Top 35 Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs (Updated)

By TAD Staff
October 2021

Earning an online master’s degree in accounting is a great way to advance your career, all while attending class from wherever you happen to call home.  In order to be successful in the field and achieve higher earnings, accountants should earn their Certified Public Accountant credential.  This credential is only available by completing additional coursework beyond undergrad — something that an online master’s degree in accounting conveniently provides!  Indeed, an online degree in accounting makes earning this certification easier than ever before, allowing you to continue at your current job while you take more advanced classes, prepare for the exam, and bolster your resume for higher-paying jobs and career advancement.

Ranking Methodology

To come up with our ranking of the top 35 Online Master’s in Accounting degree programs, we began by searching more than 100 colleges and universities which offer this degree. In order to focus our list, we only included those schools which offer the degree entirely online (though we did consider those programs with optional residencies or short on-campus seminars). We also only included programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Finally, to narrow down our list to just the 35 best, we studied each program and applied the following points-based system. Any ties were broken based on annual tuition.

Annual Out-of-State Tuition
$5,000 or Less — 5 points
$5,001 to $10,000 — 4 points
$10,001 to $20,000 — 3 points
$20,001 to $30,000 — 2 points
$30,001 and Above — 1 point

Annual Percentage of 20-Year Return on Investment (ROI):
Above 9% — 5 points
7-8% — 4 points
5-6% — 3 points
3-4% — 2 points
0-2% — 1 point

Student to Faculty Ratio:
10:1 or Better — 5 points
11:1 to 12:1 — 4 points
13:1 to 15:1 — 3 points
16:1 to 20:1 — 2 points
21:1 and Above — 1 point

Other Factors:
No Residency Requirements: +1
Available Concentrations: +1 each
Career Services for Online Students: +1

Note: All tuition prices are accurate as of October 2021. Please check a university’s official website for up-to-date tuition and fees.

Master of Accounting Online Degree Programs Ranking


35. Auburn University
auburn-universityMaster of Accountancy Online

Auburn, Alabama
Total Points: 7
Annual Graduate Tuition: $30,240
20-Year ROI: 6%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20 to 1

You can earn a Master of Accountancy online through Auburn University’s flexible program that mirrors full-time, on-campus coursework. Students listen to the same lectures as their campus-based counterparts, and participate in online discussion boards and facilitated interaction with peers and professors. The quality of this program is demonstrated by their graduates’ high CPA pass rate of 80%, well above the national average. After completing 30 credit hours of classes such as federal tax research, fraud examination, and risk analysis, students polish off their degree with an intensive 3-day residency on campus to evaluate their practical skills and send them off into the workforce.

34. George Mason University
Online Master of Science in Accounting

Fairfax, Virginia
Total Points: 8
Annual Graduate Tuition: $33,906
20-Year ROI: 7%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1

George Mason University features an AACSB-accredited online M.S. in Accounting utilizing a cohort format. Students move through the program together, completing two courses every 10 weeks, and can graduate in about two years. A one-week global residency experience is required as part of the program to gain global accounting perspective. According to data collected by GMU, 66% of graduates received a sign on bonus with their employer and almost 86% of graduates had a position related to accounting at the time of graduation. This 30-credit hour program prepares students for the CPA exam and fulfills the 150-credit licensing requirement needed to be eligible.

33. The University of Texas at Dallas
university-of-texas-at-dallasOnline Master of Science in Accounting

Richardson, Texas
Total Points: 8
Annual Graduate Tuition:
$28,610
20-Year ROI: 8%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 25 to 1

What if you could walk into an $80K-a-year position in a growing and challenging field? Over 75% of students earning an accounting master’s degree online at The University of Texas at Dallas do just that. In just 24 months (36 semester hours), students in this program cover topics like accounting communications, fundamentals of taxation, and auditing. This program is accredited by the AACSB, as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. It offers both online and classroom formats to accommodate professionals and commuters. While students can earn the degree online, each State Board of Public Accountancy has different requirements for sitting for the CPA exam. Students in Texas are required to complete at least 15 credits on campus.

32. University of Connecticut
university-of-connecticutOnline Master of Science in Accounting

Storrs, Connecticut
Total Points: 9
Annual Graduate Tuition: $38,820
20-Year ROI: 7%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1

The accounting program at the University of Connecticut is considered one of the best online master’s in accounting in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report. In addition to being the first asynchronous Master of Science in Accounting available anywhere in the country, it was the first online master’s programs offered at UConn. Equipped with practical and theoretical training in finance, economics, business management, and communication, recent graduates earn salaries of 100K+ annually in careers that span the public and private sector, as well as academia. Faculty are some of the most knowledgeable in the field and support both information literacy and student-centered learning through a dynamic online community.

31. Rutgers University
Online Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting

New Brunswick, New Jersey
Total Points: 9
Annual Graduate Tuition:
 $30,144
20-Year ROI: 8%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1

Rutgers University is the first and only school to offer an exclusively online, advanced degree in this unique specialization. Tuition rates are the same for both in-state and out-of-state students, making this an affordable program for government employees, even if they do not live in New Jersey. Students can take this convenient program two formats: a four-course certificate program that prepares students for the Certified Government Financial Manager exam; and 30-credit hour degree program to prepare students for the CPA exam. All coursework in the certificate program, including government accounting, auditing, and budgeting classes, can be applied towards the online master’s in accounting degree.

30. Emporia State University
emporia-state-universityOnline Master of Accountancy

Emporia, Kansas
Total Points: 9
Annual Graduate Tuition: $20,365
20-Year ROI: 3%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1

Emporia State University’s online Master of Accountancy offers students a great opportunity to start a career in government, management, and public accounting. This affordable program is perfect for students with busy schedules, since coursework is available entirely online or in a combination of online and face-to-face courses. Graduate instructors are all active consultants and leaders in professional organizations, guaranteeing high-level instruction in income tax, auditing, and management accounting, Emporia State University meets the high standards of the AACSB, and is dedicated to preparing graduates to pass their CPA examination.

29. Georgia Southern University
georgia-southern-universityOnline Master of Accounting

Statesboro, Georgia 
Total Points: 9
Annual Graduate Tuition: $19,890
20-Year ROI: 6%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22 to 1

The College of Business Administration at Georgia Southern University is one of the few programs accredited by the AACSB for both business and accounting. Their cohort format, 100% accounting program is one of the best ways to start a career in finance today, with rigorous coursework and a team-based learning approach that ensures success. The support students receive from classmates and professors is just one factor in the high CPA exam pass rate they see after graduation. Coursework featuring financial accounting, auditing and accounting information systems seminars, legal issues, and tax research provide a robust framework for negotiating the financial arena professionally.

28. Texas A&M University, Commerce
texas-am-university-commerceOnline Master of Science in Accounting

Commerce, Texas
Total Points: 9
Annual Graduate Tuition: $10,992
20-Year ROI: 6%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21 to 1

Texas A&M University, Commerce offers an online M.S. in Accounting designed for students with or without an accounting background. The program can be completed in 36 credit hours by those with an accounting degree, and 42 credit hours for those who need prerequisite coursework. Full-time students can complete the program in just one year and one semester. The program is flexible and courses can be taken in any order as long as prerequisites are met. While there are no specific areas of concentration, students do complete six credit hours electives which allows for deeper study in a particular area of interest.

27. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
university-of-illinois-at-urbanaOnline Master of Science in Accounting

Champaign, Illinois
Total Points: 10
Annual Graduate Tuition:
$27,187
20-Year ROI: 7%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20 to 1

The University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana features an online M.S. in Accounting with hands-on practice and an innovative curriculum. Although classes are offered 100% online, courses are interactive with team projects, personalized attention from professors, and lively group discussions. The program is open to students of all backgrounds, including experienced professionals and those new to the field. Students may complete their degree in about a year-and-a-half, although some students may take up to three years.

26. Clarion University of Pennsylvania
clarion-universityOnline Master of Science in Accounting

Clarion, Pennsylvania
Total Points: 10
Annual Graduate Tuition:
$10,026
20-Year ROI: 5%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1

The accredited Master of Science in Accounting online program at Clarion University of Pennsylvania is an ideal program for students who want to earn their degree to prepare for the CPA exam. Students develop accounting and financial analysis skills, as well as the ability to effectively communicate in a business environment. Full-time students can earn their degree in just one year. Graduates have the training and skills needed to work independently; for large accounting firms; or with non-profits, governmental, and business organizations.

25. University of Dallas
Online Master of Science in Accounting

Irving, Texas
Total Points: 11
Annual Graduate Tuition: $33,750
20-Year ROI: 8%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11 to 1

The 33-credit hour online M.S. in Accounting at the University of Dallas is designed for students who plan to work in accounting fields such as assurance, taxation, consulting, or forensic accounting. Courses are 100% online and are offered in 12-week, six-week, and intermester formats. The 11-course program does not include electives, but offers a broad spectrum of courses including business communication, accounting information systems, accounting research methods, and entity taxation.

24. University of Massachusetts, Amherst
university-of-massachusetts-amherstOnline Master of Science in Accounting

Amherst, Massachusetts
Total Points:
11
Annual Graduate Tuition:
$30,120
20-Year ROI:
7%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst is a great incubator for the financial industry. With nearly half of graduates passing their CPA exams on the first try and landing salaried careers in the field worth $60k or more, this Master of Science in Accounting online is one of the best programs out there. Students can earn their degree in just one year of study by completing 30 credit hours online. The high standards at the Isenberg School of Management have also led to accreditation from the AACSB in both accounting and business. Coursework is entirely online, and features topics such as financial statement analysis, taxes and business decisions, information technology, professional responsibility for accountants, and more. This curriculum by and for accountants is an all but guaranteed path to success in the exciting world of finance.

23. Southern Utah University
southern-utah-universityOnline Master of Accountancy

Cedar City, Utah
Total Points: 11
Annual Graduate Tuition: $23,784
20-Year ROI: 6%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 23 to 1

Southern Utah University has offered a Master of Accountancy degree for more than two decades, preparing students to pass their CPA exam and become employed by some of the largest accounting firms in the country. SUU boasts an almost 100% job placement rate for new grads in areas such as taxation, auditing, and controllership. This 30-credit hour program includes courses in business law, auditing, ethics, and practice and theory. Students can choose electives from three areas of emphasis including managerial, public accountancy, and tax. More than one area of emphasis can be selected, allowing students to master more than one area of interest.

22. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Online Master of Accounting

Birmingham, Alabama
Total Points: 11
Annual Graduate Tuition: $19,188
20-Year ROI: 6%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20 to 1

When trying to make a statement in the world of accounting, earning an online master’s in accounting from a top-ranked university is one way to stand out. This 100% online program features a 24/7 technical help desk so you will never be slowed down by technical difficulties. Faculty are award-winning industry experts who are able to effectively teach online students. Students are well prepared to take–and pass— their CPA exam. UAB offers scholarship opportunities to qualified students and features a liberal transfer credit policy which saves both time and money. UAB is ranked as one of the best online graduate business programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report, and one of the best universities for diversity according to The Princeton Review.

21. Florida Atlantic University
Online Master of Accounting

Boca Raton, Florida 
Total Points: 11
Annual Graduate Tuition: $16,695
20-Year ROI: 7%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22 to 1

Florida Atlantic University features a fully online Master of Accounting degree with a concentration in forensic accounting. This two-year online master’s in accounting is designed for students interested in topics such as: fraud investigation; dispute resolution; litigation support; valuation; money laundering investigations; and other criminal finance areas. Faculty are industry experts, providing expert witness testimony and involvement in active investigations. Students come from over 35 different states and several countries. Online students receive academic assistance and 24/7 technical support.

20. California State University, Sacramento
sacramento-state-universityMaster of Science in Accountancy

Sacramento, California
Total Points: 11
Annual Graduate Tuition: $16,680
20-Year ROI: 8%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 26 to 1

Considered one of the best business schools for graduate students, Sac State offers a top-notch online M.S. in accountancy that is ranked 75th in the country. The degree can be earned entirely online with no on-campus residency requirements. Courses are offered in an accelerated format and cover all four areas of the CPA including auditing attestation, financial accounting and reporting, regulation, and business environment and concepts. Courses are six weeks long and meet once a week online. Students can earn their degree in just 18 months. Faculty are nationally recognized and effectively interact with students in a virtual environment.

19. University of Maryland Global Campus
university-of-maryland-global-campusOnline Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Management 

Adelphi, Maryland 
Total Points: 11
Annual Graduate Tuition: $11,862
20-Year ROI: 7%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19 to 1

Future comptrollers, managing partners, and senior accountants find their start at the University of Maryland Global Campus with an online M.S. in Accounting and Financial Management. This unique specialization paves the way to diverse careers and CPA examination, with coursework in organizational theory and behavior, financial decision-making for managers, statistics, and auditing. In addition to providing an already flexible and accelerated 36-credit hour degree program, UMGC offers their business and accounting undergraduates the opportunity to shave 6 credit hours off their requirements if they matriculate into this degree program. And with a CPA exam pass rate of nearly 70%, it’s easy to see why UMGC has produced some of the most effective accounting professionals in the industry.

18. Bentley University
bentley-universityOnline Master of Business Administration in Accountancy

Waltham, Massachusetts
Total Points: 12
Annual Graduate Tuition: $40,992
20-Year ROI: 9%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11 to 1

Bentley University (BU) accounting graduates are among the highest paid in the country, according to the College Salary Report by PayScale. BU is committed to developing the next generation of financial leaders through rigorous coursework and independently led study. With accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in both business and accounting, Bentley University provides students with a singular opportunity to launch their careers. Networking opportunities, recruiting initiatives, and international travel are just some of the ways that this program goes above and beyond to support students. Add in a strong alumni network, and the opportunity to earn graduate certificates in fraud and forensic accounting, taxation, financial planning, and business ethics and it’s not hard to see why students leave this program earning upwards of 75K after graduation.

17. University of Miami
Online Master of Professional Accounting

Coral Gables, Florida
Total Points: 12
Annual Graduate Tuition: $39,060
20-Year ROI: 7%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12 to 1

With an online Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Miami, students can be prepared to sit for their CPA exam in just 20 months. This 40-credit hour program is comprised of 10 seven-week courses completed one at a time. The student body is diverse, with students ranging in age from those in their 20s to those in their 50s, coming from 26 different states and two countries. While the program is offered entirely online, students do have the opportunity to network in person at industry conferences around the country or during an optional on-campus orientation.

16. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
university-of-north-carolina-chapel-hillOnline Master of Accounting

Chapel Hill, North Carolina 
Total Points: 12
Annual Graduate Tuition: $28,278
20-Year ROI: 7%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13 to 1

Ranked #1 by LinkedIn (Best Graduate Universities for Accounting Professionals) and #10 by U.S. News and World Report (best grad schools for accounting), the University of North Carolina has made its mark on the field of accounting. In just one year, 98% of students who earned their accounting master’s degree online at UNC received employment offers within three months of graduation. They also saw salaries in the range of $100K after just five years in the field. The program is open to students of all backgrounds and the convenient online format allows students to continue working in their current place of employment while going to school. Students can finish their degree in just one year and be ready for the workforce thanks to a curriculum that blends classroom study with real-world application.

15. Pennsylvania State University, World Campus
pennsylvania-state-university-world-campusOnline Master of Professional Accounting

University Park, Pennsylvania
Total Points: 12
Annual Graduate Tuition:
$21,682
20-Year ROI: 7%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15 to 1

The online Master of Professional Accounting program at Penn State World Campus is a 30-credit hour program. It prepares students to become successful accounting professionals in today’s fast paced business environment. This flexible program provides students with the opportunity to earn their Graduate Certificate in Accounting before deciding to move up to the master’s program. While students do not have to have an undergrad degree in accounting, there are undergrad accounting courses that will have to be completed by students who do not have that foundation.

14. Nova Southeastern University
nova-southeastern-universityOnline Master of Accounting

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Total Points: 12
Average Graduate Tuition: $20,618
20-Year ROI: 6%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1

The online Master of Accounting program at  Nova Southeastern University is designed to prepare students to earn their Certified Public Accountant credential. This 39-credit hour program is flexible enough for working professionals, with online coursework and start dates available in August, January, and May each year. Students can finish the program in just 21 months. Students complete seven elective courses in addition to disciplinary courses in accounting. Furthermore, there are three concentrations from which to choose, making Nova Southeastern University one of the most flexible programs in our list.

13. DePaul University
depaul-universityOnline Master of Science in Accountancy

Chicago, Illinois
Total Points: 12
Annual Graduate Tuition: $19,870
20-Year ROI: 8%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1

DePaul University offers an online M.S. in Accountancy that can be completed in just 18 months through a convenient asynchronous format. Each course is 11 weeks long and students can work at their own pace each week. The 12-course program includes classes in financial accounting, cost and managerial accounting, professional responsibilities and business law, tax treatment of corporations and partnerships, and more. Students with prior coursework at either the graduate or undergraduate level also have the opportunity to accelerate their education by testing out of core classes.

12. Stetson University
Stetson UniversityOnline Master of Accountancy

DeLand, Florida
Total Points: 12
Annual Graduate Tuition:
$17,927
20-Year ROI:
6%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 
13 to 1

In the competitive world of finance, having the right education and credentials can be essential to move up the career ladder. In as little as one year, students can get a Master of Accountancy online from Stetson University without taking time off of work or delaying their future employment opportunities through the online master’s in accountancy program. Stetson’s rigorous coursework includes information systems, business law, and other topics that are fundamental to succeeding as an accounting professional today. Course content is available 24 hours a day, allowing students to complete assignments when and where it is most convenient.

11. Saint Joseph’s University
Online Master of Accountancy

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Total Points: 12
Annual Graduate Tuition: $17,334
20-Year ROI: 4%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10 to 1

The online Master of Accountancy program at Saint Joseph’s University is designed for students at any level in their career who want to work in accounting. This 36-credit hour program prepares students to pass the CPA exam if that is their professional goal. Students learn through a problem-based curriculum, which allows them to apply their learning to real-world situations. Students can begin the program at any one of five different terms throughout the year. Students stay engaged with their peers through facilitated discussion and their faculty through constructive guidance. All courses are delivered online in a flexible format so students can attend class where and when it is most convenient.

10. University of Southern California
Online Master of Business Taxation

Los Angeles, California
Total Points: 13
Annual Graduate Tuition: $47,880
20-Year ROI: 9%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1

The University of Southern California’s Leventhal School of Accounting features an online Master of Business Taxation program designed for working professionals in accounting or government/regulatory agencies. Students can begin in either the fall or summer semester, and can complete the program in less than two years of part-time attendance. Courses are offered entirely online to allow students to remain employed while pursuing their degree. Coursework such as tax theory and ethics, income tax of corporations and their shareholders, and tax research ultimately produce well-rounded tax professionals who are ready to take on the world.

9. Western New England University
western New England universityOnline Master of Science in Accounting

Springfield, Massachusetts
Total Points: 13
Annual Graduate Tuition: $25,812
20-Year ROI: 8%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12 to 1

Students committed to earning their online master’s in accounting in the least amount of time possible will be interested in Western New England University. The accelerated full-time online accounting master’s program can be completed in just 10 months of study. Students able to attend in-person classes have the opportunity to take a blend of online and on-campus sessions to network and have face-to-face time with professors, though that is not required. A concentration is available in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation.

8. SUNY Polytechnic Institute
suny-polytechnic-instituteOnline Master of Science in Accountancy

Utica, New York
Total Points: 13
Annual Graduate Tuition: $23,100
20-Year ROI: 8%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13 to 1

The online M.S. in Accountancy program at SUNY Polytechnic is designed to help both full-time and part-time students achieve their professional accounting goals. Students can choose from a concentration in either forensic accounting or valuation. Students without a background in accounting are encouraged to apply, but will need to take additional undergraduate prerequisite courses. Graduates are well prepared to sit for both the CPA and CMA designation exams.

7. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master of Science in Accounting

Manchester, New Hampshire
Total Points: 13
Annual Graduate Tuition: $18,810
20-Year ROI: 5%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21 to 1

The master’s in accounting online from Southern New Hampshire University is a flexible program designed to help students pass the CPA exam as well as other certification exams including the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exams. With over 80 years of experience offering quality business courses, SNHU is focused on student success both in the classroom and in the workplace. Courses are offered entirely online with 24/7 access. Students can earn their degree in just 15 months by taking two courses during each 10-week term. There is no GMAT or GRE score required for admission, which takes pressure off the student. A nationwide alumni network helps students obtain internship and career opportunities around the world.

6. University of South Dakota
university-of-south-dakotaOnline Master of Professional Accountancy

Vermillion, South Dakota 
Total Points: 14
Annual Graduate Tuition: $11,656
20-Year ROI: 7%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15 to 1

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) since 1949, the University of South Dakota is a top-notch institution for students who plan to pursue a career in business and accounting. The Master of Professional Accountancy is a low-cost master of accounting online that prepares students not only for the CPA exam, but also to properly produce and use accounting information and become competent accounting professionals. The flexible, convenient classes in this program satisfy the 150-hour requirement to sit for the CPA, and include accounting in both governmental and non-profit organizations, finance, and communication.

5. Western Governors University
Online Master of Accounting 

Salt Lake City, Utah
Total Points: 14
Annual Graduate Tuition: $7,500
20-Year ROI: 17% 
Student to Faculty Ratio: 42 to 1

Western Governors University has maintained its reputation as one of the best American universities for online and distance learning since its founding in 1996. The school’s online Master of Accounting degree consists of 10 courses, plus a capstone project. The program is specially designed for working professionals, so students can expect a flexible curriculum and a graduation time of 12-27 months. By graduation, all students will have met the 150-hour requirement for the CPA exam. 

4. University of Hartford
university-of-hartfordOnline Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation

West Hartford, Connecticut 
Total Points: 15
Annual Graduate Tuition:
$14,292
20-Year ROI: 5%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8 to 1

The University of Hartford is a great place to get an M.S. in accounting online without having to sacrifice quality. Accredited by both the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Barney’s School of Business is a convenient way to advance your career in accounting. Courses are offered fully online, and students can complete the program in just two years by taking two courses each session. Students pursue coursework in taxation of business organizations, corporate taxation, research and seminar programs, and a host of electives in either business or accounting. 

3. University of Scranton
university-of-scrantonOnline Master of Accountancy

Scranton, Pennsylvania
Total Points: 15
Annual Graduate Tuition: $11,580
20-Year ROI: 8%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12 to 1

Offering practical education in accounting and business skills, management practicums, and the strong values of a Jesuit education, the master of accounting online program at the University of Scranton is committed to producing influential and strategic business leaders. Convenient and flexible online coursework is just another draw of this rigorous program. Students complete 30 credit hours at their own pace to prepare for the CPA exam, and build professional hard and soft skills that will serve them throughout the rest of their career. Classes include management economics, financial management, and effective accounting communication, among others. Coupled with the university’s partnership with practicing CPAs who provide mentorship and networking opportunities in Pennsylvania and beyond, this program prepares students for success every step of the way. No wonder so many alumni are employed by the Big 4 accounting firms.

2. Colorado State University Global Campus
colorado-state-universityOnline Master of Professional Accounting

Aurora, Colorado 
Total Points: 15
Annual Graduate Tuition: $9,000
20-Year ROI: 6%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 27 to 1

Offering an affordable online Master of Professional Accounting degree, Colorado State University Global Campus is a great choice for students who want to become a CPA. CSU offers students access to Wiley CPAexcel’s Video Gold Medal Course at a substantial discount to allow students to properly prepare for the exam without breaking the bank. Out-of-state students enjoy the same low tuition rate available to those in-state, and a tuition guarantee means rates won’t increase before you finish your degree. Faculty members are not only highly educated, but have extensive field experience which helps ensure students receive the best education possible.

1. Rider University
Online Master of Accountancy

Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Total Points: 17
Annual Graduate Tuition:
$20,508
20-Year ROI: 8%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10 to 1

Rider University has a flexible online program allowing students to choose from a more traditional cohort program or a part-time online program that students can complete at their own pace. Earning a master’s degree in accounting online has never been more convenient. Rider’s online degree program is a streamlined 30-credit hour curriculum that not only prepares students for the CPA, but also helps them connect to some of the top accounting firms and companies in the country. With an 85% CPA exam pass rate, Rider University’s approach is proven to work. Plus, classes like data mining, business valuation, and fraud & forensic accounting open the door to a wide range of emerging jobs.

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