by our College Data Analytics Team
[Accounting](/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 15 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for accounting students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in accounting, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in accounting, no school beat Great Falls College Montana State University this year. Set in the city of Great Falls, Great Falls College Montana State University is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,028 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,911. Median earnings reach $38,034 ten years out.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Helena College University Of Montana earned it the #2 place for accounting. Located in the city of Helena, Helena College University Of Montana is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,106, while out-of-state students pay about $11,278. Typical student debt for accounting graduates is $20,503. Accounting graduates of Helena College University Of Montana earn a median of $47,160 early in their careers. Set against $20,503 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The University Of Montana came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value accounting schools. The University Of Montana is a large public school located in the city of Missoula. In-state tuition and fees average $8,552, compared with $33,671 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for accounting graduates is $23,500. Accounting graduates of The University Of Montana earn a median of $53,982 early in their careers. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Montana admits about 96% of applicants.
Montana State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in accounting, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $33,287. Students borrow a median of $23,635 to complete the accounting program here. Accounting graduates of Montana State University earn a median of $64,396 early in their careers. Set against $23,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
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The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 15 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.