Best Online Accounting Certificate Programs 2025
Credit: Rockaa / E+ / Getty ImagesAccounting certificate programs provide career training through courses in financial accounting, federal taxation, and managerial accounting. You’ll develop foundational accounting skills, including preparing financial statements. An online learning format gives you the flexibility to advance your education while working.
With an online accounting certificate, you can qualify for entry-level roles in accounting. You also can apply your credits toward an accounting degree to increase your earning potential. Our ranking introduces the top online accounting certificate programs.
Top Online Accounting Certificate Programs
North Iowa Area Community College
Mason City, IA- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should KnowÂ
NIACC's online accounting certificate program prepares graduates for several accounting careers by helping them develop fundamental and widely applicable accounting skills.Â
The 15-credit program includes principles of accounting, payroll accounting, and computer accounting courses. Transferable credits allow learners to pursue NIACC's accounting diploma or associate in applied science after graduation.Â
The online accounting certificate has no campus requirements, and students can complete it on their own schedules. NIACC's open admission policy accommodates applicants from all educational backgrounds.Â
Highlights
- Choice of asynchronous or synchronous delivery
- Included instructor-aided computer lab work
- Scholarships available to residents of neighboring states
Considerations
- Optional and encouraged internships
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required
- Higher tuition rates for out-of-state students
- In-State$5,378
- Out-of-state$8,066
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,479
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Northcentral Technical College
- Wausau, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should KnowÂ
NTC's online managerial accounting certificate program provides future business leaders with basic accounting skills.Â
The 16-credit program runs entirely online and features courses in accounting fundamentals, managerial accounting, and mathematics. Along with helping graduates pursue entry-level accounting careers, the program can create a bridge to more advanced accounting degrees. Â
Online courses at NTC run asynchronously and require no campus visits, opening the door for out-of-state learners.Â
Highlights
- Test out options available in most courses
- Provides 26% of the credits for an accounting associate degree
- Available at six campus locations as well as online
Considerations
- Does not offer financial aidÂ
- Requires self-discipline with fully asynchronous classes
- In-State$3,443
- Out-of-state$5,164
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,069
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Trinity Valley Community College
- Athens, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should KnowÂ
TVCC's online accounting certificate program can provide a gateway into the accounting profession and more advanced education in the field. The 37-credit curriculum includes courses in computerized accounting, financial accounting, and payroll and business tax accounting.Â
TVCC offers all classes in its accounting certificate program online, delivering them either asynchronously or synchronously. As a pathway program, this certificate can reduce the credits and tuition required for TVCC's associate degree program in accounting.
Highlights
- Awards transferable credits for an associate degree
- Some of the lowest per-credit tuition rates on this list
- Texas Success Initiative Program (TSI) not required for admission
Considerations
- Courses may run at specific times during the dayÂ
- The longest program on this list
- Additional fees for out-of-district and out-of-state students
- In-State$1,170
- Out-of-state$4,500
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,362
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Sauk Valley Community College
- Dixon, IL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should KnowÂ
SVCC's online bookkeeping accounting certificate program prepares students for various entry-level accounting positions. The program also helps students transition into more advanced programs like the school's associate degree program in accounting.Â
The 16-credit program emphasizes accounting technology and includes courses in financial accounting, spreadsheet software, and computer accounting. Since SVCC charges a standard online tuition rate, all students pay the same rate regardless of where they live.Â
Highlights
- Two-semester program
- Asynchronous program delivery
- May qualify for financial aid
Considerations
- Class placement testing is required
- Campus visits may be required
- In-State$10,800
- Out-of-state$12,060
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,386
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Yavapai College
- Prescott, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should KnowÂ
YC's online accounting assistant certificate program equips students with an understanding of business principles and develops foundational accounting, computer, and communication skills.Â
Learners can take this 36-credit program entirely online and explore courses in basic tax planning, accounting with QuickBooks, and data analytics for accounting. The program also has an optional internship for learners seeking hands-on experience.Â
YC's online courses run asynchronously and require no campus visits.
Highlights
- Training based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and international financial and reporting standards
- One of the few programs on this list with electives
- Four-term program
Considerations
- Higher out-of-state student tuition rates
- Some courses charge higher tuition rates than others
- May require placement tests for admission
- In-State$2,680
- Out-of-state$9,340
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,997
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
North Arkansas College
- Harrison, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should KnowÂ
NorthArk's online accounting certificate program prepares students to handle accounting responsibilities for organizations of various sizes. The school's open admission policy ensures that applicants from diverse educational backgrounds can pursue this program.
The 30-credit program combines business and accounting courses, covering topics like human relations, business mathematics, personal finance, and accounting principles. Along with pursuing employment, graduates can use the certificate as a bridge to associate degrees in accounting and general technology.Â
Highlights
- Two-semester program
- Qualifies for Arkansas Future Grant financial aid
- Asynchronous or synchronous classes with no campus requirements
Considerations
- Higher tuition rates for out-of-county and out-of-state students
- Mandatory online course fee of $20/credit
- Self-motivation and time management skills required
- In-State$3,000
- Out-of-state$4,728
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled1,856
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Southwestern Community College
- Sylva, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should KnowÂ
SCC's online accounting and finance certificate program helps students pursue employment and advancement in the accounting field.
The 16-credit program features courses in principles of accounting, individual income taxes, and accounting software applications. Students can complete all courses in the program online and in an asynchronous format.
SCC also offers payroll accounting, bookkeeping, and tax accounting certificate programs, as well as accounting diploma and associate degree programs.
Highlights
- Transferable credits to accounting diploma or associate degree programs
- One of the lowest total in-state tuition costs on this list at $1,360
- Open-door admission policy that welcomes all students
Considerations
- Not eligible for financial aid
- Placement test required for admission
- In-State$1,976
- Out-of-state$6,968
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,256
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Kaskaskia College
- Centralia, IL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should KnowÂ
KC's online accounting certificate program prepares students for accounting careers with an understanding of financial, managerial, and tax accounting.Â
The 31-credit program features courses in business technology applications, business mathematics, and payroll and business taxes. KC boasts an open-door admission policy that accepts students from all educational backgrounds.
Along with an associate degree in accounting that graduates can transfer into, KC offers a small business accounting certificate.
Highlights
- Offers hands-on experience with accounting software
- Program runs asynchronously
- Three-semester program
Considerations
- Placement testing required for admission
- One of the most expensive tuition costs on this list at over $4,000
- SAT or ACT scores required
- In-State$7,530
- Out-of-state$12,330
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled3,370
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Lenoir Community College
- Kinston, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should KnowÂ
LCC's online accounting essential certificate program prepares students for entry-level accounting careers and accounting associate degrees.
The 14-credit program features core courses in principles of financial accounting, managerial accounting, and macroeconomics, along with a federal income taxes specialty course. LCC may deliver online courses using synchronous or asynchronous formats.Â
LCC also offers online small business and accounting and finance bookkeeping certificate programs.
Highlights
- May offer transfer credits for an accounting degree program
- Classes start every eight weeks
- Pathway program for students in the Career and College Promise initiative
Considerations
- May require placement test or gateway courses
- Some courses can run at a scheduled time
- In-State$2,432
- Out-of-state$8,576
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,199
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Des Moines Area Community College
- Ankeny, IA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should KnowÂ
DMACC's online accounting certificate program equips students with fundamental accounting and financial skills. Graduates can use this program to enter the workforce or transfer into more advanced programs in accounting or business.Â
The 14-credit program includes courses in QuickBooks accounting and principles of accounting, plus a choice between Microsoft Excel for entrepreneurs and an information computing class. DMACC's online courses run asynchronously over a 15-week period.Â
DMACC also offers an online accounting payroll certificate program.Â
Highlights
- Two-semester program
- Transferable credits for accounting diploma and associate degree
- Covers GAAP and double-entry accounting
Considerations
- Course prerequisites needed
- Multiple hours of preparation for every class hourÂ
- Time management and discipline required in asynchronous online classesÂ
- In-State$5,550
- Out-of-state$11,100
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled21,637
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
What to Expect From an Online Certificate in Accounting Program
On-campus and online accounting certificates feature similar courses, credits, and tuition rates. They typically require 15-26 credits and take 6-12 months to complete. However, there are some key differences. Online programs offer greater flexibility, particularly for working students.
How Does an Online Accounting Certificate Differ From an On-Campus Certificate?
In an online program, you’ll attend classes virtually, completing coursework from home instead of traveling to campus for classes. Accounting is an ideal subject to study online because courses do not typically require in-person elements.
When comparing online and on-campus programs, the biggest difference is in the delivery format. Many colleges offer the same accounting certificate programs online and on campus, often with identical course requirements and the same faculty teaching classes. Learning online does not mean sacrificing quality — you can attend an affordable, accredited institution to earn your accounting certificate with the flexibility of online classes.
Remember that costs, program lengths, and course loads vary depending on the college. You can find an accounting certificate that matches your schedule and budget by researching online programs.
Delivery Formats for Online Accounting Certificates
Online accounting certificate programs may follow different formats and feature asynchronous (recorded) or synchronous (live) instruction. When researching programs, consider which format best suits your learning schedule and style when researching programs.
Fully Online vs. Hybrid
- 100% online accounting certificate courses are fully online, with no in-person classes. You’ll complete the requirements for your certificate using virtual learning tools without having to visit campus.
- Hybrid certificates blend online and in-person classes. While you’ll take some classes online, you’ll also visit campus to take other classes. Depending on the certificate, you might take a blend of online and on-campus classes at the same time or complete some weeks online with in-person residencies.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous
- Asynchronous classes let you choose when to complete coursework throughout the week. Instead of attending live lectures, you’ll watch recorded lectures, participate in discussion boards, and work on assignments. This is the most flexible way to earn an accounting certificate.
- Synchronous classes incorporate live class sessions, often using video conferencing tools. You’ll attend class at set times, interact with faculty and classmates, and complete assignments outside of class. This is the closest online learning format to an in-person class.
Accreditation for Online Accounting Certificate Courses
You should always choose an accredited school for your online accounting certificate. Colleges that hold institutional accreditation meet high standards for academic quality. Schools undergo rigorous evaluations of their graduation requirements, faculty qualifications, and student learning outcomes to earn accreditation. Accredited institutions regularly repeat this process to ensure that they maintain their standards.
Institutional accreditation also matters for financial aid. Only institutionally accredited colleges can award federal financial aid to students, so if you’re planning to submit the FAFSA and use federal student aid, you’ll want to check the school’s accreditation.
Along with institutional accreditation, programs may also hold programmatic accreditation. Offered by independent accrediting bodies, programmatic accreditation recognizes programs that follow the best practices for educating in a specific subject. Many accounting programs hold programmatic accreditation through a business school or department. Field-specific accrediting agencies in business include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Finally, online colleges should have state authorization to educate students in your state. Some online colleges limit their programs to learners located in specific states, so you’ll want to check that the colleges on your list can grant certificates to people in your state.
How Much Will an Online Accounting Certificate Cost?
Earning an accounting certificate can prepare you for a career as a bookkeeper or accounting clerk. But how much will you spend on an online accounting certificate?
The most affordable online accounting certificates cost less than $100 per credit in tuition. Depending on the length of your certificate program, you can find options that cost less than $2,000 in tuition for the entire certificate.
However, tuition costs vary widely. In-state community colleges typically offer the most affordable tuition rates, with higher costs for out-of-state learners. Earning your certificate at a four-year institution also typically costs more.
On top of tuition, you’ll also need to factor in fees, technology costs, and other expenses. You’ll save on room and board plus transportation costs by enrolling online. You can also apply for financial aid, including scholarships and grants, to pay for your online accounting certificate courses. Prioritize scholarships and grants, which you do not need to repay, over loans that must be repaid.
Why Get Your Certificate in Accounting Online?
Is getting your accounting certificate online worth it? You’ll need to consider the pros and cons before applying to programs.
Pros
Flexible schedule: Online courses give you the flexibility to balance college with work and other responsibilities. That’s a major pro to earning your certificate in accounting online.- Transfer Opportunities: After completing your accounting certificate online, you can potentially transfer into an associate or bachelor’s in accounting program to advance your education.
- Financial aid: Online accounting certificates offered at accredited institutions meet the requirements for many forms of financial aid, making completing a certificate even more affordable.
Cons
Learning style: Some students struggle with an online learning format, which requires strong organizational skills. If you prefer in-person learning, consider a hybrid or synchronous program.- Networking: Attending classes online can make it harder to connect with faculty and classmates. Online learners must devote extra attention to making contacts while in their program.
- Local connections: Enrolling in an out-of-state certificate program can mean losing out on local connections with employers who hire graduates from the institution.
Questions About Online Accounting Certificates
An accounting certificate includes courses on foundational accounting topics, while a certification recognizes experience in accounting.
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