Looking for a Master's Degree in Accounting in North Carolina? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the Accounting field.
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You can improve your career prospects with the best degrees in North Carolina for accounting. Master's degree-seekers can qualify for a diverse array of advanced positions in the accounting workforce.
With a master's degree, individuals earn about $1,570 per week on average. This translates to about $6,300 per month and approximately $81,850 each year.
Accounting Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in North Carolina in the Accounting Profession
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for all occupations in North Carolina is $38,370, or $18.45 per hour, an average calculated from the 4,422,020 employees in North Carolina. The BLS reports the lowest 10% of earners in the state make $22,360 each year on average, while the highest 10% of earners make an average of $99,300. The following illustrates salary data for accountants and auditors in North Carolina:
Key
Accountants and Auditors in North Carolina
Accountants and Auditors Nationally
All Occupations in North Carolina
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Accountants and Auditors in North Carolina and Nationwide
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In terms of cost of living, North Carolina ranks 23rd out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). Cost of living indices compare specific states to a national average cost of living: The nationwide score is 100, and all locations in the U.S. are either higher (more expensive) or lower (less expensive). In North Carolina, the cost of living index currently stands at 95 — 5% lower than the national average. This table compares the North Carolina average cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and other factors to the national average.
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Accountant and auditor jobs are projected to grow by 6.9% from 2020 to 2030. The BLS projects an increase from 1,392,200 jobs in 2020 to 1,488,200 in 2030. Holding a master's degree typically qualifies graduates for these careers. Typical job titles include:
Accountants and auditors
Account Auditor
Accountant
Auditor
Auditor-In-Charge
CPA
Certified Public Accountant
Cost Accountant
Field Auditor
Financial Accountant
Master's Degrees in Accounting in North Carolina
#1 Masters Degrees in Accounting in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a flexible online master's in accounting. The master of accounting program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
The master's curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on accounting. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program recommends a background in accounting or a related field when applying.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 23%
Total Online Master's Programs: 14
Program Name: Master of accounting
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,552
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $28,278
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,019
Out-of-state
$34,198
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
30,092
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Masters Degrees in Accounting in North Carolina
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
Wake Forest University, located in Winston-Salem, offers a flexible online master's in accounting. The master of science in accountancy program emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for decision-making responsibilities. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.
The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in accounting. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in accounting.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. The program encourages graduate students to participate in hands-on experiences and networking events to grow their professional connections.
Wake Forest University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 30%
Total Online Master's Programs: 4
Program Name: Master of science in accountancy
Graduate Tuition In State: $38,650
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $38,650
Average Tuition
In-state
$56,722
Out-of-state
$56,722
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
8,789
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Masters Degrees in Accounting in North Carolina
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
The master's in accounting degree at North Carolina State University, located in Raleigh, uses a flexible distance learning format. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous master of accounting program. After completing a master's degree, candidates pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The master's curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on accounting. Learners choose electives or a specialization to stand out in a competitive job market. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in accounting or a related field.
Online enrollees complement the classroom experience with internship opportunities in their local area. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
North Carolina State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 45%
Total Online Master's Programs: 38
Program Name: Master of accounting
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,095
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,421
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,535
Out-of-state
$26,654
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
46%
Students Enrolled
36,042
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Masters Degrees in Accounting in North Carolina
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
The online master's in accounting program, offered by the University of North Carolina Wilmington, ranks as a top program. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the master of science in accountancy program. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.
The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in accounting. Learners prepare for focused career paths by choosing electives and concentrations. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in accounting before applying to the program.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Those who attend on campus can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library and gym. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.
University of North Carolina Wilmington at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 65%
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Program Name: Master of science in accountancy
Graduate Tuition In State: $4,719
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,548
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,443
Out-of-state
$18,508
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
17,915
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Masters Degrees in Accounting in North Carolina
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
Graduate students seeking an online accounting degree can enroll in the master's program at East Carolina University, located in Greenville. The master of science in accounting program strengthens specialized skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles with a higher earning potential. After completing a master's degree, candidates advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The master's curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in accounting. Learners individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in accounting before applying to the program.
Online enrollees can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
East Carolina University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 79%
Total Online Master's Programs: 41
Program Name: Master of science in accounting
Graduate Tuition In State: $4,749
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,898
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,452
Out-of-state
$20,729
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
28,798
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Master's Degree in Accounting
Financial aid can assist you as you pay for your education. Scholarships and fellowships help learners lower the cost of a degree. Students may also be eligible for federal and private student loans. Research prospective schools' financial aid offerings to discover available options.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) connects students to federal student aid opportunities.
Students should contact their school's financial aid department to pursue scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loans.
Average Cost of Attending College in North Carolina
The cost of attending college in North Carolina varies by institution. Though similar, there are key differences between public and private schools. The information below will assist you in determining whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you or not.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: North Carolina vs. National Average
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North Carolina
National Average
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Considering attending a private college or university? Generally, private schools charge higher tuition rates. Here is a graph that illustrates the number of North Carolina residents attending private colleges.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: North Carolina vs. National Average
Key
North Carolina
National Average
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salary types.
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Federal Student Loan Information
To pay for school, should you borrow student loans? When considering a loan, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Ensure you can make loan payments on time.
Think about whether a degree from a particular school will help you achieve your career goals.
Understand what type of repayment schedule will apply to your loan so it does not cause undue financial hardships.
Find out what students typically borrow by reviewing the data below.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
Tuition and average class size are among the main differences between online and on-campus degrees. Online programs offer many advantages, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. Typically, on-campus degrees are more expensive because of student fees, which are often optional for distance learners. Attending courses in person does, however, have a number of benefits, including the structured classroom environment.
Private colleges and public colleges differ in several ways. The cost of education at public and private schools varies. In public institutions, enrollees are often eligible for state grants and scholarships. Private schools typically offer merit scholarships to students who demonstrate academic achievement.
Private institutions often boast smaller class sizes, allowing learners to connect with their professors and learn more about the possibilities of their chosen field. In this article, we analyze some of the pros and cons of attending a private institution versus a public one.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the salaries of accountants and auditors in the state of North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the mean annual salary for accountants and auditors is $84,960 per year.
Are accounting majors in a high-demand field?
The total number of accountants and auditors is projected to grow by 6.9% from 2020 to 2030, signaling continued demand for these professionals.
Can I earn a master's in accounting online?
It is possible to earn an online master's degree in accounting. Most schools offer at least some online courses.
How long does it take for you to complete a master's degree?
Full-time enrollees usually complete master's degree programs in two years. This completion time varies by student.
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