Undergraduate accounting certificates give aspiring accounting and business professionals an alternative to a full accounting degree. These condensed programs feature a fraction of the completion time and cost of traditional degrees, allowing you to develop your skills and pursue entry-level careers.
When offered online, accounting certificates become even more convenient and accessible. If you're actively working, you may be able to pursue these programs without having to travel, relocate, or change your schedule.
As traditional business and accounting positions become more interdisciplinary, the value of certificates could increase even more. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, enrollment in undergraduate certificate programs grew more than 15% from 2019-2023.
This in-depth guide explores some of the best accounting certificates available and the value they can bring to students like yourself. Discover how online accounting certificates differ from on-campus certificates and how to choose the right program for your needs.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Accounting Certificate Programs
#1 Best Online Accounting Certificate Programs of 2024
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
- Fennimore, WI
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
A Fennimore-based public college, Southwest Tech offers several career and technical training programs. The school serves many counties in southwest Wisconsin, offering associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Accounting Assistant Technical Diploma
Southwest Tech's accounting assistant technical diploma introduces major accounting principles and practices. The program trains learners to work as accounting assistants or bookkeepers for businesses.
Students complete classes including payroll applications, QuickBooks, and math with business applications. Learners can specialize in business spreadsheet applications or business taxation.
After completing the diploma program, candidates can earn an associate degree in accounting with one additional year of study. Associate graduates can transfer their credits toward a bachelor's in accounting at a four-year college. Southwest Tech maintains an articulation agreement with Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.
Applying to Southwest Tech
Applicants need a high school or GED diploma. Southwest Tech may also consider ACT or ACCUPLACER scores. Alternatively, applicants can complete an assessment during their registration to determine class placement.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $2,500-$2,820 per semester
- Required Credits: 34
- Program Length: 12 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid (online and on campus)
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Accounting Certificate Programs of 2024
Moraine Park Technical College
- Fond du Lac, WI
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin-based MPTC also runs campus locations in Beaver Dam, West Bend, Jackson, and Ripon. The school serves more than 10,000 students annually through campus and online courses.
Accounting Assistant Technical Diploma
MPTC offers a one-year accounting assistant diploma program that emphasizes key accounting concepts and procedures. Graduates can pursue entry-level careers in areas like tax preparation or bookkeeping. The program also leads to MPTC's associate degree in accounting.
Enrollees learn how to record and analyze basic financial information. They take classes like payroll accounting, introduction to finance, and data management analysis. Learners also gain basic software knowledge in Microsoft Office.
MPTC offers credit for prior learning, which may help students graduate faster. Enrollees may receive credit for relevant professional experience, such as work history or professional training.
Applying to MPTC
MPTC requires all applicants to submit either high school or GED transcripts. The college also requires ACT or ACCUPLACER scores. MPTC waives these testing requirements for applicants with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $141 per credit for in-state learners; $211 per credit for out-of-state learners
- Required Credits: 35
- Program Length: 12 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid (online and on campus)
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Accounting Certificate Programs of 2024
Seminole State College of Florida
- Sanford, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Central Florida, Seminole State focuses on undergraduate education. The college offers associate and bachelor's degrees, along with a wide selection of professional certificate programs. Seminole State ranks among the top public schools in Florida.
Accounting Specialist Technical Certificate
Seminole State's accounting technical certificate trains enrollees how to analyze and present financial reports. Students explore topics like data entry, computer software, and accounting principles. Learners choose from online, campus, or hybrid enrollment options.
The program features four classes that introduce foundational accounting and business concepts. Enrollees study topics like office accounting, keyboarding and document processing, and business communications.
Certificate-holders can pursue entry-level jobs including accounting assistant, billing clerk, and payroll clerk. They can also move directly into Seminole State's associate programs in either administrative office management or accounting technology.
Applying to Seminole State
Applicants need a high school or GED diploma. Applicants do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, Seminole State may require admitted students to take a placement test.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $104 per credit for in-state learners; $382 per credit for out-of-state learners
- Required Credits: 12
- Program Length: 4-6 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid (online and on campus)
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Accounting Certificate Programs of 2024
William Rainey Harper College
- Palatine, IL
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Palatine, Illinois-based Harper serves students throughout Chicago's northwest suburbs. Offering a variety of two-year degrees and certificates, this public community college enrolls more than 35,000 students annually.
Accounting Assistant Certificate
Harper's accounting assistant certificate offers a broad introduction to financial and managerial accounting. Students complete courses including QuickBooks, payroll accounting, and advanced spreadsheet software. Learners can also choose from electives such as individual tax accounting, auditing, and fraud examination.
Graduates can pursue entry-level jobs such as bookkeeper, junior accountant, and analyst. The certificate program also leads into Harper's associate of applied science in accounting degree. Some credits earned in certificate courses may count toward Illinois CPA exam education requirements.
Certificate candidates can participate in Harper's accounting club, which offers educational and professional opportunities.
Applying to Harper
Applicants must submit official high school or GED transcripts. Accounting candidates must either submit SAT or ACT scores or take a placement test before enrolling in college-level math classes.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $134 per credit for in-state learners; $466 per credit for out-of-state learners
- Required Credits: 29
- Program Length: 12 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid (online and on campus)
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
What to Expect From an Online Certificate in Accounting
Each certificate program has a unique approach, but online programs typically cover the same material and lead to the same outcomes as on-campus certificates. The same faculty members often deliver both program types, with schools typically providing online and on-campus students access to the same resources.
Despite the similarities, online learning offers a different experience and may not suit everyone equally. Here are some ways online accounting certificates differ from on-campus certificates.
Delivery Formats
The biggest difference between on-campus and online accounting certificates is the delivery mode. Online accounting certificates may use fully online or hybrid formats — fully online programs feature no campus visits, and hybrid programs mix online and on-campus classes.
The online classes may run asynchronously, synchronously, or a mix of the two modes. Asynchronous delivery allows you to study during the hours that make sense for you, while synchronous classes often run during evenings or weekends to accommodate busy schedules.
While fully online and asynchronous accounting certificates provide the most flexibility for your schedule, this delivery format typically requires more independence and self-motivation. You may also have fewer interactions with peers and less guidance from instructors.
Hybrid accounting certificates and synchronous online classes can fill the classroom experience void for you. Synchronous classes better simulate on-campus classes, connecting you to your peers in a virtual classroom or possibly even live-streaming lectures. In a hybrid program, you'll join your classmates on campus for certain courses — usually the more hands-on classes.
Tuition
Tuition prices for on-campus and online accounting certificates vary depending on the school type and prestige and your location.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition rates for in-state students during the 2021-22 academic year were $3,564 in two-year public schools and $9,596 in four-year public schools. Out-of-state students paid more than double that, and private schools charged $34,041.
In an online accounting certificate program, your tuition rates could vary even more than your on-campus counterparts. Some schools charge standard online rates regardless of location, allowing out-of-state students to save on tuition. Online accounting certificates may also feature lower materials and facility fees than on-campus certificates, but they also tend to include distance education, technology, and digital subscription fees.
No matter your tuition rate, you should still investigate financial aid options. Along with federal loans and grants, you may qualify for institutional or third-party scholarships to help cover your costs without worrying about repayment.
Accreditation for Online Accounting Certificates
Whether you pursue your accounting certificate on campus or online, you must ensure that the program holds the appropriate accreditation. Start by looking for institutional accreditation — this is a requirement for schools to provide federal financial aid and transfer credits. Institutional accreditation comes from third-party organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.
Though not required, programmatic accreditation can also be beneficial. Programmatic accreditation assures you and your future employers that the program, department, and faculty meet a high industry standard. Online accounting certificates may hold accreditation from one of several organizations, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Along with accreditation, you should also consider state authorization, especially if you plan to attend an out-of-state school. For a school to offer distance education to out-of-state learners, it needs the proper authority. Members of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), for example, can educate students from 49 member states.
How Does an Online Accounting Certificate Differ From On Campus?
While every program operates independently, on-campus and online accounting certificates can differ in the areas of schedule, student demographics, program length, and cost. The following table explores these differences in more detail.
Comparing Online and On-Campus Certificates in Accounting
| Factor |
Online Program |
On-Campus Program |
| Study Schedule |
Asynchronous classes that you can complete anytime during the week |
Classes during the day or evening, in some cases |
| Student Demographics |
Students from across the country, including working professionals |
Closely mirrors the campus demographics |
| Program Length |
1-2 semesters, though students may be able to accelerate their studies and start multiple times per year |
1-2 semesters with start dates at the beginning of the semester |
| Cost |
About $1,000-$5,000, with many schools offering in-state rates to out-of-state students |
About $1,000-$5,000 for in-state residents |
Sources: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College, Seminole State College of Florida, Richmond Community College, Harper College
When comparing on-campus and online accounting certificates, think about how key differences can affect your learning experience. Online programs, for example, tend to offer more flexibility in schedule and start dates to accommodate your work schedule or busy home life. You might also prefer a heavier course load, which can help you finish sooner.
The limited travel requirements also make out-of-state learning a realistic possibility with online accounting certificates. This accessibility can open the door to more program options for you, especially the schools that charge in-state tuition rates for online students. You may also encounter a more diverse cohort of students from various states and backgrounds.
Questions About Online Accounting Certificates
What's the difference between an accounting certificate and a certification?
An accounting certificate is an educational program or credential offered by a college or university, whereas a certification is a formal recognition awarded by a non-governmental organization. For example, the credits you complete in an accounting certificate at college may help qualify you for a certified management accountant certification.
Is an accounting certificate the same as a degree?
An accounting certificate is not a degree, but it may include some of the same courses as a degree. A certificate typically includes 1-2 semesters of accounting-specific courses.
How much is an online certificate in accounting?
The cost of an online accounting certificate varies by school and program, but they usually cost $1,000-$5,000.
Are accounting certificates worth it?
An accounting certificate may be a valuable option if you want to pursue an entry-level career in accounting, refresh your skills, or build on a previous education without investing the time and money for a full degree.
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