Associate Degrees in Accounting

An associate degree in accounting explores essential concepts and practices over two academic years. This degree can lead to entry-level careers and future academic achievement.

You can also use an associate degree to prepare for a certified public accountant (CPA) career. This path requires additional education, as you need at least a bachelor's degree to become a CPA, but it also offers considerable rewards. A November 2024 CPA Journal report analyzed the accounting labor landscape, noting a critical shortage of qualified professionals.

This resource explains key elements of associate degrees in accounting. Use it to guide your planning as you explore your education options.

Why Get an Accounting Associate Degree?

What to Expect From an Accounting Associate

Associate degrees in accounting usually cover about 60 semester credits or the equivalent. By earning your degree at an accredited school, your credits can transfer into four-year bachelor's programs. Many associate degree-holders elect to upgrade their educational credentials, making accreditation a key consideration.

Curricula often focus on core accounting concepts and skills. Depending on your program, these may include:

• Creating and managing financial statements
• Generally accepted accounting principles
• Accounting information systems and software
• Professional standards and accounting regulations

Schools do not typically offer many concentration tracks at the associate level. However, you may use your electives to study specialized areas of interest, such as auditing or taxation.

Different Associate Types

Associate programs in accounting usually lead to one of three degree designations:

• Associate of arts (AA)
• Associate of applied science (AAS)
• Associate of science (AS)

All three options cover similar concepts, and you will graduate with a comparable education regardless of your choice.

At the same time, minor but noteworthy differences define each of these tracks. AA programs usually offer more flexibility in your electives, while AAS and AS programs may cover technical and quantitative topics in more depth. Examples include mathematics, accounting software, information systems, and advanced accounting techniques.

The "applied" element of the AAS designation can also imply that a program supports direct workforce entry. Meanwhile, AS programs build more general foundations — ideal for students who plan to pursue four-year degrees.

Should You Get Your Degree Online?

Accounting transfers well to the virtual classroom, as academic material does not generally depend on the real-time interactivity that traditional learning offers. You can also save money by studying online, as you may qualify for lower tuition rates and avoid relocation or transportation costs.

Along with 100% online programs, you may encounter programs with hybrid learning. This approach blends virtual and face-to-face modalities, making it useful if you want a more traditional experience.

Also, research whether your program's online courses are pre-recorded or scheduled for real-time delivery. Synchronous courses involve live lectures and class meetings, while asynchronous learning offers "anytime, anywhere" flexibility.

Admissions Process

Schools usually make associate accounting programs highly accessible, requiring a high school diploma or the equivalent for admission. A knowledge background in business or math may also help.

Compared to bachelor's programs, you might find the application process easier and less demanding at the associate level. Requirements like admission essays, letters of recommendation, and GPA cutoffs may not apply.

Some schools may request SAT or ACT scores for associate degree admission, but other institutions may have test-optional policies or not require them.

If you plan to study online, your computer must meet minimum performance standards, including for specific software. Check these requirements with the school before applying, as you may face additional costs in making the necessary upgrades.

Popular Accounting Associate Courses

Every school has its own curriculum, but associate accounting programs usually focus on similar concepts. You will mainly explore these topics through core (required) courses, while electives allow you to learn about secondary areas of interest.

Many curricula contain these courses or alternatives that cover similar content:

• Introduction to Financial Accounting: This fundamental course covers the accounting cycle and best practices for preparing financial statements. You will also learn about the rules accountants use to track finances and how to apply them to accounting procedures.
• Introduction to Managerial Accounting: In this required course, you will explore the relationships between accounting and business management. Coursework covers strategies for analyzing and extracting information from financial and accounting data. You will then learn how to use those insights for business benefit.
• Business Computer Applications: Usually offered during the early part of your program, this core course builds your skills with business productivity software. You will learn to use common programs while developing knowledge foundations for the more advanced future study of accounting information systems.

How Much Do Accounting Associate Programs Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in-state students at public two-year institutions paid an average of $3,598 in annual tuition costs in the 2022-2023 school year. Their out-of-state peers faced average annual costs of $8,565 in this period.

If you study for two years at a four-year college, NCES averages indicate you may face higher costs. At these schools, average tuition and required fees were $9,750 for in-state students at public colleges and $28,297 for out-of-state students. Private colleges charged an average of $35,248 per year.

These figures do not account for additional educational expenses like relocation costs, room and board, transportation, books, and computer equipment. Given the costs involved, studying at a two-year school may make your education more affordable.

If you need financial aid, prioritize non-repayable options like scholarships and grants before relying on methods that require repayment.

Accounting Jobs and Salaries

If you plan to enter the workforce after graduating, an associate degree in accounting can lead to entry-level roles. You can then return to school and earn a bachelor's to pursue jobs with advancement potential or build experience within your niche to increase your earning power.

Bookkeeper, accounting clerk, and tax preparer paths are three common options for associate degree-holders. Notably, all three roles involve duties you can later use to meet the experience requirements for becoming a CPA.

Accounting Clerk

Accounting clerks mainly perform supporting duties related to tracking financial transactions, updating records, and managing incoming and outgoing payments. Some clerk roles are specific to certain departments or job functions. Examples include payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable clerks.

• Job Outlook (2023-33): -5%
• Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $49,210

Source: BLS

Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers create and manage financial records. They document transactions, ensure the accuracy of all financial data, and keep records current. Bookkeepers also prepare or help prepare financial statements. As advanced technologies automate some of these duties, bookkeepers have adapted to focus more on insight-driven accounting analytics.

• Job Outlook (2023-33): -5%
• Average Annual Salary (April 2025): $49,190

Source: BLS, Payscale

Tax Preparer

These professionals help individuals and businesses meet their tax filing and payment requirements. They provide legally compliant tax preparation services, helping clients navigate complex rules and identify savings opportunities. To receive financial compensation for your work, you will need a preparer tax identification number from the federal government.

• Job Outlook (2023-33): +4.2%
• Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $49,010

Source: BLS, BLS

Should You Get an Associate Degree or a Certificate?

For your introductory accounting education, you could pursue a pre-degree accounting certificate instead of an associate degree. Both paths can lead to similar professional opportunities, but each option offers specific advantages. Certificate programs are shorter, helping you save money while entering the workforce faster. Degree programs are easier to upgrade, giving them more versatility.

This table offers a detailed summary of how the two paths compare:

A certificate program may be an ideal option if you aim to minimize your costs while training for a supporting role in accounting. If you want more depth and flexibility, including the option to upgrade your credentials in the future, an associate degree in accounting may make a better match.

Selecting the Right Associate Program

Hundreds of schools offer associate programs in accounting, making it challenging to narrow down your options. Evaluating these factors can help you pick the best available options:

If feasible, consider visiting the campus in person before applying. An in-person trip can provide a feel for the student experience and campus culture, even if you plan to study online.

Common Questions About Associate Degrees in Accounting