Most Affordable Online Master's in Accounting Programs (2025)

After finishing your bachelor's degree, the next step for soon-to-be accounting professionals is graduate school. For students searching for an affordable master's degree in accounting, an online program may be the best option.

Online master's in accounting programs allow students to complete the program on their terms, including part-time and asynchronous learning schedules. Plus, online colleges typically charge a lower tuition fee for their programs.

In this article, we'll review the best-rated and affordable online master's in accounting.

Featured Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Accounting

Getting the valuable information you need in the accounting profession begins with an undergraduate degree in one of the nation's respected business programs.

Ideally, your chosen program should have accreditation at either the local or national level and teach core accountancy courses, including finance, business finance, and tax regulations.

Many higher education programs also offer internship opportunities so you can graduate with relevant work experience.

1. University of California, Irvine

The University of California Irvine offers accountancy programs both online and on-campus through the Paul Merage School of Business. This program has been accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

In-state tuition fees for residents of California typically come as a discount, offering a cheaper alternative to private school options. Students aren't required to submit the GMAT or GRE to apply.

2. University of Washington

Located in Washington state, the University of Washington offers a master's in professional accounting that takes nine months to complete. This university charges a similar tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, ensuring low-cost tuition.

Enrolled graduate students have the ability to delve into auditing and accounting methodology and learn the essentials of financial reporting.

3. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

The Kenan Flagler Campus at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill offers a master's in accountancy that can be completed entirely online between 12 and 36 months. In this AACSB-accredited program, learners focus on business electives such as statistics and entrepreneurship.

Plus, the school offers fellowships with significant financial support for all types of accounting students.

4. California State University, Fullerton

The Master of Science in accountancy through the California State University in Fullerton campus can be completed in 30 credit hours. This particular program caters to students with a bachelor's degree or concentration in accounting. Students can choose two non-accounting and three accounting electives.

5. Louisiana State University

The Louisiana State University (LSU) offers an accelerated accounting online program designated to help prepare students for the CPA exam. This AACSB-accredited program teaches advanced accounting in as little as 10 months and doesn't require a GRE or GMAT for application.

It recently received a #1 rank for the top online Master of Business Administration programs in the United States. Through a series of online learning methods, students will take necessary prerequisite courses that will prepare them for licensure.

6. Fitchburg State University

Located in Massachusetts, Fitchburg State University (FSU) offers one of the nation's top Master of Business Administration programs with a concentration in accounting.

The MBA programs at FSU prepare students for advanced careers as financial analysts, auditing managers, forensic accountants, and controllers.

Strategically located in New England, students who choose to stay in this area will have a variety of work opportunities in major cities like Boston, Manchester, and Providence.

8. Merrimack College

Merrimack College offers a 100% online Master of Science in accountancy. The program takes less than 16 months to complete and consists of convenient pre-recorded courses.

This NECHE-accredited program teaches the fundamentals in accounting fraud and forensics, business analytics, and taxation. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared for the CPA exam.

FAQs about Affordable Master's in Accounting Degrees

The first step to finding an affordable master's degree in accounting starts with understanding your options for financial aid. Here we'll discuss the frequently asked questions about affordability and online master's degree options.

What Can I Do with a Master's Degree in Accounting?

A master's degree in accounting can lead to a number of specializations within accounting and finance. Professions within accounting may include becoming a bookkeeper, certified public accountant (CPA), or in-house accounting and finance specialist.

You may also work as a financial advisor or handle wealth management. Depending on your career goals, accounting degrees can also lead to management accounting such as becoming a chief financial officer.

How Much Does a Master's Degree in Accounting Cost?

According to Accounting.com, the average cost of tuition for a business degree is $6,289 if completed online. This price doesn't include the cost of additional incurred costs through textbooks, school supplies, or internet service costs.

How Can I Pay for a Master's in Accounting Degree Program Online?

Students who completed their bachelor's degree in a related field may already be familiar with the enrollment process through FAFSA, the federal student loan agency.

You can complete a FAFSA account upon being accepted for one of the accounting master's programs and choose how much financial aid you'll need.

Graduate students commonly take part-time classes while balancing a professional career, so you may have the option to pay for your degree as you complete it.

If you choose full-time enrollment with an online university, it may have a larger time commitment, but you can still complete your classes online.

What Are the Course Requirements for an Online Master's Degree?

Accounting students who wish to earn an online master's degree will usually need to take an assortment of general education requirements within business, such as economics, statistics, and management.

Upon completion, students will then focus on courses more closely related to their specialization. Accounting students may complete coursework in taxation, tax policy, balancing a profit and loss (P&L) statement, investments, and financial accounting.

How Can I Make a Master's in Accounting Degree More Affordable?

If you plan to choose an accredited institution, these college options will have access to FAFSA, though you can also apply for scholarships and grants to help pay for college.

Online programs typically cost less than degrees obtained in person, and public universities generally cost less than for-profit options.

Universities may also allow you to complete internships in exchange for college credit, further reducing your overall tuition cost.