MS in Accounting in USA: Top Colleges, Fees & Scope

There is a growing need for skilled accounting professionals worldwide, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees over 6% employment growth for auditors and accountants through 2032. Pursuing an MS in Accounting in USA not only places you at the heart of this expanding market but also gives you advanced skills in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and regulatory frameworks.

The USA has more than 25 of the world's top 100 accounting and finance schools. International students have the best career opportunities with leading companies such as Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG that actively recruit students from U.S. campuses.

It is time to position yourself at the forefront of international finance and compliance standards in a world where businesses are increasingly borderless.

Why Study Accounting in USA?

Here are the top reasons why international students choose to study accounting in USA:

1. Global Recognition and University Rankings

The USA is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities for finance and accounting. According to QS Rankings 2024, three universities offering Accounting graduate programs USA are among the top 15 globally, making your degree highly valued across borders.

2. GRE/GMAT Waiver Opportunities

Many universities, including elite institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and New York University, now offer GRE or GMAT waivers. This test-optional approach makes it easier and more accessible for international students to study accounting in USA.

3. Proximity to Global Accounting Giants

The Big Four accounting firms—Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young, and KPMG—are headquartered in the USA. Graduates of Accounting Master degree USA programs have direct access to these firms, with starting salaries of around USD 85,000.

Top Universities for MS in Accounting USA

Here are some of the top universities for MS in Accounting USA that consistently rank high worldwide.

Top Universities for MS in Accounting USA

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QS 2025 Rank (Accounting & Finance)	University	Top Courses	Application Deadlines	Tuition Fee (USD/year)
#11	University of Pennsylvania	MS in Data Science, MBA (Wharton), MS in Computer and Information Technology	Round 1: Sept; Round 2: Jan; Round 3: April	Year 1: 84,830; Year 2: 83,830
#43	New York University	MS in Data Science, MS in Business Analytics, MBA (Stern)	November of every year	62,250
#34	Columbia University	MS in Data Science, MS in Business Analytics, MBA	Deadline to be announced in August 2025	54,144
#44	University of Michigan	MS in Data Science, MBA (Ross), MS in Information	Sept 2024 to April 2025	57,582
#208	Ohio State University	MS in Data Analytics, MBA (Fisher), MS in Computer Science and Engineering	Space-available deadline: June 14, 2025	60,690
#89	Penn State University, Great Valley	MS in Data Analytics, MBA, MS in Information Science	Fall: July 2025; Spring: Dec 6, 2025	37,639
#152	Michigan State University	MS in Business Data Science & Analytics, MBA (Broad), MS in Computer Science	Spring: Oct 2025; Summer/Fall: Jan 2025	58,425
#631-640	Boston College	MS in Applied Economics, MS in Business Analytics, MBA	Applications open from Oct 2024 to May 2025	66,540
#596	University of Texas at Dallas	MS in Data Science, MS in Business Analytics, MBA	April 2025	Admission Fee: 7,500; Year 1: 21,500; Year 2: 29,000

MS in Accounting in USA: Admission Requirements

When applying for Accounting graduate programs USA, universities have specific GPA and English proficiency requirements for international students.

MS in Accounting in USA: Admission Requirements

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University	GPA Requirements	English Language Requirements
University of Pennsylvania	3.0 GPA or higher, with competitive GMAT/GRE (Avg. GMAT: 728, Avg. GRE Verbal & Quant: 162)
University of Michigan	3.2 GPA (85%) with relevant experience	TOEFL iBT: 100
New York University	3.0 GPA (85%) from a recognized university	TOEFL iBT: 100
University of Texas at Dallas	3.0 GPA (85%)	TOEFL iBT: 80
Boston College	3.6 GPA (90%)	IELTS: 7.5 (min. 7 per band)
Ohio State University	No specific GPA requirement	IELTS: 7 (min. 6.5 per band)
Michigan State University	3.0 GPA (85%)	IELTS: 7 (min. 6.5 per band)
University of Dallas	No specific GPA requirement	IELTS: 6.5 (min. 6 per band)
Pennsylvania State University	3.0 GPA (85%)	IELTS: 6.5 (min. 6 per band)
Columbia University	No minimum GPA, but requires GMAT/GRE scores	IELTS: 6.5 (min. 7 per band)

Confused about what's true and what's not when it comes to college admissions? Check out 6 common college admission myths and get the facts to help you navigate the application process with confidence.

US Student Visa Requirements for a Masters in Accounting USA

To pursue a Masters in Accounting USA, international students must apply for a US F1 student visa. Below are the key documents required to support your visa application:

Academic transcripts and mark sheets translated into English.
Confirmation page of the DS-160 visa application form.
SEVIS fee payment receipt as proof of registration in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
Valid standardized test scores (if required by the university).
A recent passport-size photograph meeting visa specifications.
A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended stay.
Proof of financial resources showing your ability to fund your education and living expenses in the USA.
Form I-20 issued by a SEVP-approved university, signed by both the student and an official from the institution.
Evidence demonstrating your genuine intention to return to your home country after completing your education.

Cost of MS in Accounting in USA for International Students

Planning your budget is a key step when choosing to study accounting in USA. The total cost of MS in Accounting in USA includes both tuition fees and the cost of living. Below is a breakdown of the major costs associated with pursuing an Accounting Master degree USA:

Tuition Fees for Masters in Accounting USA

The tuition fees for international students range from USD 5,612 to USD 84,874 annually. This variation depends on the ranking and reputation of the university, as well as the program structure.

Tuition Fees for Masters in Accounting USA

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University	Program	Annual Tuition Fees (USD)
University of Southern California (USC)	Master of Accounting (MAcc)	69,036
University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)	Master's in Professional Accounting (MPA)	48,000 – 52,000
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)	39,000 – 42,000
Indiana University (Kelley School of Business)	Master of Science in Accounting	44,000 – 47,000
University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)	Master of Accounting (MAcc)	63,254
Boston College (Carroll School of Management)	Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)	58,700

Estimated Cost of Living in the USA

Living expenses in the USA are high due to the superior quality of life, safety, and healthcare facilities offered. Here is an estimated annual breakdown for international students:

Estimated Cost of Living in the USA

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Category	Estimated Cost
Residence	USD 18,450
Food	USD 3,480
Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water)	USD 2,160
Internet	USD 1,080
Transport	USD 840
Miscellaneous	USD 3,500
Total Estimated Cost of Living	USD 29,510

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Scholarships for MS in Accounting in USA for International Students

Given the high tuition and living expenses, securing financial aid can significantly reduce the cost of MS in Accounting in USA. These scholarships are offered by universities, government bodies, and private organizations to support international students pursuing their academic goals. Many programs provide merit-based, need-based, and assistantship opportunities to help ease the financial burden of studying in the USA.

Here's a list of popular scholarships:

Academic Excellence Fellowship: Offered to students with a strong academic record in MBA programs.
AICPA Foundation Scholarship: Available for those enrolled in a Masters in Accounting in USA.
Satish and Yasmin Gupta College of Business Graduate Scholarship: For students pursuing an MBA or MS program.
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships: Open to students from countries with active Rotary clubs and at least two years of college education.
Fulbright Scholarships for Indians: For Indian students showing academic excellence and English proficiency.
Inlaks Scholarship: For Indian nationals with 65–75% academic marks.
AAUW International Fellowship: Available for non-US women pursuing master’s or doctoral studies in the USA.
JN Tata Endowment Fund (Loan Scholarship): For Indian students with a minimum of 60% in a bachelor’s degree.

Check out our guide on the top 20 scholarships for international students in the USA in 2025 and find the perfect scholarship to fund your education!

Scope of Accounting Degree in USA

Pursuing a Masters in Accounting USA not only provides a world-class education but also opens the door to a wide array of career opportunities. Here's a snapshot of popular job roles and their corresponding annual salaries:

Scope of Accounting Degree in USA

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Job Role	Average Salary (USD/year)
Accountant	61,165
Staff Accountant	56,470
Senior Accountant	77,110
Accounting Manager	88,295
Financial Controller	97,420
Associate Auditor	62,302
Financial Analyst	69,785
Tax Manager	105,681

Pursuing an MS in Accounting in USA offers international students a globally recognized degree, excellent career prospects, and exposure to world-class education. With top-ranked universities, scholarship opportunities, and strong industry demand, this program is a valuable pathway for those aiming to build a successful career in accounting and finance.

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