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.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 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.
Williston State College earned the #1 spot for value among accounting schools in North Dakota. Set in the town of Williston, Williston State College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,114. Students borrow a median of $15,400 to complete the accounting program here. Soon after graduation, accounting degree recipients from Williston State College generally make around $42,984. That is a strong return on a $15,400 median debt.
Dickinson State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in accounting, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Dickinson, Dickinson State University is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,118. Students borrow a median of $27,321 to complete the accounting program here. Accounting graduates of Dickinson State University earn a median of $51,006 early in their careers. Set against $27,321 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 37%.
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value accounting schools. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the city of Fargo. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical student debt for accounting graduates is $23,600. Accounting graduates of North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of $58,087 early in their careers. Set against $23,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Mary one of the best values for accounting. University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Bismarck. Students from in state pay about $22,356 in tuition and fees. Accounting graduates carry a median of $26,983 in student loans. Early-career accounting graduates make about $65,565. Set against $26,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Mary admits about 75% of applicants.
University Of North Dakota is a great value for students pursuing a degree in accounting, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $24,780 to complete the accounting program here. Accounting graduates of University Of North Dakota earn a median of $61,280 early in their careers. Set against $24,780 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants.
Jamestown College earned the #6 position for value in accounting this year. Set in the town of Jamestown, Jamestown College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $24,990. Typical student debt for accounting graduates is $27,000. Early-career accounting graduates make about $59,681. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
The ranking above is published 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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
