Fazlur Rahman
Online MS in Accounting 2026 tuition: $20,000-$50,000 total. Top programs: DePaul (~$45K), University of Illinois (~$28K), Ohio State (~$30K), Notre Dame Mendoza (~$48K). Most programs include Becker/Roger CPA Review. CPA exam pass rate is a critical program quality signal (DePaul leads). Career outcomes: $70K-$300K+ with CPA license.
Last verified: Sep 14, 2026.
At a glance
- Tuition: $20K-$50K total
- Top: DePaul, Illinois, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas
- Most programs include CPA review course
- Duration: 12-24 months
- CPA license adds 10-20% salary uplift
Top online MSA programs
Six universities stand out for online MS in Accounting in 2026. CPA exam pass rate is the most important quality signal.
| Program | Tuition (Total) | Duration | CPA Review Included | First-Time Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DePaul University (Chicago) | $40,000 - $48,000 | 12-24 months | Yes (Becker) | 75-85% |
| University of Illinois Gies | $25,000 - $30,000 | 15-24 months | Yes (Becker) | 65-75% |
| Ohio State Fisher | $28,000 - $35,000 | 12-24 months | Yes (Becker) | 60-70% |
| University of Notre Dame Mendoza | $42,000 - $50,000 | 21 months | Yes (Becker) | 70-80% |
| University of Texas McCombs | $32,000 - $40,000 | 15-24 months | Yes (Becker) | 65-75% |
| Penn State Smeal | $28,000 - $35,000 | 18-24 months | Yes (Becker) | 60-70% |
Source: Program websites, NASBA CPA pass rate reports, 2026.
MSA curriculum structure
Online MSA programs balance accounting core, CPA preparation, and electives. AACSB accreditation is the quality benchmark.
| Curriculum Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Financial accounting | Intermediate accounting I-III, advanced financial reporting |
| Managerial accounting | Cost accounting, performance measurement, internal reporting |
| Auditing | Auditing theory, attestation, internal audit, fraud |
| Tax | Federal taxation, state and local tax, international tax |
| Business core | Finance, economics, business law, ethics |
| Emerging topics | Data analytics, ESG reporting, blockchain accounting |
| CPA exam preparation | Becker, Roger, Wiley, or Surgent (typically included) |
Source: AACSB MSA program curriculum analysis, 2026.
CPA exam structure (2026)
The CPA Exam underwent the 2024 CPA Evolution reform. The new model has three Core sections plus one Discipline section.
| Section | Format | Time | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUD - Auditing and Attestation | Multiple choice + task-based simulations | 4 hours | Core |
| FAR - Financial Accounting and Reporting | Multiple choice + task-based simulations | 4 hours | Core |
| REG - Taxation and Regulation | Multiple choice + task-based simulations | 4 hours | Core |
| BAR, ISC, or TCP (Discipline) | Multiple choice + task-based simulations | 4 hours | Choose one: Business Analysis & Reporting, Information Systems & Control, or Tax Compliance & Planning |
Source: AICPA CPA Evolution and NASBA exam information, 2026.
Career outcomes by path
MSA graduates pursue public accounting, industry, government, and consulting paths. CPA license opens most opportunities.
| Path | Entry Level | Senior (5-7 yrs) | Manager (8-12 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Four Public Accounting | $75K - $95K | $110K - $140K | $160K - $250K |
| Regional Firms | $65K - $85K | $95K - $125K | $140K - $200K |
| Corporate Accounting | $70K - $95K | $110K - $150K | $150K - $300K |
| Tax (Big Four or specialty) | $80K - $110K | $120K - $160K | $180K - $300K |
| Forensic Accounting | $75K - $100K | $120K - $180K | $180K - $300K |
| Controller / CFO | $90K - $130K | $160K - $250K | $250K - $600K+ |
Source: AICPA salary survey and Robert Half salary guide, 2026.
How to choose a program
Four criteria drive program selection.
- CPA exam pass rate: The single most important quality signal. Top programs post 70%+ first-time pass rates.
- AACSB accreditation: Look for AACSB accreditation, the gold standard for accounting programs.
- CPA review course inclusion: Programs that include Becker or Roger save $2,000-$4,000 and provide integrated study.
- State-specific CPA eligibility: Confirm the program meets your state's 150-hour requirement, including specific subject requirements (accounting, business, ethics hours).
Internal links
See related accounting and finance education guides: Online MBA no GMAT, Online MBA Finance CFA, and Online MS Data Science.
FAQs
See FAQ section above for online MSA tuition, top programs for CPA preparation, CPA eligibility, exam structure, career outcomes, and program selection criteria.
CPA Exam Evolution 2024 changes explained
The CPA Exam underwent a major evolution in 2024. The new Core + Discipline model replaced the previous four-section structure.
| Old (pre-2024) | New (2024+) | Content Focus |
|---|---|---|
| AUD - Auditing and Attestation | AUD (Core) | Unchanged |
| BEC - Business Environment and Concepts | Discontinued (content moved) | Distributed to other sections |
| FAR - Financial Accounting and Reporting | FAR (Core) | Unchanged |
| REG - Taxation and Regulation | REG (Core) | Unchanged |
| None | BAR - Business Analysis and Reporting (Discipline) | New section (data analytics, technical accounting) |
| None | ISC - Information Systems and Control (Discipline) | New section (IT controls, data management) |
| None | TCP - Tax Compliance and Planning (Discipline) | New section (entity tax, personal tax planning) |
Source: AICPA CPA Evolution and NASBA, 2026.
FAQ expansion
Q: How long do I have to complete all four CPA exam sections? Most states require candidates to complete all four sections within 18 to 30 months of passing the first section. Specific timeframes vary by state. Check your state board of accountancy for exact requirements.
Q: Can I take the CPA exam sections in any order? Yes, but most candidates start with FAR (the most comprehensive) and AUD. Many review courses recommend a specific order based on content dependencies and personal preferences.
Q: Do I need work experience for the CPA license? Yes. Most states require 1 to 2 years of supervised work experience under a licensed CPA before issuing the CPA license. The specific experience requirements vary by state.
