In this article, we highlight the 20 best online schools for accounting bachelor’s degrees, Masters and PhD Students A bachelor in accounting degree prepares you to help companies organize their financial information and operate successfully in this increasingly complex and competitive business environment. The first step toward an accounting career is earning an undergraduate degree in the discipline. Finding an accredited institution with a top-ranked accounting program also helps. According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupational outlook for accountants is extremely favorable. In fact, employment for accountants and auditors is expected to grow 11 percent over the next eight years. Anticipated demand means that colleges and universities are offering programs designed to prepare students for long-term accounting careers. Even some of the top-ranked institutions now offer online accounting degree options so that students are able to balance life obligations with education. So, discover the best online schools for either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in accounting, which you can take programs with ease from anywhere in the world.
Are Online Accounting Degrees Respected?
A few decades ago, earning a degree online was a rarity. Employers often had misconceptions about online degrees. Usually, this was because of information circulating about diploma mills and diploma mills selling diplomas to people for the right price. However, things have transformed. Online degrees are becoming more respected as more and more people choose to continue their education online to get a degree in the field of their choice. Today, people are receiving excellent online training with high respect from most employers. Also, some employers are really impressed that a potential employee took the time to graduate while working full time. However, more respect is given to the job applicant who graduated from a recognized and accredited online higher education institution.
Can You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Online?
An online bachelor’s degree in accounting meets the minimum entry requirement for most accounting majors. However, to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), applicants need 150 credits, which they often earn by completing a 120-credit bachelor’s degree and a 30-credit master’s degree in accounting. In 2019, accountants earned a median annual salary of more than $71,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. An affordable online accounting degree helps professionals increase their earning potential through a flexible format without incurring enormous debt. During an online accounting degree, students take courses in subjects such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, and auditing. Besides accounting courses, online students can take business courses to strengthen their professional skills. Online schools often design their accounting programs for working professionals, offering options such as flexible and asynchronous courses. E-learning also enables accounting specialists to enroll in the most affordable online accounting degree programs without moving. Our list ranks the most affordable online accounting degree programs to help prospective students find a program that fits their budget.
How Much Does it Cost to Get an Accounting Degree Online?
The average annual cost for a four-year private non-profit school is $34,740 and over $16,000 for a private for-profit school. Master’s degree program tuition at in-state public institutions cost an average of $8,670 per year, and doctorate program tuition cost $10,830 per year at in-state public institutions.
20 Best Online Schools For Accounting
This ranking is designed to help students identify the best schools for an online accounting degree based on the method listed below. We examined over 100 accredited institutions that offer online bachelor’s in accounting degree programs. From the pool of schools, we examined the percentage of admitted applicants, graduation rates, and student-to-faculty ratios. We also looked at in-state undergraduate tuition and fees to determine affordability. Our data was taken from NCES College Navigator and used to help create our list of the 20 best online schools for accounting degrees. Ranking Methodology: The student to Faculty Ratio15:1 and under- 3 Points16:1 to 20:1- 2 PointsMore than 20:1- 1 Point Undergraduate Tuition/FeesLess than $10,000/year- 3 Points$10,001-$20,000/year- 2 PointsMore than $20,000/year- 1 Point Applicants AdmittedLess than 50%- 3 PointsMore than 50%- 1 Point Graduation Rate50% or Greater- 3 Points25%-49%- 2 PointsLess than 25%- 1 Point
#20 – Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Online courses at Colorado State University’s online accounting school align with the standards of AICPA. Colorado Technical University is one of our top online schools for accounting. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the online bachelor’s degree programs at CTU #63 in the nation. Students receive online instruction that is designed to prepare them for careers in corporate, governmental, or private sector accounting. Also, the program provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing graduate accounting degrees. Online courses include advanced accounting, advanced tax, cost accounting, government and not-for-profit accounting, introduction to international financial reporting standards, and management fundamentals. All courses align with the standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: The College Tuition goes for $11,656Points: The school is on rating 5
#19 – Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, Florida
The accredited online bachelor’s in accounting degree from Florida Tech is for those interested in becoming a CPA. Florida Institute of Technology offers accredited online bachelors in accounting degree that is designed for those who wish to pursue the certified public accountant (CPA) or certified management accounting (CMA) examination. Courses are delivered online, they include accounting information systems, advanced accounting, advanced auditing, corporate federal income taxes, cost accounting, principles of accounting, and strategic management. FIT is one of our top online accounting schools primarily due to affordability. News and World Report as a top national university. The online bachelor’s programs also rank #92 in the nation. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $12,240Points: 5
#18 – Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University’s online school for accounting offers two concentrations! Southern New Hampshire University is among our top picks for online schools for accounting due in part to the high graduation rate. The school offers an online bachelor’s in accounting with two available concentrations – accelerated or forensic accounting and fraud examination. The program is designed to equip students for entry-level accounting careers or prepare them for graduate-level programs and certification exams. Courses are delivered entirely online and include advanced accounting, auditing principles, cost accounting, federal taxation, financial statement analysis, and business valuation, and intermediate accounting. The school ranks as the best regional university in the North. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $30,386Points: 6
#17 – Colorado State University-Global Campus
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $8,400Points: 6 Colorado State University-Global Campus is one of the top online accounting schools with numerous specialization options. One of the best online accounting schools on our list is the Colorado State University-Global Campus. The institution offers an accredited online bachelor’s degree in accounting that is designed to equip students for careers as accountants or certification as licensed accountants. Over 15 specialization options are available so that students may customize their accounting degree. Some specializations include business administration, criminal forensics, data management and analysis, information technology operations, and marketing. Specialization requirements include the completion of five upper-division courses (15 credit hours).
#16 – the University of Maryland University College
Adelphi, Maryland
Want to pursue a career as a CPA? The University of Maryland is one of the best online accounting schools on our list. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $7,056Points: 6 One of the best online accounting schools on our list is the University of Maryland University College. The school offers an online accounting bachelor’s degree program that is both accredited and highly affordable. These online courses include advanced accounting, auditing theory and practice, cost accounting, federal income tax, international accounting, introduction to statistics, and principles of accounting. The program is designed to help students prepare for various accounting certifications like the certified internal auditor (CIA), certified management accountant (CMA), and certified public accountant (CPA).
#15 – Tiffin University
Tiffin, Ohio
Tiffin University is a top pick for online accounting schools. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $22,165Points: 7 Tiffin University is one of our top online accounting schools that offer an online bachelor of business administration in accounting. This unique BBA program allows students to focus their studies on accounting and prepares them for various certification examinations. Students take courses that explore a wide variety of accounting principles. All classes are delivered online and include accounting information systems, analysis of the accounting process, cost accounting, federal income tax, intermediate accounting, and managerial accounting. Tiffin is an accredited institution and is also ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the best regional university in the Midwest. Affordable tuition and a relatively high graduate rate land Tiffin on our list of the best online schools for accounting.
#14 – Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Saint Leo’s affordability lands it a top spot on our list of best online schools for accounting. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $20,830Points: 7 Saint Leo University lands a spot on our list of the best accounting schools online due to affordability and a low student-to-faculty ratio. All classes are delivered online and include advanced accounting, auditing, business law, cost accounting, individual federal income taxes, and intermediate accounting. The International Assembly accredits the program for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). Also, the school ranks among the best regional universities in the South and the 51st best college for veterans by U.S. News and World Report.
#13 – Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
Accredited and affordable! WSU is a top pick for our list of online schools for accounting. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $11,96Points: 7 Washington State University is one of our top online accounting schools that are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The school offers an online bachelors in an accounting degree program that is designed for working or busy students who want to receive the foundation in accounting needed to pursue employment or professional certification. Classes are delivered entirely online and include accounting systems and auditing, auditing, cost accounting, intermediate accounting, and introduction to taxation. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school’s online bachelor’s programs as #34 in the nation.
#12 – University of Minnesota
Crookston, Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is one of our top picks for accounting schools online due in part because of the small class sizes. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $11,646Points: 7 For those looking for accredited and ranked online schools for accounting, the University of Minnesota provides an affordable option. The online bachelor’s in accounting degree program offers small class sizes and individualized attention. In fact, the low student-to-faculty ratio is one reason the school lands on our list. All classes are delivered online and include accounting systems, auditing, cost accounting, income tax, managerial finance, and principles of accounting. The online bachelor’s programs rank #63 in the most recent edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report.
#11 – Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, Pennsylvania
Clarion University’s affordable tuition earns it a spot on our list for best online schools for accounting. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $10,19Points: 7 Clarion University of Pennsylvania’s affordable tuition and relatively high graduation rate earn it a spot on our list of the top accounting schools online. The school offers a BSBA in accounting degree that is designed to help students succeed in securing accounting and finance positions. Online classes are small and taught by the same university professors who teach on-campus. Classes explore topics in economics and business statistics, financial accounting, financial management, managerial accounting, and problems in federal tax accounting. The school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #120 in the country.
#10 – Regis University
Denver, Colorado
Accelerated options are available! Regis University is among the best online schools for accounting. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $33,71Points: 8 Regis University is among the top online accounting schools due to its low student-to-faculty ratio and high graduation rate. The school offers an accelerated online BS in Accounting degree that is designed to prepare students with the most current accounting practices and techniques while building a strong foundation in ethics. Classes are taught online in eight-week increments. Some of the online courses include cost accounting, intermediate accounting, introduction to statistics, legal environment of business, and principles of accounting. In fact, U.S. News and World Report rank the school as having the 92nd best online bachelor’s programs in the country. The institution also earns a #10 spot on our list of best online accounting schools.
#9 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a low student-to-faculty ratio and is a top online accounting school. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $24,72Points: 8 Indiana Wesleyan University is one of the top online accounting schools due to the low student-to-faculty ratio and high graduation rate. The school offers accredited bachelors in accounting degree program that is specifically designed for working professionals who require flexible learning options of an online program. The undergraduate degree is also designed to prepare students for CPA certification and licensing, for those interested. These courses include accounting ethics, accounting information systems, advanced accounting, auditing, federal income tax, and managerial cost accounting.
#8 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University’s online bachelor’s in accounting program ranks among the top accounting schools on our list. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $20,109Points: 8 Liberty University is one of our top online accounting schools to offer a bachelor’s in accounting designed for working professionals. Flexible course schedules and reasonable tuition rates make the program appealing to those interested in pursuing a career or certification in accounting. Also, the program is ACBSP-accredited – a premiere governing body. Classes are delivered entirely online and include accounting ethics, accounting information systems, advanced accounting, financial accounting, managerial accounting, and taxation. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank liberty’s online bachelor’s programs as the 100th best in the country. The school also provides access to online master’s in business programs, like the master’s in accounting degree, that are ranked and accredited.
#7 – Pennsylvania State University World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
Penn State offers an online accounting program that is AACSB-accredited. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $13,516Points: 8 Pennsylvania State University’s affordable undergraduate tuition and low student-to-faculty ratio earn it a top spot on our list of best online accounting schools. Through the Penn State World Campus, busy students may earn an AACSB-accredited online bachelor’s in accounting. The AACSB accreditation is an honor given to only the top 5% of business schools worldwide. Also, the school and its online bachelor’s programs are ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The accounting program is designed to prepare students for major accounting certifications like the CIA, CGMA, or CMA. All classes are delivered online and include auditing, cost accounting, federal taxation, and financial and managerial accounting for decision-making.
#6 – Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Auburn University is a top pick for best online schools for accounting. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $10,424Points: 8 Auburn University’s low undergraduate tuition and high graduation rate earn it a spot on our list of top online accounting schools. The online bachelor’s in accounting program is designed for working students or those with life obligations that require them to pursue a flexible distance-learning program. Online students receive the same instruction and AACSB-accredited degree as their on-campus peers. Some of the online courses that students take include accounting information systems, auditing and assurance services, cost accounting, income tax, and intermediate accounting.
#5 – Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $8,580Points: 8 Indiana State University’s affordability makes it one of our top choices for best online schools for accounting. Indiana State University is one of our top picks for the best accounting schools online. Affordable tuition, a low student-to-faculty ratio, and a relatively high graduation rate earn it a spot on our list. Students may earn online bachelor’s in accounting that is designed to serve as preparation for the certified public accountant licensing examination. Classes are delivered entirely online and include accounting systems, auditing theory and practice, cost accounting, financial accounting, and introduction to federal income taxation. The school and its online bachelor’s programs are also ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#4 – Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Keiser University’s high graduation rate makes it one of the best online schools for accounting. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $17,664Points: 9 Keiser University is one of our top picks for accounting schools online because of its low student-to-faculty ratio and high graduation rate. The school offers an online bachelor’s in accounting degree program that is designed to provide busy students with flexible learning options. The online accounting program offers courses in accounting information for business decisions, accounting principles, business law, financial management, integrated accounting, and principles of taxation.
#3 – Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Old Dominion University is one of the top online schools for accounting due to its affordability. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $9,480Points: 9 Old Dominion University is a top pick on our list of online accounting schools. The institution offers an online bachelor’s in business administration with an accounting concentration. To earn the degree, students must complete at least 30 credit hours at Old Dominion, with an overall total of 120 credit hours. Accounting courses are delivered online and include accounting information systems, intermediate accounting, managerial accounting, principles of accounting, and taxation.
#2 – Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
AACSB-accreditation and high selectivity make Northeastern University a top choice for online schools for accounting. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $45,530Points: 10 One of the top accounting schools online is Northeastern University. The highly ranked institution offers an AACSB-accredited bachelor’s in finance and accounting management degree program designed for individuals who desire professional certification or to enter a graduate accounting program. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same experienced professors who teach on-campus. Students can expect to take business strategy, cost accounting, financial statement analysis, investments, principles of taxation, and risk management and insurance. Northeastern is ranked by major publications as the best national university. In fact, the school consistently ranks in the top 50. Northeastern lands on our list of top online schools for accounting because of the low student-to-faculty ratio, high graduation rate, and low admittance rate.
#1 – University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
The University of Memphis is our #1 pick for the best online schools for accounting. Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $8,903Points: 11 The University of Memphis is our top pick for best online accounting schools due to its affordable tuition, low student-to-faculty ratio, and competitive admission rate. The university offers an online bachelor’s of business administration (BBA) degree with a major in accounting, with core classes designed to serve as quality preparation for the CPA certification exam. Students take courses in accounting systems, audit and assurance services, cost accounting, federal income tax, financial statement analysis, information systems auditing and assurance, and intermediate accounting. The University of Memphis is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs are also ranked. The school is our #1 pick for the best online schools for accounting in 2022.
Conclusion
Online accounting schools are very beneficial for the person who works and/or takes care of a family. It is often very difficult for the individual to work full or part-time and continue their education. Therefore, they choose to take a distance accounting program. Our list ranks the most affordable online accounting degree programs to help prospective students find a program that fits their time.
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