If you're considering a degree in accounting, you should know that the stereotypes about accountants are all wrong: They actually aren't a bunch of boring, bean-counting nerds who love to do taxes and collect calculators.
Instead, they are multi-competent professionals who can start and run businesses, and provide valuable financial expertise to business leaders. They are creative problem-solvers equipped with both the practical and soft skills required to succeed in the workplace, which is why getting your online degree in accounting is a great idea.
What Is an Accounting Degree?
An accounting degree is a four-year undergraduate program that teaches the fundamentals of finance, accounting, and business — including topics like:
Why Should I Get an Online Accounting Degree?
There are several benefits to studying accounting online.
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Use time wisely by enrolling in accelerated and summer courses.
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Save money by reducing commuting costs, room and board expenses, and on-campus fees.
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Enjoy the flexibility to study from wherever you are, whenever works best for you.
Even better, getting your accounting degree online will prepare you for a slew of well-paid careers in corporate, small business, nonprofit, and government settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for accountants in 2021 was $77,250, with the highest earners pulling more than $128,000 a year.
The key to getting a great accounting career is picking the right online program. Fortunately, we've already done the work of ranking the best programs for you.
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 can be similar. However, a few differences separate the two delivery methods.
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 can offer more flexible scheduling, as they do not require enrollees to log in at set times.
Featured Online 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
Explore the five best online accounting bachelor's degrees of 2023. Find out the methods for how we rank our schools at the link below.
#1 Best Online Accounting Degrees 2023
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established in 1967, the University of West Florida (UWF) in Pensacola, Florida, offers over 110 degree programs and enrolls more than 13,000 students. The public university values innovation, integrity, and equity.
Accounting, BSBA
University of West Florida offers an AACSB-accredited, fully online accounting BSBA program that employs instructors with real-world experience as CPAs. Students can develop their communication, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making skills while preparing for the CPA exam preparation.
The 120-credit program includes 60 general education credits, 30 required core credits, and 30 accounting specialization credits. The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Students take classes like advanced financial accounting, accounting information systems, auditing, and tax accounting. The program also offers a supervised field practicum/accounting internship.
UWF's accounting program alumni rank third in the nation for first-time pass rates on the CPA exam.
Applying to UWF
Applicants to UWF's online accounting program must complete prerequisite courses and all lower-division general education courses with a grade of C or better. To apply, submit official transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a departmental application form.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $212/credit (Florida residents), $317/credit (Alabama residents), $642/credit (non-residents)
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 24-48 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Accounting Degrees 2023
Buena Vista University
- Storm Lake, IA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Storm Lake, Iowa, Buena Vista University (BVU) is a small, private institution that serves over 1,900 students through in-person, online, and hybrid programs with an average class size of under 20.
Bachelor's in Accounting
Buena Vista University's Harold Walter Siebens School of Business offers a bachelor's degree in accounting with options for completely online or hybrid study. Students can complete the accounting professional licensure emphasis by earning 150 credits. The school's accelerated plus one program allows each enrollee to earn bachelor's and master's accounting degrees in five years.
The curriculum requires major classes like individual taxation, cost accounting, accounting information systems, and business taxation. Each accounting major must complete a business practicum and can take an accounting internship. Students can also participate in BVU's Accounting Interview Day, where Big Four firms and other accounting companies recruit professional candidates.
Applying to BVU
Admission requirements include an online application and official college transcripts. The school accepts applications on a rolling basis and does not charge an application fee.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $451/credit
- Required Credits: 150 for the professional licensure emphasis
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Accounting Degrees 2023
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online
A private online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Western Governors University (WGU) offers competency-based education in business, information technology, teaching, and health and nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) Accounting Degree
Distance learners enrolled in Western Governors University's online BSBA in accounting program learn about financial planning, financial recording, auditing, and payroll. WGU also offers an online master of accounting degree for students who want to continue their education at the graduate level and earn the requisite credits to sit for the CPA exam.
The ACBSP-accredited curriculum requires courses like cost and managerial accounting, accounting information systems, and business law for accountants. Accounting majors complete capstone projects at the end of the program. The 120-credit, competency-based degree lets learners with experience and knowledge graduate more quickly by moving on to new courses after passing assessments.
Applying to WGU
Admission requirements include an online application, official transcripts, and an interview.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $3,575/six-month term
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years or less
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Best Online Accounting Degrees 2023
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 years
- Online
The University of the Cumberlands (Cumberlands) in Williamsburg, Kentucky, enrolls more than 19,000 students. The private school offers over 40 undergraduate degrees and graduate and pre-professional programs.
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
University of the Cumberlands offers an IACBE-accredited online accounting bachelor's degree that covers financial reporting, auditing, and bookkeeping. Students learn to create financial records, examine records for risk or errors, and keep budgets on track. Faculty members include professionals with expertise as tax consultants, financial officers, and corporate officers.
The 120-credit degree requires 37 general education credits, 25 general elective credits, and 60 accounting major credits. The curriculum includes general business and accounting courses like federal taxation, principles of management, financial management, and accounting information systems. Students can gain real-world experience and earn up to 15 credits through corporate internships.
Applying to Cumberlands
Applicants must submit an online application and official transcripts. The program requires a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
- Tuition: $199/credit
- Required Credits: 120
- Delivery Format: 100% online
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Accounting Degrees 2023
Mayville State University
- Mayville, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The small, student-focused Mayville State University (MSU) has been a fixture of North Dakota's higher education network since 1889. According to MSU, its tuition rates are more than 37% lower than North Dakota's typical large public college.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
The bachelor of science in accounting program at Mayville State University balances a strong focus on accounting with in-depth business studies. Together, required accounting and business courses make up almost two-thirds of the degree requirements. Graduates emerge with precise accounting skills and a strong working knowledge of business management.
The program fulfills most of the academic requirements needed to take North Dakota's certified public accountant licensing exam. It also actively helps students build their professional networks and post-graduation job opportunities through paid internship programs.
Notably, all students also qualify for MSU's low tuition rates regardless of their residency status.
Applying to MSU
Each candidate applies online through MSU's application portal. A first-time, first-year applicant must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 and meet North Dakota's College Prep Core Requirements standards. ACT/SAT scores are optional but not required through the Summer 2023 term.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $336/credit
- Required Credits: 114
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Is an Online Accounting Degree Worth It?
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 delivery style of the program meet your needs? Does the degree program require in-person attendance for some components?
Pros
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Online education grants students more freedom to select an online program that meets their preferences, regardless of location.
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Students with varied personal and professional commitments can enjoy the flexibility of online learning when completing coursework.
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Online programs may offer lower tuition rates, making a distance learning degree more affordable than its on-campus equivalent.
Cons
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Students may find it difficult to complete an online degree because of the lack of face-to-face interaction with professors and classmates.
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Online students may not have access to the same resources — such as job fairs — as in-person students.
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 2020-2021 was $9,400. Private schools averaged closer to $38,000.
However, there are a few strategies to keep the cost of your online degree as low as possible:
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Choose an in-state, public institution that charges lower tuition.
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Identify additional costs you might face as an online student (like technology, subscription, or materials costs).
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Find programs that offer asynchronous scheduling and flexible coursework, which will make it easier to hold a job while taking classes.
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Prioritize schools that offer the kind of financial aid you won't have to pay back: grants, scholarships, and fellowships.
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See if your employer will cover some of your tuition and fees.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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 hoursPart time: 3 credit hours
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Full time: 12 credit hoursPart 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.
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 in accounting degree 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 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 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 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.
