Looking for a Master's Degree in Accounting in Washington? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the Accounting field.
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Looking to begin an exciting career that’s rewarding and fun? Start your search with the best degrees in Washington for accounting. Master's degree-seekers can apply to diverse career opportunities, and a master's degree can open doors to further your employment in all fields.
In addition, the average income of an individual with a master's degree is about $1,574 per week.
Accounting Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in Washington in the Accounting Profession
Earning an accounting degree can be very beneficial for those seeking a career in finance or business. Common courses of an accounting degree program include financial accounting, tax accounting, and auditing. Individuals with accounting degrees hold various job titles, which may include positions such as financial analyst, accountant, and controller.
In Washington, the median salary is $50,450 annually or $24.25 per hour. The number includes a total of 3,205,930 employees. The BLS reports that the lowest 10% of earners in the state earn $30,460 a year, and the highest earners earn $127,470. The following data shows the earnings for accountants and auditors in Washington compared to other states.
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Accountants and Auditors in Washington
Accountants and Auditors Nationally
All Occupations in Washington
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Accountants and Auditors in Washington and Nationwide
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Based on the MERIC cost of living index, Washington ranks number 40 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). According to the cost of living index, the average cost of living in the United States is compared with the cost of living in specific locations in the country. Based on a U.S. average of 100, all locations within the country are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive). In comparison with the national average, Washington's cost of living index is 113.9, which is 13.9% higher. Interested in relocating to Washington? Use our cost of living comparison to see if it's the right fit for you.
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Over the next decade, accountants and auditors are expected to grow by 6.9%. There is a projected change in employment from 1,392,200 in 2020 to 1,488,200 in 2030 from the BLS. Degrees are required for most of these positions. The most common job titles are:
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 Washington
#1 Masters Degrees in Accounting in Washington
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in Seattle, the University of Washington offers an online master's in accounting. The master of professional accounting program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. A master's degree can also lead candidates to new career paths.
The master's curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of accounting. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants who majored in accounting or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. 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 also provide professional networking opportunities.
University of Washington at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 52%
Total Online Master's Programs: 10
Program Name: Master of professional accounting
Graduate Tuition In State: $18,198
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $32,439
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,629
Out-of-state
$37,998
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
56%
Students Enrolled
48,149
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Masters Degrees in Accounting in Washington
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
Bothell, WA
4 years
Campus
The University of Washington-Bothell Campus offers an online master's in accounting. The master of science in accounting program uses a rigorous curriculum to prepare graduates for advanced roles in the field. Earning a master's degree can also help candidates pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to accounting. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive 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. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, like the library and gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
University of Washington-Bothell Campus at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 74%
Program Name: Master of science in accounting
Graduate Tuition In State: $18,198
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $32,439
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,629
Out-of-state
$37,998
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
6,304
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
4%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Masters Degrees in Accounting in Washington
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Spokane, Washington, Gonzaga University offers an online master's in accounting. The master of accountancy program uses a rigorous curriculum to prepare graduates for advanced roles in the field. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
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 builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in accounting.
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. Graduate students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.
Gonzaga University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 62%
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Program Name: Master of accountancy
Graduate Tuition In State: $16,672
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $16,672
Average Tuition
In-state
$46,060
Out-of-state
$46,060
Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
7,295
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Masters Degrees in Accounting in Washington
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus enrolls master's students in its top-ranked online accounting program. The master of accounting program builds specialized skills for leadership roles in the field and related industries. A master's degree can also lead candidates to new career paths.
The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to accounting. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. The admission requirements include a background in accounting or a related field.
Online enrollees work with the program to identify internship opportunities at approved sites in their local communities. Those who attend on campus can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library and gym. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 87%
Program Name: Master of accounting
Graduate Tuition In State: $18,198
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $32,439
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,629
Out-of-state
$37,998
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
5,364
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
19%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#5 Masters Degrees in Accounting in Washington
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
The online master's degree in accounting at Western Washington University, located in Bellingham, offers high academic quality. The master of professional accounting program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. After completing a master's degree, candidates advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The master's curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of accounting. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in accounting.
Online enrollees can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. On-campus students have access to the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
Western Washington University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 90%
Total Online Master's Programs: 1
Program Name: Master of professional accounting
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,806
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $22,431
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,377
Out-of-state
$24,135
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
15,197
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Financing a Master's Degree in Accounting
You may be eligible for financial aid to help pay for college. Opportunities for financial aid include scholarships and fellowships. In order to pay for college, some students may qualify for federal and private student loans. The colleges you are interested in may also be able to provide financial aid to you.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) helps many students cover their educational expenses.
As a student, you can ask your school's financial aid department about scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan options.
Average Cost of Attending College in Washington
In Washington, tuition and other costs will vary by institution. Public and private institutions, however, share some commonalities. If you are interested in attending a public institution, please take a moment to review the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
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Washington
National Average
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Considering attending a private college or university? The cost of education at private schools is generally higher. Information regarding private college attendance in Washington can be found in the graph below.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
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Washington
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
In order to fund your education, have you considered applying for student loans? Taking out a loan involves a number of considerations.
In order to successfully repay the loan on time, you must ensure that you will be able to make all payments.
If you are considering obtaining a degree from a particular institution, it is important to consider whether it will benefit you in your career objectives.
You should understand the type of repayment schedules available to avoid undue hardship on your finances once you have entered the workforce.
Find out what students typically borrow by taking a look at 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
The main differences between an online degree and a degree completed on campus are the cost and size of the class. Obtaining an online degree program has its benefits as well as its value. There is usually a higher cost associated with on-campus degrees, where student fees are optional for distance learners. Attending in-person classes does, however, have a number of benefits.
There are a number of differences that exist between public and private colleges. To begin with, there will be a difference in price depending on whether you attend a public or private school. You can use research grants and scholarships offered by the government to help cover the cost of attending a public college. For those with high GPAs or SAT scores, private institutions often offer merit scholarships.
Students attending private colleges usually have more personal interactions with faculty. Here are some pros and cons of attending a private versus a public institution.
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
How much do accountants and auditors make in Washington?
Accountants and auditors make a mean annual wage of $87,370 in-state each year.
What is demand like for graduates with accounting majors?
The total number of accountants and auditors is expected to change by 6.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Are online accounting degrees available?
You can get an online master's degree in accounting. In today's environment, most schools offer at least some online courses as part of their program.
What is the timeline of completing a master's degree?
Typically, full-time students complete their master's in two years. The completion time of part-time students will vary from student to student.
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