Best Accelerated Accounting Degrees Online 2026
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Accelerated 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.
Top Accelerated Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees
DeSales University – Most Customizable Curriculum
- Center Valley, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Choose Forensic Accounting or Data Analytics Track
DeSales' accelerated online BS in accounting offers one of the most adaptable curricula on our list, allowing you to specialize in forensic accounting or data analytics. The program's accelerated format primarily comes from its transfer credit policy. By accepting up to 75 credits from accredited institutions, students with prior coursework can finish the 120-credit degree in about three years.
More Highlights
- Flexible admissions specifically benefit adults with full-time jobs, military experience, significant family responsibilities, or previous degrees.
- Rolling admissions allow you to apply at any time, with multiple start dates available each year.
Considerations
- Annual tuition is the highest on our list, typical of private institutions, though substantial transfer credits can reduce total costs.
- Completing the degree in three years may require heavier course loads, which can be difficult for students balancing outside responsibilities.
38%
$43,000
83%
$43,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,986
- Institution Type
- Private
Lakeland University – Best Hybrid Experience
- Plymouth, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Blended In-Person, Online Synchronous, or Asynchronous Classes
Lakeland's accelerated online BA in accounting lets you choose your learning format each week, adapting classes to fit your schedule even on short notice. You can join live online sessions, attend in-person at the Plymouth, Wisconsin campus, or complete coursework independently online. The university reports that 54% of first-time Lakeland accounting students graduate in under four years, as do 42% of all accounting students. Acceptance of up to 90 transfer credits and professional experience credits can further accelerate your graduation for this 120-credit degree.
More Highlights
- Lakeland's Cooperative Education program lets you earn up to 25% of your degree credits through professional experience.
- The institution reports that 32% of accounting graduates complete their degree without student loans, due to tuition caps.
- With extra coursework, graduates may qualify to sit for the certified public accountant (CPA) and management accountant exams.
Considerations
- Weekly flexibility between course formats may require additional planning.
- Annual tuition ($32,900) can be considered high; however, Lakeland caps yearly costs at $16,500 after adjustments.
38%
$30,900
67%
$30,900
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,786
- Institution Type
- Private
Southwest Minnesota State University – Most Affordable by Credit
- Marshall, MN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Tuition Costs $324 per Credit
SMSU's online BS in accounting is the most affordable option by credit on our list, at just $324 per credit for all students, regardless of residency. This structure is particularly cost-effective if you're transferring credits (up to 90), since you pay only for courses you need instead of a fixed semester rate. Students who take classes year-round may complete the fully online, 120-credit degree in two years, according to the institution.
More Highlights
- Three start dates each year with 16-week terms.
- The curriculum includes nine core accounting courses, along with seven foundational business courses, which is a plus if you're seeking a broad understanding of business.
- Electives in finance, law, and business communications allow you to tailor your learning to your professional goals.
Considerations
- The program concludes with a senior capstone course involving research and presentations.
- Transfer credits are accepted case by case, which may impact the cost and time to completion.
24%
$9,370
73%
$9,370
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,773
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Minnesota Crookston – Most Certification-Focused
- Crookston, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Take 4 CPA Review Courses and Earn 12 College Credits
UMN Crookston's accelerated online BS in accounting stands out for its emphasis on professional certification, integrating four Gleim CPA Review courses directly into the curriculum. These 12 credits may then be applied toward the education requirement to sit for the CPA exam. According to the institution, students can complete the 120-credit degree fully online and asynchronously in two years, thanks to core accounting courses running in accelerated 8-week sessions instead of traditional 16-week semesters.
More Highlights
- UMN Crookston reports that 90% of accounting graduates find employment within one year after graduation.
- The program is fully asynchronous, allowing you to study from anywhere, at any time.
- Resources for online students include tutoring, career mentoring, accessibility services, and library access.
Considerations
- Tuition is an annual rate based on full-time enrollment (12+ credits per semester), but part-time enrollment is billed per credit, which may impact affordability.
56%
$11,478
80%
$11,478
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,518
- Institution Type
- Public
Western Governors University – Most Affordable by Semester
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Each 6-Month Term Is $3,830
WGU's online BS in accounting has a flat tuition rate of $3,830 per six-month term, no matter how many credits you complete, making it especially affordable for students who stack credits within each term. Because tuition doesn't increase with additional credits, you can accelerate your degree and reduce overall costs. According to the school, 62% of WGU graduates complete their accounting degree within 24 months or less.
More Highlights
- The competency-based curriculum allows you to progress at your own pace, taking exams whenever you're ready.
- Monthly start dates provide maximum flexibility for enrollment.
- No fixed class schedules; courses are available anytime online.
Considerations
- The flat-rate tuition model benefits students who progress quickly, but it may be less cost-effective if you're advancing at a slower pace.
- The self-paced format requires discipline to progress through the coursework consistently.
N/A
$7,710
62%
$7,710
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 185,015
- Institution Type
- Private
Why Pursue a Short Online Accounting Program?
Cost
Some full-time accounting programs 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 Uniform CPA Examination 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 accounting 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 that 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 include online and in-person courses, which creates a more traditional learning environment with the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with professors and peers.
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.
Students in accelerated programs may pay less than four-year students at schools that charge per-semester tuition. However, at per-credit schools, accelerated students may pay the same in total and more per term 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accountants typically require at least a bachelor’s degree, which students can complete in as few as 2.5-3.5 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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