2026 Best Value Accounting and Finance Schools in the Southwest Region

1

East Central University
Ada, OK

For return on investment in accounting and finance, no school beat East Central University this year. Set in the town of Ada, East Central University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,032, while out-of-state students pay about $17,842. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete the accounting and finance program here. Accounting And Finance graduates of East Central University earn a median of $46,419 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.

2

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK

Northeastern State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in accounting and finance, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Tahlequah, Northeastern State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the accounting and finance program here. Soon after graduation, accounting and finance degree recipients from Northeastern State University generally make around $49,353. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Northeastern State University admits about 100% of applicants.

3

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value accounting and finance schools. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Accounting And Finance graduates carry a median of $19,450 in student loans. Soon after graduation, accounting and finance degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $51,506. That is a strong return on a $19,450 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

4

Strayer University Texas
Farmers Branch, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Strayer University Texas earned it the #4 place for accounting and finance. Set in the suburb of Farmers Branch, Strayer University Texas is a mid-sized private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,920. Accounting And Finance graduates carry a median of $54,989 in student loans. Accounting And Finance graduates of Strayer University Texas earn a median of $56,778 early in their careers. Set against $54,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Texas A And M University College Station
College Station, TX

Students looking for strong value in accounting and finance will find it at Texas A And M University College Station, which ranked #5. Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public school located in the city of College Station. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Accounting And Finance graduates carry a median of $17,641 in student loans. Early-career accounting and finance graduates make about $67,802. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.