Our ranking of the top online MBA programs in Accounting can help you find the right Accounting MBA for you. While the foundational and core courses for many of these high-quality programs offer all MBA students the same general training for leadership in business, it is the accounting-specific coursework that really makes the difference as students acquire knowledge and tools to competently navigate within the areas of financial reporting, understanding taxes, and auditing. Many of these business schools also prepare students for the necessary exams leading up to certifications they will need to pursue careers as successful Certified Public Accountants, Certified Management Accountants, Certified Internal Auditors, and Certified Information Systems Auditors to name a few.
Note: A detailed explanation of the methodology we used to determine the best online MBA in Accounting programs can be found at the end of the ranking.
#50 Oklahoma Christian University Graduate School of Business – Edmond, Oklahoma
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting is offered at Oklahoma Christian University’s Graduate School of Business. This quality online degree offers an accredited business curriculum that can be completed in as few as 36 hours. |
Recognized recently by the Princeton Review as one of the “Best Western Colleges,” Oklahoma Christian University is a four-year, private, not-for-profit, Christian liberal arts school featuring a main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma. Receiving its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, OC was established in 1950 by the members of the Churches of Christ as two-year, Central Christian College. Nine years later the school was renamed Oklahoma Christian College and began to offer four-year degrees. Today, Oklahoma Christian University oversees a smaller student body of 2,570 and offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In 2012, the athletic department at OC became a member of the NCAA Division II Heartland Conference and currently supports a total of 12 men’s and women’s varsity teams.
Estimated Program Tuition: $19,440
#49 American InterContinental University Virtual Campus – Schaumburg, Illinois
 The Virtual Campus of American InterContinental University features an online MBA with an Accounting focus. Students will want to consider this program that benefits from the business accreditation through the ACBSP and the school’s regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. |
Originally named the American Fashion College of Switzerland and established in 1970, American InterContinental University was conceived by Americans Jack and Helen Barnette while living in Lucerne, Switzerland. Through the years the school changed hands, and names, and today is maintained by Career Education Corporation as a four-year, private, for-profit university based out of Schaumburg, Illinois. Widely known as a government-funded institution of higher learning, over 95% of the school’s funding comes from the U.S. government – including $29 million from GI Bill funds. The student body of AIU is currently 11,560 strong and the school offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Receiving its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, the school reports a graduation rate of 34%.
Estimated Program Tuition: $27,936
#48 Upper Iowa University School of Business – Fayette, Iowa
 Upper Iowa University’s School of Business offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting. The low tuition rate of $19,260 is an attractive feature to this 36-semester credit program. |
Upper Iowa University is a four-year, private, not-for-profit university situated in Fayette, Iowa and offering degree plans at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to the 4,797 students currently enrolled there. Reporting a graduation rate of 41%, the school is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Besides the main campus, which lies near the Volga River, the school maintains learning centers across the United States as well as in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. Home of the Peacocks and wearing the official school colors of blue and white, the athletic department at UIU is the only one in Iowa competing at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The university got its start in 1854, when Robert and Elizabeth Alexander donated $10,000 to complement the donation of $5,000 and 10 acres of land donated by their son-in-law, Samuel Robertson to get a college started in that part of the state. Three years later the school was officially established with an affiliation with the Methodist Church.
Estimated Program Tuition: $19,260
#47 Utica College School of Business and Justice Studies – Utica, New York
 An online MBA with a Finance/Accounting emphasis is featured at the School of Business and Justice Studies at Utica College. With a national ranking of #145 by U.S. News & World Report, this program is a viable option for students looking for a great value in higher education. |
Originally established as an extension of Syracuse University in 1946, Utica College would become a financially and legally independent institution of higher learning in 1995. Today this four-year, private, not-for-profit university situated in Utica, New York offers degree plans at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 4,463 students currently enrolled there. Reporting a graduation rate of 42%, Utica College receives its regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The UC campus was originally set up in what was once downtown Utica, before the school moved in 1961 to over 125 acres on the west side of the city near New Hartford and Whitesboro. The UC Pioneers compete wearing the official school colors of navy and orange through the NCAA Division III level as members of the Empire 8 Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $19,500
#46 Midwestern State University Dillard College of Business Administration – Wichita Falls, Texas
 The Dillard College of Business Administration at Midwestern State University offers an online MBA with an Accounting concentration. This 33-credit hour program benefits greatly from Dillard College of Business Administration’s excellent business accreditation through the AACSB and the university’s regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. |
Recognized as the only public liberal arts college in the state of Texas, Midwestern State University is also one of only four independent public universities unaffiliated with the state’s public university system. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Midwestern State reports a graduation rate of 44%. Featuring a student body of 6,043, the school currently offers degree plans at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Established in 1922 as Wichita Falls Junior College, the school was moved to its current location 15 years later and renamed Hardin Junior College. Midwestern State became a four-year university in 1950. Home of the Mustangs and wearing the official school colors of maroon and gold, the athletic department at Midwestern State is comprised of 13 varsity teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Lone Star Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $15,910
#45 University of the Cumberlands Hutton School of Business – Williamsburg, Kentucky
 The University of the Cumberlands’ Hutton School of Business features an online MBA with a specialization in Accounting. With a per-credit fee of only $315, this 33-hour program is priced at an affordable $12,285 in total tuition making it one of the least-expensive programs in our ranking. |
University of the Cumberlands is a four-year, private, not-for-profit institution of higher learning situated in Williamsburg, Kentucky. The school currently oversees 6,276 students pursuing degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Reporting a graduation rate of 37%, the university receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Supported by the Kentucky Baptist Convention, the school was established in 1889 as Williamsburg Institute until 1913, when it was renamed Cumberland College. The university is currently comprised of four colleges: Cumberland College, the Hutton School of Business/Management, the Hutton Center for Leadership Studies, and the Graduate/Professional Education program. The school offers 45 undergraduate degrees, several graduate programs and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology, Counseling, Education, and Leadership.
Estimated Program Tuition: $12,285
#44 Jacksonville State University School of Business & Industry – Jacksonville, Alabama
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting concentration is featured at the School of Business & Industry at Jacksonville State University. With a national ranking of #160 through U.S. News & World Report, this 57-semester hour program offers a great education for the student seeking a career in accounting. |
Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Jacksonville State University is a four-year public institution of higher learning located in Jacksonville, Alabama. Currently overseeing a student body of 8,314, the school offers degree plans at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Originally established in 1883 as Jacksonville State Normal School, the university was first designed to train teachers for careers in education all over the state of Alabama. The athletic department at JSU is comprised of six men’s varsity teams and nine women’s varsity teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level within the Ohio Valley Conference. Jacksonville State University reports a graduation rate of 31 percent.
Estimated Program Tuition: $21,774
#43 Champlain College Division of Continuing Professional Studies – Burlington, Vermont
 The Division of Continuing Professional Studies at Champlain College offers an online MBA with an Accounting Graduate Certificate. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $795 per credit making the total cost of tuition an affordable $28,620. |
Established in 1878 by G.W. Thompson, Champlain College was first named Burlington Business School to train young men for “the business cares and responsibilities of life.” Today, the college is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education and reports a graduation rate of 58%. With its main campus in Burlington, Vermont, this four-year, private, not-for-profit school offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 4,006 students currently enrolled there. While 41 states ad 22 foreign countries are represented within the student body of the school, the demographic breakdown is 62% male and 38% female. Champlain boasts an impressive student to faculty ratio of just 12 to one while the average class size is 17.
Estimated Program Tuition: $28,620
#42 City University of Seattle School of Management – Seattle, Washington
 City University of Seattle’s School of Management features an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting focus. Touting a national ranking of #171 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, this high-quality 48-credit hour program is one the discerning graduate students will want to consider. |
City University of Seattle is a four-year, private, not-for-profit institution of higher learning currently overseeing nearly 2,400 students seeking degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The university features a main campus in Seattle, Washington, as well as over 20 educational centers for learning across the globe including facilities in Canada, China, Czech Republic, Greece, Mexico, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Vietnam. Besides the School of Management, CityU features the Albright School of Education, the Division of Arts/Sciences, and the School of Applied Leadership. While reporting a 47% graduation rate among its students, the school receives its regional accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Established in 1973, the school was recently recognized as one of the top 30 undergraduate online undergraduate programs and among the 20-best online degree programs for veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Estimated Program Tuition: $32,544
#41 Columbia College School of Business Administration – Columbia, Missouri
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting is offered at the School of Business Administration at Columbia College. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $395 per credit making it one of the most affordable programs on our list with a $14,220 total cost of tuition. |
Though first established as Christian Female College in 1851 as a nonsectarian institution of higher learning, today’s Columbia College features a main campus in the city of Columbia, Missouri and retains a covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Among the school’s recent recognitions includes the Princeton Review’s naming the school a “Best Midwestern University” in 2014. Today this four-year, private, not-for-profit university offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to the 14,759 students currently enrolled there. Featuring a graduation rate of 46%, the school receives its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
Estimated Program Tuition: $14,220
#40 Campbellsville University School of Business and Economics – Campbellsville, Kentucky
 The School of Business and Economics at Campbellsville University offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. This MBA is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 100 program, which affords graduates an advanced degree with a high level of prestige. |
Home of the Tigers and wearing the official school colors of maroon and grey, the athletic program at Campbellsville University is comprised of 11 men’s varsity teams and 10 women’s varsity teams which compete within the Mid-South Conference. The university features a main campus in Campbellsville, Kentucky and offers on-campus instruction in Elizabethtown, the Harrodsburg Education Center, the Louisville Education Center, and the Noe Somerset Education Center. This four-year, private, not-for-profit university was founded in 1906 and was originally named Russell Creek Academy. U.S. News & World Report recognized the school as the 4th up and coming institution of higher learning in the nation in 2010. Today, Campbellsville University offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to a student body of nearly 3,200 members. The university receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and reports a graduation rate of 37 percent.
Estimated Program Tuition: $17,964
#39 University of Houston-Victoria School of Business Administration – Victoria, Texas
 The University of Houston-Victoria’s School of Business Administration offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting concentration. While qualifying students can complete this degree with a few as 30-credit hours taken, the total tuition rate of this degree is $9,662, making this the second-most affordable degree in our ranking. |
As one of the four stand-alone institutions of higher learning within the University of Houston System, the University of Houston-Victoria was established in 1973 to bring higher education to the small Texas town located to the southwest of Houston. This four-year public university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to the 4,152 students currently enrolled there. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, UHV began as an upper-division and graduate school before admitting freshmen and sophomores in 2009. Besides the School of Business Administration, the university also features the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Education & Human Development.
Estimated Program Tuition: $9,662
#38 Albertus Magnus College Division of Professional and Graduate Studies – New Haven, Connecticut
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting is offered through Albertus Magnus College’s Division of Professional and Graduate Studies. Interested applicants should take note of the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies’ small class sizes, diverse student body, and financial-aid program for full-time students. |
Established by the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs in 1925, Albertus Magnus College is a four-year, private, not-for-profit Catholic university which currently offers degree plans at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to the 1,515 students currently enrolled there. Located in walking distance from Yale University, the campus of Albertus Magnus lies within the residential area of Prospect Hill among historical 19th century mansions, some of which are members of the Prospect Hill Historic District. Home of the Falcons, the 14 sports teams at the school compete at the Division III level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and within the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. Receiving its regional accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, Albertus Magnus reports a solid graduation rate of 61%.
Estimated Program Tuition: $40,224
#37 Bellevue University College of Business – Bellevue, Nebraska
 The College of Business at Bellevue University features an online Master’s of Business Administration with a focus in Accounting. Budget-minded applicants will be interested to know some students of the College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $52,200 upon graduation. |
Home of the Bruins, the athletic department at Bellevue University competes at the NAIA level and supports four men’s varsity teams and five women’s varsity teams. This four-year, private, not-for-profit university currently oversees 9,760 students seeking degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels. While the school reports a graduation rate of 18%, it receives its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. With a shorter history that only dates to 1966, Bellevue University is proud to feature a cultural and academic relevance which offers students the best educational experience possible whether online or on campus. The picturesque main campus of Bellevue U, located in Bellevue, Nebraska, has recently been upgraded with remodeled buildings throughout campus and many improved roads and resurfaced parking lots.
Estimated Program Tuition: $19,620
#36 Benedictine University Daniel L. Goodwin College of Business – Lisle, Illinois
 Benedictine University offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting specialization at the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Business. This program offers students the opportunity to complete one or two courses each term allowing all coursework to be completed in as few as 1.5 years. |
Named after St. Benedict, the father of western monasticism, Benedictine University was established in 1887 by the Benedictine monks of St. Procopius Abbey. The school was originally known as St. Procopius College and took on its current name in 1996. Currently, the university offers 56 undergraduate programs, 15 graduate degrees, 34 graduate certificates, and four doctoral programs to the 5,954 students enrolled. Featuring a main campus in Lisle, Illinois, Benedictine University receives its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission and reports a graduation rate of 53 percent.
Estimated Program Tuition: $38,400
#35 Edgewood College School of Business – Madison, Wisconsin
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with a focus in Accounting is featured at Edgewood College’s School of Business. While the School of Business receives its business accreditation through the ACBSP, this reputable 37-graduate credit program features a total tuition cost of $34,410. |
Wearing the official school colors of black, white, and red, the Edgewood College Eagles compete at the NCAA Division III level within the Northern Athletics Conference. Receiving its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, Edgewood reports a 60% graduation rate. With a 55-acre campus in Madison, Wisconsin, this four-year, private, not-for-profit university offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 2,678 students currently enrolled there. With its roots going all the way back to 1855, when the land for the future school was purchased, the school was established in 1927 as Edgewood Junior College with an enrollment of 12 female students.
Estimated Program Tuition: $34,410
#34 University of Nebraska at Kearney College of Business and Technology – Kearney, Nebraska
 The College of Business and Technology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting track. This 33-credit hour program is priced at just $285 per credit hour giving it a ranking’s best total tuition cost of just $9,405. |
Home of the Lopers, the athletic department of the University of Nebraska at Kearney is comprised of 17 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams that compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Receiving its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, UNK is a four-year, public university overseeing 6,747 students seeking degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Begun with $50,000 and 20 acres of land in Kearney, Nebraska, the school was established in 1905 as the Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney with the express purpose of training young women to be teachers in western Nebraska. Currently the university reports a graduation rate of 56 percent.
Estimated Program Tuition: $9,405
#33 University of North Alabama College of Business – Florence, Alabama
 The University of North Alabama’s College of Business offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting concentration. This 34-credit hour program is a product of the College of Business’ receiving its exemplary business accreditation through the AACSB, and the university’s being regionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. |
Established in 1830 and originally known as LaGrange College, the University of North Alabama holds the distinction of being the oldest four-year public university in Alabama. Nestled in historic Florence, Alabama, the 130-acre campus of UNA is very close to Tuscumbia, Sheffield, and Muscle Shoals, and offers lively activities for its resident students with close access to many popular downtown attractions. Music fans will be interested to know of the school’s proximity to the famous Muscle Shoals which adds to the region’s cultural flavor. UNA, which is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, is a four-year public institute of higher learning offering undergraduate and graduate degrees to the 7,078 students enrolled. Home of the Lions, the athletic program at North Alabama sponsors 14 varsity sports teams and competes at the NCAA Division II level as a member of Gulf South Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $14,450
#32 Gardner-Webb University Godbold School of Business – Boiling Springs, North Carolina
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting emphasis is offered at the Godbold School of Business at Gardner-Webb University. This 36-credit hour program is divided between 30 credits of core curriculum and six credits of Accounting-specific instruction designed to equip the distance learner with the tools she will need for a successful career in business. |
Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, the four-year, private not-for-profit Gardner-Webb University offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 4,329 students currently enrolled. Reporting a graduation rate of 52% and regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, GWU is comprised of two academic schools, five professional schools, and 11 academic departments. Competing at the NCAA Division I level within the Big South Conference, the Runnin’ Bulldogs of Gardner-Webb wear the official school colors of scarlet, black, and white. Recent successes in athletics include the swimming and basketball teams placing within their conference on several occasions.
Estimated Program Tuition: $18,900
#31 Emporia State University School of Business – Emporia, Kansas
 The School of Business at Emporia State University features an online MBA with a specialization in Accounting. With the School of Business’ stellar business accreditation credentials and a national ranking of #155 by U.S. News & World Report, this quality 36-credit hour program is one worth considering. |
Home of the Hornets and wearing the official school colors of black and gold, Emporia State University has remained ranked as a top 20 school in producing NCAA Division II Academic All-Americans by the College Sports Information Directors of America for 17 years and counting. Nestled on 200 acres in Emporia, Kansas, the main campus of ESU is complemented by educational centers at Kansas City Kansas Community College, Butler Community College, and Johnson County Community College. This four-year public university was established in 1863 as the state of Kansas’ first public university. Today Emporia State offers over 65 majors, minors, and concentrations with degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to a student body of 6,094. Emporia State currently reports a graduation rate of 42% and is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
Estimated Program Tuition: $12,007
#30 Southern Adventist University School of Business – Collegedale, Tennessee
 Southern Adventist University’s School of Business features an online MBA with an emphasis in Accounting. Qualifying students can complete all coursework for this rigorous and affordable degree in as few as 36 credit hours. |
Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Southern Adventist University is a four-year, private, not-for-profit university owned and maintained by the Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and based in Collegedale, Tennessee that reports a graduation rate of 58 percent. Over 3,000 students are enrolled at SAU and are seeking degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Recently celebrating 125 years of being a Christian institution of higher learning, the university was established in 1892 as the Graysville Academy and today enjoys a lower student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to one while still offering many opportunities for community service and engagement for its students. Financial aid among students is a top priority for the school apparent in the $12 million dollars awarded to the student body each year.
Estimated Program Tuition: $22,500
#29 Wilmington University College of Business – New Castle, Delaware
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with a focus on Accounting is featured at the College of Business at Wilmington University. Some students graduating from the College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $59,700 revealing a sound return on the investment of higher education. |
With the demographic breakdown of female to male students at Wilmington University of 64% to 36%, the school’s current enrollment is 15,002 students. Featuring a main campus in New Castle, Delaware, the school also maintains five other centers for learning in Delaware, five in New Jersey, and one in Maryland. This four-year, private, not-for-profit institute of higher learning offers almost 100 degrees and certificate programs at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Wilmington University reports an interactive student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to one and a graduation rate of 23 percent. The school is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Home of the Wildcats, the sports teams at Wilmington compete at the NCAA Division II level and are members of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $16,776
#28 University of Saint Francis College of Business and Health Administration – Joliet, Illinois
 The College of Business and Health Administration at the University of Saint Francis features an online MBA with a specialization in Accounting. Featuring a robust curriculum and a competitive tuition rate of $28,728, this 36-credit hour program is one of the nation’s best. |
Just 35 miles southwest of Chicago lies the main campus of the University of Saint Francis in Joliet, Illinois. Featuring a student body of 3,957, this four-year, private, not-for-profit Catholic, Franciscan university offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Receiving its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, the school currently reports a graduation rate of 65% while the student body of the University of Saint Francis consists of 38% men and 62% women. Home of the Fighting Saints, the athletic program at the school supports nine men’s varsity teams and 10 women’s varsity teams within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Estimated Program Tuition: $28,728
#27 California Baptist University Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business – Riverside, California
 California Baptist University’s Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting concentration. Cited as one of the nation’s best programs at #95 by U.S. News & World Report, the reputable Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business receives its business accreditation through the ACBSP. |
Affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention, California Baptist University was established in 1950 as California Baptist College. With an initial student body of 120, the school quickly outgrew its first campus and in 1955 moved to Riverside, California. Today this four-year, private, not-for-profit university offers degree plans at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 8,541 students currently enrolled. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the school reports a graduation rate of 60%. The main campus continues to see improvements in recent years including a newly constructed building to house the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business, a new Events Center scheduled to open in mid-2017, and the groundbreaking of an engineering building in 2016.
Estimated Program Tuition: $23,148
#26 DeSales University Graduate Studies – Center Valley, Pennsylvania
 An online MBA with an emphasis in Accounting is featured at DeSales University’s Graduate Studies Department. Besides the school’s high graduation rate of 70%, this 12-course program benefits from the school’s excellent regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. |
DeSales University receives its regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and reports an impressive 70% graduation rate among its students. Named after Saint Francis de Sales, this four-year, private, not-for-profit university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs to its 3,136-member student body. While the main campus of DeSales is situated on over 400 acres in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, the school was originally established by Catholic leaders in 1965 and named Allentown College. Today, DeSales enjoys an intimate student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to one, while the average class size is 20 students. The sports programs at DU compete at the NCAA Division III level and within the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $30,240
#25 Saint Leo University School of Business – Saint Leo, Florida
 The School of Business at Saint Leo University features an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting specialization. The budget-minded graduate student will appreciate this program’s affordable tuition rate of $25,920 coupled with an average early career salary of $52,100 reported by some students upon graduating from the School of Business. |
Holding the distinction as the oldest Catholic school in Florida, and the fourth oldest in the Unites States, Saint Leo University was founded in 1889 and was one of the first American universities to offer distance learning to students in 1973. Saint Leo is a four-year, private, not-for-profit, Roman Catholic liberal arts university located in Saint Leo, Florida, just 35 miles north of Tampa. Besides the main campus in the city of Saint Leo, there are over 40 centers of education spread among seven states in the nation. The school offers associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs to its 15,800-member student body. All 50 states and over 80 foreign nations are represented within the student body of SLU. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Saint Leo reports a 45% graduation rate.
Estimated Program Tuition: $25,920
#24 Tennessee Technological University College of Business – Cookeville, Tennessee
 Tennessee Technological University’s College of Business features an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting focus. Benefiting from the College of Business’ excellent business accreditation through the AACSB, along with a strong ranking of #65 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, this degree is a quality choice for the distance learner. |
Home of the Golden Eagles, the athletic program at Tennessee Technological University is a member of the Ohio Valle Conference and competes at the NCAA Division I level. The school’s mascot is the Awesome Eagle and official colors are purple and gold. Tennessee Tech is a four-year, public university located on 235 acres along Dixie Avenue in Cookeville, a town located 70 miles east of Nashville. Established as the University of Dixie in 1909 and later known as Tennessee Polytechnic Institute in 1915, Tennessee Tech offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 10,900 students currently enrolled. TTU, which reports a graduation rate of 53%, receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tennessee Tech has ranked highly among schools in the south according to U.S. News and World Report. The Princeton Review named the school as a “Best College Value” in 2007, 2008, and 2010.
Estimated Program Tuition: $13,410
#23 Maryville University John E. Simon School Of Business – Saint Louis, Missouri
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting is featured at the John E. Simon School of Business at Maryville University. With a competitive tuition rate of $25,704 and a reputable curriculum, this 36-graduate credit hour program is one of the best in the nation. |
Receiving its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, Maryville University reports an impressive graduation rate of 71%. While the average class size at Maryville is 15 and the student-to-faculty ratio is an interactive 13 to one, all 50 states and 47 foreign countries are represented by the diverse student body. Located less than 25 miles from downtown St. Louis, the scenic, 130-acre campus of MU is nestled in the quiet suburb of Town and Country, Missouri. Besides beautiful landscapes and stately buildings, the campus offers students access to wooded areas for hiking, trails for biking, creeks, and two lakes for water sports. Known as one of the oldest private institutions in St. Louis and founded in 1872, Maryville University is a four-year, private, not-for-profit university offering its 6,414-member student body degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
Estimated Program Tuition: $25,704
#22 St. Bonaventure University School of Business – Saint Bonaventure, New York
 The School of Business at St. Bonaventure University offers an online MBA with an Accounting track. This competitively priced program features a tuition rate of $21,990 and benefits from the School of Business’ excellent business accreditation through the AACSB. |
Located in Saint Bonaventure, New York, St. Bonaventure University is a four-year, private, not-for-profit Franciscan Catholic university which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to the 1,992 students currently enrolled there. Featuring a graduation rate of 64%, the school receives its regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Founded by the Franciscan Brothers in 1858, the school was the brainchild of Utica businessman Nicolas Devereux. After hitting a financial rough patch in the early 1990’s, the school was close to filing for bankruptcy before appointing a new president and enjoying a season of enrollment growth and vast campus improvement. Reflecting the Italian hometown of St. Francis, the 500-acre campus of St. Bonaventura features red brick buildings with Italianate roofs. Home of the Bonnies and wearing the official school colors of brown and white, the 14 varsity teams at the school compete within the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $21,990
#21 Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business – Detroit, Michigan
 Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business features an online Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting Systems. This program couples an affordable tuition rate of $25,671 with an average early career salary of $64,200 reported by some graduates of the Mike Ilitch School of Business. |
Home of the Warriors, the athletic teams at Wayne State University compete at the NCAA Division II level and are members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Known as Michigan’s most diverse institution of higher learning, Wayne State’s 27,140 enrollment represents every state in the U.S. and over 70 foreign countries. Established in 1868, the school is situated on over 200 acres in Detroit’s Midtown Cultural Center Historic District with city landmarks, shopping, and attractions in close proximity to the school. Cited as one of the 100 largest universities in the United States, WSU is the third largest university in Detroit. Featuring excellent regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, Wayne State reports a 35% graduation rate.
Estimated Program Tuition: $25,671
#20 University of Dallas Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business – Irving, Texas
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting focus is featured at the University of Dallas’ Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business. With a smaller student body and high graduation rate of 70%, the University of Dallas offers a quality distance MBA to students seeking a more personal touch to their education. |
Featuring a current enrollment of 2,387, the University of Dallas boasts a healthy graduation rate of 70% and a student-to-faculty ratio of ten to one. Originally chartered in 1910 as the Holy Trinity College by the Vincentian Fathers, the current school was later established in 1956 as a four-year, private, not-for-profit, Catholic, liberal arts university and today stands as only one of 23 Catholic universities in the U.S. to maintain a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. The University of Dallas is comprised of the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts, the Constantin College of Liberal Arts, the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business, and the School of Ministry. With a campus in Irving, Texas, the University of Dallas sits just 15 minutes from downtown Dallas and 10 miles from DFW International Airport. The school receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges, Schools and Commission on Colleges.
Estimated Program Tuition: $52,500
#19 Texas Woman’s University School of Management – Denton, Texas
 The School of Management at Texas Women’s University features an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting specialization. With a low tuition rate of $12,224 and no GMAT requirements for applicants, this 36-semester hour program is one the discerning graduate student will want to consider. |
Featuring a student body of 15,286, Texas Women’s University is a four-year, public university situated in Denton, Texas, less than 40 miles to the northwest of the Dallas metroplex. While male students are accepted into all the programs offered by the school, TWU is best known for being the largest state-supported institution of higher learning for women in the United States. Established in 1901, the school has remained autonomous and is one of only four Texas public universities without any affiliation to a public university system. TWU currently offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The school reports a graduation rate of 41% among its students.
Estimated Program Tuition: $12,224
#18 University of Miami School of Business Administration – Coral Gables, Florida
 Miami University’s School of Business Administration offers an online MBA with an Accounting Practice Focus. Students within this program are sure to benefit from the quality regional accreditation the school enjoys through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and the university’s excellent graduation rate of 82 percent. |
The University of Miami was founded in 1925 when a group of Floridians desired to establish an institute of higher learning which would offer “unique opportunities to develop inter-American studies, to further creative work in the arts and letters, and to conduct teaching and research programs in tropical studies.” Since then, Miami has evolved into a four-year, private, not-for-profit university which oversees 16,825 students seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Home of the Hurricanes, the athletic program at the University of Miami is one of the most popular programs in our modern times with a football team that has won five NCAA Division I national championships since 1983 and a baseball team that has climbed the podium as national championships four times since 1982. Situated on over 230 acres just south of Miami in Coral Gables, the main campus of the “U” features seven schools and two colleges.
Estimated Program Tuition: $96,900
#17 Friends University Graduate School – Wichita, Kansas
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting is featured at the Graduate School at Friends University. This program features an affordable total tuition rate of $18,930 and some recent graduates have reported an early career salary of $49,500 upon graduating making this a wonderful program for the budget-minded graduate student. |
Established in 1898 with an initial enrollment of only 52 students, Friends University currently oversees 1,929 students seeking associate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees and reports a graduation rate of 41% among its students. Featuring a main campus in Wichita, Kansas, Friends University is a four-year, private, not-for-profit Christian university established in the Quaker tradition. The school was the very first university in the state of Kansas to offer an innovative adult education model, while the Zoo Science and Ballet programs are some of the most unique in the nation. Home of the Falcons, the athletic department of the university is comprised of eight men’s varsity teams and seven women’s varsity teams which are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and compete within the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Friends University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
Estimated Program Tuition: $20,430
#16 National University School of Business and Management – La Jolla, California
 The School of Business and Management at National University offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Management Accounting. While the university focuses on the themes of Relevance, Accessibility and Support, Specialization, Application, and Technology, qualifying students with the proper academic experience can complete this degree with as few as 16 courses taken to graduate. |
Besides its main campus situated in the coastal Southern California city of La Jolla, National University also features education centers throughout the state of California, in Nevada, and online through distance learning. The university is known as being one of the largest graduate student universities in the United States with an average age of its students being 32. National University is a four-year, private not-for-profit university with a main campus in La Jolla, California. The school currently offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 17,488. National University, which reports a graduation rate of 33%, receives its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission. Featuring a first class of just 27 students, the school was founded by retired United States Navy lieutenant commander David Chigos in 1971. Today, the school consists of the College of Letters and Sciences, the School of Business and Management, the Sanford College of Education, the School of Engineering and Computing, the School of Health and Human Services, and the School of Professional Studies.
Estimated Program Tuition: $31,824
#15 University of West Florida College of Business – Pensacola, Florida
 The University of West Florida’s College of Business offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting concentration. This 36-credit hour program benefits from the College of Business’ excellent business accreditation through the AACSB and the university’s regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. |
With a whopping 1,600-acre campus, the University of West Florida is a comprehensive research, space-grant institution which touts the third largest campus in the State University System of Florida and is bordered by the Escambia Bay and two rivers. With a main campus in Pensacola, Florida, UWF is a four-year, public university offering associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to the 12,763 students currently enrolled there. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the school currently reports a graduation rate of 47% among its students. With a nod to its connection to space exploration and the coast, the school’s ascot is an Argonaut while the school’s official logo is the Chambered Nautilus.
Estimated Program Tuition: $16,434
#14 Azusa Pacific University School of Business and Management – Azusa, California
 An online MBA with a specialization in Accounting is featured at the School of Business and Management at Azusa Pacific University. This 42-hour program is worth a look with a total tuition rate of $31,164 and an average early career salary of $49,600 reported by some students upon graduating from the School of Business and Management. |
Dating all the way back to 1899, and first called the Training School for Christian Workers, Azusa Pacific University was established as the first Bible college on the West Coast by a group of Quakers and a Methodist evangelist. Overseeing the largest student body in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities network, and the second-largest in the nation, Azusa Pacific University currently offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 9,975 students currently enrolled there. This four year, private, Christian university’s campus is in suburban Azusa, California, with the metropolitan of Los Angeles situated just 20 miles to the southwest. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, Azusa Pacific reports a graduation rate of 68 percent.
Estimated Program Tuition: $31,164
#13 Regent University School of Business & Leadership – Virginia Beach, Virginia
 Regent University’s School of Business & Leadership offers an online MBA with a concentration in Accounting. Potential applicants into this 42-credit hour program will want to take note of its total tuition cost of just $27,300 and the School of Business & Leadership’s business accreditation through the ACBSP. |
With a main campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, this four-year, private, Christian university currently oversees nearly 7,000 students seeking degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through the eight academic schools. Recognized as one of the 30-most beautiful campuses in the South in 2015, Regent’s sprawling 70-acre campus features historicist neo-Georgian architecture and a luxury hotel called the Founders Inn & Spa. Originally named the Christian Broadcasting Network University and founded in 1977 by author, pastor, and politician Pat Robertson, the name of the university was changed to Regent University in 1990. According to the school’s charter, “A regent is one who represents Christ, our Sovereign, in whatever sphere of life he or she may be called to serve Him.” Regent University, which reports a graduation rate of 49%, receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Estimated Program Tuition: $27,300
#12 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University College of Business – Daytona Beach, Florida
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting Methods concentration is offered at the College of Business at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. An average early career salary of $60,900 has been reported by some students upon graduating from the College of Business revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
The student body at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University consists of 13,740 students seeking degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The university is currently the largest fully-accredited institution of higher learning in the world dedicated to aviation and aerospace. With a main campus in Daytona Beach, Florida, Embry-Riddle, known as the “Harvard of the Sky,” also maintains an education center in Prescott, Arizona and 125 other locations across the globe through its Worldwide Campus. With excellent regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, this four-year, private, not-for-profit university reports a graduation rate of 27%. Home of the Eagles, the athletic program at the school competes at the NCAA Division II level within the Sun Conference and supports 17 varsity men’s and women’s teams.
Estimated Program Tuition: $20,460
#11 Liberty University School of Business – Lynchburg, Virginia
 An online MBA with an emphasis in Accounting is featured at the School of Business at Liberty University. With a total tuition rate of just $27,675, some graduating students have reported an average early career salary of $53,600 revealing a sound return on the investment of education. |
With an online enrollment of over 90,000 and a residential enrollment of over 15,000, Liberty University holds the distinction as the largest institution of higher learning in the state of Virginia and the largest Christian university in the world. Established in 1971, Liberty University offers degree plans at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. With a main campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, the school has grown into the largest four-year, private, not-for-profit university in the nation, due largely to the university’s consistently providing quality and affordable distance-learning programs in a variety of areas of study. LU receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Commission on Colleges. With a graduation rate of 47% among its enrolled students, Liberty reports that 95% of enrolled students benefit by some form of financial aid awarded by the school.
Estimated Program Tuition: $27,675
#10 University of Maryland, College Park Robert H. Smith School of Business – College Park, Maryland
 The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park features an online Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting. This 54-credit program benefits from the Robert H. Smith School of Business being recognized as the 9th best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. |
Established in 1856, the University of Maryland, College Park stands today as the flagship of the University System of Maryland by offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to the nearly 39,000 students currently enrolled there. Featuring a strong graduation rate of 86%, the university is a member of the Association of American Institutes and competes athletically as a member of the Big Ten Conference. With a main campus located just four miles northeast of Washington D.C., the University of Maryland, College Park has long benefitted from research partnerships formed with the U.S. government and even recently enjoyed being the beneficiary of research funding from organizations like the Department of Homeland Security, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Estimated Program Tuition: $79,974
#9 Suffolk University Sawyer Business School – Boston, Massachusetts
 Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with a focus in Accounting. This program is one to consider as some students of the Sawyer Business School have reported an early career salary of $75,300 upon graduating, revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
Founded in 1906 in Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk University is as rooted in tradition as the city it is was built in. The university is currently in the process of moving its academic epicenter from the campus in Beacon Hill into the heart of downtown Boston at 20 Somerset Street. This relocation will give students even greater access to the many cultural and historical attractions found in Boston. Suffolk University is a four-year, private, not-for-profit university which offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to a student body of almost 8,000. The school receives its remarkable regional accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Estimated Program Tuition: $48,416
#8 Southern New Hampshire University School of Business – Manchester, New Hampshire
 Southern New Hampshire University’s School of Business features an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting specialization. This 12-course program offers a highly-accredited curriculum designed to develop a student’s understanding of capital budgeting, finance, and portfolio management and features a competitive tuition rate of $22,572. |
Southern New Hampshire University is a four-year, private, not-for-profit university situated on 300 acres along the Merrimack River in Manchester, New Hampshire and offering degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Comprised of two colleges and three schools, SNHU receives its regional accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. In 1932, the school was original founded as the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science by Harry and Gertrude Shapiro. Fast Company recently recognized the school as the 12th most innovative organization in the world, putting it alongside other noteworthy innovators as Apple and Google. Home of the Penmen, SNHU men’s and women’s varsity teams are members of the Eastern College Athletic Conference and compete at the NCAA Division II level.
Estimated Program Tuition: $22,572
#7 Florida Institute of Technology Nathan M. Bisk College of Business – Melbourne, Florida
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting specialization is offered at Florida Institute of Technology’s Nathan M. Bisk College of Business. At a total tuition cost of $32,256, this robust 36-credit hour program is an incredible option for graduate students seeking a quality online degree. |
Currently overseeing 6,631 students seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, Florida Institute of Technology, also known as Florida Tech, is a four-year, private, not-for-profit research university established in 1958 and situated on 130 acres in the city of Melbourne on Florida’s Space Coast of the Atlantic. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Florida Tech reports a graduation rate of 57% and a male to female ratio of 71:29 in 2016. Recently recognized by Times Higher Education as the 219th best university in the nation, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Florida Tech as a tier-one national university.
Estimated Program Tuition: $32,256
#6 Regis University College of Business & Economics – Denver, Colorado
 The College of Business & Economics at Regis University features an online Master’s of Business Administration with a Finance and Accounting specialization. Students seeking a high-quality and rigorous curriculum will not be disappointed by this excellent 36-credit hour program. |
With a total student body of 8,725 students seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, Regis University receives its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Originally established in Las Vegas, New Mexico by the Society of Jesus in 1877 as Las Vegas College, Regis University is now a four-year, private, not-for-profit, Catholic university situated in Denver, Colorado. One interesting pop-culture fact about the school is that Regis once hosted rock and roll icon Jimi Hendrix in concert and in 1974, served as the venue for the very first American performance of the British rock band, Queen. Home of the Rangers, the athletic department at the university features 12 varsity teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level and is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $28,080
#5 University of Scranton Arthur J. Kania School of Management – Scranton, Pennsylvania
 The University of Scranton’s Arthur J. Kania School of Management offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with a focus in Accounting. Distance graduates looking for a quality program with heart will be impressed by the university’s core values which stress ethics and social responsibility throughout the educational program. |
First established as Saint Thomas College by founding father and Bishop of Scranton, the Most Reverend William O’Hara in 1888, the University of Scranton received university status fifty years later and today exists as a Catholic and Jesuit four-year, private not-for-profit university nestled in the historic Hill Section area of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Today the university houses three colleges – the College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management, and Panuska College of Professional Studies, and oversees over 5,400 students seeking degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University of Scranton reports a healthy graduation rate of 80%. The athletic program at the school sponsors 19 men’s and women’s sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division III level.
Estimated Program Tuition: $34,740
#4 Creighton University Heider College of Business – Omaha, Nebraska
 An online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting emphasis is featured at the Heider College of Business at Creighton University. This excellent 33-credit hour program offers a competitive tuition rate of $33,825 and benefits from the business school’s quality business accreditation through the AACSB. |
The University of Scranton is a four-year, private, not-for-profit university which offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 5,422 students currently enrolled there. Receiving its quality accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the university reports a healthy 80% graduation rate. The school was first known as St. Thomas College and established in 1888 by Most Rev. William O’Hara. In 1938, the school achieved university status and was renamed. Today the University of Scranton is one of only 28 schools within the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. With an athletic program which supports 19 varsity sports teams, the Scranton Royals compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the Landmark Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $33,825
#3 University of Massachusetts, Lowell Robert J. Manning School of Business – Lowell, Massachusetts
 The University of Massachusetts, Lowell offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting at the Robert J. Manning School of Business. Qualified students with the proper academic experience in business can complete all coursework for this 100% online MBA in as few as 30-credit hours. |
Receiving its regional accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, the University of Massachusetts, Lowell was established in 1894 and currently reports a 56% graduation rate. The university features a total of 122 undergraduate programs, 43 master’s degrees, and 26 doctoral programs. Home of the River Hawks, the athletic teams at UMass, Lowell were named in recognition of the campus’ scenic location along the Merrimack River in Lowell, Massachusetts. This four-year, public university currently offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body comprised of 18,047 students.
Estimated Program Tuition: $17,250
#2 Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
 Carnegie Mellon University offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting concentration at the Tepper School of Business. Distance grad students looking for a quality program will be interested in this MBA’s #2 national ranking by U.S. News & World Report and the school’s impeccable business accreditation through the AACSB. |
Carnegie Mellon University is a four-year, private, not-for-profit institute of higher education which got its start as the Carnegie Technical School in 1900 and was established by business mogul Andrew Carnegie. The school was renamed in 1967 when a merger took place between the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research. Situated on 130 acres just three miles from downtown Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University sits just next to the campus of the University of Pittsburgh. The school receives its regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and currently oversees 12,963 students seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Student satisfaction and quality of education are obvious at Carnegie Mellon reflected in a strong graduation rate of 88 percent.
Estimated Program Tuition: $61,440
#1 Syracuse University Martin J. Whitman School of Management – Syracuse, New York
An online Master’s of Business Administration with an Accounting specialization is offered at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. Recognized as a top-ten program by Financial Times, this 54-credit hour program can be completed 100% online and features a robust curriculum |
Home of the Orange, Syracuse University’s athletic program features 20 varsity men’s and women’s teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level within the Atlantic Coast Conference. Although known prominently for men’s basketball and football, the winningest program at Syracuse is its men’s lacrosse team which has won 14 national championships. The ‘Cuse is a four-year, private, not-for-profit institute of higher learning which offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to a student body of 21,789 students currently enrolled there. Founded in 1870, gender equality has always been a priority of the school evident in an almost equal ratio of men to women students the first year of the school’s existence. Featuring a high graduation rate of 81%, Syracuse receives its regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Estimated Program Tuition: $81,000
Ranking Methodology
A list of almost 400 online and hybrid MBA programs was obtained, vetted for an Accounting focus or concentration, and then evaluated on the following five factors:
Estimated Tuition Cost: Each Online MBA was evaluated based on the estimated total base tuition cost. Meaning, this financial data is calculated for the entirety of the degree, but does not generally included fees, books, or room, with the exception of programs that use all-inclusive figures. This tuition pricing gives students insight on the average base investment, and thus giving insight on the possible return on investment once the degree is completed. Each tuition figure was gathered from the most recent data given on each program or school website. In the even that a school offered a lower in-state tuition cost, the in-state pricing was used in order to give insight on the best ROI possible. The lowest MBA tuition on the list was $9,405, the highest came in at $96,900, with the average resting at $28,711.
Accreditation: Accreditation plays a significant role in education and the life of an online MBA student and their future prospects. Accreditations can easily identify which programs have gone to extensive measures to reach high national and global standards in its research and delivered education. Programs without accreditation do not indicate low standards, but programs with accreditation give assurance to outside sources that high standards have been met. Accreditation affects an MBA’s brand and prestige, which can affect a student’s competitive advantage in the job market. Each program in this top online MBA ranking is evaluated on whether it holds a regional accreditation, as well as an additional business accreditation. The regional accrediting agencies are one of six institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The three business accrediting institutions that are used for ranking purposes in this list are IACBE, ACBSP, and AACSB. AACSB is widely regarded as the highest level of business accreditation, and thus the schools that hold this accreditation are given the highest marks.
PayScale Early Career Salary: This financial data is collected from the 2016-17 PayScale College Salary Report. The early-career salary data reports the median salary for recent alumni, from each school’s master’s or MBA program, that have 0-5 years of experience. This data is highlighted in this ranking because it is important for prospective students to explore the affect a degree can have on their salary and the possible financial ROI from a particular online MBA program. The highest early-career salary reported in this ranking is $109,000, the lowest rests at $60,016. Programs without a recorded early-career salary from PayScale was calculated at zero because of no available third-party data.
Prestige: The prestige for each program was calculated with ranking scores from some of the most prestigious educational rankings systems for online MBA programs, US News and World Report’s Online MBA Ranking, the Princeton Review’s Online MBA Ranking, the Financial Times’ Global Online MBA Ranking, and Quacquarelli Symonds’ Distance Online MBA Ranking. Schools were evaluated on how many rankings included their online MBA program.
Overall Graduation Rates: The overall graduation rate criteria was collected from the National Center for Education Statistics. This figure is used to reflect each school’s student satisfaction. Graduation rates record how many students completed programs within a university. This data can be used to speculate if students receive enough value from their studies to motivated them to finish their degrees at a particular college or university. Programs without a recorded NCES graduation rate are calculated at zero because of no available third-party data.
All of the data for each five factors was weighted equally and then averaged. This average score provided the ranking order for this list. By evaluating the tuition cost, accreditation, early-career salary, prestige, and graduation rates, this ranking helps prospective students find the highest quality online MBA program available in the area of Accounting.
