You're wrong about accountants. They aren't a bunch of boring, bean-counting nerds. AI can count the beans now — but it can't provide the insight and analysis that expert accountants have to offer. Well-trained, thoughtful accountants and auditors are more valuable than ever.
A bachelor's degree in accounting can provide you with the kind of specialized finance, taxation, and business insight that corporations and individuals look to when making big money decisions. It's a skill set you can leverage across industries, and the pay isn't bad, either. In 2023, accountants and auditors made a median annual salary of $79,880, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
If you're looking for a fast, flexible, and convenient path into your accounting career, we've rounded up all the best online accounting degrees out there. Check them out — and forget about the beans.
Explore Featured Online Accounting Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Best Accounting Online Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2025
Voorhees University
- Denmark, SC
- 4 years
- Online
What You Should Know
Voorhees' online BS in accounting offers a strong balance of accounting and business coursework, which comprise nearly two-thirds of the program's 121 required credits. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the curriculum emphasizes technical accounting knowledge, applied theory, and business technologies.
A required sequence of personal and career development courses complements the accounting and business curriculum. Students take these classes in each of their eight semesters, building college success skills and career insights.
Voorhees is a historically Black institution that affiliates with the Episcopal Church.
Highlights
- Recognizes alternative forms of transfer credit, including experiential learning, military training, and professional experience
Considerations
- Required internship
- Fewer electives
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2025
University of Minnesota Crookston
- Crookston, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
U of M Crookston's online BS in accounting features a comprehensive 21-course core that focuses almost exclusively on technical accounting coursework. This immersive structure builds a strong working knowledge of standard accounting and auditing practices, business technologies, taxation, and professional ethics.
Students planning to pursue certified public accountant (CPA) licensure can also take advantage of a unique learning opportunity. Through a partnership with Gleim CPA Review, U of M Crookston offers an optional four-course, 12-credit sequence of CPA Exam prep courses designed to boost exam performance.
Outcome data indicates high levels of student success. According to a 2021 U of M survey, 90.4% of alums were employed within one year of graduation.
Highlights
- Accredited by ACBSP
- Public accounting, management accounting, and auditing certification pathways available to graduates
- Flat-rate tuition policies offer savings opportunities
Considerations
- Students can use a maximum of two "D" grades toward the required major or technology coursework
- Limited electives available
- More intensive credit requirements in early semesters
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2025
Southern Utah University
- Cedar City, UT
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
SUU's online accounting program offers a BA or BS degree. Both paths share a core accounting curriculum covering a deep 74.5 credits.
The curriculum begins with a 23-credited foundational sequence of pre-business courses. The focused accounting core emphasizes financial and cost accounting, taxation, auditing, data analytics, and accounting information systems.
SUU offers the program through its Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business, which is accredited by the AACSB.
Highlights
- 100% online asynchronous delivery model
- Flat-rate tuition
- Learners matched with a dedicated student success advisor
Considerations
- Must meet foundational requirements for admission to the major
- Students can only repeat a failed course once
- BA path carries higher overall credit requirements
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2025
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 years
- Online
What You Should Know
ASU Online's BS in accountancy explores accounting principles and techniques and the technologies to apply them. The curriculum features specially developed accounting information systems coursework and uses a collaborative learning model that replicates professional practice.
Students can complete the program as part of an accelerated master's plan, leading to a graduate accounting degree in one additional year of schooling. This path may appeal to aspiring CPAs, as it fulfills the 150-credit educational requirements for CPA licensure.
Highlights
- Accredited by AACSB
- Compact 7.5-week terms support efficient learning
- Self-paced curriculum with six program start dates per year
Considerations
- Advanced standards, including SAT/ACT scores apply to students seeking direct admission to the accounting major
- Higher-cost program compared with others on this list
- "C" grade minimums apply to many required courses
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2025
Humphreys University
- Stockton, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
HU's online BS in accounting curriculum balances foundational and intermediate accounting coursework with business management classes. It emphasizes accounting knowledge along with the fundamentals of finance, operations management, business law, and marketing.
HU delivers its curriculum in small interactive classes that follow an intensive schedule. Learners complete four 11-week quarters per academic year. The program requires 181 quarter credits, which equates to 120 semester credits.
After acceptance, learners can start the program at the beginning of the next quarter term.
Highlights
- Transfer-friendly program offers extensive advanced standing opportunities
- MBA program available to meet 150-credit CPA licensing requirement
- New students accepted throughout the year
Considerations
- Only authorized to admit students from 32 states and U.S. territories
- No programmatic accreditation
- Few available electives
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#6 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2025
Louisiana State University Alexandria
- Alexandria, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
LSUA's online BS in accounting trains students for the Uniform CPA Examination. This ACBSP-accredited program offers two concentration tracks: one in accounting information systems and data analytics, and another in fraud and forensic accounting. These subjects are covered in both the Core and Discipline sections of the CPA exam.
Coursework emphasizes generally accepted accounting principles, managerial-level financial analysis, auditing, and taxation. LSUA also offers a highly affordable education: The program's total cost including fees is just $39,000. Transfer students who maximize their existing credits can reduce that to less than $10,000.
Highlights
- 100% online delivery model
- Networking opportunities through the LSUA Business Society, accounting club, and the Omega Nu Lambda Online Honors Society
- No specialized admission requirements for the program
Considerations
- "C" grade or higher required for all accounting and business core courses
- Extensive general education requirements account for one-third of total credits
- Accounting technologies not covered outside the accounting information systems concentration
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
77%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2025
Midway University
- Midway, KY
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
Students in Midway's online BS in accounting program complete a rigorous core curriculum that satisfies Kentucky's CPA exam requirements for accounting coursework. Midway's convenient "4+1" path also lets graduates earn an MBA in just one extra year while securing the 150 credits needed for CPA exam eligibility and licensure in Kentucky.
Classes average just 17 students, giving learners plenty of access to their instructors. The program's completion plan includes many slots for electives, giving degree-seekers lots of ways to personalize their education. Major course requirements also cover business management, marketing, and economics, which provides a strong knowledge base for MBA-bound graduates.
Highlights
- Asynchronous online delivery model
- Simple, counselor-assisted application process
- Rigorous coursework covers advanced accounting topics
Considerations
- Higher-cost program than many others listed here
- Business capstone or senior accounting project required to graduate
- Up to one-third of credit requirements cover general education hours
Percent Online Enrollment
76%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2025
Columbia College
- Columbia, MO
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
Columbia College's online bachelor's in accounting builds on its focused eight-course accounting core with extensive coverage of general business topics such as economics, finance, management, and information systems. Students also sharpen their quantitative analysis acumen through statistics coursework.
Columbia College additionally offers online MBA and MS in accounting programs, offering multiple options to graduates who elect to upgrade to an advanced degree. Thanks to the school;s nationwide campus network, students also have the option of completing hybrid undergraduate and graduate accounting programs that blend online and in-person learning.
Highlights
- Accredited by ACBSP
- Students can complete multiple internships for academic credit
- High-performing students have early access to upper-division accounting courses, which may accelerate program completion
Considerations
- Highest average net price (before aid) of any school in this ranking
- "C" grade or higher required in all business and accounting courses
- Students from Florida, Texas, and Washington require at least six college credits for program entry
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2025
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
SMWC's online BS in accounting prepares students for diverse business careers through a dynamic blend of accounting, general business, and liberal arts coursework. This close-knit Christian college also offers optional concentrations in entrepreneurship and professional preparation.
The entrepreneurship track features enriched coursework in small business management, sales, human resources, and accounting information systems. Students in the professional prep track complete an internship, advanced taxation coursework, and accounting certification classes.
SMWC also offers program modification options, which students can use to satisfy the 150-credit requirement for CPA licensure. Learners can also select an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's track leading to dual undergraduate and graduate degrees in just four years.
Highlights
- SMWC's Learning Resource Center provides customized academic success support for online students
- Apply at no cost
Considerations
- No programmatic accreditation
- Extensive liberal arts, religious studies, and non-major coursework requirements
- Higher-cost program when compared with others we ranked
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2025
SUNY College at Plattsburgh
- Plattsburgh, NY
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
What You Should Know
SUNY Plattsburgh's online accounting major delivers plenty of customization options. Degree-seekers can personalize their learning in management accounting, forensic accounting, fraud examination, and internal auditing. These paths follow a 100% online asynchronous delivery model that prioritizes convenience and flexibility.
Online accounting students also enjoy remote access to career services and recruitment resources throughout their tenure in the program. In SUNY Plattsburgh's 2023 First Destination Survey, accounting alums reported an average starting salary of more than $61,000.
Highlights
- Accredited by AACSB
- Access SUNY Plattsburgh's IBM job placement and co-op program
- "4+1" bachelor's-to-master's in accounting path available to high-performing accounting and data analytics undergraduates
Considerations
- Must pass a business exit examination to graduate
- Transfer students must complete at least 37 major credits at SUNY Plattsburgh
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Accounting.com ranks the best accounting degrees using reputable sources such as the U.S. Department of Education. We build our rankings with four main metrics in mind: academics, cost, reputation, and program availability. We also consider subfactors like retention rate, federal aid amounts, and return on investment to help you find the right program for you.
This ranking is from 2025. Learn more about our process by visiting our school rankings methodology page.
What to Expect From an Online Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
Overall, on-campus and online bachelor's degrees in accounting are often very similar. In an online bachelor's degree in accounting program, you can study the same curriculum, work on the same assignments, and benefit from the same academic quality that on-campus learners get at your school.
However, your experience as an online student will differ in a few key ways. Additionally, online accounting programs can vary significantly between schools. Learn what to expect from online accounting degrees to ensure they meet your needs before enrolling.
Accounting Bachelor's Online vs. On Campus
If you haven't been an online student before, there are some important differences between the online and the on-campus experience that you should consider:
-
Delivery Method
In-person programs require students to attend classes and take examinations on campus. Online programs allow students to complete lectures, assignments, and other learning activities through online platforms.
-
Relationships and Networking
Many students find it easier to build relationships with classmates and professors face-to-face. The best online programs facilitate connection through other means — like Zoom meetings, discussion boards, and group projects. But developing a robust network online may take more dedication and effort.
-
Access to Resources
In-person students have direct access to campus facilities, professors, and student resources. Online students must rely on digital access to those resources.
Comparing Online and On-Campus Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees
| Factor |
Online Program |
On-Campus Program |
| Admission requirements |
- High school diploma or GRE certificate
- Minimum GPA
- Transcripts
- Standardized Tests
- Application form
- Letters of Recommendation
|
- High school diploma or GRE certificate
- Minimum GPA
- Transcripts
- Standardized Tests
- Application form
- Letters of Recommendation
|
| Cost per credit |
$219-$465
|
$328-$1,674
|
| Course Load |
Full time: 12 credit hours
Part time: 3 credit hours
|
Full time: 12 credit hours
Part time: 3 credit hours
|
| Program Length |
120 credit hours3-4 years of full-time study
|
120 credit hours4 years of full-time study
|
Sources: University of West Florida, University of the Cumberlands, Buena Vista University, Western Governors University, Mayville State University
When requirements, course load, and program length are more or less the same, your decision to study online will come down to potential cost savings, convenience, and your preferred learning style.
Delivery Formats for Online Accounting Degrees
Courses for an online bachelor's degree in accounting can take several forms. For example, some schools require students to meet with an instructor for scheduled classes during the week, while others offer a self-paced structure. Formats for online accounting bachelor's degree classes include:
- Hybrid: Hybrid programs blend on-campus and online courses. Some programs require in-person orientations or residencies. Other schools mix on-campus and virtual learning, requiring several in-person classes per week. These courses may run face-to-face to ensure students get extra instructor support while learning about complex topics like forensic accounting and corporate taxation.
- Online Synchronous: Synchronous online classes require set meetings during the week. These courses often use technology like webconferencing to facilitate live sessions with instructors and peers. Often, synchronous classes provide flexible scheduling options, like evening or weekend courses, to help you manage your time while avoiding commuting or relocation costs.
- Online Asynchronous: Online asynchronous classes do not require scheduled meeting times. Instead, you work through recorded lectures and course materials on your own time, completing assignments before instructor-set deadlines. Asynchronous classes provide the most scheduling flexibility, but consequently require the most time management and self-sufficiency.
Is an Online Accounting Degree Worth It?
Earning a bachelor's degree in accounting online lets learners study at their own pace. Traditional students meet at established class times and locations, but online enrollees can complete courses from home.
Some distance learning programs are self-paced or accelerated. As a result, remote students may complete their degrees faster than on-campus students do. Many remote learners graduate in fewer than four years of full-time study.
There are other factors to consider when deciding to pursue online education: Is the school accredited? Does the delivery style of the program meet your needs? Does the degree program require in-person attendance for some components?
Pros
-
Online education grants students more freedom to select an online program that meets their preferences, regardless of location.
-
Students with varied personal and professional commitments can enjoy the flexibility of online learning when completing coursework.
-
Online programs may charge lower tuition rates, making a distance learning degree more affordable than its on-campus equivalent.
Cons
-
Students may find it difficult to complete an online degree because of the lack of face-to-face interaction with professors and classmates.
-
Online students may not have access to the same resources — such as job fairs — as in-person students.
-
Online learners must have reliable access to certain technology, like the internet.
How Much Will an Online Accounting Degree Cost?
There's no getting around it — school can be expensive. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost for one year of public tuition in 2022-2023 was $9,800. Private schools averaged closer to $40,700.
However, there are a few strategies to keep the cost of your online accounting degree as low as possible:
-
Choose an in-state, public institution that charges lower tuition.
-
Identify additional costs you might face as an online student (like technology, subscription, or materials costs).
-
Find programs that offer asynchronous scheduling and flexible coursework, which will make it easier to hold a job while taking classes.
-
Prioritize schools that offer the kind of financial aid you won't have to pay back: grants, scholarships, and fellowships.
-
-
-
See if your employer will cover some of your tuition and fees.
-
Online Accounting Programs Accreditations
Accreditation verifies whether schools and programs meet standards of academic excellence. Accrediting agencies are the independent groups that evaluate institutions and offer their seal of approval.
Completing an accredited online accounting bachelor's degree program offers many benefits: Most schools only accept transfer credits from accredited institutions. Only students who attend accredited schools are eligible for federal financial aid. Employers may only hire job applicants with accredited degrees.
There are two main types of accreditations: institutional and programmatic.
Though there is no national board that oversees accreditation, the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education maintain lists of approved accrediting agencies. When a school has been institutionally accredited, you can trust that all of its programs of study meet certain academic criteria and that your degree will be taken seriously. Programmatic accreditors focus on specific departments and programs to confirm curricula prepare students for careers in certain fields.
Accrediting agencies assess schools to validate academic rigor and educational quality. Institutional accreditors include the Higher Learning Commission, the New England Commission of Higher Education, and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Relevant programmatic accreditors for accounting programs include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
State authorization protects distance learners by ensuring that institutions can legally deliver education to students in other states. Schools need to pursue state authorization to qualify for federal aid.
Questions About an Online Accounting Bachelor's Degree
It takes around 2-4 years of full-time study to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting. Students with previous coursework can complete their degrees in fewer than four years. Some programs offer accelerated tracks that can also hasten learners' completion timelines.
The cost of an online bachelor's degree in accounting varies by institution. In-state public schools tend to offer the lowest tuition rates, while private institutions and out-of-state public schools charge higher tuition. Some online programs charge in-state or online-only tuition rates, regardless of state residency.
Yes. Given the rise in online learning, especially fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, employers often perceive online degrees as equal in value to on-campus degrees, especially if those degrees come from an accredited institution.
A BS in accounting focuses more on the quantitative aspects of accounting and may be more beneficial to those planning to earn a graduate degree and pursue certified public accountant (CPA) licensure. Accounting BA programs tend to require more liberal arts courses in the general education curriculum, which can allow students to take more classes outside the accounting and math fields.
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