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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value accounting schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in accounting, balancing cost against outcomes.
Kennebec Valley Community College tops our 2027 list of the best value accounting schools in Maine. Located in the town of Fairfield, Kennebec Valley Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,156, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. Accounting graduates carry a median of $16,165 in student loans. Early-career accounting graduates make about $43,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Central Maine Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in accounting, landing the #2 spot this year. Central Maine Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Auburn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,140, compared with $7,020 for out-of-state students. Accounting graduates carry a median of $14,700 in student loans. Accounting graduates of Central Maine Community College earn a median of $43,934 early in their careers. Set against $14,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Maine At Presque Isle one of the best values for accounting. Set in the rural area of Presque Isle, University Of Maine At Presque Isle is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,402, with out-of-state students paying around $14,862. Accounting graduates carry a median of $23,434 in student loans. Early-career accounting graduates make about $41,148. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%.
Students looking for strong value in accounting will find it at University Of Southern Maine, which ranked #4. University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Portland. Students from in state pay about $12,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,940. Accounting graduates carry a median of $19,230 in student loans. Early-career accounting graduates make about $51,379. Set against $19,230 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.
University Of Maine At Augusta is a great value for students pursuing a degree in accounting, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Augusta, University Of Maine At Augusta is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,888, compared with $22,178 for out-of-state students. Accounting graduates carry a median of $29,503 in student loans. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from University Of Maine At Augusta generally make around $48,330. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Maine landed the #6 spot for accounting value this year. University Of Maine is a large public school located in the suburb of Orono. In-state tuition and fees average $13,326, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. Accounting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Accounting graduates of University Of Maine earn a median of $48,256 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Thomas College placed #7 among the best values for accounting. Located in the town of Waterville, Thomas College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,824. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the accounting program here. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from Thomas College generally make around $47,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Thomas College admits about 96% of applicants.
Husson University earned the #8 position for value in accounting this year. Located in the city of Bangor, Husson University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,304. Students borrow a median of $27,375 to complete the accounting program here. Early-career accounting graduates make about $57,574. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.