Master's in Accounting Rankings

The Best Master's in Accounting Programs in Florida for 2027

Key Points: Best Accounting Master's Programs in Florida

  • University of Florida ranks #1 in Florida on a 97.6 Program Score, with a 91% graduation rate.
  • 8 of the 11 schools here are public and 3 private.
  • University of Central Florida follows at #2 with a 93.8 Program Score.
Programs analyzed
14
Average graduation rate
68%
Median salary (BLS)
$94,160

The best master's in accounting in Florida share three traits: low in-state tuition, strong graduation rates, and a clear path to CPA licensure. We analyzed 14 accounting programs in Florida for this ranking; among the 11 with complete IPEDS cost and graduation-rate data, in-state tuition runs from $2,522 at Florida Atlantic University to $46,963 at Jacksonville University, a $44,441 spread for the same master of accountancy credential. The average graduation rate across these Florida programs is 68 percent, so cost alone does not separate the strong programs from the weak ones.

Florida is home to some of the most affordable public MAcc programs in the country alongside private options that cost roughly 18.6 times as much for a similar master of accountancy credential. Every program in this analysis is accredited, either through AACSB International or a comparable business accreditor, but accreditation alone will not tell you whether a program is worth the sticker price.

This guide breaks down what these accounting programs actually cost after four years of undergraduate work, how the CPA licensure path works in Florida, and which schools deliver the strongest outcomes for the money. If you are comparing MAcc programs in Florida, start with the number that matters most: total cost to the 150 credit hours Florida requires for a CPA license, not just the master's tuition line.

Accounting Master's Programs in Florida, Compared by Score

Florida leads at 97.6, and Nova Southeastern closes the chart at 79.1. Longer bars rank higher.

Our Methodology for Ranking Accounting Master's Programs in Florida

Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.

The 11 Best Accounting Master's Programs in Florida, Ranked for 2027

The 11 best Accounting Master's Programs in Florida, ranked by outcomes.

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL · Public

97.6 Program Score
Grad rate
91%
Admit rate
24%
Tuition
Varies by program

The University of Florida's Master of Accounting takes one year from a summer or fall start, or 16 months from spring, in seven-week modules.

  • 91% graduation rate
  • Program Score 97.6
  • One-year format
  • On-campus, seven-week modules

The University of Florida's Master of Accounting is run by the Fisher School of Accounting in the Warrington College of Business for students who already hold an accounting bachelor's degree. Program length is one year for a summer or fall start and 16 months for a spring start, and the 3/2 Program (BSAc/MAcc) takes five years in total. All classes are offered face-to-face in Gainesville, with students typically attending four days a week. Seven-week modules cover advanced accounting principles, a concentration develops a specialty, and the curriculum emphasizes research and data analytics. The school gears the program primarily to students who completed their undergraduate work elsewhere and want to attend Fisher for graduate study.

The University of Florida graduates 91% of its students and admits 24% of applicants. The program earns a Program Score of 97.6 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits accounting graduates who want a fast, full-time, on-campus year of specialization, including those building the education needed beyond a bachelor's degree for professional accounting roles, and who can relocate to Gainesville for the term.

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

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · Public

93.8 Program Score
Grad rate
78%
Admit rate
40%
Tuition
Varies by program

A Master of Science in Accounting with three specializations that the school says satisfies Florida's CPA education requirements with the right prerequisites.

  • 78% graduation rate
  • Program Score 93.8
  • Three specializations
  • Meets Florida CPA education path

University of Central Florida's Master of Science in Accounting is offered by the Dixon School of Accounting and is listed at one to two years. With the appropriate undergraduate prerequisite work, the school says the degree satisfies the education requirements to become a licensed CPA in Florida. Students choose from three specializations: Assurance, aimed at auditing in public accounting or internal audit, Taxation, for tax professionals and consultants, and Management, which uses accounting data for decision making and internal controls. Coursework includes Ethics and Professionalism in Accounting and Auditing, Accounting Theory and Advanced Accounting Information Systems, and independent research is presented as a written report, case analysis or oral presentation. UCF reports that both the Dixon School and the College of Business hold separate AACSB accreditation.

Federal data show a 78% graduation rate at UCF and an admit rate of 40%. The program earned a Program Score of 93.8 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits accounting graduates and career changers with the needed prerequisites who are working toward CPA licensure and want to focus on audit, tax or management accounting. Application deadlines are July 1 for fall, December 1 for spring and April 1 for summer.

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

Florida International University

Miami, FL · Public · online option

90.3 Program Score
Grad rate
74%
Admit rate
55%
Tuition
Varies by program

A 10-month Master of Accounting with Taxation and Audit and Data Intelligence tracks that meets Florida's 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor's for CPA licensure.

  • 74% graduation rate
  • Program Score 90.3
  • 10-month cohort
  • Includes Becker CPA Course

Florida International University's Master of Accounting (MACC) is designed for students who earned an accounting degree in the United States, and it offers specialized tracks in Taxation and in Audit and Data Intelligence. Applicants with a business degree or an accounting degree from outside the U.S. are directed to a Professional MACC track. The 10-month, cohort-based program starts each fall, with a hybrid blend of on-campus and online classes and in-person sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Modesto Maidique Campus. The page says it satisfies the 30 credit hours required beyond a bachelor's degree for Florida CPA licensure and gives students access to the Becker CPA Course. The school reports AACSB accreditation, shared by about 1% of accounting schools worldwide.

FIU graduates 74% of its students and admits 55% of applicants. The program's Program Score is 90.3 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits accounting graduates who want the extra credit hours for the CPA in a single year while keeping a job, and who prefer a lock-step cohort to a flexible, self-paced plan.

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

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL · Public · online option

89.3 Program Score
Grad rate
77%
Admit rate
43%
Tuition
Varies by program

University of South Florida's STEM-designated MS in Accountancy and Analytics offers assurance, corporate and tax specializations and can be structured to meet Florida CPA exam requirements.

  • Program Score 89.3
  • 77% graduation rate
  • STEM-designated
  • Assurance, corporate and tax tracks

The University of South Florida (USF) Master of Science in Accountancy and Analytics, run by the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, gives students more breadth and depth in accountancy than the baccalaureate program. The school says it can be structured to satisfy the requirements to sit for the CPA examination in Florida. It is a STEM-designated program, which permits international students to obtain three years of Optional Practical Training in the United States. Students choose among three specializations: assurance, corporate and tax. Classes may be offered on the Tampa or St. Petersburg campuses, so students may need to commute between them for classes that are not online. Applicants need an accounting major from an AACSB or ACBSP accredited US institution or an international equivalent, or a passed professional exam such as the CPA or CMA plus two years of relevant experience. GMAT and GRE waivers are available.

USF reports a 77% graduation rate and a 43% admit rate. The program earned a Program Score of 89.3 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits accounting graduates and experienced professionals who want a CPA-ready, analytics-oriented master's.

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

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, FL · Public

88.1 Program Score
Grad rate
69%
Admit rate
53%
Tuition
Varies by program

A 33-credit Master of Accountancy at University of North Florida, established in 1978, with an optional taxation concentration and a path to CPA licensure.

  • 69% graduation rate
  • Program Score 88.1
  • 33 credit hours
  • Optional taxation concentration

The University of North Florida's Master of Accountancy, offered through the Coggin College of Business, was established in 1978 and holds separate AACSB accreditation. It is designed for aspiring and current accounting professionals who want to deepen technical knowledge and meet the educational requirements for CPA licensure. The program is 33 credit hours for all options and is delivered in person. Students follow a general accounting track or add an optional concentration in taxation. Applicants should already hold a bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field, and students with unrelated degrees may need additional prerequisite courses. The school highlights small class sizes, experienced faculty and ties to the Jacksonville business community. Deadlines are August 1 for fall, December 1 for spring and April 15 for summer.

UNF graduates 69% of its students and admits 53% of applicants. This program earns a Program Score of 88.1 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits accounting graduates who need coursework toward the CPA requirement, and career changers with other undergraduate degrees who are willing to complete prerequisites first.

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

University of Tampa

Tampa, FL · Nonprofit

84.2 Program Score
Grad rate
64%
Admit rate
40%
Tuition
Varies by program

The University of Tampa's M.S. in Accounting is a 32-credit program with a 4+1 path for its own undergraduates.

  • Program Score 84.2
  • 64% graduation rate
  • 32-credit-hour curriculum
  • 4+1 bachelor's to master's option

The University of Tampa's Master of Science in Accounting is a 32-credit-hour program offered on full-time and part-time schedules. Its curriculum is built to help students meet the educational requirements for professional certifications and related exams. Students without a prior accounting background complete up to 28 credit hours of prerequisites, including Intermediate Accounting, Auditing and Attestation and Federal Taxation I. The required graduate courses are Advanced Accounting Analytics, Advanced Financial Accounting and Advanced Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation, and at least two electives must be accounting courses. Electives range from Fraud Examination and Mergers and Acquisitions to Federal Taxation, Data Mining for Business and Machine Learning for Business Analytics. UTampa undergraduates can enter through a 4+1 option, taking graduate courses in senior year and finishing the master's in one more year.

The University of Tampa has a 64% graduation rate and a 40% admit rate, and the page describes graduate admission as competitive. The program has a Program Score of 84.2 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits accounting graduates seeking the coursework behind certification exams, career changers who can complete the prerequisite block, and current UTampa undergraduates who want to add a master's with a single extra year.

View University of Tampa's Master's in Accounting Program →

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL · Public

83.8 Program Score
Grad rate
63%
Admit rate
66%
Tuition
Varies by program

Florida Atlantic University's Master of Accounting offers Accounting Information Systems and Taxation concentrations and lays groundwork for the CPA exam.

  • 63% graduation rate
  • Program Score 83.8
  • Tax or AIS concentration
  • CPA exam credit pathway

Florida Atlantic University's School of Accounting offers a traditional Master of Accounting designed to prepare graduates for careers in public accounting, industry and government. The page says the program lays the educational foundation for professional goals, including but not limited to the CPA exam. Concentrations are available in Accounting Information Systems and in Taxation, and FAU also offers a separate Master of Taxation. The school lists a pathway for students who want to accumulate the credits needed to sit for the CPA exam and obtain a license to practice public accounting.

The school also runs an Executive Master of Accounting with five concentrations, offered on campus one Saturday a month or fully online over 12 to 36 months. The traditional program is the one ranked here. The school reports AACSB accreditation. FAU admits 66% of applicants, and 63% of students complete a program. The Program Score of 83.8 out of 100 is the basis of this ranking. The degree fits accounting graduates and career changers on the Boca Raton campus who want a specialization in systems or tax and who intend to pursue CPA licensure, though students should confirm credit requirements with the School of Accounting.

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

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL · Nonprofit

81.7 Program Score
Grad rate
51%
Admit rate
57%
Tuition
Varies by program

Jacksonville University's MBA Accounting and Finance concentration lets students gain the accounting credit hours needed to pursue the CPA.

  • 51% graduation rate
  • 57% admit rate
  • Program Score 81.7
  • CPA credit-hour path

Jacksonville University offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance through its Davis College of Business and Technology. The page says students develop leadership skills and business expertise while gaining deeper competency in accounting or finance. Those who want to earn the CPA can use the concentration to pick up the needed accounting credit hours, and others can focus on financial acumen. Example courses include ACCT 620 Advanced Managerial Accounting, ACCT 640 Analyzing Financial Performance and ACCT 680 Financial Decision Making. Applicants complete the graduate application and submit unofficial transcripts of their most recent degree. Applicants with a GPA under 3.0 may be asked for additional documentation, and prerequisite waivers depend on prior coursework in accounting, finance, statistics or economics.

Jacksonville University graduates 51% of its students and admits 57% of applicants. The program earns a Program Score of 81.7 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking here. It fits working professionals and recent graduates who want an MBA with an accounting emphasis, particularly those aiming at CPA coursework without a separate accounting master's. Because the concentration sits inside a general MBA, students get broad management training alongside the accounting and finance courses.

View Jacksonville University's Master's in Accounting Program →

University of West Florida

Pensacola, FL · Public

80.2 Program Score
Grad rate
59%
Admit rate
58%
Tuition
Varies by program

The Master of Accountancy offers four specialization tracks and 30 credit hours, and the university reports the highest first-time CPA exam pass rate among Florida public universities.

  • 59% graduation rate
  • Program Score 80.2
  • Four specialization tracks
  • Online, 30 credit hours

The University of West Florida offers a Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) delivered online through its Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business. The program totals 30 credit hours, runs in 8 to 16 week courses, and the page estimates a program length of 24 months. Students choose one of four specialization tracks: Analytics, Business Analysis & Reporting, Information Systems & Controls, or Taxation. Core courses cover managerial accounting, accounting data analytics, advanced accounting information systems, auditing, taxation of flow-through entities, and commercial law, with an emphasis on analytical, presentation, and communication skills. The degree is designed to prepare students for the CPA exam, and UWF reports the highest first-time CPA exam pass rate of any public university in Florida. The university also reports AACSB accreditation for its business college.

UWF has a 59% graduation rate and admits 58% of applicants. The program earns a Program Score of 80.2 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a CPA-oriented master's and want to shape the degree toward analytics, systems, or tax work, and who prefer an online format with courses that run in short terms rather than full semesters.

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

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL · Nonprofit

79.1 Program Score
Grad rate
63%
Admit rate
73%
Tuition
Varies by program

Nova Southeastern University's Master of Accounting offers three majors (accounting analytics, public accounting and tax) and can be finished in as little as 18 months.

  • Program Score 79.1
  • 63% graduation rate
  • Three majors including tax and analytics
  • As little as 18 months

Nova Southeastern University's Master of Accounting offers three majors: Accounting Analytics, Public Accounting and Tax. The Public Accounting major prepares students for CPA licensure, while the Tax major targets the IRS enrolled agent credential. The school says the curriculum integrates artificial intelligence, data analytics and accounting technology. The program is 30 credits for students with an undergraduate accounting degree and 51 credits for those without one, and it can be completed in as little as 18 months. Classes meet on limited weeknights at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus or online asynchronously, with starts in August, January and May. NSU also offers two 1.5-credit CPA review courses for students sitting the exam. The business college reports AACSB accreditation.

NSU graduates 63% of its students and admits 73% of applicants. The Program Score of 79.1 out of 100 is the basis of its ranking. The program suits career changers without an accounting background, since the 51-credit track is built for them, and working professionals who need weeknight or online asynchronous classes. Students aiming at the CPA, a tax credential or a data-focused accounting role can choose the major that matches. Applicants should note the three application deadlines tied to the August, January and May starts.

View Nova Southeastern University's Master's in Accounting Program →

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL · Public · online option

78.6 Program Score
Grad rate
57%
Admit rate
63%
Tuition
Varies by program

A 30-credit M.S. in Accounting and Taxation that can be completed face to face or in a synchronous online format, with an optional analytics concentration.

  • Program Score 78.6
  • 30 credit hours
  • Face-to-face or synchronous online
  • Optional analytics concentration

Florida Gulf Coast University's Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation prepares students for careers in accounting and taxation. The program is delivered in only 30 credit hours, and the GMAT or GRE requirement is waived for qualified applicants. Students may add a concentration in analytics, which includes courses in business analytics, big data and data mining, and business intelligence and visualization. Courses run in the traditional classroom and are also streamed live, so students can complete some or all of the program face to face or in synchronous online mode. The curriculum stresses technical competence, effective use of technology, communication and ethical responsibility. The university reports that the Lutgert College of Business holds AACSB accreditation.

Federal data shows a 57% graduation rate and a 63% admit rate at FGCU. The program has a Program Score of 78.6 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. The flexible delivery and short 30-credit length suit working accountants and recent graduates who want advanced preparation in accounting and tax, and the analytics option appeals to those who expect to work with large data sets. Confirm with the department how the credits fit professional licensure requirements in your state.

View Florida Gulf Coast University's Master's in Accounting Program →

Graduation Rates at the Ranked Accounting Master's Programs in Florida

The median school on this list graduates 64% of its students. The highest rates belong to University of Florida (91%) and University of Central Florida (78%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.

64% Median graduation rate across 11 schools
91% Highest on the list University of Florida
1 Graduate 80% or more of 11 schools
  • 80% and above 1
  • 60% to 79% 7
  • 40% to 59% 3
  1. #1 University of Florida91% graduation rate
  2. #2 University of Central Florida78% graduation rate
  3. #4 University of South Florida77% graduation rate

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

How Selective Are the Accounting Master's Programs in Florida?

On this list, 4 schools admit fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being University of Florida at 24%.

55% Median admit rate across 11 schools
24% Most selective University of Florida
  • Admit under 25% 1
  • 25% to 49% 3
  • 50% to 74% 7
  1. #1 University of Florida24% admitted
  2. #2 University of Central Florida40% admitted
  3. #6 The University of Tampa40% admitted

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

Public and Private Accounting Master's Programs in Florida

This list holds 8 public and 3 private nonprofit schools. Their median Program Scores: 88.7 public and 81.7 private nonprofit.

8 Public highest ranked: #1 University of Florida
3 Private nonprofit highest ranked: #6 The University of Tampa

Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.

Where the Accounting Master's Programs in Florida Are

The 11 ranked schools are spread across 9 cities. Jacksonville (2) and Tampa (2) are the only ones with more than one ranked school.

9 Cities represented 11 schools
  • Jacksonville 2
  • Tampa 2
  • Boca Raton 1
  • Fort Lauderdale 1
  • Fort Myers 1
  • Gainesville 1

Main campus city as reported to IPEDS.

Campus Size Across the Accounting Master's Programs in Florida

Enrollment on this list runs from 4,247 at Jacksonville University to 69,713 at University of Central Florida. Of the 11, 6 enroll 20,000 students or more and 1 enrolls fewer than 5,000.

20,910 Median enrollment students, whole institution
69,713 Largest University of Central Florida
4,247 Smallest Jacksonville University

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

What Graduates of the Accounting Master's Programs in Florida Earn

Four years out, medians on this list run from $90,113 at West Florida to $110,979 at North Florida.

The highest-ranked school in the table, Florida (#1), reports $107,577, so the highest score and the highest pay are not the same school.

College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level.

What a Master's in Accounting Costs in Florida

Total cost for a master of accountancy in Florida depends far more on which school you choose than on the region. In-state tuition among the accounting programs in Florida analyzed here runs from $2,522 at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to $46,963 at Jacksonville University, a $44,441 spread for what is, on paper, the same 30-to-36-credit MAcc credential. University of Central Florida ($4,478), the University of Florida ($4,477), and the University of South Florida ($4,559) all sit within about $80 of each other, proof that Florida's flagship public MAcc programs are priced almost identically.

Run the math on return: a graduate who completes the MAcc at FAU for $2,522 and lands a starting accounting role near the national median of $94,160 a year recoups full tuition in under two weeks of salary. A graduate at Jacksonville University, paying $46,963, needs roughly six months of that same national salary just to cover tuition, before books, fees, or a CPA exam review course. Neither figure guarantees a job or that exact salary, but the payback gap is real, and it does not close just because a private program markets harder.

Public accounting programs in Florida dominate the affordable end of this range. Eight of the 11 ranked programs in this analysis are public universities, and every one of them charges in-state tuition under $4,800. If cost is the deciding factor, Florida's public university system gives residents a real advantage that most other states cannot match.

How to Become a CPA in Florida

Florida still holds to 150 hours for a license. Bills to add a bachelor's-plus-two-years route (SB 364 and HB 333) died in the 2026 session, so section 473.308 still asks for 150 semester hours and one year of experience verified by a licensed CPA.

Routes to a CPA license in Florida
EducationExperienceStatus
Bachelor's with an accounting concentration2 yearsNot in state law
150 semester hours including a bachelor's1 yearAvailable

To sit for the exam: 120 semester hours with the accounting and business concentration set by board rule. Every route also requires passing all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination.

A master's from this list usually takes a candidate past the 150 semester hours of Florida's one-year route; the count covers every college credit, undergraduate included.

Checked against the Florida Board of Accountancy and the law behind it in October 2026. These rules are changing state by state, so confirm them with the board before you plan a course schedule around them.

Why AACSB and ACBSP Accreditation Matters

Accreditation is the baseline filter for accounting programs in Florida, not a selling point. AACSB International accredits business schools on faculty research output, curriculum rigor, and continuous-improvement standards; a separate AACSB accounting accreditation goes further, evaluating the accounting faculty and curriculum on their own. ACBSP accredits a wider tier of teaching-focused business schools and is common among smaller private and regional universities.

Every school in this Florida ranking, from the University of Florida to Florida Gulf Coast University, holds AACSB accreditation for its business programs. That matters for two practical reasons: the Florida Board of Accountancy and most other state boards require a degree from an accredited program to sit for the CPA exam, and employers, particularly the national accounting firms, use accreditation as a first-pass screen on resumes.

Accredited does not mean identical. AACSB accreditation confirms a floor of quality, not a ranking. Two accredited accounting programs in Florida can still differ by tens of thousands of dollars in cost and by double-digit percentage points in graduation rate, which is exactly why the cost and outcomes data in this guide matter as much as the accreditation checkbox.

The Top Master's in Accounting Programs in Florida, Ranked

University of Florida leads every accounting program in this analysis with a 97.6 Program Score, built on a 91% graduation rate, the highest of any school ranked, alongside in-state tuition of just $4,477. That combination, an elite completion rate at a public-school price, is why UF tops this list of the best master's in accounting in Florida for 2027.

University of Central Florida (93.8 score, 78% graduation rate, $4,478 tuition) and Florida International University (90.3 score, 74% graduation rate, $4,721 tuition) round out the top three, both public and both priced within $250 of UF. The University of South Florida (89.3 score, 77% graduation rate, $4,559) and the University of North Florida (88.1 score, 69% graduation rate, $3,996) fill out the top five, giving Florida five public MAcc programs, all under $4,800 in-state, scoring above 88.

Below the top five, the picture splits. The University of Tampa (84.2 score, 64% graduation rate, $32,096) is the highest-ranked private option, and it sits next to Florida Atlantic University (83.8 score, 63% graduation rate, but just $2,522 in-state). The two show the tradeoff plainly: Tampa costs 12.7 times more than FAU for a Program Score only 0.4 points higher.

At the bottom of the ranked set, Jacksonville University (81.7 score, 51% graduation rate, $46,963) posts both the lowest graduation rate and the highest tuition among these accounting programs in Florida, a combination worth scrutinizing closely before enrolling. The University of West Florida (80.2 score, 59% graduation rate, $3,735), Nova Southeastern University (79.1 score, 63% graduation rate, $37,500) and Florida Gulf Coast University (78.6 score, 57% graduation rate, $4,191) close out the ranked list.

Online and Accelerated Master's in Accounting in Florida

Online accounting programs in Florida have matured well past the stigma of a decade ago, and an accredited online MAcc is worth weighing against the campus-based programs ranked here.

An online master of accountancy suits working accountants who already hold a job and need the 150th credit hour without leaving a paycheck. The tradeoff is peer network and on-campus recruiting access; large firms still run heavy on-campus interview cycles at UF, USF, and FIU, so an online student has to work harder to get in front of the same recruiters.

Accelerated paths exist within Florida's public MAcc programs too. UF, UCF, and USF all offer combined bachelor's-to-MAcc tracks that let a strong undergraduate finish the 150-hour requirement in as little as one extra year rather than two, cutting a year of tuition and a year of opportunity cost against that $94,160 national median salary.

3 Offer an online option of 11 ranked
  1. #3 Florida International UniversityMiami, FL
  2. #4 University of South FloridaTampa, FL
  3. #11 Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFort Myers, FL

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.

Accountant Salaries and Job Outlook Nationally

Accountants and auditors earn a national median of $94,160 a year, according to BLS Occupational Outlook data. That figure is the same whether the degree came from UF or Jacksonville University; it is a national field median, not a school-specific outcome, so treat it as context for the profession, not a promise tied to any single Florida program.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady demand for accountants and auditors nationally, driven in part by the same CPA pipeline these Florida accounting programs feed. A CPA license, not just a MAcc credential, typically unlocks the higher end of that salary band, since public accounting firms and controller-track corporate roles both weight the license heavily in pay grade. Current BLS wage data (OEWS) breaks out pay by percentile and metro area for readers who want more detail than the national median.

Weigh the $94,160 national median against each program's real cost before assuming a fast payback. At FAU's $2,522 tuition, that median salary covers the full program cost in under two weeks worked. At Jacksonville University's $46,963, the same salary needs roughly six months to break even on tuition alone, a gap wide enough to change which accounting programs in Florida make financial sense for a given budget.

Keep Exploring

Common Questions About Accounting Master's Programs in Florida

How long does a master's in accounting take in Florida?
Most master of accountancy programs in Florida run 30 to 36 credit hours and take 12 to 18 months full time, or up to three years part time. Combined bachelor's-to-MAcc tracks at UF, UCF, and USF let strong undergraduates finish the extra 30 credit hours in as little as one additional year rather than two, which is the fastest route to the 150-hour CPA threshold among Florida accounting programs.
Is an online master's in accounting respected by employers?
Yes, when the program is accredited. An accredited online MAcc covers the same CPA-eligible curriculum as a campus program. Employers and the Florida Board of Accountancy evaluate the accredited credential, not the delivery format, so an online degree from an accredited school carries the same licensure weight as an on-campus one.
How much does a master's in accounting cost in Florida?
In-state tuition among ranked accounting programs in Florida runs from $2,522 at Florida Atlantic University to $46,963 at Jacksonville University. Public universities cluster tightly between roughly $2,500 and $4,800, while private options range from $32,096 to nearly $47,000. The gap is driven by control type (public versus private), not by program quality alone, since several lower-cost public programs outscore pricier private ones on the Program Score.
What is the CPA licensure path in Florida?
Florida lets candidates sit for the CPA exam at 120 semester hours with the accounting and business coursework set by the Florida Board of Accountancy, but a license requires 150 semester hours including a bachelor's. A bachelor's degree alone typically covers about 120 hours, so a master of accountancy or an equivalent 30 credit hours closes the gap. After passing all four CPA exam sections, candidates also need qualifying work experience, usually one year under a licensed CPA, to become fully licensed.
Do I need an AACSB-accredited program to sit for the CPA exam in Florida?
The Florida Board of Accountancy requires a degree from a regionally or programmatically accredited institution, and AACSB accreditation is the most common qualifying standard among Florida's business schools. Every program in this ranking, from the University of Florida to Florida Gulf Coast University, holds AACSB accreditation. ACBSP-accredited programs can also qualify; confirm directly with the state board if a program you are considering carries a different accreditor.

Data Sources