Looking for a Master's Degree in Accounting in Virginia? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the Accounting field.
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The best degrees in Virginia for accounting are available at a variety of colleges and universities. A Master's degree will open doors for employment in diverse fields, and a master's degree is a great way to advance your career in your chosen field.
As a result, individuals who hold a master's degree earn an average of $1,574 per week, or $6,296 per month and $81,848 per year. With a master's degree, unemployment is at 2.6%, while individuals with only a high school diploma face a 6.2% employment rate.
Accounting Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in Virginia in the Accounting Profession
While completing your accounting degree, you will be able to develop your skills as an effective communicator, planner, and problem solver, as well as analyze data to make informed decisions. Among the most common jobs for accounting graduates include job analyst and accountant.
Across all occupations in Virginia, the median annual salary is $47,200, or $22.69 per hour. All 3,753,230 employees in Virginia fall under this stat. BLS projects that the lowest earners in the state will earn $23,190 a year, and the highest earners will receive $125,820 annually. By contrast, the following list shows the average salary for accountants and auditors in Virginia:
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Accountants and Auditors in Virginia
Accountants and Auditors Nationally
All Occupations in Virginia
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Accountants and Auditors in Virginia and Nationwide
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The state of Virginia is ranked number 32 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) on the cost of living index, according to MERIC. As a result, the cost of living index measures the national average cost of living against specific states. U.S. averages are based on 100, and all locations are either above or below that average (more expensive). Virginia's cost of living index is 103.2, which is 3.2% higher than the national average. On the following page, you will find a comparison of the average cost of groceries, housing, utilities, etc. in Virginia and the U.S.
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Accountants and auditors can expect a 6.9% growth rate in their profession over the coming decade. Currently, employment in occupation is projected to change from 1,392,200 in 2020, to 1,488,200 by 2030. Typically, a master's degree is required for these positions. Typical job titles include the following:
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 Virginia
#1 Masters Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Virginia, located in Charlottesville, enrolls master's students in its online accounting program. The master of science in accounting program strengthens industry-specific skills, preparing graduates for leadership responsibilities. After completing a master's degree, candidates pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners take specialized courses 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 coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. On-campus students have access to the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
University of Virginia at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 24%
Total Online Master's Programs: 8
Program Name: Master of science in accounting
Graduate Tuition In State: $16,578
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,770
Average Tuition
In-state
$15,772
Out-of-state
$49,819
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
23%
Students Enrolled
25,628
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
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 Virginia
Averett University
Danville, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in Danville, Virginia, Averett University hosts a top-ranked master's in accounting program. The master of accountancy program strengthens industry-specific skills, preparing graduates for leadership responsibilities. With a master's degree, candidates advance their current career or more into new career paths.
The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the accounting field. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. Applicants without a background in accounting may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.
Online enrollees meet any in-person requirements, such as internships, at approved sites in their local area. On-campus students have access to the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.
Averett University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 24%
Total Online Master's Programs: 11
Program Name: Master of accountancy
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,790
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $11,790
Average Tuition
In-state
$11,520
Out-of-state
$11,520
Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
9%
Students Enrolled
472
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
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 Virginia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, located in Blacksburg, enrolls master's students in its online accounting program. The master of accounting and information systems builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. 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 specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. The master's program recommends a background in accounting before applying to the program.
Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 70%
Total Online Master's Programs: 9
Program Name: Master of accounting and information systems
Graduate Tuition In State: $13,701
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,614
Average Tuition
In-state
$11,420
Out-of-state
$29,960
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
37,024
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
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 Virginia
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, William & Mary enrolls master's students in its top-ranked online accounting program. The master of accounting builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in accounting. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in accounting or a related field.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
William & Mary at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 38%
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Program Name: Master of accounting
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,516
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $28,305
Average Tuition
In-state
$17,168
Out-of-state
$40,089
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
42%
Students Enrolled
8,939
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
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 Virginia
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Graduate students seeking an online accounting degree can enroll in the master's program at James Madison University, located in Harrisonburg. The master of science in accounting program emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for decision-making responsibilities. After earning a master's degree, candidates also pursue careers in new industries.
The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to 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 complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.
James Madison University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 77%
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Program Name: Master of science in accounting
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,848
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,888
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,250
Out-of-state
$23,564
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
21,594
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
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
It is possible to obtain financial aid to help pay for college. Opportunities for financial aid include scholarships, grants, fellowships and work-study programs. The federal government may be able to assist some students in obtaining student loans. The college's financial aid office is a great resource for applicants who need help determining their eligibility for scholarships.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA is a great way to apply for federal student aid.
Students should contact the college's financial aid department for scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loan opportunities.
Average Cost of Attending College in Virginia
It is common for universities to charge varying tuition rates in Virginia. However, there are some commonalities between public and private institutions. For more information about attending a public institution, please review the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
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Virginia
National Average
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Have you ever considered attending a private college? Typically, private schools charge a higher rate for tuition. A graph that provides information about attending private colleges in Virginia is below.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
Key
Virginia
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
In order to pay for your education, have you considered borrowing student loans? You should keep in mind a number of factors before committing to a loan.
When it becomes time to repay the loan, you must ensure that you will be able to pay all payments on time.
You should think about whether earning a degree from a particular school is going to help you in your career goals if you decide to enroll.
You should understand the repayment schedule in order to ensure that it does not cause undue hardship on your finances once you have begun working.
Take a look at the following data to determine what students typically borrow.
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
The main differences between an online degree and a degree completed are class size and cost. An online degree program has the advantage of being flexible, affordable, and convenient. On-campus degrees are typically more expensive for distance students because of the presence of student fees. However, in-person classes provide many advantages that can't be found elsewhere.
There are many differences between public and private colleges. The cost will be different depending on whether you choose a public or private school for your degree. Typically, the government determines the costs for public institutions, which are covered by grants and scholarships. There are often merit scholarships available to students who demonstrate superior academic performance at private schools.
Private colleges and universities typically have smaller class sizes. This can be beneficial for students who want more individualized attention from professors. Consider the pros and cons of attending a private institution versus a public one before applying.
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 the state of Virginia, how much do accountants and auditors make?
Accountants and auditors make a mean annual salary of $87,850 in Virginia.
In today's environment, are occupations for accounting majors in demand?
The total number of accountants and auditors is expected to change by 6.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you get a master's degree in accounting online?
It is possible to earn an online master's degree in accounting. In today's climate, most schools offer at least some of their courses online.
How many years does it take to complete a master's degree?
A full-time master's degree normally takes two years to complete. There will be a difference between the completion time for part-time students and full-time students.
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