Master of Science [M.S] [Accounting] From University of Memphis

University of Memphis Master of Science (M.S.) Accounting is a 36-credit graduate programme designed for professional accounting careers. The programme is offered in full-time and part-time modes. International students apply through the graduate admissions process. Total tuition for the full programme is approximately US$ 24,500 to US$ 27,000 (INR 20.34 Lakhs to INR 22.41 Lakhs). Intakes are available in Fall, Spring, and Summer. Eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field plus qualifying test scores.

This programme trains graduates for accounting roles in public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, and government agencies. The curriculum emphasizes audit, tax, financial accounting, and professional ethics. Memphis’s location in Tennessee offers strong regional connections to Fortune 500 accounting firms and access to internship opportunities. The programme is ideal for internationally trained accountants seeking CPA pathways and global accounting careers.

• No GMAT or GRE required for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or accounting-related fields.
• Programme includes advanced courses in audit, taxation, and forensic accounting relevant to Indian accounting standards.
• Graduates gain exposure to US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and audit frameworks.

Also Check: University of Memphis M.S. Accounting Admission Requirements

University of Memphis M.S. Accounting Fees and Living Costs 2026

The M.S. Accounting programme charges graduate tuition on a per-credit basis. Total programme cost depends on completion time and mode of study. Below is the fee breakdown for full-time completion in one academic year.

Source: University of Memphis Graduate Admissions Office, 2026 Academic Year

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of US$ 1 = INR 83 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

• Tuition is charged per credit hour; part-time students complete over 2-3 years at lower per-semester costs.
• Health insurance is mandatory for all international students; the university offers a plan or students may waive in favour of private insurance.
• Student fees include library access, recreation facilities, and technology services available to all graduate students.
• Books and materials cost approximately US$ 1,500-2,000 per year (INR 1.24-1.66 Lakhs).

Cost of Living in Memphis for M.S. Accounting Students

Tip for Indian students: Memphis has one of the lowest costs of living among major US university cities. Combined annual expense (tuition + living) is approximately INR 34-39 Lakhs, significantly lower than coastal tech hubs. Many accounting students work part-time during academic breaks.

University of Memphis M.S. Accounting Admission 2026

Admission to the M.S. Accounting programme requires a bachelor’s degree with foundational accounting coursework. International students must demonstrate English proficiency and meet all academic requirements. The programme accepts applications on a rolling basis through the graduate admissions portal.

University of Memphis is ranked #63 in Business (US News 2026). The accounting programme benefits from strong alumni networks at regional accounting firms including Crowe, BDO, and Grant Thornton.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following standardised tests. The minimum scores below are the university’s baseline; the accounting department may have higher expectations for coursework success.

• TOEFL and IELTS are equally accepted; IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from test date.
• Indian applicants often score above minimums in writing and speaking; ensure transcripts arrive within the same deadline window as ELP test results.
• Scores below 70 TOEFL or 6.0 IELTS may result in conditional admission requiring English support coursework.
• Some applicants with bachelor’s degrees earned in English-medium institutions may request a waiver from the accounting director.

Tip for Indian students: If your bachelor’s degree was taught in English, submit that confirmation with your application to request an ELP waiver. This speeds up the admission decision timeline.

University of Memphis M.S. Accounting Application 2026

The application process is entirely online through the University of Memphis Graduate Admissions portal. Most decisions are issued within 4-6 weeks of submission for complete applications.

• Complete applications include transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS, bachelor’s diploma scan, and a brief statement of purpose.
• Application fee is US$ 55 (INR 4,565) and is non-refundable.
• WES credential evaluation typically takes 5-7 business days; plan 8 weeks total for Indian documents to arrive and be evaluated.
• Conditional acceptance is possible; students may apply for visa sponsorship once admitted, even while appeals or final grades are pending.

Application tip: Indian applicants should submit documents by early June for Fall intake to allow time for international document verification. US universities typically process international applications slower than domestic ones.

University of Memphis M.S. Accounting Scholarships 2026

The University of Memphis offers limited graduate assistantships and scholarships for M.S. Accounting students. International student awards are merit-based and highly competitive.

For a full-time student with a graduate assistantship (US$ 4,000 per semester), the effective annual cost is approximately US$ 18,830 (INR 15.63 Lakhs) after scholarship offset. Without scholarships, plan for US$ 26,830-27,230 (INR 22.27-22.59 Lakhs) annually. Most international students rely on personal or family funding rather than university scholarships.

• Graduate assistantships include a tuition waiver plus monthly stipend (US$ 1,500-2,500 per month).
• Merit awards do not include tuition waiver; they reduce only the programme fees.
• Scholarship decisions are made during admission review; apply early for maximum consideration.

Scholarship reality: Less than 10% of international M.S. Accounting students receive scholarships exceeding US$ 2,000. Most funding comes from personal resources, student loans from Indian banks, or part-time work during permitted hours.

Check Out: International Graduate Scholarships in the USA

University of Memphis M.S. Accounting Salary 2026

Graduates of the M.S. Accounting programme earn competitive salaries in accounting and audit roles. Salary outcomes depend on specialisation, certifications pursued, and employer type (Big Four firms, mid-market, government, corporate).

Source: Memphis College of Business Alumni Survey 2024-25, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook

• Salaries assume graduates obtain a CPA licence within 18 months of hire (standard in Big Four roles).
• Gross salaries are subject to federal and state income tax (federal 12-22%, Tennessee state 0%, local 0-2%).
• Take-home pay is typically 70-75% of gross salary after taxes and benefits withholding.
• Signing bonuses of US$ 5,000-10,000 are common for Big Four offers to international-educated graduates.

ROI reality: A graduate earning US$ 68,000 (INR 56.44 Lakhs) nets approximately US$ 50,000 (INR 41.50 Lakhs) after taxes. Programme investment of INR 22.27-22.59 Lakhs is recovered within 6-7 months of employment.

Read More: Post-Graduation Work Visa and Salary Expectations in the USA

United States Visa for M.S. Accounting Students

International students are sponsored for an F-1 Student Visa, which permits full-time study and limited on-campus work during the academic term. After graduation, graduates transition to Optional Practical Training (OPT), a work authorisation that allows accounting-related employment for up to 24 months (accounting qualifies as STEM-designated).

• F-1 visa processing takes 3-4 weeks from acceptance; apply immediately upon admission confirmation.
• On-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week during semester and full-time during official breaks (winter, summer).
• OPT authorisation allows full-time employment for up to 24 months after graduation (STEM extension available for accounting-related roles).
• H-1B sponsorship is available to employers; approximately 60% of accounting graduates transition to H-1B status within 12 months of OPT start.

Visa reality: F-1 and OPT timelines are longer for Indian nationals. Plan 10-12 weeks from graduation to OPT approval. Start the H-1B sponsorship process in your first month of OPT employment to remain competitive.

Also Check: F-1 Student Visa and Work Authorisation in the USA