The Best Accounting Programs in Alabama for 2026
The best accounting programs in Alabama are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 15 business programs in Alabama on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor of accounting actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 15 ranked programs in Alabama runs from $7,680 to $39,000 a year, a $31,320 spread for the same credential.
Auburn University tops the list with a 94.6 Hakia Score on an 82% graduation rate, at $11,016 a year in-state. Across all 15 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 58%, ranging from 35% to 82%. The national median pay in the field is $87,660 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
- Auburn University ranks first among Alabama's business programs with a 94.6 Hakia Score and an 82% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 15 ranked Alabama programs spans $7,680 to $39,000 a year, a $31,320 gap for the same bachelor of accounting.
- The 15 ranked Alabama programs graduate 58% of students on average, from 35% to 82%.
- 10 of the 15 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for Alabama residents.
- 4 of the 15 offer a confirmed online option for students who cannot relocate.
- National median pay in the field is $87,660 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked Alabama program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 15 accredited programs in Alabama reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 15 Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Alabama, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auburn UniversityAuburn, AL · online option | Public | $11,016 | 82% | 46% | 94.6 |
| 2 | The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL | Public | $11,380 | 73% | 77% | 88.9 |
| 3 | University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville, AL | Public | $10,374 | 64% | 69% | 83.2 |
| 4 | Samford UniversityBirmingham, AL | Nonprofit | $39,000 | 77% | 82% | 83.1 |
| 5 | University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL | Public | $9,048 | 64% | 88% | 79.1 |
| 6 | Tuskegee UniversityTuskegee, AL | Nonprofit | $21,064 | 55% | 49% | 78.7 |
| 7 | University of MontevalloMontevallo, AL | Public | $12,090 | 54% | 54% | 74.8 |
| 8 | University of South AlabamaMobile, AL · online option | Public | $8,976 | 53% | 71% | 74.2 |
| 9 | Oakwood UniversityHuntsville, AL | Nonprofit | $21,344 | 45% | 45% | 74.2 |
| 10 | Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville, AL | Public | $10,440 | 55% | 78% | 73.4 |
| 11 | University of MobileMobile, AL | Nonprofit | $25,320 | 57% | 78% | 72.4 |
| 12 | Athens State UniversityAthens, AL · online option | Public | $7,680 | NR | NR | 71.4 |
| 13 | Huntingdon CollegeMontgomery, AL | Nonprofit | $27,570 | 48% | 69% | 69.3 |
| 14 | University of North AlabamaFlorence, AL · online option | Public | $10,200 | 55% | 87% | 69.1 |
| 15 | University of West AlabamaLivingston, AL | Public | $9,100 | 35% | 43% | 68.8 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Alabama, Compared by Score
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
A Closer Look at the Top Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
Auburn University
Auburn, AL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 82%
- Admit rate
- 46%
- In-state
- $11,016
- Out-of-state
- $33,048
Auburn University graduates 82% of its students, above the 58% average across this ranking, on a 94.6 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 94.6, #1 of 15
- 82% graduation rate
- $11,016 in-state vs $33,048 out-of-state
- Top graduation rate on this list
Auburn University is a public institution in Auburn, AL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #1 of the 15 analyzed here with a 94.6 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 77 group average. The program graduates 82% of its students, above the 58% average across the ranked schools. Auburn University admits 46% of applicants, more selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, Auburn University charges $11,016 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $33,048 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $44,064 in tuition for residents, against $132,192 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for AL residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL · Public
- Grad rate
- 73%
- Admit rate
- 77%
- In-state
- $11,380
- Out-of-state
- $33,372
The University of Alabama graduates 73% of its students, above the 58% average across this ranking, on an 88.9 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 88.9, #2 of 15
- 73% graduation rate
- $11,380 in-state vs $33,372 out-of-state
- Largest campus in this ranking
The University of Alabama is a public institution in Tuscaloosa, AL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #2 of the 15 analyzed here with an 88.9 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 77 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs, 5.7 points behind top-ranked Auburn University. The program graduates 73% of its students, above the 58% average across the ranked schools. The University of Alabama admits 77% of applicants, less selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, The University of Alabama charges $11,380 a year in-state, roughly 2.9x the $33,372 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $45,520 in tuition for residents, against $133,488 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL · Public
- Grad rate
- 64%
- Admit rate
- 69%
- In-state
- $10,374
- Out-of-state
- $24,650
At $10,374 a year in-state, University of Alabama in Huntsville is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding an 83.2 Hakia Score on a 64% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 83.2, #3 of 15
- 64% graduation rate
- $10,374 in-state vs $24,650 out-of-state
- Admits just 69% of applicants
University of Alabama in Huntsville is a public institution in Huntsville, AL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #3 of the 15 analyzed here with an 83.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 77 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 64% of its students, above the 58% average across the ranked schools. University of Alabama in Huntsville admits 69% of applicants, less selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, University of Alabama in Huntsville charges $10,374 a year in-state, roughly 2.4x the $24,650 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $41,496 in tuition for residents, against $98,600 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Samford University
Birmingham, AL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 77%
- Admit rate
- 82%
- In-state
- $39,000
- Out-of-state
- $39,000
Samford University graduates 77% of its students, above the 58% average across this ranking, on an 83.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 83.1, #4 of 15
- 77% graduation rate
- $39,000 tuition
- Admits just 82% of applicants
Based in Birmingham, AL, Samford University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #4 of the 15 ranked here, earning an 83.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 77 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 77% of its students, above the 58% average across the ranked schools. Samford University admits 82% of applicants, less selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%. The university enrolls 6,097 students overall.
On cost, Samford University charges $39,000 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $156,000 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL · Public
- Grad rate
- 64%
- Admit rate
- 88%
- In-state
- $9,048
- Out-of-state
- $22,512
At $9,048 a year in-state, University of Alabama at Birmingham is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 79.1 Hakia Score on a 64% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 79.1, #5 of 15
- 64% graduation rate
- $9,048 in-state vs $22,512 out-of-state
- Admits just 88% of applicants
University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public institution in Birmingham, AL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #5 of the 15 analyzed here with a 79.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 77 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 64% of its students, above the 58% average across the ranked schools. University of Alabama at Birmingham admits 88% of applicants, less selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, University of Alabama at Birmingham charges $9,048 a year in-state, roughly 2.5x the $22,512 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $36,192 in tuition for residents, against $90,048 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 49%
- In-state
- $21,064
- Out-of-state
- $21,064
Tuskegee University ranks #6 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 78.7 Hakia Score and a 55% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 78.7, #6 of 15
- 55% graduation rate
- $21,064 tuition
- Admits just 49% of applicants
Tuskegee University is a private, nonprofit institution in Tuskegee, AL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #6 of the 15 analyzed here with a 78.7 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 77 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 55% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. Tuskegee University admits 49% of applicants, more selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, Tuskegee University charges $21,064 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $84,256 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL · Public
- Grad rate
- 54%
- Admit rate
- 54%
- In-state
- $12,090
- Out-of-state
- $25,110
University of Montevallo ranks #7 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 74.8 Hakia Score and a 54% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 74.8, #7 of 15
- 54% graduation rate
- $12,090 in-state vs $25,110 out-of-state
- Admits just 54% of applicants
Based in Montevallo, AL, University of Montevallo is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #7 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 74.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 77 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 54% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. University of Montevallo admits 54% of applicants, more selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, University of Montevallo charges $12,090 a year in-state, roughly 2.1x the $25,110 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $48,360 in tuition for residents, against $100,440 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 53%
- Admit rate
- 71%
- In-state
- $8,976
- Out-of-state
- $17,952
At $8,976 a year in-state, University of South Alabama is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 74.2 Hakia Score on a 53% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 74.2, #8 of 15
- 53% graduation rate
- $8,976 in-state vs $17,952 out-of-state
- Online option available
University of South Alabama is a public institution in Mobile, AL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #8 of the 15 analyzed here with a 74.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 77 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 53% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. University of South Alabama admits 71% of applicants, less selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, University of South Alabama charges $8,976 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $17,952 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $35,904 in tuition for residents, against $71,808 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Oakwood University
Huntsville, AL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 45%
- Admit rate
- 45%
- In-state
- $21,344
- Out-of-state
- $21,344
Oakwood University ranks #9 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 74.2 Hakia Score and a 45% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 74.2, #9 of 15
- 45% graduation rate
- $21,344 tuition
- Admits just 45% of applicants
Based in Huntsville, AL, Oakwood University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #9 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 74.2 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 77 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 45% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. Oakwood University admits 45% of applicants, more selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, Oakwood University charges $21,344 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $85,376 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL · Public
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 78%
- In-state
- $10,440
- Out-of-state
- $20,880
Jacksonville State University ranks #10 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 73.4 Hakia Score and a 55% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 73.4, #10 of 15
- 55% graduation rate
- $10,440 in-state vs $20,880 out-of-state
- Admits just 78% of applicants
Based in Jacksonville, AL, Jacksonville State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #10 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 73.4 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 77 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 55% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. Jacksonville State University admits 78% of applicants, less selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, Jacksonville State University charges $10,440 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $20,880 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $41,760 in tuition for residents, against $83,520 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 15 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
University of Mobile
Mobile, AL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 57%
- Admit rate
- 78%
- In-state
- $25,320
- Out-of-state
- $25,320
University of Mobile ranks #11 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 72.4 Hakia Score and a 57% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 72.4, #11 of 15
- 57% graduation rate
- $25,320 tuition
- Admits just 78% of applicants
University of Mobile is a private, nonprofit institution in Mobile, AL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #11 of the 15 analyzed here with a 72.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 77 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 57% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. University of Mobile admits 78% of applicants, less selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, University of Mobile charges $25,320 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $101,280 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 15 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Athens State University
Athens, AL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- NR
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $7,680
- Out-of-state
- $15,360
At $7,680 a year in-state, Athens State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 71.4 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 71.4, #12 of 15
- $7,680 in-state vs $15,360 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Athens, AL, Athens State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #12 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 71.4 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 77 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,986 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Athens State University charges $7,680 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $15,360 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $30,720 in tuition for residents, against $61,440 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for AL residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 11x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Huntingdon College
Montgomery, AL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 48%
- Admit rate
- 69%
- In-state
- $27,570
- Out-of-state
- $27,570
Huntingdon College ranks #13 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 69.3 Hakia Score and a 48% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.3, #13 of 15
- 48% graduation rate
- $27,570 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Huntingdon College is a private, nonprofit institution in Montgomery, AL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #13 of the 15 analyzed here with a 69.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 77 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 48% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. Huntingdon College admits 69% of applicants, less selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, Huntingdon College charges $27,570 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $110,280 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 15 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $10,200
- Out-of-state
- $20,400
At $10,200 a year in-state, University of North Alabama is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 69.1 Hakia Score on a 55% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.1, #14 of 15
- 55% graduation rate
- $10,200 in-state vs $20,400 out-of-state
- Online option available
University of North Alabama is a public institution in Florence, AL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #14 of the 15 analyzed here with a 69.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 77 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 55% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. University of North Alabama admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 67% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of West Alabama, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, University of North Alabama charges $10,200 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $20,400 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $40,800 in tuition for residents, against $81,600 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL · Public
- Grad rate
- 35%
- Admit rate
- 43%
- In-state
- $9,100
- Out-of-state
- $18,200
At $9,100 a year in-state, University of West Alabama is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 68.8 Hakia Score on a 35% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.8, #15 of 15
- 35% graduation rate
- $9,100 in-state vs $18,200 out-of-state
- Most selective program here
University of West Alabama is a public institution in Livingston, AL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #15 of the 15 analyzed here with a 68.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 77 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 35% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. University of West Alabama admits 43% of applicants, more selective than the 67% average for the group. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 35% to 82%.
On cost, University of West Alabama charges $9,100 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $18,200 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $36,400 in tuition for residents, against $72,800 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,680 at Athens State University to $39,000 at Samford University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for AL residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
What a Bachelor of Accounting Costs in Alabama
In-state tuition among the 15 ranked accounting programs in Alabama runs from $7,680 to $39,000 a year. Athens State University anchors the low end at $7,680, while Samford University sits at the top at $39,000. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $30,720 in tuition at the low end against roughly $156,000 at the high end for the same bachelor of accounting. Against the national median of $87,660 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes an accounting degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Online Accounting Options in Alabama
4 of the 15 ranked Alabama programs offer a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online accounting degree carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
What changes online is flexibility, not the credential. Before committing, confirm whether courses are self-paced, whether any on-campus intensives are required, and whether the online section charges the in-state rate to every student, which can erase the residency discount that makes a nearby public so cheap.
Accounting Careers and Pay After an Alabama Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $87,660 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $7,680 or $39,000 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked Alabama program compete in that same national pay structure.
Common Questions About Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
What is the best accounting bachelor's degree in Alabama?
By Hakia Score, Auburn University ranks first among the 15 accounting programs in Alabama we analyzed, with a 94.6 score and an 82% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does an accounting bachelor's degree cost in Alabama?
In-state tuition among the ranked Alabama programs runs from $7,680 to $39,000 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online accounting bachelor's degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $87,660 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Alabama-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
Our Methodology for Ranking Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.