Why do so many accountants earn a master's degree? Accounting graduate programs help professionals prepare for licenses, like the certified public accountant (CPA) certification, which can increase their salaries. A graduate degree also helps accountants specialize in their careers.
The tuition of a master's in accounting can be a barrier for some students, but fortunately, you can find an affordable online master's program to advance your accounting education. To help you choose a program that fits your budget, check out our ranking of the cheapest online master's in accounting.
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
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 accounting 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.
Public universities generally charge a higher rate for out-of-state students, so enrolling at a university in your state can save you money.
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 accounting 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
AICPA Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs
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: March 15
Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship
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: Dec. 31
Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program
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 Feb. 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:
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.Look Into Accelerated Programs
Accelerated accounting master's programs can potentially save you time and money on your 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.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.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.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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
