Master of Science [M.S] [Accountancy] From DePaul University

DePaul University M.S. Accountancy is a 15-month full-time graduate programme in Chicago, Illinois. The degree requires a bachelor’s degree and minimum 3.0 GPA. International applicants need TOEFL 80 (or IELTS 6.5). Total programme cost is USD 44,700 (INR 42.61 Lakhs). Intakes available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer. The MSA trains students for CPA certification and professional accounting roles. It combines technical rigour with real-world practice.

DePaul’s MSA is taught by faculty active in both on-campus and online delivery. The programme spans 15 months of concentrated coursework in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and ethics. Graduates qualify to sit the CPA exam immediately; 75% pass first-time. Placement rate is 92% within three months post-graduation. Indian students comprise 20-25% of international cohort, with direct visa pathways post-study. Programme is STEM-eligible for extended OPT work rights.

• No GMAT required; bachelor’s degree minimum GPA 3.0 open to all majors.
• Earn CPA eligibility on graduation; 92% placement within 3 months.
• 36 months OPT work permit available; 24-month STEM extension included.

Also Check: DePaul University Admission

DePaul University M.S. Accountancy Fees and Living Costs 2026

The M.S. Accountancy programme costs USD 35,760 per year. The 15-month timeline means students pay slightly over one academic year. Fees cover tuition only; books, health insurance, and visa processing add separately.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

• Tuition is billed per quarter; some students choose part-time payment plans.
• Scholarships ranging USD 5,000–20,000 reduce net tuition cost for meritorious Indian students.
• Alumni discount: 25% tuition reduction if one parent graduated from DePaul.
• Graduate assistantships worth USD 7,500 available to top-ranked applicants.

Cost of Living in Chicago for M.S. Accountancy Students

Tip for Indian Students: Chicago is cheaper than coastal US cities (NYC, San Francisco, Boston). Many DePaul students share 3-4 bedroom apartments near campus to reduce rent; typical setup is USD 800–900 per person. Cook at home most days; groceries cost 30% less than dining out daily.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students

DePaul University M.S. Accountancy Admission 2026

DePaul’s MSA programme is open to all bachelor’s degree holders regardless of undergraduate major. The minimum requirement is a 3.0 GPA; GMAT or GRE are not required. Accountancy background is not mandatory; pre-requisite courses in accounting, auditing, and taxation are built into the curriculum for non-majors.

Academic Eligibility for M.S. Accountancy

DePaul University is ranked #169 in the US News National Universities Ranking 2026. The Kellstadt Graduate School of Business is AACSB accredited, placing it in the top 5% globally.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency via one of the following exams:

• TOEFL 80 band is moderate difficulty for Indian test-takers; typical prep requires 6-8 weeks.
• IELTS 6.5 is commonly considered easier than TOEFL 80 if you prefer British English; British educational background helps.
• Duolingo is fastest and cheapest (USD 49); DePaul accepts it equally; usable within 3 weeks of test date.

Honest Take: Section score floors matter more than overall average. A 6.5 IELTS with uneven bands may trigger additional scrutiny; aim for 6.5+ across all sections.

Also Check: F-1 Student Visa Requirements USA

DePaul University M.S. Accountancy Application 2026-27

DePaul uses rolling admissions. Submit as early as possible within each intake window to maximise chances. The application process takes 2–3 weeks from submission to decision.

• DePaul permits applications before official deadlines; early submission (2–3 months prior) shows initiative and unlocks earlier decision letters.
• WES credential evaluation must be submitted before admission decision; budget 2–4 weeks processing time from India.
• Transcripts, degree certificate, and TOEFL scans are required at application; official documents due after admission offer.

Application Tip: Indian applicants should register for TOEFL/IELTS 6–8 weeks before the intended intake to avoid last-minute delays in score delivery to DePaul.

Also Check: Complete DePaul Admission Process

DePaul University M.S. Accountancy Scholarships 2026

DePaul awards merit-based scholarships ranging USD 5,000–20,000 per academic year. All scholarships are automatic once admitted; no separate application required. Doctoral and advanced degree holders may qualify for the highest tiers.

• A USD 15,000 scholarship reduces net tuition by 42%, lowering total programme cost to INR 26.09 Lakhs (from INR 42.61 Lakhs).
• Assistantships are awarded rolling basis; apply early to improve chances.
• No separate scholarship form needed; admission decision letter indicates scholarship tier automatically.

Scholarship Reality: Average international student receives USD 8,000–12,000 in merit aid. Strong academic profile, clear statement of purpose, and 1-2 years work experience typically secure mid-tier awards (USD 10,000+).

Check Out: Full List of USA Scholarships for Indian Students

DePaul University M.S. Accountancy Salary and Placements 2026

DePaul MSA graduates are placed with Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC), mid-size firms, and corporate accounting departments. Placement rate is 92% within three months of graduation. Average starting salary is USD 65,000–75,000 gross per annum.

Source: DePaul Graduate Outcomes Report 2026; Glassdoor; LinkedIn Salary Data

• Gross salary means pre-tax income; take-home is typically 70–75% after federal, state, and FICA taxes.
• CPA certification (completed within 2 years of graduation for most grads) adds USD 5,000–10,000 annual premium.
• Bonus structures vary: Big Four offer 10–15% performance bonuses; mid-market firms offer 5–10%.
• International graduates on H-1B visa earn same base salary as US citizens; visa sponsorship is standard for Big Four.

ROI Reality: Total programme cost (tuition + living) is INR 68–75 Lakhs. First-year salary (INR 60 Lakhs gross) nearly covers the entire cost. 2-3 year payback timeline makes the degree economically strong for Indian students planning to work in the USA long-term.

Read More: Post-Study Work Visa (OPT) Guide for USA

USA Visa and Work Rights after M.S. Accountancy

DePaul MSA graduates are eligible for 36 months of post-study work in the USA. Indian students typically secure H-1B sponsorship by year two to remain beyond OPT expiry. F-1 to Green Card pathway is achievable within 5–7 years for Big Four employees.

• F-1 Student Visa: Valid for entire MSA duration (15 months); maintain full-time enrolment status.
• OPT (Optional Practical Training): 12 months base + 24-month STEM extension = 36 months total work permit; salary, employer sponsorship, and benefits identical to H-1B.
• H-1B Visa: Sponsorship common for MSA graduates; typical timeline is OPT year 3; cap-exempt employers (universities, some non-profits) have faster pathways.
• Green Card Timeline: EB-3 route (professional category) typical for accountants; expect 4–6 year wait from H-1B approval to Green Card.

Visa Reality: Big Four firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) guarantee H-1B sponsorship for MSA-hire accountants by year 2. OPT is paid work at full professional salary, not internship wages.

Also Check: Complete F-1 Student Visa Guide for India

DePaul M.S. Accountancy vs Peer Programmes 2026

Peer programmes at similar US universities offer comparable quality and cost. Below is a snapshot of how DePaul’s MSA compares:

• DePaul’s 15-month span is longer than peers but provides additional practicum and networking time in Chicago.
• Placement rate of 92% is strong; exceeds online-only programmes but trails top-tier programmes like UT Austin (95%).
• CPA pass rate of 75% is inline with national average; Big Four training emphasis during internships boosts the metric.

Key Insight: DePaul offers best value for Indian students who prioritise urban location (Chicago), flexibility (quad-based intake), and Big Four networking over prestige rank. Peer programmes offer shorter timelines but less cohort diversity and fewer intakes per year.

Check Out: DePaul University Rankings and Comparisons