Looking for a Master's Degree in Accounting in Pennsylvania? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the Accounting field.
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The best degrees in Pennsylvania for accounting will teach you the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. Master's degrees are an excellent way to prepare for work in diverse fields, and graduates with a master's degree are able to move further in their careers.
Additionally, individuals with a master's degree earn $1,574 per week, $6,296 a month, or $81,848 annually. Those who graduate from a master's program are more likely to be employed, while those with only have a high school diploma face a 6.2% rate of unemployment.
Accounting Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in Pennsylvania in the Accounting Profession
With an accounting degree, you learn to become an effective communicator, planner, and problem solver who can analyze data to make informed decisions. Typically, accountants have strong writing and speaking skills, as well as analytical reasoning abilities. Some of the common jobs for accounting graduates are job analysts and accountants.
The median salary in Pennsylvania is $44,900 a year, or $21.59 per hour. This is the case for the 5,583,410 workers in the state. The BLS reports that the lowest 10% of earners earn $23,120 a year, and the highest 10% earn $99,330 per year. The following is a comparison of the wages for accountants and auditors in Pennsylvania.
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Accountants and Auditors in Pennsylvania
Accountants and Auditors Nationally
All Occupations in Pennsylvania
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Accountants and Auditors in Pennsylvania and Nationwide
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MERIC ranks Pennsylvania as number 15 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) on its cost of living index. Cost of living indexes measure the average cost of living in specific states against the national average. According to the U.S. average, all locations are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) that average. On a 100-point scale, Pennsylvania has a cost of living index of 97.9, which is 2.1% lower than the national average. Learners interested in relocating to Pennsylvania can use the cost of living comparison to ensure it’s a right fit for their situation.
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As a profession, the total number of accountant and auditor jobs are expected to change at a rate of 6.9% over the next decade. The BLS expects the occupation's total employment to change from 1,392,200 in 2020 to 1,488,200 in 2030. Having a master's degree is sufficient to qualify for these positions. A typical job title would be:
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 Pennsylvania
#1 Masters Degrees in Accounting in Pennsylvania
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Graduate students interested in a master's in accounting can earn their degree from Villanova University. The master of accounting with data analytics program uses a rigorous curriculum to prepare graduates for advanced roles in the field. A master's degree can also lead candidates to new career paths.
The master's curriculum explores research and methodologies. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in accounting or a related field.
Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, like the library and gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
Villanova University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 28%
Total Online Master's Programs: 17
Program Name: Master of accounting with data analytics
Graduate Tuition In State: $20,506
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $20,506
Average Tuition
In-state
$56,730
Out-of-state
$56,730
Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
31%
Students Enrolled
11,032
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Masters Degrees in Accounting in Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh offers an online master's in accounting. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the master of science in accounting program. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new career paths.
The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches to accounting. Learners individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. Applicants without a degree in accounting or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Students who attend on campus can access the library and gym, as well as other amenities and facilities available at most institutions. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
University of Pittsburgh at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 57%
Total Online Master's Programs: 6
Program Name: Master of science in accounting
Graduate Tuition In State: $23,530
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $39,898
Average Tuition
In-state
$18,628
Out-of-state
$32,656
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
32,277
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
23%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Masters Degrees in Accounting in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
4 years
Campus
Based in University Park, Pennsylvania State University hosts a top-rated online master's in accounting. The master of accounting program strengthens specialized skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles with a higher earning potential. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum emphasizes current research in accounting. Learners choose electives or a specialization to stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program recommends a background in accounting before applying to the program.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
Pennsylvania State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 76%
Program Name: Master of accounting
Graduate Tuition In State: $21,960
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $37,694
Average Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Masters Degrees in Accounting in Pennsylvania
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Temple University enrolls master's students in its top-ranked online accounting program. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous master of accountancy program. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives. Learners choose electives or a specialization to stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in accounting or a related field.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their area. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Temple University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 60%
Total Online Master's Programs: 10
Program Name: Master of accountancy
Graduate Tuition In State: $16,956
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,346
Average Tuition
In-state
$16,080
Out-of-state
$28,992
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
37,236
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Masters Degrees in Accounting in Pennsylvania
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Duquesne University offers an online master's in accounting. The master of science in accountancy program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to accounting. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. The master's program builds on prior experience during a bachelor's program.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. The common facilities and services offered at most universities, such as the library and gym, are accessible to students who live on campus. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
Duquesne University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 74%
Total Online Master's Programs: 9
Program Name: Master of science in accountancy
Graduate Tuition In State: $23,580
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,580
Average Tuition
In-state
$41,892
Out-of-state
$41,892
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
8,830
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
82%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financing a Master's Degree in Accounting
Many opportunities for financial aid are available to help students cover college costs. Financial aid includes scholarships, grants, fellowships and work-study programs. In addition to federal and private student loans, some students may qualify for scholarships. The college's financial aid office is a great resource for applicants who need help determining their eligibility for aid.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
Apply for federal student aid by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
As a prospective student, you can ask your school's financial aid department about scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan options.
Average Cost of Attending College in Pennsylvania
The cost of attending college in Pennsylvania varies based on the institution. Are there any differences between the private and public sectors? For more information on attending a public institution, please review the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
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Pennsylvania
National Average
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Would you consider attending a private college or university? In general, private colleges charge more for tuition. According to the graph below, private colleges in Pennsylvania have a higher rate of attendance than public colleges.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
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Pennsylvania
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Are you considering taking out student loans to pay for your education? Before you take out a loan, there are a few things you should think about before committing to one.
First, you need to make sure you will be able to pay all payments on time and repay the loan by the due date.
If you are planning to advance your career, you should think about whether earning a degree from a particular school will help you.
In order to avoid financial hardship once you enter the workforce, it is crucial that you understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply.
You can determine what students tend to borrow by reviewing the following data.
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
Among the main differences between an online degree and a degree completed on campus are the cost and the size of the class. Online degree programs are known for their flexibility, affordability, and convenience. On-campus degrees are typically more expensive. This is because student fees are optional for distance students. Attending classes does, however, have a number of benefits.
There are a number of differences that exist between public and private colleges. Generally, public colleges charge lower tuition rates than private colleges. For public institutions, the government determines the costs, and scholarships and grants are funded by the government as well. At private schools, merit-based scholarships tend to be available for students with high academic achievement.
Students attending private colleges may also benefit from smaller classes, allowing them to connect with their professors and gain a more comprehensive understanding of their field. In this article, we will 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
In Pennsylvania, how much do accountants and auditors make?
The mean annual wage for in-state accountants and auditors is $79,200.
Do accounting majors lead to high-demand careers?
The total number of accountants and auditors is expected to change by 6.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Can I study for a master's degree in accounting online?
A master's degree in accounting is possible to obtain online. At least some online courses are included in most schools' programs in today's environment.
In order to complete a master's degree, how long does it take?
Full-time students can typically earn a master's degree in two years. For part-time students, the completion time will vary.
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