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Accountant / CPA

Prepare and audit financial records. Becoming a CPA unlocks higher pay, public accounting, and partner-track careers.

office-workremote-friendly
30
ROI · Moderate
Investment vs return
Cost · time · demand normalized 0–100
22
Expected value
ROI × Attainability ÷ 100
See full ranking →
Compare this career
Salary progression

What you'll earn over your career

$55k
$78k
$130k
Entry
Mid-career
Senior
10-yr outlook
+4%
+4% (Average)
Open positions
126,000
Estimated nationwide
Entry paths

How to get here

Multiple paths lead to this career. Compare time, cost, online vs in-person delivery, and program links.

Fastest ROI
Degree Hybrid
BS Accounting + 150 credits for CPA
Time
4–5 years
Cost
$40,000 – $130,000
Top programs
BYU OnlineOnlineUNC Kenan-FlaglerIn PersonWGU AccountingOnline
Most states require 150 credits to sit for CPA.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the program links above may be affiliate partnerships. If you enroll, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to programs we have actually reviewed against our methodology. See our methodology for how we evaluate schools.
Attainability breakdown

What are the odds
you actually get there?

Six factors weighted to estimate the realistic probability a motivated person reaches this outcome. Higher = more attainable.

75
Composite
Attainability Score
Data-backed
  • Educational difficulty
    How hard the required schooling is to complete
    70
    20%
  • Licensing & exams
    Pass rates and difficulty of required exams
    50
    15%
  • Entry-job competition
    How many applicants per open entry-level role
    80
    20%
  • Career stay-rate
    Inverse of early-career attrition / industry exit
    75
    15%
  • Market demand
    Openings vs available workforce
    88
    15%
  • Alternative paths
    How many viable ways exist to enter the field
    85
    15%
Recommended schools

Schools known for this path

Verified high-ROI programs aligned with Accountant / CPA. Direct, transparent links to each school's official program page. See the full ROI shortlist →

WGU
Online, competency-based
Tuition
~$4,005 / 6-month term
Flat-rate. Finish faster, pay less.
Programs for Accountant / CPA
Cost vs. Salary
Estimated cost
Avg B.S. completion 2.5 yrs
Total cost
$20,000
Starting pay
$56,000
Accountant / CPA
Break-even
11 mo
Time for surplus earnings (above $35,000 living costs) to pay tuition back.
10-yr net (median pay)
+$796,800
Salary data: BLS Occupational Outlook. Living-cost floor ($35K) is a national approximation. Your numbers will vary by state, employer, and aid.
Share this break-even
ASU Online
Online, public research university
Tuition
$580 / credit
Tuition only; mandatory program fees vary.
Programs for Accountant / CPA
Cost vs. Salary
Estimated cost
120 cr × $580/cr = $69.6K
Total cost
$69,600
Starting pay
$56,000
Accountant / CPA
Break-even
3.3 yrs
Time for surplus earnings (above $35,000 living costs) to pay tuition back.
10-yr net (median pay)
+$747,200
Salary data: BLS Occupational Outlook. Living-cost floor ($35K) is a national approximation. Your numbers will vary by state, employer, and aid.
Share this break-even
Penn State Online
Online, Big Ten brand
Tuition
$675–$700 / credit
Same Penn State diploma as on-campus students.
Programs for Accountant / CPA
Cost vs. Salary
Estimated cost
120 cr × ~$600/cr
Total cost
$72,000
Starting pay
$56,000
Accountant / CPA
Break-even
3.4 yrs
Time for surplus earnings (above $35,000 living costs) to pay tuition back.
10-yr net (median pay)
+$744,800
Salary data: BLS Occupational Outlook. Living-cost floor ($35K) is a national approximation. Your numbers will vary by state, employer, and aid.
Share this break-even
CC → State U
Hybrid: 2 years CC + 2 years 4-year transfer
Tuition
~$4,000/yr at CC + state tuition
The lowest-debt path for most 18-year-olds.
Programs for Accountant / CPA
  • Accounting transfer track
Cost vs. Salary
Estimated cost
2 yrs CC (~$8K) + 2 yrs in-state univ (~$17K)
Total cost
$25,000
Starting pay
$56,000
Accountant / CPA
Break-even
14 mo
Time for surplus earnings (above $35,000 living costs) to pay tuition back.
10-yr net (median pay)
+$791,800
Salary data: BLS Occupational Outlook. Living-cost floor ($35K) is a national approximation. Your numbers will vary by state, employer, and aid.
Share this break-even
Quick math

If you took the fastest path…

You'd train for
4–5 years
You'd spend (avg)
$85,000
Starting salary
$55,000
Mid-career
$78,000
Read more

Articles & resources

Accountants and Auditors – BLS
BLS
Sources: BLS OOH 2024 · AICPA

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