Trying to balance work, life, and further education can be tough, especially when tuition is high. That’s where online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) programs come in. They let you earn a respected accounting degree on your schedule, without quitting your job or moving.
These programs give you the skills and credentials you need to grow your career, while keeping costs manageable. Tuition varies a lot between schools, so finding an affordable program is important.
This post is for working professionals, recent grads, career changers, or anyone preparing for the CPA exam. We’ll break down the most affordable online MAcc programs, with details on each school, tuition, program features, and career outcomes. Every program on this list has been checked for quality, affordability, and fully online delivery, so you can pick the one that fits your goals and budget.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Accounting Programs
1. Western Governors University (WGU) US $4,805 per 6‑month term
WGU’s online Master of Accounting program is built for flexibility and affordability, designed with working professionals and busy students in mind. Instead of charging per credit, WGU charges per 6‑month term, about $4,805, which lets you finish the program faster if you can keep up.
The program offers different specialisations in auditing, taxation, management accounting, and financial reporting, so you can tailor your study to match your career ambitions. Whether you’re interested in auditing a company’s operations, managing taxes, or working in management accounting for firms, WGU gives options.
The training includes all standard accounting graduate‑level work, and many students use it to prepare for certification (like CPA or CMA), which adds value if you want to work in accounting professionally. WGU’s model also lets you study at your own pace. If you finish quickly, you spend less on tuition. That makes WGU a practical choice if you’re working, have limited time, or want to control costs tightly.
2. Emporia State University (ESU) ~ US $10,890 total
Emporia State University offers a 100% online Master of Accountancy program that’s among the lowest‑cost full accounting master’s programs you’ll find. The full program tuition is about US $10,890, which includes all required fees and applies equally to all students, whether in‑state or out‑of‑state.
The program is geared for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to step into advanced accounting: it covers auditing, management accounting, taxation, and other advanced topics. The classes run in accelerated 7‑week terms, giving flexibility — good for working people or those juggling other responsibilities.
3. Missouri State University
Missouri State University offers an online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program through its School of Accountancy. It is designed to be completed either online or in traditional format, depending on student preference; the same admission requirements apply.
The program requires 30 credit hours (usually about 10 courses). If your bachelor’s isn’t in accounting, you might have to take a few prerequisite courses, but the university reviews your transcript to determine what’s needed before you start core MAcc classes.
Because of this flexibility, online delivery, manageable length, and accommodating prerequisites, Missouri State’s MAcc is a practical option for people transitioning into accounting from another field, or for working professionals who need to balance study with other commitments.
4. Ohio University – US $28,920 (resident) / US $29,580 (non‑resident) total for 30‑credit path
Ohio University offers a fully online Master of Accountancy & Analytics that blends advanced accounting with analytic skills — a useful mix if you want to work in modern accounting or data‑informed financial roles. Tuition works out to about US $964–986 per credit hour, and the main path is 30 credits long.
The program is structured for working people: classes are delivered online with flexible scheduling, which makes it easier to study alongside a job or other commitments. If your bachelor’s is in a non‑accounting field, there’s a “bridge course” option, prerequisites for accounting backgrounds, offered at a discounted rate for qualifying students.
When you finish, you’ll have skills in advanced accounting, analytics, and financial reporting, useful for many modern finance and accounting jobs. Because of flexibility and relatively moderate cost compared to many traditional master’s degrees, this program works well if you want a graduate accounting degree without big debt, and still want solid training.
5. Northern Kentucky University — US $17,535 total
Northern Kentucky University offers a fully online professional‑track MAcc, with tuition and fees totaling around US $17,535.
The program runs with accelerated courses and multiple start times per year, giving students flexibility to start when ready and pace their study to match work or personal commitments.
This path leads to a graduate accounting credential that is appropriate for many accounting roles — whether you aim to work in auditing, financial reporting, or accounting management. For someone who wants a compromise between low cost and a credible degree, NKU’s MAcc gives value without demanding a huge investment.
6. University of South Dakota (USD) – US $484 per credit hour
The University of South Dakota offers a fully online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree designed for students who want high-quality accounting training without relocating or leaving work. The program meets the 150‑hour education requirement for the CPA exam in most states, making it ideal for those aiming for CPA licensure.
USD’s MAcc gives students options to focus on accounting, accounting analytics, business management, finance, or leadership. This flexibility allows you to tailor the degree to your career goals, whether in auditing, corporate accounting, taxation, consulting, or financial services. All courses are taught online but follow the same curriculum as the on-campus program, ensuring the degree maintains full credibility and rigor.
The program is fully online, letting students study on their own schedule, which is great for working professionals. Tuition is US $484 per credit hour, which is competitive compared with many other online accounting master’s programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Master of Accountancy (MAcc), and how is it different from an MBA in Accounting?
A MAcc is a graduate degree focused entirely on accounting topics, like auditing, taxation, managerial accounting, financial reporting, and accounting systems. An MBA with an accounting concentration covers business management first, then some accounting courses. If your goal is CPA licensure or advanced accounting roles, an MAcc is usually the better choice.
2. Can I complete a MAcc entirely online?
Yes. Many schools now offer fully online MAcc programs. You can study from anywhere without relocating. Classes are the same as on-campus courses; Professors, curriculum, and standards are identical. Lectures, assignments, and discussions are all done online.
3. How long does it take to finish an online MAcc?
Most online programs take about 12 to 24 months. The duration depends on your course load. Some schools offer accelerated options so you can pace your study around work or personal commitments.
4. How much does an online MAcc cost?
Tuition varies by school. Affordable programs start around US$484 per credit hour. Some state universities charge up to roughly US $1,000 per credit hour. The total cost depends on the number of credits, fees, and residency.
5. Will an online MAcc help me get a good accounting job?
Yes. Graduates can work in auditing, tax, corporate accounting, consulting, or financial services.
Many programs offer CPA exam preparation. They also provide career support and networking opportunities. Employers recognize degrees from accredited online programs the same as on-campus programs.