Be fluent in the universal language of business, finance, and commerce with one of the country’s best online bachelor’s degrees in accounting.
With an undergraduate education in accounting, you’ll be able to place yourself at the very backbone of business. After all, accounting majors learn the established rules and guidelines to allot, analyze, and communicate financial data about an organization in order to share it with a range of concerned parties such as management, investors, creditors, regulators, and the general public.
What’s more, a bachelor’s degree in accounting prepares you for a wide range of different career paths in the public and private sectors. You can become a corporate accountant, a tax accountant, or even go into business for yourself.
Getting an undergraduate degree is also the first step in working towards a professional certification, like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. With a certification like this, even more career pathways will open up to you.
Of course, if you wish to continue your education in graduate school, a bachelor’s degree in accounting will prepare you for that as well. Accounting graduates go on to get master’s degrees in accounting, business administration, finance, and economics, just to name a few.
Let’s explore what you can expect with an online accounting degree in a little more detail.
What is a Degree in Accounting?
A typical undergraduate degree in accounting requires you to complete 120 semester credits of coursework. Full-time students can usually finish this degree in four years, though it is possible to shorten that timeframe by taking extra courses in the fall and spring or by taking summer classes.
However you approach it, a degree in accounting will provide you with the theoretical knowledge in best practices of accounting and finance, including the mastering of computational skills as well as calculation techniques. To gain these skills, you can expect to take courses related to:
- Principles of Accounting
- Financial Accounting
- Cost Accounting
- International Accounting
- Taxation
- Auditing
- Accounting Information Systems
Accounting is the practice by which the financial data of an organization, business or individual is documented, indexed, summarized, interpreted and communicated in order to maintain a healthy record of business practices. To do so, accountants need to possess an integrative education comprising the knowledge listed above, as well as knowledge in related fields, such as:
- Statistics
- Law
- Business
- Information Technology
- Economics
The various online accounting degree programs listed below provide that type of education.
How Much Can You Earn With a Degree in Accounting?
The median salary for an accounting professional is $73,560 in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth of employment for accounting and auditing occupations is seven percent through the end of the 2020s, which is faster than average for all occupations.
Once you’ve earned your degree and passed the pertinent certification exams, the salary you can earn will vary widely. For example, the top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $128,680 per year. Meanwhile, the lowest ten percent of earners make less than $45,220 per year. Accountants that work in the finance and insurance fields tend to make more than other accountants. The median annual wages for finance and insurance accountants is $78,600.
What is Required for an Accounting degree?
As noted above, in order to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you will likely need to complete 120 semester credits. Some schools, though, require more credits while others operate on the quarter basis. Typically, this requires four years of full-time study. Some schools offer accelerated programs that cut down this time. Likewise, some programs allow you to begin your master’s degree before finishing your bachelor’s degree, which can reduce the time needed to complete graduate school.
To sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and other certification exams, you will need to have at least 150 credits to your name. This can be either 150 credits of undergraduate coursework or a combination of undergraduate and graduate studies.
Other certifications accounting majors may look into include Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
What are the Best Accounting degrees?
There are hundreds of online accounting degrees from which you can choose. The question is, what are the best ones?
Our rankings provide insights into 25 online accounting programs from universities all over the United States. To rank each program, we evaluate them on seven data points – two data points for the specific program and five data points that evaluate school-wide criteria. These data points are as follows:
- The number of degree options available
- The median annual wages two years after graduation
- The school’s admissions rate
- The school’s graduation rate
- The median debt upon graduation
- Student satisfaction
- The type of accreditation the school holds (regional accreditation, which is preferred, or national accreditation).
As you’ll see in the rankings, the data for each of these criteria are listed clearly so you can easily compare how each school stacks up to the others on the list. Likewise, the total OSR score is listed for each school for comparative purposes. The schools are listed in order of highest to lowest score.
If you’d like to learn more about the methodology we used to develop these rankings, please visit our methodology page.
1. Northeastern University
Online Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $541 per credit
- This online accounting degree program has three entrance dates (spring, summer, and fall) to give you greater flexibility in terms of when you begin your studies.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $53,358
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 20%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $26,651
- Student Satisfaction: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 85
This program from Northeastern University is unique in that it’s focus is on finance and accounting management. In fact, it is the only such program in our rankings.
The coursework in this program is designed to help you build the skills that are needed for success in the finance industry. You’ll take courses related to accounting, finance, globalization, and technology, in addition to learning about topics like sustainability, management, and business law. All of this coursework falls under the umbrella of finance, accounting, and business.
Students in this program can additionally choose to pursue a concentration in entrepreneurship. This concentration requires that you complete 15 credits of finance, marketing, and management courses.
While this is one of the most expensive programs on this list, Northeastern also has one of the highest graduation rates and highest student satisfaction ratings of schools in this ranking. Additionally, the median earnings after graduation for graduates of Northeastern are among the highest on this list.
2. DeSales University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 3-4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $523 per credit
- This is an accelerated program that allows you to complete your undergraduate studies on a shorter timetable should you desire.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 3
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $51,392
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $23,917
- Student Satisfaction: 3.0 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 76.67
DeSales University actually offers three different online accounting degrees. You can choose between a bachelor of science in accounting, a bachelor of science in forensic accounting, or a bachelor of science in data analysis.
Each of these programs is offered in an accelerated format, which allows you the possibility of completing your degree in less than the typical four-year timeframe. The amount of time you can save depends on a number of factors, including how many accelerated courses you take, how many courses you take each semester, and how many transfer credits you have. DeSales allows you to transfer up to 75 credits from a regionally-accredited institution.
With a median earnings two years after graduation of more than $51,000, DeSales has one of the highest earnings marks of the schools on this list. It is also one of the most expensive programs listed here, with a per-credit tuition rate of $523.
3. University of Arkansas
Online Bachelor of Science Business Administration in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $339.83 per credit
- This program follows a traditional 15-week semester format with 5-week sessions in the summer, if you wish to take summer courses.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,606
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $20,000
- Student Satisfaction: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 75
This four-year online program from the University of Arkansas offers you the chance to build a solid knowledge base of accounting in preparation for work or continued studies after graduation.
This program boasts a high median earnings, with graduates making an average of $50,606 just two years after they get their degree. At the same time, graduates of the University of Arkansas have a low median debt rate – about $20,000 at the time of graduation. This means that most students graduate with relatively little debt, and accounting graduates can look forward to the possibility of a robust income.
The University of Arkansas also scores highly for student satisfaction. With a ranking of 4.2 out of 5 stars, the University of Arkansas is also among the top schools in that category on this list.
4. Champlain College
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $318 per credit
- There are two seven-week terms per semester and three semesters per academic year.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $48,823
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $20,125
- Student Satisfaction: 4 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 75
Champlain College allows students to transfer up to 90 credits, which can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes you to finish this bachelor’s degree program in accounting. Transferable credits might fulfill graduation requirements for general education courses (e.g., humanities, science, and math). You might also be able to fulfill some of the professional course requirements in accounting if you’ve already completed accounting courses at another accredited institution.
This online accounting degree can be completed with a specialized certificate as well. Champlain College offers the following certificate options:
- Accounting Certificate
- Cost Accounting Certificate
- Forensic Accounting Certificate
- Advanced Accounting Certificate
These certificates can be earned as you complete your coursework in accounting, so when you graduate, you will also have the certificate of your choice.
With a rating of four out of five stars, Champlain College is notable for having one of the highest student ratings on this list.
5. Colorado State University Global
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $350 per credit
- There are 51 credits of core degree courses in accounting. Additionally, you can choose to specialize in one of more than two dozen specialty areas.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,129
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $24,763
- Student Satisfaction: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 70
CSU Global offers a comprehensive online accounting degree program that includes courses in general education, accounting core courses, elective accounting courses, and degree specialization courses, if so desired.
In fact, there are more than two dozen specialization options for online accounting students at CSU Global, making this program one of the most diverse in terms of the areas in which you can specialize. These areas of emphasis include:
- Organizational Leadership
- Project Management
- Marketing
- Healthcare Management
- Emergency Management
- Human Resources and Organizational Development
In each case, the specialization requires you to complete 15 credit hours.
This online accounting degree prepares you for entering the world of work, but it’s also a good way to prepare for licensure and certifications in accounting. As a graduate of this program, you’ll be ready to sit for a variety of licensures or certifications, including:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFA)
These are just a few options, of course. There are many other avenues you can take with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
6. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $320 per credit
- You can stack an associate’s degree in accounting from SNHU with this bachelor’s degree program. You can also get an accelerated master’s degree in accounting option that can be combined with this bachelor’s degree program.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 4
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $49,814
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $18,250
- Student Satisfaction: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 70
With three different bachelor of science options, Southern New Hampshire University offers more degree paths in accounting than any other school in our rankings. You can choose from the bachelor of science program described above or you can opt for a bachelor of business administration in accounting or a bachelor of science in accounting finance.
Additionally, the bachelor of science in accounting option has a separate concentration area that’s available in forensic accounting. Forensic accountants investigate all manner of fraud. As such, the coursework in this specialization focuses on accounting principles that can be used to catch white collar criminals.
No matter which degree option you choose, you can work at your own pace. There are no set class meeting times, so you have supreme flexibility in terms of when you study and tend to your coursework.
Getting a degree in accounting from SNHU prepares you for a variety of careers. This includes public accountancy, government accountancy, auditing, and management accountancy, just to name a few.
7. The University of Arizona Global Campus
Online Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $510 per credit
- This program proceeds one course at a time, which allows you to focus on studying for one course and complete it before moving on to the next course.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,766.50
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $24,000
- Student Satisfaction: 4.1 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 68.34
This program from the University of Arizona Global Campus is a 120-credit program with 54 credits of major requirements. As noted above, the courses in this program are taken one at a time – they last five weeks each – so you will only have coursework for one class at a time.
This online accounting degree also gives you the option of pursuing one of a number of specialty areas. These specialty areas help broaden your understanding of accounting by undertaking studies in related areas, such as:
- Business Economics
- Cognitive Studies
- Entrepreneurship
- Health and Wellness
- Real Estate
- Supply Chain Management
While this is one of the most expensive programs in our rankings, the University of Arizona has one of the highest student satisfaction ratings of the schools on this list. It also has one of the mid-range median debt upon graduation figures at $24,000.
8. Florida Tech
Online Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 121 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $510 per credit
- The online accounting degree from Florida Tech offers a variety of concentration options, including Auditing, Cost Accounting, and Compensation and Benefits.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $45,081
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $25,750
- Student Satisfaction: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 66.67
As one of a few bachelor of arts programs in our rankings, this degree from Florida Tech offers you the chance to learn the principles of accounting within the larger scope of a liberal arts education.
This program includes coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and intermediate accounting. You’ll also take classes in strategic management, finance for managers, and accounting information systems.
The Florida Tech program also emphasizes developing a strong understanding of business principles. As such, you’re required to take business courses like:
- Business Plan Research
- Organizational Behavior and Development
- Business Research Skills and Application
- Principles of Management
It should be noted that this is one of the most expensive programs on this list. Though Florida Tech does not charge online students out-of-state tuition, their base tuition rate for online courses is $510.
9. University of Louisville
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accountancy
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $508 per credit
- Since this is an undergraduate program in business administration and accounting, the course requirements include both business and accounting courses.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,952
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $21,926.50
- Student Satisfaction: 3.6 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 63.34
The University of Louisville’s online degree in accountancy includes coursework for business and accounting applications. For example, you will take accounting courses such as:
- Introduction to Taxation
- Managerial Cost Accounting
- Auditing Theory and Practice
- Introduction to Accounting Information Systems
In addition to these and other required accounting courses, you must also choose amongst a number of electives, like Co-Op in Accounting, Advanced Taxation, or Accounting for Not-For-Profit Organizations.
The business courses you must take offer a wide-range of topics to study. This includes:
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Business Statistics
- Principles of Marketing
- Legal Environment of Business
With this mixture of business and accounting courses, you’ll be prepared to apply your accounting skills in the business world or to even start your own accounting business.
10. Western Governors University
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 123 credits
- Time to complete: 3-4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $297.92 per credit
- Most students complete this program in less than 3.5 years, making it one of the shortest programs on this list. It is also one of the least expensive programs in this ranking.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $49,019
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 100% (this university has an open admissions policy)
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $17,601.50
- Student Satisfaction: 3.4 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 63.34
Western Governors University’s online bachelor of science program culminates with a degree in business administration – accounting. This type of degree is ideal if you want to become an accountant or continue your education by pursuing an MBA. The reason for this is that the coursework is focused not just on accounting, but also on:
- Business
- Business Management
- Human Resources
This program also affords you the opportunity to earn “micro-credentials” in related areas. For example, in addition to your bachelor’s degree, you can complete credentials in Business Essentials, Applied Business Skills, Human Resource Management, or Management. Though these credentials aren’t certifications or licensures, they can certainly add to your vitae and might help you stand out from other applicants when you begin applying for jobs.
Western Governors University designed this program to be competency-based. This means that you can complete courses as quickly as you like – once you’ve mastered the material, you can move on to the next course.
11. Indiana Wesleyan University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $449 per credit
- This program has multiple start dates throughout the year, which makes it easier to begin your studies when it’s convenient for you.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,606
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate:100% (this university has an open admissions policy)
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $24,219
- Student Satisfaction: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 63.34
This online accounting degree from Indiana Wesleyan University consists of 16 major area courses to prepare you for a career as an accountant. These courses include introductory level coursework, like principles of accounting, as well as more advanced classes, like accounting information systems. Other required courses include:
- Business Law
- Accounting Ethics
- Federal Income Tax I & II
- Managerial Cost Accounting
- Auditing
By taking courses such as those listed above, you’ll develop a strong foundational understanding of accounting principles, policies, and standards. Likewise, these courses will challenge you to develop improved problem-solving and critical thinking skills that can be used everyday in your work as an accountant.
At $449 per credit hour, this program is one of the more expensive ones on this list. However, Indian Wesleyan does not charge a higher rate for out-of-state students like other schools on this list, so it’s actually a more budget-friendly option than some schools that would charge you out-of-state tuition.
12. Bellevue University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 127 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $430 per credit
- This degree includes both accounting major requirements and business core courses to give you a greater application of accounting principles in business settings.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $45,696
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 100% (this university has an open admissions policy)
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $18,093.50
- Student Satisfaction: 3.4 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 63.34
Bellevue University’s online bachelor’s degree in accounting is a 127-credit program that culminates in a bachelor of science degree in accounting.
This program is a little longer than normal (by about seven credits) because of its dual focus on accounting and business. Because you take both accounting and business courses in this program, you graduate with a greater understanding of how to apply accounting concepts in business, finance, marketing, and management situations.
Additionally, you’ll learn how to analyze financial information and how to communicate that information to stakeholders, be that a board of directors or an individual client that’s hired you to do their taxes.
Other coursework in this online accounting degree revolves around building critical thinking skills, instilling a desire to practice ethically, and developing an understanding of international business issues as well.
13. University of Maryland Global Campus
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $306 per credit (in-state); $499 (out-of-state)
- You can transfer as many as 90 credits from a regionally accredited university, which can help significantly shorten the timeframe for getting this online accounting degree.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $51,440
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 100% (this university has an open admissions policy)
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $19,665.50
- Student Satisfaction: 3.3 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 63.34
This online bachelor of science in accounting degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus includes studies in the accounting major area in addition to elective and minor courses that give you a well-rounded education.
This 120-credit hour program can be completed in four years if you attend school full-time. But, if you have completed credits at another regionally-accredited school, you can likely reduce how long it takes to complete this program.
Additionally, the University of Maryland Global Campus has a vertical pathway that helps reduce the time it takes to get a master’s degree. By completing this undergraduate degree, you might be able to complete a graduate degree in Accounting and Financial Management in a shorter time frame. You can also pursue a graduate degree in Management with an accounting specialization.
Either way, by participating in this online accounting degree program, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to be a competent accountant with the eligibility to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Exam.
14. University of Minnesota Crookston
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $418.55 per credit
- This online accounting degree includes 63 required core credits in accounting, finance, management, and marketing.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $48,869
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $20,463.50
- Student Satisfaction: 3.4 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 63.34
This online accounting degree from the University of Minnesota-Crookston prepares you for an array of accounting professions, from tax accountancy to banking and management to internal auditing.
The program includes traditional coursework as well as four optional CPA review courses that can be taken online and for credit – a feature that is not offered by any other programs on this list. These courses cover the four primary topics of the CPA exam:
- Regulation
- Financial Reporting and Accounting
- Auditing and Attestation
- Business Environment and Concepts
In some states, you must have 150 credit hours of education to sit for the CPA exam, and these extra review courses count toward that goal.
Upon graduating with this degree, you can choose to pursue coursework that will help you become a CPA, CMA, or CIA. In many cases, you can gain certification in these areas provided that you achieve a satisfactory score on the exam and reach the required level of work experience.
15. Purdue University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 180 quarter credits (which is the same at 120 semester credits)
- Time to complete: 3-4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $371 per credit
- Each course is condensed into a 10-week term. Shorter terms enable Purdue to have more frequent start dates for the program, which gives you flexibility in terms of when you enroll and begin your studies.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $41,599
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 100% (this university has an open admissions policy)
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $24,027.50
- Student Satisfaction: 3.6 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 63.34
The online accounting degree from Purdue University Global is designed to prepare you for a career in accounting or to pursue a higher degree, like a Master of Accountancy.
This 180-credit program includes a range of courses, including:
- Business Law
- Finance
- Microeconomics
- Managerial Accounting
- Federal Tax
- Organizational Behavior
Additionally, you can tailor your degree to your interests with one of several concentration areas. These concentrations allow you to focus the elective courses you take on an area that suits your career pathway the best. These concentrations include:
- Auditing/Forensic Accountancy
- Managerial Accountancy
- Public Accountancy
- Tax Accountancy
There is also an Accelerated CPA Track from Purdue Global that gives you the additional course requirements necessary to sit for the CPA exam. The program also culminates in a master’s degree in accounting.
16. Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $561-661 per credit
- Arizona State University also offers an online bachelor of arts in business – accounting.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 2
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,766.50
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $24,000
- Student Satisfaction: 3.9 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 63.34
The online bachelor of science in accountancy program from Arizona State University includes 40 total classes, each of which meets for a seven-and-a-half week period. The curriculum includes a wide range of accounting courses, but Arizona State also requires accounting majors to take computer information systems. These courses are designed specifically for accounting so you can get familiar with e-business software prior to graduation.
Another unique component of this program is the emphasis on gaining real-world experience in accounting. You will take part in real-world simulations throughout the program to help you learn how to apply the skills you’ve gained in situations that you will likely see in your accounting career.
Students in this program also team up to work on group projects. These projects offer another means of learning accounting, how to improve communication, and how to improve teamwork – all of which are critical skills to have.
17. Strayer University
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $493.33 per credit
- There is also a bachelor of science in accounting program if you prefer a program that isn’t business-focused.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 2
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $44,407
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 100% (this university has an open admissions policy)
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $34,019
- Student Satisfaction: 3.1 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 63.34
With two online accounting degree options, Strayer University has more options than most schools on this list. Regardless of whether you choose the bachelor’s of business administration or the bachelor’s of science degree, you will pursue 40 courses, each 11 weeks in length. The cost per credit is the same for both tracks as well.
Strayer University is regionally accredited, and both degree options are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
While the median earnings after graduation from this program are about average, the debt that students incur is higher than most programs on this list. Typical graduates from Strayer leave school with over $34,000 in debt. Just be aware that the cost of attending this university might be more than other options on this list.
18. Indiana State Online
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $337 per credit (in-state); $438 per credit (out-of-state)
- You can choose to add a minor to your accounting major, including finance, insurance risk and management, or forensic accounting, among others.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $46,589
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $23,533.50
- Student Satisfaction: 3.3 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 63.34
The online accounting degree from Indiana State University follows a typical 120-credit pathway. Coursework includes core accounting courses as well as electives that allow you to tailor your degree to your particular interests in this field. Some of the courses you will take include:
- Taxation
- Auditing
- Accounting Information Systems
- Financial Management and Accounting
- Non-Profit Accounting
Additionally, Indiana State requires accounting students to take courses within their business core, which introduce you to important topics in business, marketing, management, and so forth.
With this diverse education, you can graduate with the confidence that you have the tools needed to become an accountant, sit for the CPA exam, or continue your education by pursuing a graduate degree.
Like the other schools on this list, Indiana State is regionally accredited (in this case, by the Higher Learning Commission). Their accounting program is also accredited by AACSB International.
19. Louisiana State University- Alexandria
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $291 per credit
- LSU Alexandria allows students to earn some credits through Amazon Web Services certifications, which could help speed up the process of completing your degree.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $34,607.50
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $24,078
- Student Satisfaction: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 61.67
This online degree program from Louisiana State University-Alexandria offers coursework in accounting as well as business. With a well-rounded slate of coursework, you can turn an accounting degree from LSU-Alexandria into a career in private or public businesses, government, accounting firms, and much more.
Some of the courses you will take include:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Tax Accounting
- Business Law
- Cost Accounting
- Principles of Management
- International Marketing
In addition to having a large selection of courses, LSU-Alexandria is one of the least expensive programs in our rankings with a per-credit cost of $291.
Another way to save money is to earn college credit through Amazon Web Services (AWS). As noted above, LSU-Alexandria allows you to earn college credits by completing relevant AWS certification programs. This is called PLA, or Prior Learning Assessment, and can significantly reduce the number of credits you need to take to complete your degree.
20. Old Dominion University
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $360 per credit (in-state); $407 per credit (out-of-state)
- Courses follow a regular schedule and are offered live, online for access from anywhere in the world.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $43,575
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $22,500
- Student Satisfaction: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 60
The online accounting degree from Old Dominion allows you to begin your degree or complete your degree if you’ve already completed transferable credits from another university.
Likewise, Old Dominion offers you the ability to earn graduate credits while you’re an undergraduate student to give you a head start on your master’s degree. Doing so could reduce the amount of time you need to finish your graduate studies, perhaps by a half a semester or even a full semester.
This program has one of the lower median earnings figures upon graduation of $43,575. While it isn’t the lowest number on this list, it’s in the bottom third. However, Old Dominion gets high marks for the median debt upon graduation at $22,500.
21. The University of Toledo
Online Bachelor of Business Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $397.75 per credit (in-state); $402.75 per credit (out-of-state)
- To help support your online studies, the University of Toledo offers the services of the Office of Student Retention and Academic Success.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,439
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $23,454.50
- Student Satisfaction: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 60
This online accounting degree from the University of Toledo is unique in that it is the only Bachelor of Business Accounting program on this list. If you wish to enter the working world of accounting and apply what you’ve learned to business settings, this might be a good option for you.
This is a traditional four-year program with 120 credits required to graduate. However, since it’s completely online, you can adapt your schedule to speed up the process or slow it down as needed. For example, you can take an extra class each semester for three years and cut the time needed to graduate by a full semester. Conversely, if you are unable to attend school full-time, you can attend part-time and complete your degree in five years or more.
The University of Toledo gets high marks for the amount of debt that its graduates carry – about $24,500 – which is well below the U.S. median of more than $36,000 per year.
22. National University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 180 quarter credits (which is the same at 120 semester credits)
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $370 per credit
- Each course in this program is in a four-week format, so you take just one course at a time.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $42,402
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $26,531.50
- Student Satisfaction: 3.2 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 60
National University’s online accounting degree program has a unique four-week format in which you focus on one course at a time. This can be an advantageous format for students that prefer to have intensive courses as opposed to longer and more varied courses for a semester or quarter.
These online courses include live voice or video streams during which instructors explain important concepts in the curriculum. Likewise, it gives instructors the opportunity to illustrate techniques, respond to questions from students, and interact with students in a robust learning platform.
This program includes the option to transition from this online bachelor’s degree to an online MBA degree, if so desired. To do so, you must take three MBA courses during your undergraduate studies, each of which counts as an elective for the undergraduate accounting degree as well. By enrolling in the transition program, you can complete the MBA in a shorter amount of time because you’ll already have three courses completed. This is one of the only programs on this list that offers this option.
23. The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $441 per credit
- This program helps prepare you to sit for the CPA exam as well as other exams, such as CISA, CIA, CFE, and CMA.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $45,696
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $27,005
- Student Satisfaction: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 60
This bachelor of science in accounting program is offered by the University of Alabama and Birmingham’s Collat School of Business, which is AACSB-accredited. Furthermore, this degree program is endorsed by the Institute of Management Accountants for its preparatory value for the CMA exam.
The course of study includes 24 credit hours of accounting core classes. These introductory courses cover topics related to:
- Financial Accounting
- Accounting Information Systems
- Cost Accounting
- Income Taxation
- Internal Auditing
You’ll also complete upper-level core courses that include:
- Management Processes and Behavior
- Basic Marketing
- Business communications
- International Accounting
- Professional Development
The UAB program requires students to participate in an experiential course and complete a capstone project. These courses are intended to give you practice in applying accounting principles to real-world situations. When it comes time to apply for jobs, some employers prefer applicants that have these kinds of experiences during their undergraduate studies, so it could be something that helps set you apart from other applicants.
24. University of Memphis
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $826 per credit, including fees (in-state); $1,104, including fees (out-of-state)
- This program is offered by Memphis’ Fogelman College of Business & Economics.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $41,479
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $28,495.50
- Student Satisfaction: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 56.67
This program at the University of Memphis results in a bachelor of business administration in accounting degree, one of a few such options in our rankings.
This program is 120 credits in length, which takes full-time students four years to complete. However, because Memphis has a generous transfer credit program, you can significantly reduce the number of credits you need to graduate, provided your existing credits are from a regionally-accredited institution.
This is the only online accounting degree available from Memphis. However, there are a number of related areas in which you can add a minor or even a double major if you so choose.
It’s important to note that the median salary that accounting graduates earn from this program is among the lowest of the programs in our rankings. At the same time, the median debt upon graduation from Memphis is on the high side, at least compared to other schools on this list.
25. Saint Leo University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $380 per credit
- This program includes an optional (but strongly recommended) internship opportunity during your senior year of studies.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $48,883
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $26,750
- Student Satisfaction: 2.6 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 55
This degree from Saint Leo University is one of only a few bachelor of arts options on our list. Bachelor of arts degrees tend to be more broad-based than bachelor of science degrees, so if you want a liberal arts education with an emphasis in accounting, a B.A. program might be a good fit.
This isn’t to say that this program doesn’t offer plenty of accounting and related coursework. Quite the contrary. There are 27 credit hours of required accounting coursework plus 15 hours of electives in accounting or a related area.
One of the best features of this program is its internship option. Internships can be anywhere from three credits up to 12 credits, depending on their length. In addition to providing you with an opportunity to earn credits toward graduation, an internship gives you a practical means of using what you’ve learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. The knowledge you can glean from working with experienced accountants is also invaluable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online accounting degrees as good as traditional accounting degrees?
In short, yes. If you get an online accounting degree, you will receive the same or a very similar education as students who attend classes on campus.
Schools big and small have invested millions of dollars in improving the online course offerings they have. The focus on online education is in part to have a wider reach to a larger pool of potential students, but it’s also in response to the changing landscape of higher education. While attending classes in person certainly has its benefits, being able to learn remotely has plenty of advantages as well. Many more students today are choosing online learning because the benefits of doing so outweigh the benefits of going to school on campus.
Your online degree will be every bit as valid and accepted as an accounting student who went to school on campus. In fact, your online degree will likely look exactly like one obtained on campus – there is seldom any denotation that a degree was obtained online.
In fact, when you apply for jobs, potential employers will have no idea whether you got your degree online or in person – and they likely will not care. What matters to employers is what you know and how well you’re able to use your knowledge and skills to fulfill the duties of the job for which you’re applying.
So, if you’re worried about the quality of the online learning experience, don’t be
Does it cost more to get an online accounting degree?
The costs associated with an online accounting degree vary from one school to the next. In some cases, you might find that an online degree from one school is less expensive than the same degree at the same school if you take on-campus courses.
Typically, online courses cost more per credit for tuition or have additional fees associated with them that make them more expensive than their on-campus counterparts. But you also need to consider whether the online program you’re interested in charges higher tuition if you’re out of state or if it’s a flat rate no matter where you live. With a flat rate, you might find that an online program’s per-credit tuition is less than what you would pay taking in-person classes at an in-state school.
Another factor that can influence how much an online accounting program costs is the transfer policy of the school that offers the program. Some of the programs on this list allow you to transfer in as many as 90 credit hours. Many allow up to 75 credit hours. So, if you have some credits already completed and they are transferable to your new online program, the overall cost of getting your degree might be reduced.
Why is accreditation important?
On a broader scale, institutional accreditation is important because it holds colleges and universities to certain standards of education. There are two types of institutional accreditation – regional and national. Of the two, regional accreditation is preferred and is the gold standard of accreditation.
National accreditation has, in the past, been more associated with trade schools and online programs. This is no longer always the case. However, national accreditation is not as prestigious as regional accreditation. Likewise, credits from a nationally-accredited university are less likely to transfer than those obtained at a regionally-accredited university.
With a narrower focus on accounting, business schools at universities can pursue accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB. This accreditation is bestowed on top schools that have a demonstrated commitment to fostering learner success. Moreover, AACSB requires schools to demonstrate a commitment to thought leadership, strategic management, and societal impact. If you find an AACSB-accredited online accounting program, you will know that it is among the very best.
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