By Degree

    Best Master's in Accounting Programs in 2027

    Thinking about a master's in accounting? We scored nearly 500 master's degrees in accounting and ranked the 50 best, from the Master of Accountancy to the Master of Science in Accounting. Each one is graded on cost, graduate pay, completion, flexibility and accreditation.

    Haley Hankins, BA in Accounting, Portland State University

    Edited by , BA in Accounting · Portland State University

    Last updated

    We may earn a commission when you request information from some schools. It never changes a program's score or rank. How the site is funded

    Best Pick

    George Mason University

    Master of Science in Accounting

    Virginia

    Score
    79.3of 100
    Cost
    $1,025per credit
    Length
    30credits
    Read Our George Mason University Review

    Programs Ranked

    50

    Schools

    50

    Lowest Cost per Credit

    $414

    States

    19

    Source: School program pages, verified October 2026

    Compare the Best Programs Side by Side

    Here are 50 programs for a master's in accounting across 19 states, taught on campus, in a hybrid format or online. Every master's degree in accounting here has business accreditation confirmed on the official lists, and 49 are on the list of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

    Total tuition starts at $12,420. The easiest way to narrow the field is to start with format, then price, then how well the program fits your state's certified public accountant (CPA) rules.

    Best Picks

    Best Picks by What Matters Most

    Each pick leads this list on one thing you might care about most.

    Method

    How We Chose These Programs

    We scored master's degrees in accounting or accountancy (M.Acc., M.S. in Accounting and similar titles) from business schools. We used federal data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the database every college reports to. We kept the 50 best, one program per school. General MBAs aren't included, and neither are programs that stopped admitting students.

    Formats are scored together, and master's programs are only compared with other master's programs. Accreditation counts where an official list confirms it. The rest of the score covers price, pay after graduation, completion, flexibility, track record and reputation. They add up to one score, out of a possible 100, which you'll see on each card. If you work full time, try the list for working adults.

    You can read the full method on the methodology page.

    • A master's in accounting or accountancy, on campus, hybrid or online
    • Every program is scored the same way, and you see the 50 best
    • Compared only with other master's programs

    Each Program Score blends seven factors: Cost 20%, Graduate Earnings 20%, Completion 15%, Flexibility 15%, Credential Alignment 10%, Track Record 10%, Program Reputation 10% (method version 2.0).

    The Ranking

    Best Programs

    1. 1

      George Mason University

      Master of Science in Accounting

      Virginia

      • Fully Online
      • Hybrid
      • On Campus
      • Evenings and Weekends
      • Asynchronous
      • Public
      What Stands Out

      A $110,482 median graduate salary earns 9.2 for earnings, 75% of students graduate (completion 9.2), and 76 accounting degrees awarded annually lift track record to 9.5. Two starts a year and no graduate entrance exam requirement put flexibility at 8 for this 30-credit degree.

      Cost
      $1,025 per credit
      Credits
      30 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $110,482 median

      Best Scores (out of 10)

      • Credential Alignment 10 / 10
      • Track Record 9.5 / 10
      • Graduate Earnings 9.2 / 10

    2. 2

      University of Massachusetts-Amherst

      Master of Science in Accounting (Professional Track)

      Massachusetts

      • Fully Online
      • Asynchronous
      • Public
      What Stands Out

      The University of Massachusetts Amherst confers 153 accounting degrees annually, which gives track record a 10, and program reputation scores 9.3. Median graduate pay of $109,628 sets earnings at 9, and focus areas in Forensic Accounting, Taxation and Data Analytics let you shape the degree.

      Cost
      $850 per credit
      Credits
      30 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $109,628 median

      Best Scores (out of 10)

      • Credential Alignment 10 / 10
      • Track Record 10 / 10
      • Program Reputation 9.3 / 10

    3. 3

      California State University-Long Beach

      Master of Science in Accountancy

      California

      • On Campus
      • Evenings and Weekends
      • Public
      What Stands Out

      IPEDS lists tuition at $420 per credit across the 30-unit program, which gives cost a 9.6, and completion climbs to 9.7 as 84% of students go on to graduate. CPA test prep is built in, and the 11-month cohort adds the 30 units toward California's 150 required for licensure.

      Cost
      $420 per creditout-of-state, federal data
      Credits
      30 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $100,762 median

      Best Scores (out of 10)

      • Credential Alignment 10 / 10
      • Completion 9.7 / 10
      • Cost 9.6 / 10

    4. 4

      California State University-Fullerton

      Master of Science in Accountancy

      California

      • On Campus
      • Evenings and Weekends
      • Public
      What Stands Out

      IPEDS shows $420 per credit, and cost lands at 9.6. With 82.5% of students graduating, completion scores 9.7. Dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting sets credential at 10, and the program is a preferred recruiting school for the Big Four firms.

      Cost
      $420 per creditout-of-state, federal data
      Credits
      30 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $97,802 median

      Best Scores (out of 10)

      • Credential Alignment 10 / 10
      • Completion 9.7 / 10
      • Cost 9.6 / 10

    5. 5

      Central Connecticut State University

      Master of Science in Accounting

      Connecticut

      • Hybrid
      • On Campus
      • Evenings and Weekends
      • Public
      What Stands Out

      With 101 accounting degrees conferred each year, track record scores 10, and $481 per credit means cost scores 8.7. Graduates earn a median $103,777 (earnings 7.8), and January, May and August starts let you begin when it suits you.

      Cost
      $481 per creditout-of-state, federal data
      Credits
      30 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $103,777 median

      Best Scores (out of 10)

      • Credential Alignment 10 / 10
      • Track Record 10 / 10
      • Cost 8.7 / 10

    6. 6

      Florida International University

      Master of Accounting

      Florida

      • Hybrid
      • Online
      • On Campus
      • Public
      What Stands Out

      Florida International confers 86 accounting degrees each year, so track record scores 9.8, and completion earns a 9 on a 73.5% graduation rate. Median graduate pay of $107,540 sets earnings at 8.6, and dual AACSB accreditation sets credential alignment at 10.

      Cost
      $1,002 per creditout-of-state, federal data
      Credits
      30 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $107,540 median

      Best Scores (out of 10)

      • Credential Alignment 10 / 10
      • Track Record 9.8 / 10
      • Completion 9 / 10

    7. 7

      University of Connecticut

      Master of Science in Accounting

      Connecticut

      • Fully Online
      • Asynchronous
      • Public
      What Stands Out

      University of Connecticut alumni earn a median $113,488, which gives earnings a 9.8, and reputation in accounting scores 9.4. Track record is 9.5 on 77 degrees awarded annually, and the school is one of 194 institutions with specialized AACSB accreditation in accounting. The program has run online since 2003.

      Cost
      $1,125 per credit
      Credits
      30 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $113,488 median

      Best Scores (out of 10)

      • Credential Alignment 10 / 10
      • Graduate Earnings 9.8 / 10
      • Track Record 9.5 / 10

    8. 8

      Loyola University Maryland

      Master of Accounting

      Maryland

      • Fully Online
      • Hybrid
      • On Campus
      • Live Online
      • Private nonprofit
      What Stands Out

      A $122,816 median graduate salary earns a perfect 10 for earnings, and completion stands at 9.8 thanks to an 88.5% graduation rate. Three starts a year, a hybrid or fully online format and a full- or part-time pace raise flexibility to 7.

      Cost
      $1,280 per credit
      Credits
      30 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $122,816 median

      Best Scores (out of 10)

      • Graduate Earnings 10 / 10
      • Credential Alignment 10 / 10
      • Completion 9.8 / 10

    9. 9

      San Diego State University

      Master of Science in Accountancy

      California

      • On Campus
      • Public
      What Stands Out

      At $420 per credit, cost scores 9.6, and an 82% graduation rate earns completion the same 9.6. Program reputation scores 8.5, and the Lamden School of Accountancy adds three specializations, small classes and a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance clinic preparing over 800 returns yearly.

      Cost
      $420 per creditout-of-state, federal data
      Credits
      30 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $103,392 median

      Best Scores (out of 10)

      • Credential Alignment 10 / 10
      • Cost 9.6 / 10
      • Completion 9.6 / 10

    10. 10

      California State University-Northridge

      Master of Professional Accountancy

      California

      • On Campus
      • Public
      What Stands Out

      IPEDS shows $420 per credit and a cost grade of 9.6, while completion comes in at 9.6, with 80% of students going on to graduate. Dual AACSB accreditation brings credential to a 10, and students use the Becker CPA review course at no charge while enrolled.

      Cost
      $420 per creditout-of-state, federal data
      Credits
      32 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $98,558 median

      Best Scores (out of 10)

      • Credential Alignment 10 / 10
      • Cost 9.6 / 10
      • Completion 9.6 / 10

    Ranked 11 to 25

    The rest of the ranked places, in a shorter card. Each review has the full breakdown.

    6. 16

      Merrimack College

      Master of Science in Accounting

      Fully Online · Private nonprofit · Massachusetts

      Cost
      $750 per credit
      Credits
      32 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $92,014 median

      Best Scores Completion 9.1 out of 10 Credential Alignment 9 out of 10 Track Record 8.8 out of 10

    13. 23

      DePaul University

      Master of Science in Accountancy

      Fully Online · Private nonprofit · Illinois

      Cost
      $886 per creditfederal data
      Credits
      48 quarter hours (12 courses: 8 core, 4 elective)
      Graduate Pay
      $100,161 median

      Best Scores Credential Alignment 10 out of 10 Track Record 8.9 out of 10 Program Reputation 8.9 out of 10

    14. 24

      Fairfield University

      Master of Science in Accounting

      On Campus, Hybrid · Private nonprofit · Connecticut

      Cost
      $1,285 per credit
      Credits
      30 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $117,339 median

      Best Scores Graduate Earnings 10 out of 10 Credential Alignment 10 out of 10 Completion 9.8 out of 10

    15. 25

      Boise State University

      Accountancy

      Fully Online, On Campus, Evenings and Weekends · Public · Idaho

      Cost
      $723 per creditout-of-state, federal data
      Credits
      30 credits
      Graduate Pay
      $93,228 median

      Best Scores Credential Alignment 10 out of 10 Track Record 9 out of 10 Program Reputation 7.1 out of 10

    Also on This List

    More Programs on This List (25)

    Every program here meets the list's criteria and is scored the same way. They're in alphabetical order, and each row links to the program page.

    Best Master's Programs: more programs on this list, in alphabetical order
    School and Program State Cost per Credit Graduate Pay Format
    Bentley University MS Master of Science in Accounting Visit school MA $1,955* $115,201 Hybrid, Online, On Campus
    California State University-East Bay MS Master of Science in Accounting Visit school CA $755 $103,608 On Campus, Evenings and Weekends
    California State University-Los Angeles MS Master of Science in Accounting Visit school CA $420* Not published On Campus
    Fordham University MS Master of Science in Professional Accounting Visit school NY $1,076* $126,830 On Campus
    Indiana University-Bloomington MS Master of Science in Accounting with Data and Analytics Visit school IN $1,331* $119,951 On Campus
    Mercer University MAcc Master of Accountancy Visit school GA $944 $94,972 Fully Online, On Campus, Evenings and Weekends
    Missouri State University-Springfield MAcc Master of Accountancy Visit school MO $414 $88,444 Fully Online, On Campus, Evenings and Weekends
    Montclair State University MS Master of Science in Accounting Visit school NJ $858* Not published Fully Online, Hybrid
    New York University MS Master of Science in Accounting Visit school NY $2,243* $134,461 On Campus
    Northeastern University MS Master of Science Accounting Visit school MA $1,799* $118,744 On Campus
    Pace University MS Public Accounting, CPA Prep, MS Visit school NY $1,625 $115,804 Fully Online, On Campus
    Rider University MAcc Accountancy (MAcc) Visit school NJ $1,100* $103,295 On Campus, Online
    Sacred Heart University MS Accounting Visit school CT $1,010 $117,457 Hybrid, On Campus, Evenings and Weekends
    Salem State University MS Master of Science in Accounting Visit school MA $230* Not published Hybrid, On Campus, Evenings and Weekends
    San Francisco State University MS Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics (MSAA) Visit school CA $420* $78,065 Hybrid, On Campus, Evenings and Weekends
    Seton Hall University MS Master of Science in Accounting Visit school NJ $1,520* $116,720 Fully Online, On Campus, Evenings and Weekends
    Southern Utah University MAcc Master of Accountancy Visit school UT $509 $92,785 Fully Online, Hybrid, On Campus
    SUNY Polytechnic Institute MS Master of Science in Accounting Visit school NY $565 $92,584 Fully Online
    The University of Texas at Austin MPAcc Master of Professional Accountancy Visit school TX $1,581 $117,656 On Campus
    University at Albany MS Master of Science in Accounting Visit school NY $1,040* $110,374 On Campus, Evenings and Weekends
    University of Arizona MS Master of Science in Accounting Visit school AZ $1,000 $99,231 Fully Online
    University of Georgia MAcc Master of Accountancy Visit school GA $1,182* $103,774 On Campus
    University of North Alabama MAcc Abroms and Associates Master of Accountancy Visit school AL $495 Not published Fully Online, On Campus
    University of North Texas MS Master of Science in Accounting (Audit and Data Analytics concentration) Visit school TX $808* $105,657 On Campus
    University of Utah MAcc Master of Accounting Visit school UT $1,095* $109,883 On Campus
    Cost per credit is the published rate unless marked. Each program's score is on its review. * Estimated from the out-of-state tuition the school reports to the federal government. Graduate pay is the median for this field at each school, from the College Scorecard.

    Pick a Master's in Accounting Format That Fits Your Life

    Nineteen programs are on campus, and they put you close to faculty, cohorts and recruiting events. Another 25 are fully remote, which works well if you want to keep your job while you study. Six are hybrid and mix the two. Many programs have 2 or 3 start dates a year. The University of Hartford, Merrimack College, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the University of Arizona and Rider University have 6.

    You'll earn a graduate accounting degree whichever format you pick. So match the schedule to your life, then compare prices. If you need a fully online program, see the list of online master's in accounting programs.

    Match the Program to the CPA Rules in Your State

    Many of these programs help you get ready for the CPA exam. In all, 44 mention certification prep on their program pages. Your state board of accountancy decides what counts toward the education requirement, not the school.

    So look up the rule where you plan to be licensed, then ask admissions to confirm in writing that the degree qualifies. A master's is a common way to reach the 150 credit hours the traditional route calls for.

    Compare the Full Price

    Look at each school's fee list as well as its rate, since some add technology, business college or entering fees. Thirty-six programs are at public universities, which often charge residents less. Total tuition runs from $12,420 to $51,765, so the same degree can cost very different amounts. If you're a military student, ask about discounts. And where assistantships exist, they're worth asking about.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Are the Best Master's in Accounting Programs in 2027?
    The #1 master's in accounting program for 2027 is George Mason University's Master of Science in Accounting. You can study fully online and on your own schedule. 75% of its transfer students go on to graduate (higher than most programs on this list). #2 is University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Master of Science in Accounting (Professional Track). Its school awards about 153 master's degrees in accounting each year (one of the most on this list). You can study fully online and on your own schedule, with 3 starts a year. #3 is California State University-Long Beach's Master of Science in Accountancy. 84% of its transfer students go on to graduate (one of the highest on this list).

    Do I Need an Accounting Bachelor's to Enroll?
    You usually need accounting coursework, but not always the degree. Many programs accept a business bachelor's, such as a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), plus the required accounting courses. Some let career changers finish prerequisites before they start. The admission pages list the prerequisite courses and GPA minimum, and some programs waive the Graduate Record Examinations.

    How Long Does a Master's Degree in Accounting Take?
    Thirty credits is the usual size here, and full-time students finish sooner than part-time students. Many programs set a maximum number of years to finish. Ask admissions for a sample plan of study. It shows how the course load would fit around work and family.

    Sources

    All sources retrieved .

    Best Bachelor's ProgramsFind the right bachelor's degree in accounting for 2027. We scored over 1,000 programs and ranked the 100 best on cost, pay, completion and accreditation.Best AACSB Accredited ProgramsThe best AACSB accredited accounting degrees for 2027: bachelor's programs at business schools on AACSB's official list, ranked by Program Score.Best for CPA CandidatesThe best accounting degrees for CPA candidates in 2027: bachelor's programs that prepare you for the CPA exam or public accounting, ranked by score.Programs by StateEvery state with programs based in it, with in-state rates and state pay data.