The rising cost of college is a primary reason for the decreasing college enrollment. College tuition inflation was 3.63% per year, on average (EDI, 2010-2023). There are also concerns about the value of a college degree and anxiety about student loans.

These factors contributed to the 15% drop in total undergraduate enrollment (NCES, 2010-2021). Colleges have also been reeling from decreased retention and graduation rates.

No wonder, then, that return on investment (ROI) is a top priority for students and their families. You’ll want to get the best value for your time, effort, and money.

If you want it, consider finance and accounting degrees, especially when paired with certifications. Finance and accounting are stable, high-demand, and well-paying career fields.

In this article, we’ll discuss the colleges that offer the best value finance degrees – and accounting, too. Best value means the balance between cost, salary potential, job placement, and reputation. We’ll discuss tips for maximizing your ROI, too.

Indeed, Value Colleges aim to help students make the smartest educational investments.

Related:

• Top Business Degrees with High ROI and Low Tuition
• Top Most Affordable Online Accounting Bachelors Degrees
• Affordable MBA Programs with High Salary Potential
• CPA Degree Requirements with a Bachelors in Accounting
• Top Career Options with a Bachelors in Accounting

Why Finance and Accounting Are Smart Career Choices

Students in finance and accounting degree programs gain a solid foundation in:

• Financial principles and practices
• Quantitative analysis
• Economic theory
• Ethical business and finance practices

Finance and accounting graduates will find jobs in business and financial occupations. Accountants and auditors, financial analysts, and budget analysts are examples. Indeed, these are versatile degrees that graduates enjoy successful careers in fields like:

• Corporate Finance
• Public Accounting
• Government Accounting 
• Banking and Finance
• Consulting and Advisory Services

Business and financial occupations also enjoy high salaries, averaging $80,920 per year.

There’s also a strong job market demand for business and financial occupations. Accountants and auditors have a 6% projected job growth (2023-2033). Financial analysts are at 9% and management analysts at 11% within the same period.

Finance and accounting careers also offer strong upward mobility, with opportunities for licensure and certification. Being a CPA, CFA, or CMA, among others, is key to career growth.

So, consider best value finance degrees – and accounting, too – if you want these benefits.

What Makes a Degree “Best Value”?

Here are the factors that make for best value finance degrees – add in accounting, too.

Tuition and fees

Cost is a primary consideration for many college students. Affordable tuition and fees are a start. However, financial aid is also necessary to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Graduate earnings and ROI

Consider the median starting salaries against the cost of attendance. Then, factor in long-term earnings potential.

Accreditation

No accreditation, no federal financial aid, no recognition from employers. Look for regional accreditation first, then programmatic accreditation (AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE).

Flexibility

Online and hybrid options accommodate busy schedules, especially among working professionals.

Career support and internship opportunities

Look for strong student support services, such as academic advising and tutoring. Career support services, including internship placements, are a must, too.

Job placement rate

High job placement rates signal effective preparation for workforce entry among students.

We selected the best value finance degrees – and accounting, too – based on these data sources.

• IPEDS
• College Scorecard
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• National Center for Education Statistics

Quality, affordability, and career opportunities were the guiding factors in our selection.

Top 10 Best Value Finance and Accounting Degree Programs

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

UF offers many of the best value accounting degrees via its Warrington College of Business.

Degrees Offered:

• BS in Accounting
• BSBA in Finance
• BSAc/MAcc

Tuition Cost: $6,380/year (in-state);  $28,658/year (out-of-state)

Accreditation: SACSCOC and AACSB

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $56,000-$104,900 / 95%

Unique Value Points:

• High CPA exam pass rates
• Comprehensive students and career support services

Brigham Young University

Provo, Utah

BYU offers affordable finance programs despite being a private research university.

Degrees Offered:

• BS in Accounting
• BS in Finance

Tuition Cost:  $3,344/semester (LDS); $6,688 /semester (Non-LDS)

Accreditation: NWCCU and AACSB

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $73,000-$76,000 / 90%

Unique Value Points:

• Emphasis on ethical leadership
• Extensive employer connections

CUNY Baruch College

New York, New York

Being a public college, CUNY is able to offer affordable accounting degrees.

Degrees Offered:

• BBA in Accounting
• BBA in Finance
• BBA/MS Path to CPA

Tuition Cost: $7,461/year (in-state); $19,131/year (out-of-state)

Accreditation: MSCHE and AACSB

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $46,400-$50,000 / 95%

Unique Value Points:

• Strategic location equals great internship and job opportunities
• Affordable tuition boosts ROI

Indiana University – Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana

IU Bloomington’s affordable tuition and high placement rate equal high ROI finance degrees.

Degrees Offered:

• BSB with specializations in Finance, Accounting, and Real Estate

Tuition Cost: $12,142/year (in-state); $41,890 (out-of-state)

Accreditation:  HLC and AACSB

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $76,000-$80,000 / 95%

Unique Value Points:

• Direct admission option
• Extensive alumni network

University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia

UGA’s high ROI accounting degrees are among the reasons for its popularity.

Degrees Offered:

• BBA in Accounting
• BBA in Finance

Tuition Cost: $11,180 (in-state); $30,220 (out-of-state)

Accreditation: SACSCOC and AACSB

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $67,000-$75,000 / 90%

Unique Value Points:

• Comprehensive student and career support services
• Strong industry connections

Texas A&M University

College Station, Texas

TAMU is the go-to place for top finance degrees for ROI in the state.

Degrees Offered:

• BBA in Accounting
• BBA in Finance

Tuition Cost: $12,841/year (in-state); $40,328/year (out-of-state)

Accreditation: SACSCOC and AACSB

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $67,000-$75,000 / 94% 

Unique Value Points:

• Extensive Aggie alumni network boosts job opportunities
• State-of-the-art facilities

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Go to UNC-Chapel Hill for low-cost accounting degree programs.

Degrees Offered:

• BSBA with specializations in Accounting and Finance, among others

Tuition Cost: $7,020/semester (in-state); $39,330/semester (out-of-state)

Accreditation: SACSCOC and AACSB

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $67,000-$75,000 / 95%

Unique Value Points:

• Robust alumni network and industry connections
• Commitment to affordability (i.e., financial aid, need-blind admissions)

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota

Check out UMN Twin Cities’ affordable yet quality programs, too. 

Degrees Offered:

• BSB with concentrations in Accounting and Finance

Tuition Cost: $17,370/year (in-state); $38,518/year (out-of-state)

Accreditation: HLC and AACSB

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $67,000-$73,000 / 90%

Unique Value Points:

• Robust ties to Fortune 500 companies
• Study-abroad programs
• Dedicated career development resources

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida

Florida State University (FSU) is among the top finance and accounting colleges. It is nationally recognized.

Degrees Offered:

• BS in Accounting
• BS in Finance

Tuition Cost: $6,517/year (in-state); $21,683/year (out-of-state)

Accreditation: SACSCOC and AACSB

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $50,000-$60,000 / 95%

Unique Value Points:

• Accelerated pathways (BS-to-MAcc and BS-to-MS Finance)
• National recognition for its high ROI

Arizona State University

Come to ASU if you’re looking for quality, affordability, and diversity.

Degrees Offered:

• BS in Accountancy
• BS in Finance

Tuition Cost: $12,223/year (in-state); $33,139/year (out-of-state)

Accreditation: HLC and AACSB

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $60,000-$65,000 / 96%

Unique Value Points:

• Analytical curriculum
• Investment opportunities available

 

Online and Hybrid Options Offering Great Value

Nontraditional students, such as working professionals, will enjoy online and hybrid options. The best programs offer quality, flexibility, and affordability as well.

Western Governors University

Millcreek, Utah

WGU offers accounting and finance degrees with high salary potential.

Degrees Offered:

• BS in Accounting
• BS in Finance

Tuition Cost: $3,755/six-month term

Accreditation: NWCCU and ACBSP

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $59,000-$68,000 / 95%  

Unique Value Points:

• Adult learner-focused (i.e., competency-based education) 
• Flat-rate tuition
• Fully online programs

Southern New Hampshire University

Between Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire

SNHU is a private university recognized for its high-quality education.

Degrees Offered:

• BS in Accounting
• BS in Accounting and Finance

Tuition Cost: About $17,200/year

Accreditation: NECHE and ACBSP

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $55,000-$59,000 / 95%

Unique Value Points:

• Transfer-friendly policies
• Internship and career support services

University of Massachusetts–Amherst (Isenberg)

Amherst, Massachusetts

The public land-grant research university attracts nontraditional students, too.

Degrees Offered:

• BBA in Accounting
• BBA in Finance

Tuition Cost: $16,591/year (in-state); $$38,527/year (out-of-state)

Accreditation: NECHE and AACSB

Median Starting Salary/Job Outcomes: $67,000-$72,000 / 93%  

Unique Value Points:

• Strong regional reputation
• Hands-on learning experiences

Maximizing ROI: Tips for Students

• Minimize your student loan debt by choosing from public and online options. Being an in-state student also helps.
• Take full advantage of internships, co-ops, and professional certifications.
• Apply for FAFSA. Explore scholarships and grants tailored specifically for business students.
• Consider 4+1 and accelerated master’s degree programs for a quick boost in salary potential. 

Conclusion

Choosing from best value finance degrees – or accounting, if it’s more your line – is a good decision. These degrees create a solid foundation for successful careers in business and finance.

But it’s also crucial to weigh the cost and long-term benefits before making your choice. We at Value Colleges are ready to help you make smart decisions. Be sure to explore more rankings and resources on our site, too.