Bachelor's in Accounting Rankings

The Cheapest Accounting Degree Programs of 2027

Overhead view of a person filling out a Form 1040 tax return with a pen, a handwritten tax documents checklist, a calculator, a laptop and a cup of coffee.

Key Points: Best Cheapest Accounting Degree Programs

  • Indian River State College ranks #1 on a 70.0 Program Score, with a 45% graduation rate.
  • Only the top 19 programs make this list; every one is ranked on the same federal data, not on reputation.
  • The #1 program is also the lowest-tuition program on the list, so the best value and the best score are the same school.
  • Scores weigh graduation rate most, then selectivity, cost and graduate earnings, from IPEDS, College Scorecard and BLS data. No school pays for a place (methodology).
Lowest in-state tuition
$2,496
In-state tuition range
$2,496-$4,950
Average graduation rate
54%
Median salary (BLS)
$87,660

The cheapest accounting degree programs are not the ones advertising the lowest price. They are the accredited programs that graduate their students and charge honestly for it. From the 302 accounting programs we analyzed, this ranking lists the 19 most affordable options with the lowest in-state tuition that still clear an accreditation and completion floor, so "cheap" never means a degree that does not finish or does not count.

At the top, Indian River State College charges $2,496 a year in-state while graduating 45% of its students. In-state tuition across the ranked programs runs $2,496 to $4,950 a year. Against a field median of $87,660 (BLS), the lowest-cost accredited programs are where the return on an accounting degree is widest.

One caveat up front: these are in-state figures. Out-of-state students pay more at public schools, so the cheapest program for you depends on where you live, a point the cost section below unpacks.

The Lowest-Cost Accounting Degree Programs, Compared

In-state tuition for the 10 most affordable programs. Shorter bars cost less; the resident rate is what state schools charge in-state students.

Our Methodology for Ranking Cheapest Accounting Degree Programs

We analyzed 302 accredited accounting programs reported to IPEDS, then ranked the 19 lowest in-state tuition among programs that clear an accreditation and completion floor. No school pays for inclusion.

Every program earns a Program Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:

  • Outcomes44%

    Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?

  • Selectivity & academics38%

    Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).

  • Scale & value18%

    Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).

Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.

The 19 Cheapest Accounting Degree Programs, Ranked for 2027

The 19 cheapest accounting degree programs, ranked by in-state tuition.

Indian River State College

Fort Pierce, FL · Public

70.0 Program Score
Grad rate
45%
Admit rate
Open admission
In-state
$2,496
Out-of-state
$9,360

Indian River State College's Bachelor of Science in Accounting reports a 97% job placement rate and prepares graduates to sit for the Florida CPA exam.

  • Open admission
  • $2,496 in-state tuition
  • Program Score 70
  • 97% reported job placement

Indian River State College offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in Fort Pierce, alongside an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science in Accounting Technology that are designed to transfer into the bachelor's program. The page says the bachelor's degree prepares graduates to sit for the Florida Certified Public Accountant exam and for roles ranging from accountant to financial manager. The college reports a 97% job placement rate for accounting bachelor's graduates. Students gain experience with specialized financial software and learn to maintain accounting records and prepare financial statements. Related careers listed include accountant, bookkeeper, auditor, budget analyst and fraud examiner. Technical certificates in accounting technology offer shorter entry points.

IRSC is an open admission college, and 45% of its students graduate. In-state tuition is $2,496, compared with $9,360 for out-of-state students. The program earns a Program Score of 70 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking here. It fits Florida students who want to stay local and keep costs low, including those who start with an associate degree or certificate and move up to a four-year accounting degree at the same college. Students aiming for CPA licensure should confirm the credit requirements with the college.

View Indian River State College's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL · Public

84.6 Program Score
Grad rate
63%
Admit rate
66%
In-state
$2,522
Out-of-state
$14,374

Florida Atlantic University's Accounting Scholars Program, open to top accounting majors, reports a 100% job placement rate.

  • 63% graduation rate
  • Program Score 84.6
  • $2,522 in-state tuition
  • Accounting Scholars honors track

Florida Atlantic University's College of Business offers a major in accounting, described by the school as the language and basic tool of business. Undergraduate accounting majors take part in programs designed to build technical, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills, and to lay a foundation for advanced education and professional careers in accounting and related areas of business and government. Graduates are trained to identify the financial and economic information that drives major decisions. Top students can apply to the Accounting Scholars Program, an honors track that the school says prepares students for graduate study and reports a 100% job placement rate.

Students must meet the college's requirements for admission to a business major before declaring, and the School of Accounting publishes program sheets by catalog year. The school reports AACSB accreditation. FAU admits 66% of applicants, and 63% of students complete a program. In-state tuition is $2,522 and out-of-state tuition is $14,374. The Program Score of 84.6 out of 100 is the basis of this ranking. The major fits students aiming at corporate or public accounting careers, and those who plan graduate study, since the school also runs master's programs in accounting and taxation that include a path to CPA exam credits.

View Florida Atlantic University's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

Dalton State College

Dalton, GA · Public

66.2 Program Score
Grad rate
25%
Admit rate
Open admission
In-state
$2,616
Out-of-state
$9,936

Dalton State College offers its Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in day or evening sections at a 25% graduation rate and open admission.

  • Day or evening sections
  • 25% graduation rate
  • $2,616 in-state tuition
  • Program Score 66.2

Dalton State College offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting through its Wright School of Business, with classes available during the day or in the evening. The page describes the degree as preparation to analyze and manage the financial processes of a business, and says graduates can pursue paths toward partnership in an accounting firm, corporate finance and management, or government agencies. The school lists employers where alumni work, including Shaw Industries, Mohawk Industries, Mannington Mills, Cigna and the Tennessee Valley Authority, and points to University System of Georgia data on the median salary of its accounting graduates working in Georgia. A signed agreement with the University of North Alabama gives Dalton State business graduates a scholarship toward a master's degree there, and the school provides a guided pathway and academic catalog for the major.

Dalton State is an open-admission school, so the program does not screen applicants by test scores. Its federal graduation rate is 25%, which students should weigh against the flexibility of evening classes. In-state tuition is $2,616 and out-of-state tuition is $9,936. The program earns a Program Score of 66.2 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits working adults and local students who want an accounting degree close to home at a low in-state price.

View Dalton State College's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

College of Coastal Georgia

Brunswick, GA · Public

54.5 Program Score
Grad rate
26%
Admit rate
98%
In-state
$2,616
Out-of-state
$9,936

College of Coastal Georgia's Bachelor of Science in Accounting requires an internship that connects students with the local business community.

  • $2,616 in-state tuition
  • Program Score 54.5
  • Required internship
  • 26% graduation rate

The College of Coastal Georgia's School of Business offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting that prepares students to work as professional accountants or in other business careers. The curriculum includes financial, managerial, nonprofit, and governmental accounting, as well as auditing and taxation. Students complete a required internship that connects them with the business community. The program serves as a foundation for CPA exam preparation and for graduate study in business or law. The page lists careers including staff accountant, controller, auditor, budget or financial analyst, cost estimator, treasury manager, and personal financial advisor, and it names certifications that accounting graduates may pursue, such as the CPA, CMA, CIA, and CFP. The page includes faculty profiles and an alumna testimonial about passing the CPA exam.

Coastal Georgia has a 26% graduation rate and admits 98% of applicants. In-state tuition is $2,616, compared with $9,936 for out-of-state students. The program earns a Program Score of 54.5 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits budget-conscious Georgia residents who want a required internship and a broad accounting curriculum, and who should weigh the college's lower completion rate.

View College of Coastal Georgia's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

Daytona State College

Daytona Beach, FL · Public · online option

68.1 Program Score
Grad rate
43%
Admit rate
Open admission
In-state
$3,072
Out-of-state
$11,960

Daytona State College lets accounting students start in any semester and builds the bachelor of science on top of an associate degree or 60 transferable credits.

  • 43% graduation rate
  • Program Score 68.1
  • $3,072 in-state tuition
  • Start in any semester

Daytona State College offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting through its School of Business Administration. The curriculum covers financial, managerial, cost and tax accounting, budget control, auditing, legal aspects of accounting, reporting procedures, statement analysis and business information systems, with applications to for-profit, public and non-profit organizations. The college says it takes applications year-round and lets students begin in any semester.

This is an upper-division program. Applicants need an associate degree or 60 transferable credits, including at least 15 credits of general education coursework with a grade of C or better, plus prerequisites in financial and managerial accounting, business information processing, macroeconomics, microeconomics, statistics and business calculus, and a cumulative 2.0 GPA. Daytona State is an open admission college, and 43% of students complete a program. In-state tuition is $3,072 and out-of-state tuition is $11,960. The Program Score of 68.1 out of 100 is the basis of this ranking, drawn from federal data. It fits associate degree holders and transfer students in Florida who want a bachelor's in accounting without leaving a state college, and who will plan their own route to licensure since the page does not describe a CPA 150-hour track.

View Daytona State College's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

University of West Florida

Pensacola, FL · Public

78.8 Program Score
Grad rate
59%
Admit rate
58%
In-state
$3,735
Out-of-state
$16,004

University of West Florida's accounting B.S.B.A. is a 120-semester-hour degree inside an AACSB-accredited college, with an accelerated master's option.

  • 59% graduation rate
  • Program Score 78.8
  • $3,735 in-state tuition
  • Accelerated pathway to the MAcc

The University of West Florida's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting requires 120 semester hours and sits in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business. The catalog describes the major as providing conceptual accounting and business knowledge and the traditional accounting background that is the first step toward state designation as a Certified Public Accountant. Students complete a 30-hour business core covering topics from managerial finance and business analytics to operations and strategic management, plus state-mandated common prerequisites such as financial and managerial accounting. A minimum grade of C is required in college prerequisites and courses. The page also describes an accelerated ABM pathway into the MAcc, which requires a 3.25 GPA and a B in upper-level accounting courses taken beforehand. A minor and an Essentials of Accounting certificate are also offered.

UWF reports a 59% graduation rate and a 58% admit rate. In-state tuition is $3,735, against $16,004 for out-of-state students. The program has a Program Score of 78.8 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits Florida residents who want a CPA-track accounting degree at a low in-state price and may continue into a master's in accounting.

View University of West Florida's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, FL · Public

87.4 Program Score
Grad rate
69%
Admit rate
53%
In-state
$3,996
Out-of-state
$16,799

An accounting major at University of North Florida whose programs hold separate AACSB accreditation, a distinction the school says fewer than fifteen percent of accounting programs have.

  • 69% graduation rate
  • Program Score 87.4
  • $3,996 in-state tuition
  • Separate AACSB accounting accreditation

The University of North Florida's accounting program in the Coggin College of Business has earned separate AACSB accreditation, which the school says places it among fewer than fifteen percent of accounting programs in the nation. The page describes several areas of emphasis. Public accountants focus on auditing and financial reporting, management accountants on using accounting data to predict costs and income, governmental accountants on methods for non-profit organizations, and internal auditors on evaluating managerial effectiveness. The program frames its curriculum as the academic foundation for the CPA exam, and lists public accountant, controller, treasurer, governmental accountant and internal auditor as common first roles for graduates.

UNF graduates 69% of its students and admits 53% of applicants. In-state tuition is $3,996 and out-of-state tuition is $16,799. This program earns a Program Score of 87.4 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. The low in-state price makes it a strong fit for Florida residents who want a CPA-oriented accounting degree and a broad liberal arts grounding that places accounting in the context of the wider organization.

View University of North Florida's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

Georgia Southwestern State University

Americus, GA · Public · online option

68.4 Program Score
Grad rate
41%
Admit rate
75%
In-state
$4,176
Out-of-state
$15,528

Georgia Southwestern's BBA in Accounting can be completed on campus or fully online and meets the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam.

  • On campus or fully online
  • 75% admit rate
  • $4,176 in-state tuition
  • Program Score 68.4

Georgia Southwestern State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting through its College of Business and Computing. Students can complete the degree on campus or entirely online. The page lists the work accounting students engage in, including preparing financial statements, recording business transactions, analyzing business performance, determining costs and efficiencies, and planning taxes. The school says the program meets the educational requirements for graduates to take the CPA exam, and that students can complete internships, join summer leadership programs and network with accounting professionals. The school also states that its BBA programs are accredited by AACSB, which it describes as covering the top 5% of business programs worldwide. The page links to a course rotation schedule and internship information.

Georgia Southwestern graduates 41% of its students and admits 75% of applicants. In-state tuition is $4,176 and out-of-state tuition is $15,528. The program has a Program Score of 68.4 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits working students who need an online route to an accounting degree, or those who want a campus program with a CPA-eligible curriculum at a public price.

View Georgia Southwestern State University's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley, GA · Public

68.1 Program Score
Grad rate
41%
Admit rate
66%
In-state
$4,176
Out-of-state
$15,528

Fort Valley State University pairs a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting with coursework in fraud examination and accounting information systems.

  • 41% graduation rate
  • 66% admit rate
  • $4,176 in-state tuition
  • Fraud examination coursework

Fort Valley State University offers accounting as a major within its Bachelor of Business Administration, housed in the Business Administration and Economics Department. Students take courses in financial, managerial, cost and intermediate accounting, taxation, auditing, fraud examination and accounting information systems. The page describes accounting as the language of business and lists roles for graduates such as auditor, financial analyst, controller, payroll specialist, budget manager and chief financial officer. It notes that many accountants go on to become certified public accountants. The department's page includes a faculty contact, degree requirements, course catalog and links to financial aid and scholarships. The page does not describe an online option, a capstone or an internship requirement.

Fort Valley State graduates 41% of its students and admits 66% of applicants. In-state tuition is $4,176 and out-of-state tuition is $15,528. The program holds a Program Score of 68.1 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a conventional on-campus accounting major at a public price and who are comfortable with a moderately selective school.

View Fort Valley State University's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

Savannah State University

Savannah, GA · Public

59.4 Program Score
Grad rate
28%
Admit rate
Open admission
In-state
$4,176
Out-of-state
$17,469

Savannah State University grants a BBA with a 27-hour accounting area of specialization and a student association that bundles IMA, IIA and Georgia Society of CPAs chapters.

  • 28% graduation rate
  • Program Score 59.4
  • $4,176 in-state tuition
  • 27-hour accounting specialization

Savannah State University offers accounting as a major within its Bachelor of Business Administration, so the degree you earn is a BBA with a focus on accounting. The page lists a 27-hour area of specialization in accounting courses, plus a degree map and catalog entry for students planning their schedule. Accounting minors are available for both business and non-business majors. The department also hosts the Student Accounting Association, an umbrella group that includes student chapters of the Institute of Management Accountants, the Institute of Internal Auditors and the Georgia Society of CPAs, which gives members networking and mentoring contact with local professionals. The page points graduates toward tax planning, auditing, information systems, cost accounting, public accounting firms, government agencies and nonprofits, and it links to certification paths such as the CPA, CMA and CIA.

Savannah State earns a Program Score of 59.4 out of 100, the basis of its ranking here. The federal graduation rate is 28%, and the university is open admission, so there is no admit-rate screen to clear. Tuition is $4,176 for in-state students and $17,469 for out-of-state students. The program suits students who want a low-priced public BBA and the chance to join professional accounting organizations on campus, and who are prepared to plan their path carefully given the modest graduation rate.

View Savannah State University's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL · Public

98.3 Program Score
Grad rate
91%
Admit rate
24%
In-state
$4,477
Out-of-state
$25,694

The University of Florida's accounting bachelor's degree offers a 3/2 pathway to the Master of Accounting, finishing both degrees in five years.

  • 91% graduation rate
  • Program Score 98.3
  • $4,477 in-state tuition
  • 3/2 path to the Master of Accounting

The University of Florida's Bachelor of Science in Accounting is offered through the Fisher School of Accounting in the Warrington College of Business. The four-year, on-campus program covers financial and managerial accounting, taxation, auditing and accounting information systems alongside general business and quantitative courses, with growing attention to data, AI and technical tools. The school says it leads to three paths: the 3/2 Program (BSAc/MAcc), which takes five years, direct entry to the workforce, or graduate study in law or business. The page notes that most accounting majors seek additional education after the bachelor's and go on to a graduate degree in accounting, and it cites U.S. News & World Report in placing the program among the country's top 10 public undergraduate accounting programs.

The University of Florida graduates 91% of its students and admits 24% of applicants. In-state tuition is $4,477 a year and out-of-state tuition is $25,694. The Program Score of 98.3 out of 100 is the basis of this ranking. The program fits students who expect to continue into graduate accounting study and want an early-admission route built into the undergraduate degree.

View University of Florida's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · Public

94.3 Program Score
Grad rate
78%
Admit rate
40%
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810

An accounting BSBA that strongly encourages at least one internship and includes an Accounting Analytics course.

  • 78% graduation rate
  • Program Score 94.3
  • $4,478 in-state tuition
  • Internship strongly encouraged

University of Central Florida's Accounting, BSBA is taught in the Dixon School of Accounting within the Miller College of Business. The four-year degree builds skills in interpreting financial statements, calculating and reading performance indicators, and assessing the integrity of financial information. Courses include Cost Accounting I, Accounting Analytics, which focuses on extracting value from big data in accounting, auditing and tax settings, and Strategic Management. Students are strongly encouraged to complete at least one internship. The page states that the degree does not itself lead to licensure, and it points graduates toward the Master of Science in Accounting for the CPA path. It also reports AACSB accreditation.

Federal data show a 78% graduation rate at UCF and an admit rate of 40%. In-state tuition is $4,478, versus $19,810 out of state. The program holds a Program Score of 94.3 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want an accounting foundation at a public university, plan to pursue a CPA through graduate study, or want to enter bookkeeping, budgeting, financial analysis or forensic accounting work.

View University of Central Florida's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

University of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA · Public

76.1 Program Score
Grad rate
43%
Admit rate
52%
In-state
$4,488
Out-of-state
$16,200

University of West Georgia's BBA in accounting offers small classes and internships inside an AACSB-accredited business college, with tax, forensic and government accounting named as career paths.

  • 43% graduation rate
  • Program Score 76.1
  • $4,488 in-state tuition
  • Internships and small classes

The University of West Georgia offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting through the Richards College of Business. The page describes a liberal arts based education that prepares students for accounting in industry, government accounting, tax accounting, forensic accounting and public accounting in local, regional and national firms. It highlights small classes, internships and networking opportunities, and it provides a program map and a published accounting course schedule running from Fall 2025 through Summer 2027. Minors in accounting and finance are listed alongside the major. The page also describes AACSB accounting accreditation as a supplemental standard beyond business accreditation, and it features an Accounting Advisory Board and student testimonials from graduates. Students planning ahead can use the program map to sequence courses.

West Georgia has a Program Score of 76.1 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. The federal graduation rate is 43% and the admit rate is 52%. In-state tuition is $4,488 and out-of-state tuition is $16,200. The program fits students who want a low-priced public accounting degree with internship access and a defined course schedule, and who value a mid-sized campus of the kind the school's enrollment of about 14,000 describes.

View University of West Georgia's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, GA · Public · online option

74.2 Program Score
Grad rate
55%
Admit rate
88%
In-state
$4,488
Out-of-state
$16,200

A BBA in accounting from a School of Accountancy that reports AACSB accreditation and prepares graduates for four professional accounting certification exams.

  • 55% graduation rate
  • Program Score 74.2
  • $4,488 in-state tuition
  • Prepares for four accounting certifications

Georgia Southern University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting on its Statesboro campus, taught through the School of Accountancy in the Parker College of Business. The school reports AACSB accreditation for the School of Accountancy. The curriculum is built around preparing statements that fairly reflect economic events, applying a professional code of conduct, and giving oral and written reports on accounting matters. Graduates are prepared to sit for four professional accounting certification exams, and the school also offers certificates in Ethical Leadership and Forensics Interviewing. Experience outside class comes through Accounting Day, an Executive-in-Residence program, and internships with firms such as Aprio, BDO USA, Cherry Bekaert and Gulfstream. The page lists graduate roles including accountant, controller, auditor and chief financial officer.

The federal numbers show a 55% graduation rate at Georgia Southern and an 88% admit rate, so entry is accessible for most applicants. In-state tuition is $4,488, against $16,200 for out-of-state students. The program earns a Program Score of 74.2 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits Georgia residents who want a low-cost, AACSB-reported accounting degree with strong internship ties to regional and Big Four firms.

View Georgia Southern University's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL · Public · online option

92.9 Program Score
Grad rate
77%
Admit rate
43%
In-state
$4,559
Out-of-state
$15,473

University of South Florida's bachelor's in accountancy points to a graduate survey in which 48 percent had full-time accounting jobs within three months.

  • Program Score 92.9
  • 77% graduation rate
  • $4,559 in-state tuition
  • Audit, tax and forensics career paths

The University of South Florida (USF) offers a bachelor's degree in accountancy through its Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, listed as the Accountancy and Analytics major. The school states the objective is to give students the accounting and business knowledge that serves as a basis for careers in industry, government, non-profit organizations and public accountancy. Career options it names include auditing, tax, forensics, business consulting and corporate compliance. USF cites a 2017 graduation survey in which 48 percent of the school's graduates reported full-time accounting positions within three months of graduation. A curriculum guide and a flyer are available from the program page, and the school's office takes general questions by phone.

USF reports a 77% graduation rate and a 43% admit rate. In-state tuition is $4,559, compared with $15,473 out of state. The program has a Program Score of 92.9 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It suits students who want a broad accounting foundation that leads to audit, tax or corporate roles, and who plan to build toward a graduate accounting degree or professional certification later.

View University of South Florida's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL · Public

97.4 Program Score
Grad rate
86%
Admit rate
24%
In-state
$4,640
Out-of-state
$19,084

Florida State University's accounting major builds on a core of financial reporting, cost accounting, accounting information systems, federal income taxes and audit, with an advisory board of business leaders shaping the curriculum.

  • 86% graduation rate
  • Program Score 97.4
  • $4,640 in-state tuition
  • Audit and federal income tax core

Florida State University offers a Bachelor of Science with a major in accounting through its College of Business. Students complete core courses in financial accounting and reporting, cost accounting, accounting information systems, federal income taxes and audit, then study management, business analytics and marketing alongside them for a broader view of how organizations run. The program says faculty bring industry experience and research into the classroom, and that an Accounting Professional Advisory Board of business leaders keeps the curriculum current. The page also notes that CPA licensure in Florida and most other jurisdictions requires education beyond the bachelor's degree, and that completing the school's Master of Accounting satisfies those requirements.

On the federal numbers, Florida State graduates 86% of its students and admits 24% of applicants, so entry is selective. In-state tuition is $4,640 a year against $19,084 for out-of-state students. The program earns a Program Score of 97.4 out of 100, the basis of its ranking here. It fits students who want a public accounting or private industry path and are willing to plan for the extra coursework that CPA licensure demands, whether through the school's master's program or another route.

View Florida State University's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public · online option

67.4 Program Score
Grad rate
48%
Admit rate
90%
In-state
$4,704
Out-of-state
$16,522

Fort Hays State University offers its 120-hour BBA in Accounting on campus or online, with in-state tuition of $4,704.

  • $4,704 in-state tuition
  • Program Score 67.4
  • On campus or online
  • 120-hour BBA

Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting of 120 hours, available on campus or online. The page says the curriculum covers financial, cost, auditing, tax and systems accounting and prepares graduates for private industry, government, education, nonprofits and financial institutions. Students can use electives to prepare for credentials such as the CPA, CMA, CIA and CFE. The school stresses real-world applications through simulations and case studies, and encourages internships with accounting firms and local businesses. The page estimates about $3,237.60 per semester on campus or $4,134.75 online, based on 15 credit hours at current per-credit rates.

Fort Hays State graduates 48% of its students and admits 90% of applicants. In-state tuition is $4,704 and out-of-state tuition is $16,522, so residency matters a great deal to price. The program earns a Program Score of 67.4 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits working adults and Kansas residents who need an online or campus option and want to keep tuition low while preparing for professional accounting credentials.

View Fort Hays State University's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

Florida International University

Miami, FL · Public · online option

90.9 Program Score
Grad rate
74%
Admit rate
55%
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529

A Bachelor of Accounting with a 21-credit accounting core that points to Florida's 30 credit hours beyond the degree for CPA licensure.

  • 74% graduation rate
  • Program Score 90.9
  • $4,721 in-state tuition
  • 21-credit accounting core

The Bachelor of Accounting at Florida International University is run by the School of Accounting and combines 60 credits of lower division coursework with 60 credits of upper division work. The accounting core is 21 credits: Financial Accounting I and II, Management Accounting, Auditing, Business Law II, Income Tax Accounting, and Taxation of Corporations and Partnerships. Major courses require a grade of C or higher, and all accounting courses must be taken at FIU unless the director of the School of Accounting approves otherwise. The page notes that public accounting also requires passing the CPA exam, which in Florida requires 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, and that summer accounting offerings are limited.

FIU graduates 74% of its students and admits 55% of applicants. In-state tuition is $4,721 and out-of-state tuition is $16,529. The program's Program Score of 90.9 out of 100 is the basis of its ranking. It fits students aiming at public, private or government accounting, with a path toward the CPA through additional credits after graduation.

View Florida International University's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

Louisiana State University-Alexandria

Alexandria, LA · Public · online option

62.9 Program Score
Grad rate
34%
Admit rate
92%
In-state
$4,950
Out-of-state
$5,150

A Bachelor of Science in Accounting offered on campus or 100% online, with concentrations in general accounting, accounting information systems and data analytics, and fraud and forensic accounting.

  • 34% graduation rate
  • Program Score 62.9
  • $4,950 in-state tuition
  • 100% online option with 3 concentrations

Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting through the Department of Accounting and Finance in its College of Business. Students can attend on campus or take the degree 100% online. Three concentrations are available: general accounting, accounting information systems and data analytics, and fraud and forensic accounting. The page says the program provides focused preparation for the CPA exam and builds skills in financial analysis and reporting, attention to detail, business and strategic planning, and communication. Recommended minors include management information systems, communication studies, psychology, pre-law, writing and artificial intelligence.

Federal data show a 34% graduation rate at LSUA and an admit rate of 92%, so most applicants are admitted. In-state tuition is $4,950 and out-of-state tuition is $5,150, a small gap that suits students from outside Louisiana as well. The program has a Program Score of 62.9 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who need a low-cost, flexible accounting degree they can finish online and who want to choose between a general, data-focused or forensic emphasis.

View Louisiana State University-Alexandria's Bachelor's in Accounting Program →

Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.

Graduation Rates at the Ranked Cheapest Accounting Degree Programs

The median school on this list graduates 48% of its students. The highest rates belong to University of Florida (91%) and Florida State University (86%). The top graduation rate is not at the #1 school, because the score also weighs selectivity, cost, and earnings.

48% Median graduation rate across 19 schools
91% Highest on the list University of Florida
2 Graduate 80% or more of 19 schools
  • 80% and above 2
  • 60% to 79% 5
  • 40% to 59% 8
  • Below 40% 4
  1. #11 University of Florida91% graduation rate
  2. #16 Florida State University86% graduation rate
  3. #12 University of Central Florida78% graduation rate

Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.

How Selective Are the Cheapest Accounting Degree Programs?

On this list, 4 of 19 schools are open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Of the rest, 4 schools admit fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being University of Florida at 24%.

58% Median admit rate across 15 schools
24% Most selective University of Florida
4 Open admission admit every qualified applicant
  • Admit under 25% 2
  • 25% to 49% 2
  • 50% to 74% 6
  • 75% and above 5
  • Open admission 4
  1. #11 University of Florida24% admitted
  2. #16 Florida State University24% admitted
  3. #12 University of Central Florida40% admitted

Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.

Online Options Among the Cheapest Accounting Degree Programs

Of the 19 schools ranked here, 7 offer distance education. The highest ranked is Daytona State College, at #5.

7 Offer an online option of 19 ranked
  1. #5 Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach, FL
  2. #8 Georgia Southwestern State UniversityAmericus, GA
  3. #14 Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA
  4. #15 University of South FloridaTampa, FL
  5. #17 Fort Hays State UniversityHays, KS
  6. #18 Florida International UniversityMiami, FL
  7. #19 Louisiana State University-AlexandriaAlexandria, LA

Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.

Where the Cheapest Accounting Degree Programs Are

The 19 ranked schools are spread across 4 states. Florida (10) and Georgia (7) are the only ones with more than one ranked school.

4 States represented 19 schools
  • Florida 10
  • Georgia 7
  • Kansas 1
  • Louisiana 1

Main campus state as reported to IPEDS.

Campus Size Across the Cheapest Accounting Degree Programs

Enrollment on this list runs from 2,897 at Fort Valley State University to 69,713 at University of Central Florida. Of the 19, 7 enroll 20,000 students or more and 4 enroll fewer than 5,000.

14,822 Median enrollment students, whole institution
69,713 Largest University of Central Florida
2,897 Smallest Fort Valley State University

Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.

What Graduates of the Cheapest Accounting Degree Programs Earn

Four years out, medians on this list run from $42,444 at Savannah State to $94,941 at Florida.

The highest-ranked school in the table, Indian River State College (#1), reports $61,675, so the highest score and the highest pay are not the same school.

After grants, the average undergraduate pays least at Dalton State College, $2,353 a year, and most at Georgia Southern, $16,785.

College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.

In-State vs. Out-Of-State: Read the Price Twice

The tuition ranked here is the in-state rate, and at public schools that is the number residents pay. Out-of-state students often pay two to three times as much, which can flip the order of this list entirely. If you are looking outside your home state, check the out-of-state column, look for online programs that charge every student the resident rate, and factor in that some states honor regional tuition-exchange agreements.

$4,176 Median in-state tuition across 19 schools
$4,176 Public schools, median 19 public
19 Under $10,000 a year in-state

Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.

Are the Cheapest Accounting Degree Programs Worth It?

Low tuition only pays off if the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking filters for accreditation and a real graduation rate before sorting on price: a rock-bottom-price program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Every school here is accredited and reporting completion data to the federal government, so the price reflects a credential that employers and licensing boards recognize.

What "Tuition" Leaves Out

Sticker tuition is not total cost. Fees, books, and (for on-campus students) living expenses can rival tuition itself, while grants and scholarships pull the net price down. Use each school's net price calculator for your situation, and weigh whether an online option lets you keep working while you study, which changes the real cost of the degree more than a few hundred dollars of tuition.

Best Bachelor's in Accounting Programs by State

Prefer a state-by-state view? We rank Accounting Programs in 20 states and the District of Columbia, each grounded in that state's real, accredited programs.

Keep Exploring

Common Questions About Cheapest Accounting Degree Programs

What is the cheapest accounting degree?

Indian River State College has the lowest in-state tuition among accredited programs at $2,496 a year, followed by Florida Atlantic University ($2,522) and Dalton State College ($2,616). These are in-state rates; out-of-state students pay more at public schools.

Are cheap accounting programs worth it?

An affordable accounting degree is worth it when the school is accredited and actually graduates students, both of which we require before ranking on price. Accreditation, not tuition, determines whether the credential counts.

Is in-state tuition the price I'll pay?

Only if you are a resident of the school's state. Public schools charge non-residents a higher out-of-state rate, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.

Can I get an accounting degree online for less?

Sometimes. Online programs often charge a flat per-credit rate for every student, which can beat out-of-state tuition. See our best online accounting programs ranking to compare.

Data Sources