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 2024
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $219
Out-of-State | $342
Credits to Graduate: 120
The College of Business at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida, offers a fully online accounting BSBA that provides a foundation in operations, marketing, strategy, and business systems before moving on to more specialized accounting classes. In UWF's online accounting BSBA program, students can learn communication, problem-solving, and technical accounting skills.
The curriculum includes courses like accounting information systems, auditing, forensic accounting, and taxation of individuals. Students can complete an optional accounting internship. Program graduates meet the state of Florida educational requirements to take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam.
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
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 2024
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $496
Out-of-State | $496
Credits to Graduate: 120
Located in Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers an online BS in accounting that can prepare graduates for various accounting careers in government, industry, and the nonprofit sector. The program can also prepare students to complete various accounting certifications.
The curriculum requires classes like individual tax preparations, auditing theory and practice, accounting measurements and disclosures, and accounting information systems. Students can choose from two optional concentrations in entrepreneurship or professional preparation.
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2024
Eastern New Mexico University
- Portales, NM
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $175
Out-of-State | $257
Credits to Graduate: 120
The completely online bachelor of business administration in accounting from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico, prepares students for various positions in the accounting field and to earn professional certifications. Enrolled accounting majors can apply for ENMU Foundation scholarships.
Required major courses include cost accounting, governmental and not-for-profit accounting, and accounting information systems theory. The program combines synchronous and asynchronous learning, giving students flexibility as well as the chance to interact with classmates and instructors in real time.
Percent Online Enrollment
82%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2024
University of Minnesota-Crookston
- Crookston, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $441
Out-of-State | $441
Credits to Graduate: 120
UMN Crookston offers a fully online BS degree in accounting for students who want to work in public, private, or governmental accounting. The business department collaborates with Gleim CPA Review to offer four online CPA review courses as well.
Crookston accounting students take 40 credits of liberal education courses in addition to 63 credits of specialized accounting, business, and management training. The program teaches analytical, theoretical, communication, and leadership skills to help graduates thrive in their careers. Recent graduates earned starting salaries of $41,600-$60,000 a year.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2024
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
2023-2024 Tuition Average: $13,284
Credits to Graduate: 180
National University offers a bachelor of science in accounting totally online or on-site at locations across California. It's a great program for adult learners who need extra flexibility and support. A four-week course structure can help you balance your responsibilities and finish faster.
Program coursework is aligned with industry-standard tests, including the CPA, CFA, and CME exams. The curriculum includes six general education courses, four business courses, and 13 accounting courses. All live teaching sessions are recorded so students can watch and learn at their own convenience.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
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 2024
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Six-Month Term:
In-State | $3,955
Out-of-State | $3,955
Credits to Graduate: 120
Distance learners can earn a flexible online accounting BSBA degree from the College of Business at Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah. WGU's asynchronous, competency-based programs let students move on to the next class at their own pace after they demonstrate subject mastery by passing an assessment.
The career-focused curriculum includes 41 courses that cover topics like values-based leadership, financial accounting, business law for accountants, and principles of management. Most students finish the program in less than three years.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
150,116
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#7 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2024
Buena Vista University
- Storm Lake, IA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $465
Credits to Graduate: 120
Located in Storm Lake, Iowa, Buena Vista University offers a completely online accounting bachelor's degree through its Harold Walter Siebens School of Business. Every accounting student graduates with a double major in accounting and business, which can give them an advantage over other job candidates.
The curriculum covers data communication and interpretation and can prepare students to take the CPA exam by the time they graduate. Accounting courses include cost accounting, business taxation, advanced Excel spreadsheets, and business and professional communication. Students can complete an optional accounting internship.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2024
Trine University
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $299-$399
Out-of-State | $299-$399
Credits to Graduate: 120
Trine University in Fort Wayne, Indiana, offers an ACBSP-accredited online BSBA in accounting from the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. Major courses include cost accounting, auditing, advanced managerial finance, and personal income tax. Trine's BSBA in accounting classes take place asynchronously and last eight weeks.
Students can optionally earn graduate credit toward a master's in business analytics or business administration while taking classes for this degree, saving up to $8,625 and earning two degrees in the process. The program includes hands-on experience using QuickBooks and Peachtree software.
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2024
Brescia University
- Owensboro, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: $450
Credits to Graduate: 120
Brescia University is a private, Catholic, liberal arts school in Owensboro, Kentucky, that offers a fully online bachelor of science in accounting. Brescia's BS in accounting maintains a curriculum that meets credit hour requirements for licensure in all 50 states as well as in Washington, D.C.
Brescia strives to offer affordable education and flexible coursework for online students. The school's BS in accounting is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with both broad and specific professional training and skills. Major courses include accounting, business law, ethics, microeconomics, taxation, and auditing.
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees Online 2024
Illinois College
- Jacksonville, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $375
Out-of-State | $375
Credits to Graduate: 120
Illinois College offers an accelerated online BA in accounting that takes as few as 15 months to complete, depending on how much prior college credit you hold. The curriculum explores risk assessment, business analytics, financial accounting, and income tax.
Students must complete an accounting capstone course to graduate and can get hands-on experience through optional internships. The program offers full-time and part-time options. Major courses include agricultural finance, statistics, and principles of economics.
Percent Online Enrollment
7%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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 2024. 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 2021-2022 was $9,700. Private schools averaged closer to $38,800.
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
How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in accounting online?
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.
How much is an online degree in accounting?
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.
Is an online accounting degree worth it?
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.
Is a BA or BS better for accounting?
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.
The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accounting.com.
Page last reviewed Nov. 10, 2023
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