Most Affordable Online Master’s in Accounting Programs of 2021
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Online master's in accounting programs prepare graduates for an array of career choices, including tax auditing, corporate management, financial information systems, and investigative or forensic accounting. The field is growing for accountants and auditors.
What Are the Most Affordable Online Master's in Accounting Programs of 2021? Here Are Our Top 10:
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| #1 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC |
| #2 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL |
| #3 | University of Miami Coral Gables, FL |
| #4 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZ |
| #5 | University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO |
| #6 | George Mason University Fairfax, VA |
| #7 | California State University-Sacramento Sacramento, CA |
| #8 | Syracuse University Syracuse, NY |
| #9 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, TX |
| #10 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus University Park, PA |
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Many of the nation's finest business schools now offer affordable master's in accounting (MAC) programs completely online, giving students the opportunity to continue working while they earn credit toward their degree. Master's degree-holders tend to be more desirable than accountants with only undergraduate degrees. Corporations from all over actively court master's-level accountants before they even finish school.
Accountants understand the importance of getting the most value for their dollar, including dollars spent on education. Students should consider what they receive for their investment, and make a holistic evaluation of affordability. That's why we've ranked the following online MAC programs using our unique college affordability score, which accounts for variables like the quality of education, total cost, financial aid opportunities, and potential future earnings.
Affordable schools often provide a better return on investment. They demonstrate track records of providing rigorous academic experiences for an affordable cost, and their graduates earn salaries that make paying back their loans relatively simple.
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
2021 Most Affordable Online Master's in Accounting Programs
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UNC-Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School offers an online master's in accounting. Students can enroll on one of four yearly start dates.
Distance learners begin with core courses such as accounting system essentials, analytics for accountants, financial reporting, and leadership immersion. Students then choose from three concentrations: tax, audit, or financial reporting and analysis. After taking core courses, students focus on electives in their chosen concentration. Online learners must complete a leadership immersion on campus.
Students with a CPA or CFA license, five years of professional or military experience, or a 3.2 minimum undergraduate GPA do not need to submit test scores. UNC-Chapel Hill is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Accounting
School Status: Public
Tuition: $1,446 per credit
Credit Requirements: 36-48 credits
Program Length: 12-36 months
Format: Online with an on-campus immersion
Instruction Style: Synchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum required
Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT may be required
Contact the School
Based in Champaign, U of I offers an online master's in accounting. This program is delivered in partnership with the online learning platform Coursera.
Students begin with core courses, such as accounting analysis, auditing, and federal taxation, before moving on to 12 credits of electives, including four credits of non-accounting coursework. Students can also take advantage of Coursera's open-enrollment courses to further their professional goals, reinforce concepts, and complement their learning.
Students may apply with a bachelor's degree in any field, as long as they have completed at least one undergraduate business management course. U of I is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Accountancy
School Status: Public
Tuition: $850 per credit
Credit Requirements: 32 credits
Program Length: 18-36 months
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous and synchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE optional
Contact the School
Based in Coral Gables, Florida, UM offers an online master of professional accounting. Students can choose from two tracks based on their previous accounting experience. The master of professional accounting with CPA track caters to students with previous accounting experience, while learners coming from other disciplines can complete the master of professional accounting.
Students without accounting experience begin with core courses, such as an introduction to financial and managerial accounting and intermediate accounting. Alternatively, those with previous experience begin with an accounting information systems course. CPA track students complete a total of 40 credits — eight more than the base program.
UM holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and its business school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Professional Accounting; Master of Professional Accounting CPA Track
School Status: Public
Tuition: $2,170 per credit
Credit Requirements: 32 or 40 credits
Program Length: 16 or 20 months
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum specified
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
Based in Tucson, UArizona offers a master of science in accounting online. Students do not need previous accounting experience to enroll in this program. Enrollees can choose from six start dates throughout the year.
Accounting students begin by completing any necessary prerequisites, such as an introduction to financial accounting, before moving on to core courses. Students also take electives in a variety of accounting and non-accounting subjects.
Applicants must submit a copy of their resume and a letter of recommendation as part of their admissions packet. UArizona is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its business school holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Accounting
School Status: Public
Tuition: $1,000 per credit
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program Length: 12-18 months
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: GMAT required
Contact the School
Located in Columbia, Mizzou offers an online master's in accounting. Students in the program can participate in internships and prepare to take the CPA exam.
Participants take courses like auditing theory and practice and accounting and business strategic analysis. Elective options include governmental accounting and budgeting, topics in accounting, and tax research and procedure. Learners also work with advisors to select relevant business electives. Students who take one course per semester can finish in three years, although many participants graduate faster.
Mizzou holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, and its business school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Accountancy
School Status: Public
Tuition: $814 per credit
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program Length: 1-3 years
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous and synchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum preferred
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
Located in Fairfax, Virginia, Mason offers an online master of science in accounting that is designed to prepare students to meet the minimum requirements for licensing.
Students take 15 core credits and 15 elective credits, beginning with courses like a professional accounting colloquium and advanced issues in taxation. Notable elective choices include governmental and nonprofit accounting, fraud and the law, and governance and ethics. Students take courses on their own time through an asynchronous learning platform, and learners can focus on one or two courses per eight-week session.
The program requires students to hold a bachelor's in accounting degree or at least 27 credits of undergraduate accounting classes. Mason holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and its business school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Accounting
School Status: Public
Tuition: $1,156 per credit
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program Length: 11-24 months
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum specified
Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE required
Contact the School
Sacramento State offers an online master of science in accountancy. Students receive instruction through a combination of online course materials, video streaming, and instant messaging.
Students begin with three pre-foundation courses before starting the program: business economics, accounting, and legal environment of management. Afterward, core requirements include classes like financial reporting, cost analysis and control, and governmental and not-for-profit accounting. Students must also complete a culminating projected related to accounting and ethics.
Students submit applications to the university first and then to the accounting program. Sacramento State is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Accountancy
School Status: Public
Tuition: $694 per credit
Credit Requirements: 32 credits
Program Length: 1-2 years
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.5 minimum required
Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE required
Contact the School
Located in Upstate New York, Syracuse offers an online master of science in professional accounting through the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. Students with an accounting background can complete the program in 12 months, while students from other fields can complete the program in 24 months.
Students without an accounting background begin with foundational courses, such as managerial accounting and cost analysis and control, before moving on to the core curriculum. Alternatively, learners with accounting experience start directly with the core, taking classes like financial statement analysis and international accounting and reporting. Participants also choose from electives, such as supply chain and logistics management and venture capital.
Syracuse is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Accounting
School Status: Private
Tuition: $1,683 per credit
Credit Requirements: 30-48 credits
Program Length: 12-24 months
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT required
Contact the School
Based in Brownsville, Texas, UTRGV offers an online master's in accounting. Students take courses through seven-week blocks and can graduate in 12 months.
Learners begin with core courses, such as advanced accounting, business law for accountants, and information technology for accounting and control. Students then choose from two concentrations: auditing or taxation. Concentration courses cover topics like fraud examination and internal auditing or international taxation and wealth, transfers, trusts, and estates. Enrollees can choose from one of four start dates each year.
UTRGV is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Accountancy
School Status: Public
Tuition: $472 per credit
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program Length: 12 months
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: GMAT required
Contact the School
Based in University Park, Penn State World Campus offers an online master of professional accounting. Students who complete this program acquire the skills needed to sit for the CPA exam.
Students begin with core courses like auditing theory and practice, business tax and planning, and strategic cost management. The curriculum also includes a capstone course on forensic accounting and litigation support, which allows students to apply critical thinking skills to aid in investigations and litigation support activities. The class utilizes real-world case studies to support the course material.
Students without an undergraduate accounting degree must take six prerequisite accounting courses, beginning with financial and managerial accounting for decision-making.
Penn State World Campus holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, and its business school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Professional Accounting
School Status: Public
Tuition: $951 per credit
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program Length: 1-2 years
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum specified
Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE required (waived through 2021)
Contact the School
Located in Utica, New York, SUNY Poly offers an online master of science in accountancy. The program accommodates both full-time and part-time students.
Learners begin by completing core courses such as financial statement analysis and reporting, advanced income tax research, and fund accounting. Students also take core business courses designed to build the foundational skills necessary to work in business settings. The business core includes topics like multinational economics of technology and quantitative business analysis. A seminar in accounting and finance provides a chance for participants to demonstrate skills mastery. Students may also choose to specialize in forensic accounting and valuation.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's in accounting or complete required prerequisite courses before enrolling. SUNY Poly holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and its business school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Accountancy
School Status: Public
Tuition: $532 per credit (in-state); $625 per credit (out-of-state)
Credit Requirements: 33 credits
Program Length: 1-2 years
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: Minimum requirement varies depending on an applicant's GMAT score
Standardized Tests: GMAT required
Contact the School
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Maryville offers an online master of science in accounting. Maryville also offers a bridge program for students without a bachelor's in accounting.
Students without a background in accounting participate in the 30-credit bridge program before starting on the accounting core. Core courses go over topics like tax planning and decision-making, financial reporting, and accounting and research. All students take 12 credits of CPA-informed preparation courses, getting ready to sit for the CPA exam.
Maryville holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, and its business school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Accounting
School Status: Private
Tuition: $765 per credit
Credit Requirements: 30 credits (accounting bachelor's); 60 credits (non-accounting bachelor's)
Program Length: 10-24 months
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum specified
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
Based in Denver, Colorado, Regis offers an online master of science in accounting. The curriculum of this program aligns with CPA certification requirements.
Faculty deliver courses in eight-week blocks, allowing students to focus on fewer courses at a time. Classes cover topics like advanced accounting, international accounting, and controllerships. Students can specialize in one of four areas: financial accounting, fraud and forensic accounting, IT accounting, or managerial accounting. Participants can also complete internships to ensure preparedness for the work environment.
The program accepts applications on a rolling basis and boasts six different start dates throughout the year. Regis is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Accounting
School Status: Private
Tuition: $920 per credit
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program Length: 1-2 years
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum specified
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
Located in South Orange, New Jersey, Seton Hall's Stillman School of Business offers an online master of science in accounting. The program allows students from non-accounting bachelor's programs to complete graduate work in accountancy.
Students take prerequisites in both accounting principles and legal studies before starting on accounting core courses. Accounting courses include financial reporting, essentials of federal taxation, and commercial law. Students choose from elective classes in areas like financial statement analysis, tax research, and governmental and not-for-profit accounting.
Students with a minimum 3.4 GPA, five years of relevant work experience, or a CPA license do not need to supply GRE or GMAT scores. Seton Hall holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and its business school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Accounting
School Status: Private
Tuition: $1,305 per credit
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program Length: 18-20 months
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT required
Contact the School
Located in Jamaica, New York, St. John's offers an online master of science in accounting. Applicants should have a business or accounting background. Enrollees with a business background take 30 credits of core courses and a capstone, while students with a bachelor's in accounting take a nine-credit core, 18 credits of accounting electives, and a capstone.
All students, regardless of their background, take classes in information technology auditing, business tax planning, and global managerial accounting. Students with an accounting background may choose a concentration, selecting from options like data analytics, enterprise risk management, and financial services reporting.
St. John's is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Accounting
School Status: Private
Tuition: $1,215 per credit
Credit Requirements: 30-33 credits
Program Length: 1-2 years
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous and synchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.25 minimum preferred
Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE required
Contact the School
What Else Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Accounting Program?
Many of the most affordable online master's in accounting programs are also the highest quality. Details vary by school and program, but applicants can expect similar application procedures, concentration offerings, and coursework as part of their accounting degrees. The length and cost of each program also varies, but the following section includes general estimates of completion times and tuition prices for a master's degree.
Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Accounting
Applicants to online accounting master's programs need a bachelor's degree. Some master's programs specify that applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related major. However, many welcome applicants with bachelor's degrees in other subjects. Additionally, schools generally require that students earn their bachelor's degrees from an institution with regional accreditation.
Some schools may require previous work experience, but many of the most affordable online master's in accounting degrees do not. Completing a master's provides graduates with a broad scope of lucrative job opportunities. Minimum GPA requirements can vary widely, though most of the best master's in accounting programs prefer a minimum 3.0 GPA. Many programs do not require GMAT or GRE scores. However, those that do may waive this requirement for applicants with a bachelor's degree in accounting, extensive work experience, or a GPA above the school's minimum requirement.
Sample Concentrations for an Online Master's Degree in Accounting
Online MAC programs offering a taxation concentration introduce students to critical income, estate, and sales taxation principles and practices. Students develop a mastery of auditing, financial reporting, and tax law for corporate, nonprofit, and individual clients. Graduates also qualify to sit for the CPA exam.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Accountant, auditor, tax director
The auditing concentration within an online master's degree in accounting prepares students to follow Sarbanes-Oxley federal requirements in their career, and introduces the latest auditing technologies and techniques. The curriculum emphasizes coursework in advanced auditing, ethics in accounting, and detection and prevention of fraudulent financial statements.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Compliance auditor, internal auditor, accountant
Students concentrating in forensic accounting as part of an online MAC program study fraud investigation, specifically related to bankruptcies, contract disputes, mergers and acquisitions, and complex financial agreements. Aspiring forensic accounting experts also learn how to use forensic financial evidence in the prosecution of white-collar criminals.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Forensic accountant, investigative accountant, fraud examiner
The management accounting concentration teaches students to strengthen business and leadership aspects of their role as accounting manager. Coursework prepares students to lead teams of employees, including at the managerial/executive level, to improve financial productivity and efficiency within an organizations. Graduates qualify to sit for the CMA exam.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Certified management accountant, controller, accounting director
Online MAC programs in international accounting train students to practice accounting and comply with tax laws in a global environment. Coursework explores how international taxation and accounting regulations compare to U.S. systems. Graduates possess a mastery over foreign exchange rates, related financial risks, and management of global financial systems.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: International accountant, international auditor, international tax accountant
Sample Courses for an Online Master's Degree in Accounting
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master's in Accounting?
While completion times for the most affordable online accounting degrees vary, most students complete a master's degree in two years. Many online schools offer the degree in an accelerated format, which typically takes less than 24 months to complete. Most online accounting master's degrees do not include residency requirements, but students who choose to complete courses on-campus may take longer to earn the degree.
A master's in accounting comprises roughly 60 course credits. Students must consider whether to pursue a part- or full-time schedule, and may choose either a self-paced or cohort learning program. Many schools follow self-paced learning models for increased flexibility. In other cases, cohort-style learning requires all students to move through the program in lock-step.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Accounting Cost?
As with any degree program, the cost of even the most affordable online master's in accounting varies. Each school dictates its own fees for tuition, which may vary depending on whether students are in state or out of state. Some programs may also include fees for services and facilities used exclusively for online learning, such as technology fees, test proctoring, and virtual labs.
Applicants should always research tuition prices at their preferred schools, and explore their own personal financial aid options to understand the full cost of earning a master's in accounting. The average required tuition and fees for graduate school during the 2018-19 academic year was $19,314, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Certifications and Licenses a Master's in Accounting Prepares For
The American Institute of CPAs offers the CPA credential to aspiring public accountants through individual state boards of accountancy. AICPA provides the same universal exam to all CPA candidates regardless of location, but test-takers may need additional education or experience, depending on their state of residence. Most states require at least a bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience to take the CPA exam, which comprises four, four-hour sections.
The CFA Institute offers the CFA credential to students who aspire to work in portfolio management and high-level investment analysis. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree and pass a three-part CFA exam. They must also complete four years of experience working in investments and become a member of the CFA Institute to obtain their charter and become CFA-certified.
The Institute of Management Accountants offers CMA certification to candidates aiming for executive financial management positions. The CMA exam tests students' expertise in financial reporting, performance, control, and planning, plus their financial decision-making skills. IMA requires aspiring CMAs to hold a bachelor's degree in accounting or professional accounting certification, complete at least two years of work experience, and pass the exam to obtain certification.
Additional Requirements for an Online Master's in Accounting
While largely technical in nature, most online master's degrees in accounting include some additional requirements, such as an internship, and culminate in a capstone or thesis. Most master's-level accounting internships encompass three credits, which students complete through placement in a local accounting firm or financial institution. Some programs even coordinate paid internships. An online master's in accounting typically concludes with a capstone course in lieu of a thesis requirement.
Accreditation for Online Master's in Accounting Degrees
Students beginning their school search should narrow their options to only include accredited programs. Colleges and universities may hold regional or national accreditation through a recognized accrediting agency.
Either type of accreditation is acceptable, but regional accreditation is generally more common and preferable among many top schools. In some cases, colleges with regional accreditation only accept transfer credits from other regionally accredited institutions. Students should confirm their school's accreditation status through a legitimate agency overseen by the Department of Education U.S. Department of Education (ED) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
In addition to institutional accreditation, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) gives accreditation to many business schools and some of the nation's top affordable online master's in accounting programs. Programmatic accreditation does not replace institutional accreditation, but AACSB recognition highlights many of the industry's most relevant and valuable accounting programs.
Employment Outlook for Master's in Accounting Graduates
Master's in Accounting Salary
Employment for accounting graduates varies by location, employer, and individual requirements. As with most occupations, candidates with advanced degrees and professional experience qualify for the most lucrative jobs in the fields of accounting and finance. Many accounting careers pay salaries that are well above the national average, with common salaries ranging from $65,000-$85,000 or higher.
Master's in Accounting Careers
Graduates with an online accounting master's degree can pursue a variety of career paths and fields of expertise. Aspiring accountants with an eye for detail should demonstrate dexterity in crunching numbers, and have a thorough understanding of mathematical functions. With qualifications exceeding the minimum education requirement for most entry-level jobs, candidates with a master's degree can pursue advanced positions in fields including accounting, auditing, and finance management.
Accountants and auditors prepare and thoroughly examine taxes and other financial records, respectively. They help ensure individuals and corporations can follow financial rules and regulations and operate efficiently and lawfully. Accountants must obtain CPA certification through their state board to file SEC reports -- another critical requirement of a tax preparator. Most employers accept candidates with their bachelor's degrees and CPA certification, but master's degree holders may qualify for advanced positions in finance.
Median Annual Salary: $73,560 (May 2020)
Projected Growth Rate: 7% (2020-2030)
Budget analysts help clients manage their finances by evaluating their spending habits, drafting or amending their budget, and monitoring their expenditures. These professionals may work for public or private institutions, ranging from large corporations to individual business owners. Most budget analyst employers require at least a bachelor's degree, though some government agencies may also require the certified government financial manager credential.
Median Annual Salary: $78,970 (May 2020)
Projected Growth Rate: 5% (2020-2030)
Cost estimators help estimate the money, labor, time, and materials necessary to complete a project, make a product, or provide a service. Most budget estimators work in construction, manufacturing, or auto repair. Employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field, plus work experience in their area of expertise.
Median Annual Salary: $66,610 (May 2020)
Projected Growth Rate: 1% (2020-2030)
Financial analysts help clients make informed investment decisions by analyzing the risk and performance of bonds and stocks, and make investment recommendations to improve the overall health of clients' financial portfolios. Candidates should hold their bachelor's in finance, accounting, mathematics, statistics, or economics. Some employers may require a FINRA license for sales positions, while others may sponsor CFA certification for new-hires.
Median Annual Salary: $83,660 (May 2020)
Projected Growth Rate: 6% (2020-2030)
Financial managers oversee all financial operations of an organization, corporation, or private client. They help their clients reach long-term financial goals by drafting finance reports, advising on investments, and creating a budget with a focus on overall financial health. Candidates should hold a bachelor's degree and work in accounting, security, sales, or financial analysis for at least five years to pursue this career.
Median Annual Salary: $134,180 (May 2020)
Projected Growth Rate: 17% (2020-2030)
Source: BLS
Professional Organizations
Joining a professional accounting or finance organization can provide students with benefits not available anywhere else. Students often receive discounted membership rates as an incentive to join a professional organization while still earning their degree. Members enjoy perks including networking opportunities, continuing education courses, and career placement services. The following represent some of the largest and most reputable accounting and finance organizations.
Financing Your Online Master's in Accounting Program
Most U.S. college students rely on financial aid to help fund their degree. Regardless of a student's major or socioeconomic status, they may qualify for one or multiple financial aid resources. Common options include federal funding, scholarships, grants, and work-study. To see if they qualify, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year, which determines their eligibility for many forms of educational funding.
AN OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL AID
Approximately two-thirds of today’s college students rely on loans to fund their education, but there are plenty of overlooked financing options you can use to reduce your overall student debt.
UNDERSTANDING THE FAFSA
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial first step for any student with financial needs. Our FAFSA guide features a step-by-step rundown on the process and answers to several frequently asked questions.
FINANCIAL AID FOR ONLINE STUDENTS
Financial aid for online learning is equivalent to what you’ll find for campus-based learning, but that hasn’t always been the case. Learn about the changes that have taken place, as well as the different funding opportunities available to online students.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SINGLE PARENTS
Online college programs can be a flexible, affordable option for single parents who are interested in earning a degree and securing their family's financial future. We've compiled a list of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options geared toward single moms and dads.
FINANCIAL AID FOR VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY
Millions of dollars in free money is available to U.S. military personnel, but much of it goes unused. Learn more about grants, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities available to veterans, active-duty service members, and reservists.
Scholarships for Online MAC Programs
Who Can Apply: The Government Finance Officers Association provides this scholarship to aspiring government accountants and finance professionals. Students must show evidence of full-time enrollment in a graduate program, in a course of study related to state, local, or government finance. They must also provide a letter of recommendation with their application.
Amount: $20,000
Who Can Apply: AICPA sponsors the Carey Scholarship, providing financial aid to applicants with a background in liberal arts or a nonbusiness field who plan to enroll in a graduate accounting program and pursue CPA licensure. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited school and student affiliate membership in AICPA. Eligible graduate programs receive AACSB and/or ACBSP accreditation.
Amount: $5,000
Who Can Apply: The National Association of Black Accountants presents this award to black applicants who hold active NABA student membership. Students must show proof of enrollment in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program in business, accounting, or finance, and hold a minimum 3.3 overall and 3.5 major GPA.
Amount: $1,500
Who Can Apply: NABA offers the Member Scholarship Award to recipients with similar qualifications through the NABA National Scholarship Program, in a wider range of cash awards. Applicants must be black NABA members and enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program in accounting, business, or finance. Students must demonstrate an overall GPA of at least 3.3 and a major GPA of at least 3.5.
Amount: $1,500-$3,000
Who Can Apply: AICPA grants this award to applicants who belong to a minority racial or ethnic group, and are enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate accounting degree.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Who Can Apply: GFOA presents this scholarship to students pursuing careers in accounting for local or state agencies. Applicants must show proof of full-time enrollment in an upper-level undergraduate or graduate program.
Amount: $10,000
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