By TAD Staff
June 2021
Whether you are looking to reach the next level in your career, or you need a career change altogether, it’s a great time to think about a master’s degree in taxation. Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting a 4% increase in taxation jobs between now and 2029. Plus, more and more universities are offering their degrees entirely online. It’s time! Of course, earning an entire degree isn’t as simple as merely wanting it. That’s why we went on the hunt for the 15 most affordable online master’s degrees in taxation.
List Methodology
To create our list of the 15 most affordable online master’s in taxation degrees, we began by compiling a list of any and all universities offering just such a degree program. We considered only those degrees which could be completed entirely online or majority online, and which include a curriculum focused primarily on taxation. Finally, we figured the basic tuition cost by determining both the total number of credits required to earn the degree and the price per credit for an out-of-state student.
1. William Howard Taft University
Online Master of Science in Taxation
Lakewood, Colorado
Estimated Program Cost: $14,850
Not only does William Howard Taft University top our list of the most affordable online master’s degrees in taxation, we also ranked it the #1 online master’s program in the country! This degree is designed especially for public accountants and tax professionals. It can be completed entirely online in just one full year. Earning Taft’s online M.S. in Taxation requires 30 credits in coursework like IRS practices and taxation of partnerships, to name but two. Students study independently, but receive direction from professional faculty, online assessments, and occasional evaluations.
2. University of Akron
Online Master of Taxation
Akron, Ohio
Estimated Program Cost: $22,440
University of Akron offers an affordable Master of Taxation degree program which can be completed entirely online. All courses are live and interactive. Students who follow the recommended plan can complete their degree in just 15 months. The 30-credit degree consists of coursework that is all practice oriented. Potential classes include Corporate Taxation, Tax Research, and International Taxation.
3. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master of Science in Accounting, Taxation
Manchester, New Hampshire
Estimated Program Cost: $22,572
Southern New Hampshire University has established itself as a leader in online education, especially for working adults. The university offers a Master of Science in Accounting online degree program. The 36-credit degree can be completed in just 15 months when pursued full-time. Students have access to their courses 24 hours a day in this flexible program. No test scores are required for admission.
4. California State University, Northridge
Online Master of Science in Taxation
Northridge, California
Estimated Program Cost: $23,160
If you are looking for a Master of Science in Taxation online degree program, then you’ll want to consider this degree from CSU Northridge. Northridge’s Master of Science in Taxation is designed for students to attend live classes either in person or virtually. Thirty credits are required to complete the degree. Potential coursework includes Tax Ethics, Federal Tax Procedure, and Real Estate Taxation, to name but three.
5. Nova Southeastern University
Online Master of Accounting with a Concentration in Tax
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Estimated Program Cost: $29,880
Nova Southeastern University’s H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship offers an online Master of Accounting degree with a concentration in Tax. To earn the degree, students must complete seven core courses, followed by five electives. For full-time students, this can all be done in as few as 21 months. Both real-world situations and IRS code are prioritized over the course of the degree.
6. Portland State University
Online Master of Taxation
Portland, Oregon
Estimated Program Cost: $30,150
Portland State University offers an online Master of Taxation degree. This 45-credit program was developed with the help of tax professionals, so students can be sure they are receiving up-to-date, relevant information. All students, including those 100% online, have access to career planning resources and one-on-one advising.
7. Florida Atlantic University
Online Master of Taxation
Boca Raton, Florida
Estimated Program Cost: $33,390
Florida Atlantic University offers a Master of Taxation that can be completed entirely online, from anywhere in the world. The degree program consists of 10 courses, including three electives. Students work in a self-directed way, but always have access to their instructors. Both full-time and part-time students are free to work through the degree at their own pace. When they’ve completed the 10 courses, students will have met all educational requirements to sit the CPA Exam.
8. University of Cincinnati
Online Master of Science in Taxation
Cincinnati, Ohio
Estimated Program Cost: $33,450
University of Cincinnati offers an online M.S. in Taxation. Students in a hurry can choose to complete the accelerated master’s in just 12 months. Otherwise, most students are able to finish their degree in 24 months. The Princeton Review has named University of Cincinnati one of the best business schools in the country, thanks in part to the many industry professionals counted amongst UC’s faculty. Coursework covers everything from partnership taxation to gift taxation. Students are also required to complete a capstone course.
9. Villanova University
Online Master of Taxation
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Estimated Program Cost: $37,200
Villanova University offers an online Master of Taxation degree program. Students who complete one course at a time, year round, can earn their degree in just two years. The 30-credit degree includes coursework on employee benefits, international tax, and wealth tax, among other subjects. Professors are all experts in tax law, and the focus of each class is on real-world experiences.
10. Golden Gate University
Online Master of Science in Taxation
San Francisco, California
Estimated Program Cost: $37,500
You don’t need to live in San Francisco to earn your M.S. in Taxation from Golden Gate University. This degree — which graduates a number of students recruited by “Big Four” accounting firms — can be completed in either two or four years. Students can get started at any time, thanks to the flexible enrollment process. All courses are delivered online, and are self paced.
11. St. John’s University, New York
Online Master of Science in Taxation
Queens, New York
Estimated Program Cost: $42,160
St. John’s University offers an online M.S. in Taxation. Students can earn this degree in just one year! Doing so requires completion of 30-33 credit hours. All online courses are taught by the same on-campus professors. Online students also have access to St. John’s library resources and career services. No wonder St. John’s University has been named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 35 business universities in the country!
12. Northeastern University
Online Master of Science in Taxation
Boston, Massachusetts
Estimated Program Cost: $49,200
Northeastern University often ranks amongst the best business schools in the United States. The university offers an M.S. in Taxation that can be completed entirely online. The degree emphasizes the latest industry and economic trends, and prepares students for successful accounting careers. The part-time program can be completed in just 16 months.
13. University of Denver
Online Master of Taxation
Denver, Colorado
Estimated Program Cost: $51,336
University of Denver offers an affordable Master of Taxation degree that students can complete entirely online. Online classes are all live, and are taught by the same professors as those on campus. For those who prefer to study part-time, those courses and discussions are also available later, on demand. University of Denver’s online Master of Taxation degree can be earned in as little as one year.
14. Bentley University
Online Master of Science in Taxation
Waltham, Massachusetts
Estimated Program Cost: $52,750
With more than 3,000 graduates currently working as tax professionals, Bentley University offers the largest graduate tax program in New England. To complete this degree, students must work through 10 courses. This can be done entirely online, from anywhere in the world, and at the student’s own pace. Coursework includes federal taxation, intellectual properties, and much more. An internship or practicum opportunity is also offered.
15. Boston University
Online Master of Laws in Taxation Law
Boston, Massachusetts
Estimated Program Cost: $54,720
Rounding out our list of the most affordable graduate taxation degree programs is Boston University. BU offers a Master of Laws in Taxation Laws that can be completed entirely online. Earning the degree requires 24 credits of coursework like partnership tax, corporate tax, and federal income taxation. More than three-quarters of Boston’s grads are hired by law and accounting firms in the first six months after graduation.