Accounting professionals ensure the accuracy of financial records for companies and clients. An associate in accounting can prepare you for a career as an accounting assistant, payroll assistant, or tax preparer assistant. This degree may also give you a leg up on a bachelor's program in accounting, which can qualify you for work as an accountant or auditor.
In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that accounting and auditing jobs will grow by 6% from 2021-2031. Earning an associate in accounting online allows you to work or manage other responsibilities while going to school. Explore the following ranking of the top online associate accounting programs, and learn how to make these programs work for you.
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Top Online Associate in Accounting Programs
Explore 2023's top five online associate degrees in accounting. Discover the benefits, costs, and requirements of these programs. Explore our ranking methodology with the link below.
#2 Best Online Associates in Accounting
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
- Fennimore, WI
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Southwest Tech, originally known as the Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education District #3, was founded in 1967 and has grown to offer degrees, apprenticeships, and continuing education courses.
Accounting Associate Degree
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's accounting associate degree provides the education required to pursue entry-level roles in private, public, and government employment. Enrollees develop their ability to prepare payroll documents, process transactions, and assist with tax preparation.
Each learner receives a technical skill attainment evaluation at the end of the program. The evaluation considers several key skills and assigns a pass or fail grade to each ability. Professors and students can use the evaluation to identify potential areas of improvement.
Applying to Southwest Tech
Interested candidates can apply online and schedule one-on-one visits on campus or virtually.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $143/credit (in state); $215/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 65
- Program Length: 2 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Out-of-state
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Associates in Accounting
Olney Central College
- Olney, IL
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
OCC, founded in 1963, enrolled 154 students in its first class. The school has ranked among the top community colleges in Illinois and features many diverse clubs and student organizations.
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Accounting
Olney Central College offers a fully online associate degree in accounting. Students can pursue entry-level roles after graduation or apply to four-year universities to continue their education. Learners looking to transfer to four-year schools from this program may need to take additional courses.
The school offers a professional bookkeeper and QuickBooks certificates to add to the associate degree. Each semester has 5-6 courses, which are mostly predetermined. Courses available to students include business math, managerial accounting, and business law.
Applying to OCC
OCC requires an online application, high school transcripts, and a pre-entrance physical exam or background check. Applicants can submit standardized test scores if the exams were completed within the past three years.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $110/credit (in district); $306/credit (out of district); $375/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 63
- Program Length: 2 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous)
Out-of-state
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
39%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
What to Expect From an Online Associate in Accounting Program
From an academic standpoint, campus-based and online associates in accounting share many similarities. Students engage with the same accounting concepts, often with the same instructors.
The online learning experience differs from the traditional classroom in several key ways. Delivery formats also vary among online accounting degrees. The following subsections offer an in-depth exploration of online accounting degrees and their defining features.
How Does an Online Associate in Accounting Differ From an On-Campus Program?
Earning an associate in accounting online can feel different from studying on campus. Online learners often have more flexible schedules and an opportunity to revisit recorded course lectures. On-campus students, however, experience live lectures and can take advantage of professional networking events.
Generally, colleges invest the same level of attention into online programs as on-campus degrees. Online students can benefit from internet-based registration, bill payment, tutoring, and academic advising. They may also have access to online technical support.
Accounting programs provide content that easily transfers into an online environment. Students typically listen to lectures, read books or articles, complete projects, and take tests regardless of their chosen delivery format.
Comparing Online and On-Campus Associate in Accounting Degrees
| Factor |
Online Program |
On-Campus Program |
| Cost |
$2,880-$10,928 |
$0-$10,928 |
| Course Load |
15 credits per semester |
15 credits per semester |
| Program Length |
2 years |
2 years |
| Accreditation |
Institutional |
Institutional |
| Admissions Requirements |
High school diploma or equivalent (GED certificate, HIST) |
High school diploma or equivalent (GED certificate, HIST) |
Sources: York County Community College, Olney Central College, Herkimer State University
Many states offer free tuition for qualifying students at community colleges. Prospective online learners should research if this benefit applies to them before enrolling. Out-of-state students should also check whether schools offer flat-rate tuition for online students.
Delivery Formats for Online Accounting Degrees
Schools offer online accounting degrees through 100% online and hybrid delivery. The 100% online model requires no campus attendance, with degree-seekers completing all academic requirements through virtual learning platforms.
The hybrid model blends online and classroom-based learning. In some cases, in-person attendance requirements extend only to accounting internships or occasional campus-based learning modules.
Other hybrid programs have more demanding physical attendance requirements. Some schools also allow hybrid learners to choose how they balance the two formats.
Online learning has unique course delivery formats. Asynchronous delivery uses pre-recorded lectures or instructional sessions. Students log into an online learning platform and engage with coursework on the days and times most convenient for them.
Synchronous online classes require learners to attend virtual classes at set times. Students in synchronous classes can ask instructors questions about course material in real time. For complex subject matter like accounting, this may offer a major benefit.
Asynchronous classes maximize scheduling flexibility. They tend to make a better match for degree-seekers who need to work, care for family members, or attend to other external commitments.
Accreditation for Online Associate Degrees in Accounting
Institutional accreditation indicates that third-party evaluators have evaluated and approved a school's academic offerings. Accredited institutions meet strict standards for academic rigor and quality.
Students should only consider online associates in accounting from accredited schools. Accreditation ensures that employers and other accredited institutions will recognize the degree.
Some accounting departments and degrees hold additional accreditation endorsements known as specialized or programmatic accreditation. This status applies specifically to departments, degrees, and programs within schools.
Primary programmatic accreditors for accounting degrees include:
Degrees endorsed by one of these agencies meet high standards of academic quality. Finally, students planning to learn online should research a school's state authorization status. State authorization recognizes an institution's ability to deliver online programs to students located in other states.
To qualify for federal funding, online schools must hold valid authorizations in every state in which they operate.
How Much Do Online Associates in Accounting Cost?
In the 2021-2022 school year, the average public, two-year college charged $3,900 in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Private, nonprofit schools cost $18,000 on average, while private, for-profit schools totaled $15,800 annually. In many states, community colleges offer free tuition for residents.
Some four-year schools also offer two-year degrees. Tuition in these programs can vary according to factors such as the school's prestige, public funding, and its for-profit or nonprofit status. Furthermore, public colleges and universities sometimes charge non-residents in-state prices or provide discounts.
Online-only programs may apply specific distance learning costs. For instance, students may need to buy devices or pay for additional tech fees. Still, on-campus learners typically must pay for room and board, along with parking costs.
Online learners can prioritize financing options such as grants and scholarships over loans. Grants are usually need-based, and scholarships are often merit-based — neither requires repayment. Loans must be paid back with interest.
Why Get Your Associate in Accounting Online?
Accounting functions well in online learning environments. Course material and academic concepts are standardized, but online education is not for everyone. It tends to work best for students with scheduling needs who are comfortable with self-directed learning.
Individuals seeking the social and interactive aspects of the traditional classroom may prefer campus-based programs. Online associates in accounting also have other pros and cons to consider:
Pros
-
Cost and Time Savings
Learners in online programs do not need to physically commute or relocate, allowing them to avoid two of the most significant financial and time-based costs associated with on-campus learning.
-
Ability to Review Material
With pre-recorded asynchronous lectures, you can rewind to review challenging concepts as many times as necessary.
-
Scheduling Flexibility
Students in online programs have much more control over when to engage with their learning.
Cons
-
Greater Need for Independence
Online learning often demands more self-direction than classroom-based learning, which may create challenges for some students.
-
Social Limitations
The virtual classroom offers fewer opportunities to interact with peers and faculty. Those who place high value on the social aspects of higher education may prefer campus-based options.
-
Fewer Practical Learning Opportunities
Internship requirements can create logistical challenges for students across wide geographic areas. Distance can limit opportunities and potentially make campus-based programs better for learners seeking to develop their skills in the field.
Questions About 2-Year Accounting Degree Programs
Is an associate in accounting worth it?
Yes. An associate degree in accounting can offer graduates the competitive edge to secure employment in the business industry or pursue further accounting education.
How many credit hours is an associate degree in accounting online?
An associate in accounting online often requires 60 credits, but some programs offer accelerated options or accept transfer credits.
Which is better: an associate degree or a certification in accounting?
Certifications in accounting can offer specialized skills and knowledge. However, many depend on the topics explored in associate degree coursework, so learners often benefit from earning an associate in accounting first.
What can you do with an associate degree in accounting?
Graduates who hold associates in accounting work can work in various clerical and administrative roles or take their education to the next level with a bachelor's degree.
