For students pursuing higher education, cost is always a significant consideration. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average price for tuition has continued to rise in recent years: Tuition at public four-year schools was 10% higher in the 2020-21 academic year than in the 2010-11 academic year, while private four-year school tuition increased 19% over the same period.
When determining which online accounting degree programs qualified as affordable, we considered factors like lower-than-average tuition. Just because these programs are affordable does not mean they lack value — the skills you gain from these online accounting programs are in high demand across various industries and can qualify you for jobs with higher-than-average salaries.
Use our ranking of the most affordable online accounting degree programs of 2023 to help you earn the credentials you need for accounting jobs while paying affordable prices.
Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees
Choosing an affordable online accounting degree requires time and effort. Our ranking gives you a headstart by covering the top five programs.
Our ranking methodology takes into account accounting programs' affordability, reputation, and academic standards. You can learn about our methodology and individual program requirements below.
#1 Most Affordable Online Accounting Degree Programs 2023
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online
Known as the world's most student-centric university, Salt Lake City-based Western Governors University offers fully online, self-paced programs. The institution was founded in 1997 to help people learn anywhere, anytime.
Bachelor of Science Business Administration – Accounting
Western Governors University's BSBA accounting program is a combination of accounting coursework and management, finance, and human resources courses. The fully online curriculum is flexible with no set class times. Students can complete a course at their own pace and then take an assessment demonstrating their mastery of the material.
Completing the BSBA accounting program helps students earn 120 of 150 credits required to be eligible for the certified public accountant exam. WGU reports that graduates see an increase of $18,200 in salary after two years and $25,900 after four years.
WGU's Specializations
Business Management | General Education | Human Resources
WGU's Affordability
Instead of charging per credit, WGU charges per term, helping control the program expenses. Students can also complete the program as quickly as they want. The faster they learn, the less they pay for their degrees.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Tuition: $3,775 per term
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 6 months - 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: Apply online; Send in official transcripts; Complete financial aid application process; Complete intake interview
- GPA: 3.15
- Standardized Tests: None
- Cost: $65
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Most Affordable Online Accounting Degree Programs 2023
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established in 1963, the University of West Florida is based in Pensacola and offers over a 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. As of 2021, the university had an enrollment of 13,265 students.
Accounting, BSBA
Offered on campus and online, the University of West Florida's BSBA accounting program combines core business courses, such as marketing and strategy, with financial accounting and auditing. Students may also choose to secure an accounting internship.
The program helps develop problem-solving and communication skills, while strengthening students' chances of passing the CPA exam on the first attempt.
The faculty at UWF's College of Business are CPA professionals who use their real-world experience to help students learn to apply their knowledge in the workplace.
UWF's Specializations
Communication | Mathematics | Social Sciences
UWF's Affordability
UWF offers merit- and need-based scholarships and grants. Military and veterans may qualify for additional educational benefits.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Tuition: $212 per credit (in-state); $514 per credit (out-of-state); $317 per credit (Alabama resident)
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: Up to 48 months
- Delivery Format: Hybrid (online and on campus)
- Admissions
- Process: Apply online; Pay the application fee; Submit official transcripts; Submit ACT or SAT scores; Complete the residency application; Submit a financial responsibility statement
- GPA: 2.70
- Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
- Cost: $30
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Most Affordable Online Accounting Degree Programs 2023
Thomas Edison State University
- Trenton, NJ
- 4 years
- Online
New Jersey-based Thomas Edison State University is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the country. TESU is known for its generous credit transfer policy and affordable online programs.
Business Accounting Program
Thomas Edison State University offers a business accounting program for learners interested in accounting or auditing careers. The program also aligns with the aspirations of students aiming for a CPA designation.
The business accounting program covers principles of finance and business as well as arts and sciences. Students can accelerate the program by transferring up to 90 credits. TESU's BSBA program is offered on campus and is four years long.
TESU's Specializations
Accounting | Business Administration | Macroeconomics
TESU's Affordability
Students registering for nine credits or more in a single term are eligible for a discounted flat-rate tuition. TESU also offers various scholarships to help students cover the expenses.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $411 per credit (in-state); $511 per credit (out-of-state); $3,686 flat-rate tuition (in-state); $4,778 flat-rate tuition (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: Apply online anytime; Pay the application fee; Submit official transcripts and scores
- GPA: 2.0
- Standardized Tests: None
- Cost: $50
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Most Affordable Online Accounting Degree Programs 2023
Santa Fe College
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online
First formed as a community college in 1966, Gainesville-based Santa Fe now offers certificate, associate, and bachelor's degree programs. The school has satellite campuses in Alachua and Bradford counties.
Accounting, B.S.
The B.S. in accounting at Santa Fe College covers essential business skills such as managerial accounting, auditing, financial statement analysis, and management principles. Students learn to solve real-world problems by applying their knowledge to prepare for different accounting positions.
Students can gain hands-on experience by participating in an internship. The program is conducted online, on campus, or in a hybrid setting.
SF's Specializations
Business Finance | Business Law and Ethics | Principles of Management
SF's Affordability
Besides low in-state and out-of-state tuition, the program's online and hybrid formats also help students reduce expenses. The school offers financial aid and scholarships to pay for the program.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $126 per credit (in-state); $429 per credit (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 5 terms
- Delivery Format: On campus, hybrid, online
- Admissions
- Process: Apply online; complete residency declaration; submit transcripts; complete online training modules; register for classes
- GPA: 2.5
- Standardized Tests: SAT, ACT, CPT
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Most Affordable Online Accounting Degree Programs 2023
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
- Portales, NM
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Portales-based Eastern New Mexico University is the state's largest comprehensive higher education institution. The school focuses on affordability, and offers small classes and on-campus and online programs.
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
The BBA in accounting is offered by Eastern New Mexico University through its college of business. This fully online program has a flexible schedule that combines live and self-paced classes. The accounting major requires a minimum 40 hours of upper-division courses.
Online students can seek help and assistance over phone and email. The school extends its tutoring services, online databases and library resources, and career counseling services to all students.
ENMU's Specializations
Data Analytics | Marketing Management | Income Tax Auditing
ENMU's Affordability
ENMU has the second-lowest tuition in the state. Applying to the university is free. Students can apply for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: ACBSP, HLC
- Tuition: $187 per credit (in-state); $271 per credit (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: Apply online or by mail; Complete FAFSA application; Submit transcripts and ACT or SAT test scores.
- Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
- Cost: $0
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
How Much Does an Accounting Bachelor's Degree Cost?
Typically, in-state public schools offer the lowest average tuition: NCES data about the 2020-21 school year shows the average tuition at four-year in-state public schools was $9,375 per year. Out-of-state public institutions averaged $27,091, while private schools averaged $32,825. Specific tuition varies by institution.
When calculating educational costs, pay attention to differences in tuition rates for full- and part-time enrollment. Most institutions charge on a per-credit basis for part-time enrollment. Students enrolled full time — 12-18 credits per term — often pay flat-rate pricing for each academic term. Maximizing how many credits you take per term can reduce the total number of semesters you pay tuition, which in turn lowers the overall cost of your degree.
What Factors Into an Accounting Bachelor's Affordability?
When determining affordability, the total tuition cost of an online accounting degree program is the primary consideration. However, other factors like student enrollment status, program delivery format, school location, and financial aid availability can influence the net cost of the degree.
In the following sections, we explore these factors for online accounting degree programs.
Enrollment Status
Because many institutions charge a flat rate for full-time enrollees, maximizing how many credits you take each full-time semester can help you save money by reducing the total number of semesters you attend. Learners can also pursue an accelerated bachelor's program to complete their degree in four or fewer years.
Part-time enrollment in online accounting degree programs can benefit students with work or family obligations. Though enrolling part time does extend the completion timeline of the degree, some schools' per-credit rates are lower than their full-time flat-rate equivalents. This means part-time learners may save money in the long run as they finish their accounting program.
Location
NCES data shows the average cost of tuition for in-state public schools is lower than out-of-state public institutions and private schools. Online programs at public institutions sometimes charge all learners the in-state tuition rate regardless of students' state residency, while other schools — including private institutions — may offer a reduced tuition specific to online enrollees.
Online learning can help students save money because it does not require learners to relocate or pay commuting expenses. However, some distance education programs use a hybrid model, which includes on-campus components. Prospective enrollees in these hybrid degrees should consider costs of commuting or traveling when calculating the price of the program.
Delivery Format
Online courses are typically offered in two formats: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous classes more closely mirror in-person courses, as they require set meeting times and often use web conferencing technology to foster real-time conversation.
Asynchronous classes, on the other hand, allow students to complete coursework on more flexible schedules. Programs offering a majority of asynchronous coursework can help learners with career obligations continue to earn money as they complete their degree.
Though online degrees may benefit some enrollees, they do have potential drawbacks: For example, distance learning programs may not offer internships or other professional networking opportunities, two things which can help students find employment after graduation.
Financial Aid
While the average tuition at private schools is higher than their public counterparts, financial aid packages at these institutions are also larger on average: According to NCES data for the 2019–20 academic year, private nonprofit institutions provided an average of $25,200 in grant aid per full-time equivalent undergraduate student, compared to $8,600 at public institutions.
Financial aid for college includes several types of assistance, including federal loans, work-study programs, grants, and scholarships. The government offers federal loans, which you must repay with interest. Work-study programs provide part-time jobs to students who demonstrate financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay for tuition and other expenses.
Conversely, grants do not need to be repaid and are typically awarded based on financial need. If a student is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, they can typically receive state aid, too. State-level grants can usually be applied to any school in the state, regardless of institutions' public or private status.
Scholarships also do not require repayment. They can be awarded based on need, merit, or other criteria. By applying for financial aid, students can potentially lower the overall cost of their education, making private schools more affordable.
Making the Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees Cheaper
In addition to tuition, there are a number of strategies learners can use to reduce the cost of earning their online accounting degree. For instance, creating a personal budget can help students keep track of their expenses and help them manage their income more efficiently.
Below, we explore other tips for learners to save money:
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Rent or Buy Used Textbooks: Textbooks can be costly, so renting, buying used, or even acquiring digital copies of required course materials can lower their total expenditures each semester. Students should ensure used textbooks match the current edition.
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Free Online Resources: In addition to course materials your instructors provide, look for resources like lectures and open-source textbooks online to supplement your learning at no extra cost.
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Scholarships and Grants: Scholarships and grants can help offset the cost of tuition. Students can qualify for these financial aid opportunities on merit, financial need, or other criteria. Some organizations also offer accounting-specific scholarships.
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Earn Income While Enrolled: Working part time or taking advantage of work-study opportunities can help learners earn income while they complete their degree. They can apply this money directly toward their tuition to reduce the size of the loans they borrow.
How Can You Pay for an Accounting Degree Online?
Scholarships, unlike loans, do not require repayment. These awards can reduce your debt burden. The following section reviews three scholarships specific to accounting students. It is not an exhaustive list, but it can help familiarize you with available scholarship opportunities.
Scholarships for Accounting Students
AICPA Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs
- Requirements: Up to 25 scholarship awards are available to students in accounting and related programs. Evaluation criteria include academic performance, leadership ability, and the applicant's planned career path.
- Award: $5,000
- Apply
Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA) Foundation Scholarship
- Requirements: This scholarship is open to women students in their third, fourth, or fifth year of an undergraduate accounting program. AFWA considers academic transcripts, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and financial need.
- Award: Varies
- Apply
CMA Scholarship Program
- Requirements: The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) offers this scholarship to aspiring certified management accountants (CMAs). The award covers the fee to the IMA's CMA study program, plus CMA exam registration fees and three years of IMA membership.
- Award: Variable
- Apply
Do Accounting Programs Online Pay Off?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants and auditors earned a median annual salary of $77,250 in 2021 — almost $20,000 higher than the average salary for all occupations.
This higher-than-average figure suggests accounting degrees can provide a positive return on investment (ROI). Even so, conduct your own analysis comparing program costs to your expected salary after graduation.
Some tools that can help your analysis include:
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Statistics regarding employment outcomes for accounting graduates of the schools you are considering
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Data about average incomes of people with your current qualifications against those of professionals with the educational credential you plan to pursue
Job Outlook for Accounting Graduates
Accounting program graduates can use their degree to do more than just become a bookkeeper or accountant. Their academic credentials can also qualify them for jobs like:
Some of these roles earn average salaries even higher than accountants' average wages: For example, BLS data reveals financial analysts earned a median income of $95,570 in 2021, almost $20,000 more than the median annual salary for accountants and auditors.
Questions About Studying Accounting Online
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What should I major in to become an accountant?
Aspiring accountants often pursue BA or BS degrees in accounting. Other options include a bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in accounting.
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How can I save money getting an accounting degree?
To reduce tuition costs, consider attending an in-state public institution, studying online, or overloading credits at a school that charges flat rates for full-time students. Online learning can also reduce your expenses like commuting, and working as you complete your degree can provide an income.
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What jobs can I get with an accounting degree?
Many accounting graduates earn credentials like certified public accountant or certified management accountant licensure. Some graduates become bookkeepers or account clerks, while others pursue careers as financial analysts, advisors, or examiners.
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Is an online accounting degree worth it?
Accounting programs are designed to impart skills that are in demand across industries. Professionals with accounting degrees can qualify for jobs offering higher-than-average wages, meaning these academic credentials typically offer a positive ROI.
Page last reviewed March 9, 2023.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accounting.com.
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