charge a higher rate for out-of-state students, so enrolling at a university in your state can save you money. However, some schools offer a flat tuition rate for distance learners regardless of residency.
You can also consider hybrid programs, which blend online and in-person coursework. These programs offer the flexibility of online courses with the structure of on-campus learning. You may need to factor in higher commuting and transportation costs.
Attending a program in a high-cost-of-living location as an online student while living in a lower-cost-of-living place can also save you money.
Delivery Format
Online accounting programs use several different delivery formats. You may take courses asynchronously, which means you'll watch recorded lectures and participate in learning activities on your own time. Or you may take synchronous courses, with live lectures at set meeting times.
Asynchronous courses offer the greatest flexibility if you plan to work while in graduate school, but it may mean some trade-offs. In asynchronous courses, you'll have fewer opportunities to interact directly with faculty, staff, and students.
For fully online programs, you'll also want to research your internship opportunities, as this can impact your future employment opportunities.
Financial Aid
Graduate students received an average of $28,420 in financial aid in 2023-24, according to the College Board Trends in Student Aid 2024 Report. By prioritizing grants, scholarships, and assistantships, you can make your master's in accounting even cheaper.
Financial aid comes in several forms. Graduate students can fill out the FAFSA to qualify for federal student aid, including federal grants and loans. Universities also use the FAFSA to make decisions about institutional aid. While private universities charge higher tuition rates, they also typically offer more grants and scholarships. Since you don't need to repay these forms of aid, you'll graduate with less debt.
If you're currently working, find out whether your employer will pay for your accounting degree. Some employers will pay for an employee's degree in exchange for a promise to continue working for them after graduation.
How Can You Pay for an Accounting Graduate Degree?
Want to lower the cost of your master's in accounting? Scholarships are essentially free money, since you don't have to repay them as long as you follow enrollment and GPA requirements.
Online students attending accredited institutions may also qualify for various accounting scholarship opportunities. This section introduces a few of the many scholarships available for graduate students in accounting.
Scholarships for Accounting Students
- Requirements: This scholarship, designed for students who plan to become CPAs, is open to graduate students in accounting programs. You'll need to demonstrate some financial need and hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. The scholarship encourages part-time students working to meet the CPA experience requirement to apply for the scholarship with a letter of employment.
- Award: $5,000-$10,000
- Deadline: May 15
- Requirements: Offered by the Government Finance Officers Association, this scholarship supports graduate students in accounting who plan to work in state and local government. Graduate students must enroll full time and submit a letter of recommendation that demonstrates their commitment to the public sector.
- Award: $10,000
- Deadline: December 31
- Requirements: Deloitte offers accounting scholarships for graduate students in accounting, tax, and audit programs. Scholars accepted into the program must attend one of 25 colleges and universities that pair with Deloitte to offer the award, which covers tuition in full.
- Award: 100% of tuition and academic fees
- Deadline: Varies by school but typically February 1, March 31, and April 15
Making Cheap Accounting Degrees Even Cheaper
Choosing an affordable master's in accounting is the first — and most important — step in saving money on your degree. But how can you make a cheap accounting degree even more affordable? In addition to scholarships and tightening up your student budget, you can cut costs in several other ways.
Saving on expenses such as textbooks, researching tuition benefits offered by your employer, and speeding up the pace of your degree can all pay off. Here are some ideas to find additional cost savings:
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Maximize Your Credits
Does your program charge a flat rate per term? By taking more classes, you can graduate faster while paying less. You can also save money by transferring credits toward your master's in accounting. If, for example, you completed a graduate certificate in accounting, these credits may transfer toward a master's degree.
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Look into Accelerated Programs
Accelerated programs can potentially save you time and money on your accounting degree. With an accelerated program, you may take more classes per term or enroll year-round. Keep in mind that accelerated programs that charge a per-credit rate will not save you money, but you will enter the workforce faster. Typically, a master's in accounting takes two years. But, accelerated programs can reduce this to as little as 12 months.
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Rent Textbooks
Textbooks make up a significant cost for college students. According to NCES data, undergrads spent an average of over $1,200 per year on books and supplies in 2022-23. Renting textbooks and buying used textbooks can save you money. You can also look into master's programs that use free textbooks.
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Check for Employer Tuition Remission
If you're working while earning your master's in accounting, you may qualify for a tuition remission through your employer. According to a 2024 survey of employee benefits by the Society for Human Resources Management, 46% of employers provide tuition benefits, with an average award of over $5,000 per year.
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Research Tuition Discounts
Cutting tuition costs can potentially save you the most money. Look for programs that offer tuition discounts, including in-state tuition discounts or flat tuition rates for distance learners. Many universities also offer tuition discounts for military service members, veterans, and their families.
Will Getting Your Accounting Master's Pay Off?
Investing in a graduate degree in accounting can open new career doors. With a master's degree, you can meet the education requirements for a CPA license. Or you can specialize in areas of accounting such as forensic accounting or management accounting.
If you're concerned about the return on investment (ROI), consider running the numbers. Can a master's degree lead to a higher salary in your field and location? Compare potential earnings with the cost of the degree. The ROI for a master's degree in accounting is typically high as accounting professionals are in high demand, according to the BLS.
Researching the cheapest online master's in accounting can also keep your costs low. Enrolling part time and working can also limit student debt.
The decision to earn a master's degree is ultimately a personal choice based on your budget and career goals. But for many accountants, advancing their degree can pay off.
Common Questions About Accounting Master's Programs
No, a master's in accounting is not the same as an MBA. During a master's in accounting, you'll focus on advanced accounting coursework, while an MBA includes core business classes in management, marketing, finance, and other areas.
The cost of an online master's in accounting varies depending on the program. Graduate tuition averaged $20,500 per year in 2021-22. The cheapest online master's in accounting programs cost less.
You can choose one of the cheapest online master's in accounting programs to save on your degree. Affordable online programs offer low tuition rates with flexible schedules. And accredited online programs meet the same high academic standards as in-person programs.
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