by our College Data Analytics Team
[Accounting](/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 32 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value accounting schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the accounting degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Mt Hood Community College, our #1 best value for accounting in Oregon. Located in the suburb of Gresham, Mt Hood Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,247 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,819. Students borrow a median of $18,767 to complete the accounting program here. Early-career accounting graduates make about $53,948. That is a strong return on a $18,767 median debt.
Clackamas Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value accounting schools. Located in the suburb of Oregon City, Clackamas Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,345, while out-of-state students pay about $14,265. Typical student debt for accounting graduates is $13,915. Early-career accounting graduates make about $31,280. Set against $13,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in accounting will find it at Chemeketa Community College, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Salem, Chemeketa Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,345, with out-of-state students paying around $14,040. Typical student debt for accounting graduates is $15,755. Early-career accounting graduates make about $42,808. Set against $15,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes Klamath Community College one of the best values for accounting. Set in the town of Klamath Falls, Klamath Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,965 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,025. Students borrow a median of $14,644 to complete the accounting program here. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from Klamath Community College generally make around $24,370. Set against $14,644 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Portland Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value accounting schools. Located in the city of Portland, Portland Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $10,440. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete the accounting program here. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from Portland Community College generally make around $40,816. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt.
Linn Benton Community College came in at #6 for value in accounting this year. Located in the city of Albany, Linn Benton Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,317, compared with $16,736 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,959 to complete the accounting program here. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from Linn Benton Community College generally make around $43,257. That is a strong return on a $17,959 median debt.
Portland State University placed #7 among the best values for accounting. Set in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Accounting graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from Portland State University generally make around $58,069. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern Oregon University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value accounting schools. Located in the town of La Grande, Eastern Oregon University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,184, compared with $24,729 for out-of-state students. Accounting graduates carry a median of $27,765 in student loans. Accounting graduates of Eastern Oregon University earn a median of $43,041 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,765 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Southern Oregon University landed the #9 spot for accounting value this year. Southern Oregon University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Ashland. Students from in state pay about $12,762 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,887. Accounting graduates carry a median of $24,951 in student loans. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from Southern Oregon University generally make around $41,038. Set against $24,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Oregon State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value accounting schools. Set in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for accounting graduates is $22,000. Accounting graduates of Oregon State University earn a median of $53,694 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
University Of Oregon ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value accounting schools. Located in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. Accounting graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Early-career accounting graduates make about $60,521. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants.
Linfield College came in at #12 for value in accounting this year. Linfield College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of McMinnville. Students from in state pay about $51,736 in tuition and fees. Accounting graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Accounting graduates of Linfield College earn a median of $58,914 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Pacific University earned the #13 position for value in accounting this year. Set in the suburb of Forest Grove, Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,374. Students borrow a median of $26,170 to complete the accounting program here. Early-career accounting graduates make about $60,850. Set against $26,170 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Portland earned the #14 position for value in accounting this year. Set in the city of Portland, University Of Portland is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,100. Accounting graduates carry a median of $24,020 in student loans. Early-career accounting graduates make about $54,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 32 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.