by our College Data Analytics Team
[Accounting](/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 12 schools to find the best return on investment for accounting students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in accounting, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Wichita Area Technical College, our #1 best value for accounting in Kansas. Set in the city of Wichita, Wichita Area Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,237. Students borrow a median of $11,828 to complete the accounting program here. Early-career accounting graduates make about $35,358. That is a strong return on a $11,828 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wichita State University earned it the #2 place for accounting. Set in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete the accounting program here. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from Wichita State University generally make around $59,448. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Johnson County Community College one of the best values for accounting. Set in the city of Overland Park, Johnson County Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Accounting graduates carry a median of $13,532 in student loans. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from Johnson County Community College generally make around $46,473. That is a strong return on a $13,532 median debt.
Fort Hays State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in accounting, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Hays, Fort Hays State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the accounting program here. Early-career accounting graduates make about $56,503. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants.
Washburn University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value accounting schools. Located in the city of Topeka, Washburn University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,945, with out-of-state students paying around $20,949. Students borrow a median of $20,853 to complete the accounting program here. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from Washburn University generally make around $55,197. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Butler Community College came in at #6 for value in accounting this year. Butler Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of El Dorado. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,541, compared with $6,271 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,407 to complete the accounting program here. Accounting graduates of Butler Community College earn a median of $37,496 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Pittsburg State University earned the #7 position for value in accounting this year. Located in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Accounting graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from Pittsburg State University generally make around $43,624. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Kansas came in at #8 for value in accounting this year. Located in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Students borrow a median of $21,219 to complete the accounting program here. Early-career accounting graduates make about $58,789. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Emporia State University came in at #9 for value in accounting this year. Set in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,106, compared with $15,419 for out-of-state students. Accounting graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Early-career accounting graduates make about $50,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Kansas State University came in at #10 for value in accounting this year. Kansas State University is a very large public school located in the city of Manhattan. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete the accounting program here. Early-career accounting graduates make about $61,691. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants.
Benedictine College placed #11 among the best values for accounting. Located in the town of Atchison, Benedictine College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $36,350. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the accounting program here. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from Benedictine College generally make around $58,320. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Southwestern College came in at #12 for value in accounting this year. Set in the town of Winfield, Southwestern College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,822 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for accounting graduates is $28,105. Early-career accounting graduates make about $58,036. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.