Best Accelerated Accounting Degrees Online 2025
Credit: Rockaa / E+ / Getty ImagesAccelerated accounting degrees online provide the same education as standard-paced online accounting bachelor’s degrees. However, accelerated programs are designed to take 2.5-3.5 years instead of the traditional four full-time years. Schools use various names for accelerated degrees, including accounting programs for working adults or self-paced curricula.
Students can also complete certain accounting programs — including bachelor’s-to-master’s or transfer options — in under four years, but they are not standalone bachelor’s programs. These shorter options usually have prerequisites or requirements, including transferring credits from another institution or completing a graduate-level degree.
If you are interested in learning about accelerated accounting degrees, this article explores program benefits, details, and costs.
Best Accelerated Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees
Central Baptist College
Conway, AR- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
CBU's online BS in accounting uses an interdisciplinary approach combining accounting, finance, and business analytics studies. Students complete 72 accounting major credits, including business management courses based on biblical principles. Other course topics include business statistics, federal income tax auditing, and accounting ethics.
Students who fulfill general education requirements can complete the accounting major in 24 months. CBU offers several start dates throughout the year, allowing students to enroll in the program whenever it fits their schedule. Graduates can go on to complete the CPA or CMA certification exams.
Highlights
- Accelerated eight-week courses
- 100% online, fully asynchronous courses
- 20% tuition discount for employees at partner companies
Considerations
- At $520/credit, one of the most expensive schools on our list
- Application requires a 2.5 high school or 2.0 college GPA
- Business program does not hold specialized accreditation
- In-State$16,200
- Out-of-state$16,200
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled564
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Herzing University
- St. Louis Park, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
Herzing's online BS in accounting highlights both technical accounting and management skills. Students complete a 36-credit business core and a 42-credit accounting major core. Typical course topics include business law, computerized accounting, and operations management. Students can also earn dual credit to apply toward Herzing's MBA program.
All degree candidates end the program with either a capstone project or an internship. In the capstone, students apply business research skills to a real-world accounting issue. The internship builds professional experience in an accounting setting, introducing students to business communication, employee etiquette, and current workplace practices.
Highlights
- Herzing's business programs hold accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
- Rolling admissions with no set application deadlines
- No enrollment fees
Considerations
- At $515/credit, one of the more expensive programs in this ranking
- Application may require entrance and/or placement exams
- In-State$11,820
- Out-of-state$11,820
- In-State$9,520
- Out-of-state$9,520
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled815
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
Maryville's online BS in accounting has a fully remote curriculum with no required campus visits. The program includes courses in accounting theory, forensic accounting, and marketing principles. Candidates also complete a capstone course that applies accounting skills to business strategy.
Maryville offers an Early Access program for students pursuing graduate degrees in business. Qualified candidates can complete up to three courses (12 credits) toward an MS in accounting or an MBA as part of their bachelor's degree. The Early Access program can also help students meet education requirements for the CPA exam.
Highlights
- Accounting program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- No SAT or ACT scores required for admission
- Can be completed in 2.5 years
Considerations
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required for admission
- At $540/credit, the most expensive college on our list
- No specialized concentration options
- In-State$24,766
- Out-of-state$24,766
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled9,883
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
University of Holy Cross
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
UHC's fast-track online BS in accounting is a degree completion program for students with at least 42 credits toward a bachelor's degree. Qualified candidates can finish the program in as little as 20 months. UHC offers an early entry pathway to fulfill credit requirements for students without prerequisites.
Along with accounting concepts, the program curriculum includes courses in data analytics, business law, and organizational behavior. UHC also allows students to earn academic credit for prior learning, such as job training or work experience.
Highlights
- Generous credit transfer policy accepts up to 66 outside credits
- Small cohort with individualized attention for students
- At $330/credit, the most affordable school on our list
Considerations
- Applicants must be at least 25 years old with 5+ years of work experience
- Applicants must hold at least 12 undergraduate credits
- Required courses include weekly scheduled Zoom meetings
- In-State$14,040
- Out-of-state$14,040
- In-State$13,230
- Out-of-state$13,230
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled1,120
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Methodist University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
Methodist University’'s BS or BAS in accounting offers condensed eight-week courses in a fully online format. The BS program enrolls students with no undergraduate experience, while the BAS enrolls transfer students who hold an associate degree in business or accounting. Qualified students can complete the BAS program in two years.
All candidates complete courses including managerial finance, statistics for business and economics, and federal income taxation. The degree program offers an optional concentration in healthcare administration, which prepares graduates for accounting positions in the healthcare field. Students can also complete 100% online minors in business administration or marketing.
Highlights
- No application fees or test scores required
- Business school is ACBSP accredited
- Over 97% of students receive financial aid, including online learners
Considerations
- Accelerated course format only available to associate degree-holders
- 100% online classes require strong organization and self-guided study
- In-State$37,438
- Out-of-state$37,438
- In-State$39,825
- Out-of-state$39,825
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled1,811
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Why Pursue a Short Online Accounting Program?
Cost
Some full-time accounting charge students per-semester tuition rates. Because accelerated programs require fewer semesters than traditional programs, enrollees can save money by attending an accelerated program that charges per-semester tuition. Learners at per-credit schools usually do not save money by enrolling in accelerated programs.Convenience
You can enroll in any U.S. online program from the comfort of your own home. On-campus students must already reside near their school or else move. Online students also save time and money by eliminating school-related transportation costs.CPA Requirements
Prospective certified public accountant (CPA) candidates must complete education prerequisites before sitting for the CPA exam or receiving licensure. Each state maintains its own CPA requirements, and most jurisdictions include stipulations about minimum credit hours for business and accounting classes. Because states only look at total coursework credits — not number of years enrolled in school — accelerated accounting degrees online are a fast way to earn required credits and build knowledge for the CPA exam.
Trade-Offs in Getting Your Online Accounting Degree Faster
Lack of Choice
Online accounting programs typically offer multiple academic options, including concentrations and bachelor’s-to-master’s bridge programs. Accelerated programs may provide fewer elective or concentration choices, as the curricula are designed to help students graduate faster. If you wish to pursue a specific accounting concentration, you may have difficulty finding an accelerated program with a niche focus.Busy Schedule
Accelerated students can graduate earlier than traditional students through compressed semesters or more credits per semester, which means additional hours per week studying and finishing assignments. Working professionals may not have enough bandwidth to complete work and accelerated courses simultaneously.Fewer Networking Experiences
On-campus enrollees can have personal and professional networking opportunities through school events, extracurricular clubs, and classroom interactions. Online attendees may have fewer opportunities to connect with professors, classmates, and local businesses.
How Does a Fast Accounting Program Online Differ From On Campus?
Accelerated accounting degrees online and traditional four-year on-campus programs both teach accounting principles, data analytics, and business fundamentals. However, accelerated programs can teach you accounting skills in half the time on-campus programs take. Online accelerated programs usually have stricter schedules, fewer specialization options, and more stringent admission requirements to ensure students complete courses on time.
| Factor | Online Accelerated Program | On-Campus Program |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $330-$600 per credit | $220-$2,440 per credit |
| Admission Requirements | Required: Application, high school degree or equivalent Program-specific: 2.5 or above GPA, 42 or more completed credits | Required: Application, high school degree or equivalent Program-specific: Letter of recommendation |
| Program Length | 2.5-3.5 years | 4 years |
| Transfer Credits | 66-93 | 66-90 |
| Learning Experiences | May require a research project or internship | May require an internship |
| Campus Services | Academic advising, tutoring, technical support, library services | Tutoring, career coach, mental health services |
| Specialized Programs | Bachelor’s-to-master’s | Bachelor’s-to-master’s Concentrations: Accounting analytics, fraud examination, international accounting |
The table above highlights various differences between online accelerated and traditional on-campus programs. Online programs tend to have a lower per-credit cost, while some on-campus programs cost over $2,000 per credit.
Both online and in-person programs typically require 120 credits to graduate. You can earn these credits in 2.5-3.5 years with an accelerated online program or in four years with a traditional program.
Schools can have different transfer credit maximums, student services, and program options. On-campus schools may offer additional services and program choices due to longer graduation timelines and the face-to-face nature of in-person coursework.
Delivery Formats for Accelerated Online Accounting Degrees
Online accelerated accounting programs can offer fully online or hybrid options. Fully online programs allow you to complete all coursework from home. Hybrid programs, on the other hand, may require some in-person classes or on-campus activities like orientations and residencies. Accelerated accounting programs generally favor fully online delivery over the hybrid model.
The list below explores differences between online and hybrid programs.
- Location: Hybrid students must live near their school to take in-person classes or pay for periodic travel to campus for required on-campus events.
- Flexibility: Fully online programs with asynchronous classes offer maximum scheduling flexibility, while on-campus hybrid courses usually meet at predetermined times.
- Structure: Hybrid programs, especially those with in-person courses, may use traditional classroom models of learning, which creates a more structured educational environment.
Fully online degrees can offer asynchronous or synchronous classes. Asynchronous courses do not meet at set times, often featuring weekly or monthly deadlines for assignments. Synchronous classes meet on scheduled days and times, often using teleconferencing tools to facilitate live lecture and discussion. Accelerated program attendees may prefer asynchronous courses for added flexibility.
How Much Do Quick Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Cost?
Accelerated accounting degrees online usually cost between $330 and $600 per credit. Four-year online accounting programs typically cost between $220 and $2,440 per credit.
Accelerated and four-year students pay the same total cost at schools that charge per-semester tuition. However, at per-credit schools, accelerated students pay more because of their increased course load.
You can save money by comparing affordable online accounting programs and pursuing financial aid options such as:
- Scholarships: Scholarships do not require repayment. Organizations can offer scholarships based on need, merit, or demographics.
- Grants: Grants are typically need-based and do not require repayment.
- Loans: Loans can come from public or private lenders and require repayment with interest.
Learn more about financial aid information with the links below.
Questions About Accelerated Accounting Degrees Online
Accountants typically require at least a bachelor’s degree, which students can complete in as few as 2.5 years through an accelerated program. By enrolling in a self-paced accelerated program, you can complete your degree at your own speed.
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