How Much Does an
Accounting Degree Cost?
An accounting degree prepares students for careers in auditing, tax, and financial reporting through coursework in financial and managerial accounting, business law, data analysis, and regulation. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for accountant and auditor roles, and certified public accountant (CPA) licensure can improve job prospects.
Prospective students may need to budget beyond tuition for fees, books, technology, and accounting software. Many CPA candidates also need 150 total college credit hours, which may mean additional coursework beyond a standard 120-credit bachelor’s program. Understanding the full cost of college for accounting majors can help students compare schools, plan aid, and borrow with a realistic outlook.
- Key Points
- • The cost of college for accounting majors varies by school type, from about $11,950 at in-state public colleges to $45,000 at private nonprofit colleges.
- • Accounting degree costs may rise for aspiring CPAs, who often need 150 credits instead of the standard 120-credit bachelor’s degree.
- • The total cost of accounting degrees can include textbooks, software, CPA exam fees, and licensing expenses.
- • Before borrowing for an accounting degree, compare loan payments with the $81,680 median wage for accountants and auditors.
- • To make an accounting degree more affordable, compare aid, net price, scholarships, and repayment options before borrowing.
What Determines the Cost of an Accounting Degree?
The cost of an accounting degree is shaped mainly by institution type, residency status, and financial aid. Public colleges often charge different rates for in-state and out-of-state students, while private nonprofit colleges generally publish one tuition rate for all students. Beyond the average cost of college tuition, accounting majors may also face costs for books, technology, software, and specialized course materials.
Additional costs can include financial software, a reliable computer, internet access, and other materials used for coursework. Some schools provide software or lab access, while others may expect students to cover certain licenses or equipment. The total cost of attendance also includes nontuition expenses such as housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
Average Cost of an Accounting Degree
In undergraduate programs, tuition is generally determined by the university’s general fee schedule rather than the specific major, so the average cost of accounting degrees often depends more on the school than the program. Students comparing accounting tuition are advised to look for added fees, technology or software requirements, or specialized course materials tied to business and accounting coursework.
Sticker Price vs Net Price
The sticker price is the published cost before financial aid, while the net price is the amount paid after grants and scholarships are applied. For students asking, “How much does an accounting degree cost?” the net price gives a clearer estimate than the sticker price because aid can lower the published cost.
For example, for first-time, full-time students at private nonprofit four-year colleges, the estimated 2025-2026 average net price is $16,910, compared to $45,000 for the annual sticker price. To make college more affordable, compare net prices across schools to better understand costs in relation to aid and outcomes.
Annual Cost by Institution Type
The accounting degree cost per year varies significantly by college type, based on recently updated published tuition and fees data:
• Public two-year (in-district): About $4,150
• Public four-year (in-state): About $11,950
• Public four-year (out-of-state): About $31,880
• Private nonprofit four-year: About $45,000
Total Cost Over Time
Total tuition and fees also depend on the number of years it takes to get your degree. Based on 2026-2026 published data, four years at a public in-state university would be about $47,800 before aid, compared to around $180,000 at a private nonprofit college.
Housing and food can add substantially to the cost, with averages ranging from about $13,900 annually at public four-year schools to about $15,920 at private nonprofit four-year colleges. Student loan debt statistics can help you compare these costs with typical financing levels before deciding how much to borrow.
How an Accounting Major Compares to Other Majors
Accounting degree costs often resemble those of other business majors because tuition is usually set by the school, not the major. Some programs may add accounting-specific expenses, including course materials, certification preparation, or credits needed for CPA eligibility. Reviewing student debt by majors can help you compare accounting degree costs with other fields of study.
How Students Typically Pay for an Accounting Degree
Students often combine savings, scholarships, grants, and work income in addition to private and federal student loans when planning how to pay for an accounting degree. Understanding how to complete FAFSA(R) application (aka the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can help you determine your eligibility for grants, work-study programs, and federal loans.
Types of federal student loans may include Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Parent PLUS Loans.
When Private Student Loans May Come Into Play
Private student loans may help pay for remaining education costs after savings, scholarships, grants, and federal aid hae been exhausted. These loans can be used for any school-certified costs, including living expenses.
With a student loan calculator, you can estimate monthly payments based on the loan amount, interest rate, repayment term, and in-school payment options.
What to Consider Before Borrowing
“Is an accounting degree worth it?” You can decide for yourself by comparing borrowing costs with your expected earnings right after graduation, CPA requirements, and long-term repayment costs.
Salary and Career Outlook
The accounting degree salary outlook varies by role, employer, experience, and location.
• Accountants and auditors: $81,680 median annual wage
• Controllers and executives: $161,700 median annual wage
How Much Should You Borrow?
One common benchmark is to keep total student loan debt at or below your expected starting salary, which for accountants and auditors is around $55,000. Repayment calculators can help estimate monthly payments at different balances, rates, and loan lengths. Reviewing 7 facts didn’t know about student loan debt can provide added context on how interest affects repayment and why debt levels matter when comparing borrowing with future income.
Loan Repayment Term Considerations
After loans cover accounting tuition costs and other expenses, the repayment term affects monthly affordability and the total interest paid over time.
The table below shows an example. Estimates use a $39,500 balance at 7.00% fixed interest. Actual costs vary by rate, lender, fees, repayment plan, and payment timing.
Repayment Term |
Estimated Monthly Payment |
Estimated Total Interest Paid |
|---|---|---|
10 Years |
$459 |
$15,535 |
15 Years |
$355 |
$24,405 |
20 Years |
$306 |
$34,000 |
Employer Benefits and Assistance Programs
Graduates working in nonprofit or government accounting roles may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Many accounting firms also support CPA candidates by helping offset exam-related costs and providing study resources and other preparation assistance.
A Simple Cost and Borrowing Example
As an example, a student attending a public university as an in-state resident with a $30,000 annual cost of attendance and $10,000 in scholarships or grants would need to cover $20,000 per year. Over four years, that gap equals $80,000 before work income, savings, or additional aid. A monthly payment of approximately $450 on a 10-year plan at 6.50% interest would represent 9.8% of a graduate’s gross monthly income for a starting salary of $55,000, making it a potentially manageable expense for many borrowers.
Ways to Reduce the Cost of an Accounting Degree
Reducing the cost of an accounting degree involves academic planning, financial aid, and industry-specific cost-saving options.
• Begin at a community college to complete core requirements at a lower tuition rate before transferring to a four-year institution.
• Compare programs that help students reach CPA eligibility efficiently since many candidates need 150 total college credit hours.
• Apply for specialized scholarships from professional associations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), which offers funding opportunities for accounting students.
• Use university-provided technology or software when available to reduce out-of-pocket accounting tuition costs and course-related expenses.
• Look for scholarships, grants, federal aid, work income, and other options when considering how to pay for an accounting degree.
The Takeaway
The cost of college for accounting majors depends on school type, residency, financial aid, and program requirements. Beyond tuition, you may need to budget for books, technology, accounting software, CPA Exam costs, and additional credits for CPA eligibility. Comparing net price, financial aid, and expected earnings can help you choose a program and borrowing amount that fits your budget.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
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FAQ
Is an accounting degree more expensive than other degrees?
Accounting tuition is often set by the institution rather than the major, so costs vary by school type, residency, and aid. Accounting students may also budget for books, software, Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Exam costs, and extra credits for CPA eligibility.
Are there scholarships available for accounting students?
Yes, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) offers scholarships for accounting students, and its scholarship resources also point students to opportunities from state certified public accountant (CPA) societies and other nonprofit organizations.
Do most students need private student loans to pay for an accounting degree?
Private student loans are one possible way to cover a gap after savings, scholarships, grants, and federal student loans. The full cost of attendance can include tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
Can parents cosign private student loans for students?
Yes, private student loan applications may allow a cosigner, and approval and rates can depend on creditworthiness and lender criteria.
How long does it take to earn an accounting degree?
A bachelor’s degree often requires about 120 credits, which is typically four years of full-time study. However, certified public accountant (CPA) licensure commonly requires 150 total credit hours, adding coursework beyond a standard bachelor’s program.
What is the average starting salary for accounting graduates?
Pay for accountants and auditors varies by role, employer, experience, and location. Recent reports show a median annual wage of $81,680, with a bachelor’s degree typically required for entry-level roles. Certified public accountant (CPA) certification may improve job prospects.
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