Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting 2022

As the job market continues to evolve, so does the landscape of higher education. Many students rely on online degree programs to accomplish their educational objectives. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows over 7 million postsecondary students enrolled in distance education courses in fall 2019. A 2020 study from Wiley Education Services revealed 79% of students who completed distance learning coursework felt the online experience felt the experience was worth the cost.

A bachelor's degree in accounting can provide a competitive edge in the job market. The profession demonstrates steady growth and higher-than-average salaries: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% increase in accounting and auditing jobs from 2020 to 2030. The BLS also reports the median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $77,250 as of 2021, higher than the national average salary for all jobs.

Students in accounting bachelor's degree programs learn to use in-demand accounting software and apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations. Online accounting bachelor's degree graduates can pursue careers as certified public accountants (CPAs), forensic accountants, auditors, and financial analysts. Industries hiring accountants include finance, banking, insurance, and real estate.

Below, we provide a comprehensive guide to the best online bachelor's degrees in accounting.

What to Expect From an Online Accounting Bachelor's Degree

Online programs often employ the same faculty who teach in-person courses. The classes comprising on-campus and online degrees are also usually similar. However, a few differences separate the two styles of learning.

For instance, on-campus degree programs require students to attend classes in person. These courses have predetermined meeting times and offer opportunities for face-to-face interaction with peers and instructors.

Students in online programs, on the other hand, do not attend classes on a physical campus. Synchronous courses use technology like web conferencing to provide learners with live virtual lectures and class discussions. Asynchronous classes usually offer more flexible scheduling, as they do not require enrollees to log in at set times.

How Does an Online Accounting Degree Differ From an On-Campus Bachelor's?

A key difference between online and traditional degrees is flexibility. Depending on course format, online accounting degree classes may not have the same rigid schedules as their on-campus equivalents. Students can view prerecorded lectures and complete assignments when their work and family obligations allow.

Online schools sometimes offer accelerated programs, which allow learners to complete their degree in fewer than four years of full-time study. Some institutions also offer special tuition rates for online students or charge in-state tuition for all distance learners regardless of state residency. This can make an online degree more affordable than an on-campus program.

Many on-campus accounting programs require students to complete internships or fieldwork to graduate, which may be difficult to arrange for remote students. However, learners can network with local organizations to develop approved internship opportunities.

The table below offers important data point comparisons between online and on-campus accounting degrees.

Sources: Brenau University, Franklin University, Indiana University, Liberty University, NC State University, Purdue Global, Seton Hall University, Syracuse University

Delivery Formats for Online Accounting Degrees

A major distinction between asynchronous and synchronous accounting degree programs is that asynchronous programs allow students to complete coursework on a more flexible schedule.

Synchronous programs, on the other hand, require students to meet online at predetermined times for video conferences or other real-time learning experiences. Fully online accounting degree programs are typically asynchronous.

Hybrid programs require learners to spend some time on campus, including in-person orientations, residencies, or full courses offered only on campus. One advantage hybrid delivery formats yield is more opportunities for in-person networking and collaboration.

Common online learning formats include:

• Self-Paced Learning: This online learning format allows learners to move through course material at their own pace. There is usually no set schedule or deadlines beyond completing class assignments by the end of the academic term, and learners can access the material at any time.
• Guided Learning: In this online learning style, students receive more structure and guidance from instructors. This can include weekly or monthly deadlines for quizzes and assignments. Learners typically have regular interaction with an instructor or mentor.
• Collaborative Learning: This type of online learning takes place in a more interactive environment, where learners work together to complete tasks or solve problems. Collaborative learning occurs in synchronous and asynchronous environments.

Students should consider which of these formats suits their learning style and goals before choosing an online program.

Accreditation for Online Accounting Programs

Accreditation is a process that 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 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 three main types of accreditations: regional, national, and programmatic.

Institutional Accreditation and Programmatic Accreditation

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. Regional and national accrediting bodies evaluate at the institutional level. Programmatic accreditors focus on specific departments and programs to confirm degree curricula prepare students for careers in the field.

Accrediting Agencies

Accrediting agencies assess schools to validate academic rigor and educational quality. Regional 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

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.

How Much Will an Online Accounting Bachelor's Cost?

The typical cost of an online bachelor's degree in accounting varies. Typically, in-state public institutions charge the lowest tuition rates: NCES data for the 2019-20 academic year shows average full-time tuition for in-state public schools was $9,349. Full-time tuition for private schools in the same year was $32,769.

Public institutions sometimes charge all online students in-state tuition regardless of state residency. Other institutions may offer special tuition rates for distance learners.

Financial aid helps students cover the cost of tuition, books, and other expenses associated with their education. There are many financing options available for students pursuing an online accounting bachelor's degree. These include scholarships, grants, loans, employer reimbursement, and work-study programs.

Typically, students receive scholarships and grants based on financial need or academic merit. Learners must repay loans. Federal student loan programs may offer lower interest rates than private loans. Work-study programs allow students to earn money to help pay for their education.

In addition to tuition, online students should consider other costs like technology fees, textbook expenses, and monthly fees for high-speed internet access.

Why Get Your Bachelor's Degree in Accounting Online?

Earning an online bachelor's degree in accounting 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 degree faster than on-campus students, allowing them to finish 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 learning style of the program meet your needs? Does the degree 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 offer 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.

Top Five Accounting Bachelor's Degrees Online

As a popular business major, online accounting degrees can prepare aspiring accountants for CPA, certified management accountant (CMA), or certified financial manager (CFM) designations. Read on to discover the best online accounting degrees for 2022, and see below to learn more about our methodology for ranking the best bachelor's degrees in accounting.

Questions About an Online Accounting Bachelor's Degree

How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in accounting online?

It typically takes 2-4 years of full-time study to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting. Students with previous coursework can typically complete their degree in fewer than four years. Some programs offer accelerated tracks that can also hasten learners' completion timeline.

How much is an online degree in accounting?

The cost of an online bachelor's in accounting degree varies by institution. In-state public schools typically 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 anything?

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.

Which is better, a BA or BS in accounting?

A BS in accounting typically focuses more on the quantitative aspects of accounting and may be more beneficial to those planning to earn a graduate degree and pursue CPA licensure. Accounting BA programs usually require more liberal arts courses in the general education curriculum, which can allow students to take more classes outside the accounting and math fields.