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Accredited Online Colleges for Accounting
Earning an online accounting degree provides an excellent springboard to a profitable and challenging business career. As of 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median annual salary of $73,560 for accountants and auditors.
This page ranks the best online colleges for accounting. We also outline what to expect from an online accounting program, why online accounting degrees hold significance in today's competitive job market, and what to weigh when searching for the right accounting school.
Concentration | Tuition | FAQs | Top Accounting Programs
What Is Accounting?
The oldest accounting records trace back to ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia in the fourth millennium B.C. At the time, people exchanged items at local markets at agreed-upon prices, but without any fiat money underpinning the transactions. To ensure value reciprocity, people recorded peer-to-peer exchanges in clay ledgers, using accounting methods like those we use today.
Like in the ancient Middle East, modern accountants use ledgers to record and store transactions and financial data for individuals and organizations. However, the modern accounting process requires reporting these transactions to centralized agencies, regulators, and tax collectors.
People drawn to accounting often demonstrate conscientiousness, attention to detail, and analytical thinking.
Accountants perform many other duties besides accounting for transactions. They also play vital roles in cost planning, regulatory compliance, financial advising, and executive business decisions. Accordingly, individuals and organizations need accountants for a variety of roles. Common careers include personal financial advisor, tax accountant, fraud examiner, and corporate controller.
People drawn to accounting often demonstrate conscientiousness, attention to detail, and analytical thinking. The field also appeals to individuals interested in trending subjects like inflation, sustainable energy, cryptocurrencies, and decentralized finance.
Why Get a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting?
Holding a bachelor's degree in accounting brings a wealth of advantages. Strong earning potential ranks high on the list. As of 2020, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $89,330 for personal financial advisors and $83,660 for financial analysts. A bachelor's in accounting also provides 120 of the 150 credits needed to sit for the certified public accountant (CPA) exam.
Earning an online accounting degree offers other benefits besides the financial and credit incentives. We list three below:
- Flexibility: Online accounting programs often provide asynchronous courses. This online format allows students to complete their courses at their own pace. For example, learners with daytime commitments can delegate their studies to evenings and weekends.
- Transferable Skills: Online accounting degrees cultivate a diverse skill set that easily transfers across industries and occupations. Highly versatile core competencies include strong administrative, analytical, and program-solving skills.
- Lower Degree Costs: Earning an online accounting degree often costs less than the on-campus alternative. The degree's affordability makes it an excellent choice for prospective students on a budget.
Recommended Schools for an Accounting Degree
What to Expect From Accounting Programs Online
Many schools offer accounting programs online or in a hybrid format. Online accounting programs may require some minimal on-campus presence for alumni events, a capstone project, or an internship. A bachelor's degree in accounting generally requires 120 credits and takes four years to complete.
Online accounting programs typically start with introductory courses in accounting and auditing, federal taxation, and statistical analysis. Subsequent electives and concentration courses cover more specialized content such as financial management, advanced analytics, and cost accounting.
The cost of an online accounting degree varies across schools. Many public colleges and universities charge in-state rates to their distance learners, regardless of residency and physical location. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), public, in-state tuition and fee rates averaged $9,212 for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites for an online accounting degree include a high school diploma or GED certificate. Schools may require applicants to hold a minimum 2.0 GPA. Prospective students typically apply in the fall and learn admissions decisions in the spring. However, some online accounting programs accept applications on a rolling basis.
Applicants usually submit an online application, a resume, official transcripts, recommendation letters, personal essays, SAT or ACT scores, and a nonrefundable application fee. Some accounting schools online waive standardized test scores for distance learners. But high test scores can improve the chances of admission.
Concentration Options
Online accounting degree programs typically provide several concentration options. Popular specializations include:
- Fiduciary Accounting
- A specialization in fiduciary accounting focuses on financial transactions associated with a trust or estate. Key courses cover subjects like asset reconciliation, income collection verification, inventory allocation on sales of securities, and allocation of trust expenses between income and principal.
- Securities Fraud
- This focus area advances knowledge of how to investigate illegal activities involving securities. The curriculum explores capital gains tax evasion, financial statement fraud, and conspiracy to commit stock fraud. Enrollees also learn how to detect pump-and-dump ploys, Ponzi schemes, and late-day and insider trading.
- Environmental Accounting
- A focus in environmental accounting explores human environmental footprints and their economic impacts. Learners delve into subjects such as emissions management, regulatory credit sale, and tradeoffs between the environment and economic growth.
- Crypto Mining Accounting
- In this concentration, students leverage their basic accounting skills to track and analyze data from the mining of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Learning outcomes include proficiencies in implementing subledgers, tracking mining revenue earned, and recording rewards from staked coins and tokens.
- Actuarial Science
- A focus in actuarial science delivers advanced knowledge of how to quantify financial uncertainty and risk using mathematics, probability theory, and statistical analysis. Coursework delves into subjects such as stochastic calculus, solvency and liquidity ratios, and enterprise risk modeling and management.
Popular Accounting Courses
Most accounting curricula include core courses, electives, general education courses, and a capstone. Some online accounting programs also require an internship. Students may potentially transfer high school advanced placement credits to skip some core accounting courses and general education requirements.
Core accounting classes explore topics like federal taxation, macro- and microeconomics, and financial statement analysis. Electives may include topics like sports accounting, assurance services, and environmental accounting. Below, we provide sample descriptions for three courses learners may encounter in an online accounting degree program:
This core class delivers the quantitative and troubleshooting skills needed to probe a company's financial reports, assess its financial health, and communicate investigative findings to corporate leaders. Coursework covers subjects like risk assessment, cash flow analysis, and operating efficiency.
An elective in fraud examination teaches learners how to detect and prevent financial fraud such as skimming, embezzlement, and asset misappropriation. Enrollees also gain hands-on experience with reporting investigative findings, designing fraud detection protocols, and providing litigation advice to civil fraud attorneys.
In an accounting capstone seminar, attendees leverage their knowledge of accounting concepts, theories, and practices to solve a real-world financial challenge. For example, a capstone project might involve a strategic case study addressing an ethical issue arising in a company audit.
How Much Will an Online Accounting Degree Cost?
According to NCES, college students paid an average of $9,212 per year for in-state tuition and fees at public schools for the 2018-2019 academic year. Out-of-state public and private institutions charged an average of $25,442 and $31,875, respectively.
Some schools offer distance learning at a reduced rate. Public universities, for example, often charge in-state tuition rates to remote learners, regardless of residency and physical location.
Students choosing to study on campus should also factor in the price of room and board. On-campus housing and meal plans averaged an additional $11,386-$12,787 per year in 2019, according to the NCES. Other expenses may include commuting, parking, textbooks, and technology like computers, calculators, and software.
Remote learners can save on room and board, commuting, and parking. Students seeking to reduce costs can also explore financing options such as scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans.
Choosing the Right Online Accounting Programs
Our rankings provide a great starting point when researching potential online accounting programs. However, prospective learners should also consider the following factors:
- Regional Accreditation
- Students should choose a regionally accredited institution. This type of accreditation allows credit transfers between institutions and signals to future employers that the degree meets stringent educational standards.
- Program-Specific Accreditation
- Program-specific accreditation can also impact a degree's value. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business sets the gold standards for accounting and business schools.
- Concentration Options
- Consider whether potential online accounting programs offer your preferred concentration. If not, you can inquire about the possibility of creating your own specialization from electives.
- School Size
- Smaller schools may offer a more personalized and less stressful learning environment but may lack the financial resources and course variety of larger institutions.
- Career Services
- The best online colleges for accounting offer extensive career services, such as general career advising, job fairs, resume and letter writing services, alumni events, and networking opportunities.
- Cost and Financial Aid
- Program cost and financial aid can affect your financial health many years after graduation. To keep your expenditures reasonable, look for a school that fits your budget criteria.
Why You Should Attend an Accounting School Online
Today's accountants need strong computer skills, which makes attending school online an attractive option for budding accounting professionals.
Online accounting programs offer flexibility and affordability. With time saved on commuting and parking, learners can allocate more hours to work and other commitments while pursuing a degree.
Attending an accounting school online may entail reduced tuition rates compared to the on-campus alternative. Many public schools charge in-state tuition to their online students regardless of their residency. Private schools also increasingly offer remote education discounts. Distance learners can also save on room and board, commuting, and parking.
Today's accountants need strong computer skills, which makes attending school online an attractive option for budding accounting professionals.
Before choosing an online accounting program, prospective students should consider whether the online format works with their learning style. Some schools offer asynchronous online programs. This format allows enrollees to study on their own rather than attending classes. Succeeding in an asynchronous learning environment, however, requires disciplined study habits.
Accounting Questions Asked By Students
Can you earn an accounting degree online?
Many schools offer accounting programs online. Employers increasingly regard online and on-campus degrees from top schools as equal in value. Online accounting programs tend to provide greater convenience and affordability than their on-campus counterparts.
Is an online accounting degree worth it?
Attending an accounting program online can provide a high return on investment (ROI) a few years after starting a profitable career. To attain the fastest and highest ROI, explore in-state public schools, affordable online courses, and nonrepayable financial aid.
Can you become a CPA with an accounting program online?
An online bachelor's in accounting normally only delivers 120 of the 150 credits needed to sit for the CPA exam in most states. To become a CPA, many college graduates pursue a master's degree in accounting, which provides a minimum of 30 credits.
What can I do with a bachelor's degree in accounting?
Earning a bachelor's degree in accounting prepares you for a variety of stimulating and profitable career opportunities. Examples of accounting jobs include tax accountant, personal financial advisor, financial analyst, and fraud examiner.
Is an accountant a good career?
An accounting career can be rewarding for individuals who enjoy working with financial data and who possess good analytical, managerial, and problem-solving skills. Graduates may also qualify for supervisory and corporate leadership positions down the line.
Best Online Colleges for Accounting
#1 Best Online Accounting Degrees
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
- University Park, PA
- 4 years
- Online
Students looking for a competitive program should consider the premier online degrees at Pennsylvania State University World Campus, based in University Park, Pennsylvania. The bachelor of science in accounting provides a rigorous, industry-related education to degree-seekers interested in accounting.
Connecting with colleagues and faculty in an online learning environment helps participants in the accounting program get the full benefits from the supportive remote community. Enrollees complete coursework covering foundational and advanced topics to gain knowledge relevant to the accounting field. Learners build the competency needed for an accounting profession through hands-on practice in experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects. Degree-seekers enjoy access to institutional resources focused on student success, such as career and academic advising, throughout the course of the program.
Financial aid officers can help learners find funding opportunities to help lower the costs of an accounting degree. Students at the college enjoy many funding options, including scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Accounting Degrees
Colorado State University-Global Campus
- Aurora, CO
- 4 years
- Online
The bachelor of science in accounting at Colorado State University Global features a flexibility that appeals to many people interested in an online education in accounting that fits their schedule. The Aurora, Colorado college supports distance learners with institutional resources, like a helpful online community.
Students in the accounting program learn industry knowledge in engaging classes. The curriculum for the degree covers general education and advanced topics and lets learners modify classes and pick electives. Hands-on learning opportunities let enrollees supplement their academic experience. Degree-seekers get first-hand experience of what it's like to work in the accounting field through internships, externships, and research projects.
Prospective applicants can ask the admissions office to learn more about enrollment requirements. Learners meeting the proper criteria use scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid to bring down the price of their degree.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Accounting Degrees
Florida Institute of Technology
- Melbourne, FL
- 4 years
- Online
Located in Melbourne, Florida Institute of Technology provides premier online programs for students seeking competitive study. The bachelor of arts in accounting provides a rigorous education relevant to the accounting industry to degree-seekers interested in the field.
The supportive virtual community of the accounting program benefits participants, connecting them with faculty and colleagues through a remote learning environment. The foundational and advanced topics covered in classes prepare enrollees with relevant knowledge for their future careers in accounting. Participants can also pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships, to advance their competency for a career in accounting. Institutional resources focused on student success, like career and academic advising, are available to degree-seekers throughout the program.
Learners should meet with a financial aid officer to discuss funding options to help with the costs of an accounting degree. The college offers many fellowship, scholarship, and federal aid opportunities.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Accounting Degrees
Regis University
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
People looking for a flexible education that prepares them for the accounting field should consider Regis University's bachelor of science in accounting. A total of 4,116 online learners receive a premier education from the private college, choosing from 26 virtual bachelor's programs.
The bachelor of science in accounting helps students succeed in the accounting field by giving them proper tools. Enrollees benefit from a variety of coursework, participating in classes that provide foundational and advanced knowledge of accounting. Experiential learning opportunities help degree-seekers increase their industry knowledge to advance their career goals. Learners gain many benefits from internships, externships, and applied research projects. Throughout the degree, students can get guidance from their academic advisor and career counselor.
Eligible applicants can pursue scholarships, fellowships, or other funding opportunities from within or outside of the school to help bring down degree costs. A remote education leader, the college awards financial aid to 99% of enrollees to support them on their academic journey.
Percent Online Enrollment
60%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Accounting Degrees
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Many people looking for a flexible virtual education in accounting find the bachelor of science in accounting at California Baptist University to be a great option. The private institution provides industry-relevant education to 6,112 remote degree-seekers, offering 24 of its bachelor's programs online. Based in Riverside, California, the college features institutional resources, such as a supportive virtual community, that benefit remote learners.
Interactive classes provide students with knowledge relevant to the accounting industry. The curriculum for the degree covers general education and advanced topics and lets learners modify classes and pick electives. Enrollees can supplement their classroom knowledge through experiential learning opportunities. Externships, internships, and research projects give degree-seekers first-hand experience of what it's like to work in the accounting field.
Applicants can talk to the admissions office to learn more about enrollment criteria. Of all students, 98% get some type of financial assistance, so enrollees should check with the financial aid office to see what the eligibility requirements are. Learners meeting the proper criteria use scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid to bring down the price of their degree.
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
