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A master's degree in accounting can prepare you for advanced certifications, licensure, and leadership roles in accounting and auditing. Online degree programs are accessible and flexible, making them a great choice for working professionals.
Find out what the top online master's degrees in accounting offer and how they differ from on-campus programs.
Popular Online Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Accounting Master's Programs
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#1 Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
UNC-Chapel Hill's online master of accounting degree accepts applicants with any undergraduate major. Students must complete 34-48 credits, depending on previous coursework. The program can be completed within 12-36 months.
The program teaches managerial accounting, spreadsheet modeling, and strategic cost accounting skills. Students can choose among three concentrations: tax, audit, and financial analysis and reporting. They can participate in the global immersion program, which connects students with worldwide business executives.
Highlights
Four start times throughout the year
Online students can access career coaching and leadership training services
Multiple master of accounting fellowship opportunities
Considerations
Each class has two hours of synchronous lectures weekly
Residents and non-residents pay $1,446 per credit hour
Applicants must complete virtual interviews
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,020
Out-of-state
$37,360
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,552
Out-of-state
$28,844
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
19%
Students Enrolled
32,496
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
UWF’s master of accountancy program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The program offers four concentrations: analytics, business analysis and reporting, information systems, and taxation.
Students must complete 30 credit hours, including 18 core credits and 12 concentration credits. They can typically graduate in 24 months.
Highlights
Third-highest first-time pass rate for CPA exam among all U.S. public schools
The school's writing lab can review papers and fix grammatical issues
$456 per credit hour for attendees and $425 per credit hour for active-duty personnel, veterans, or spouses
Considerations
Only accepts transfer credits from AACSB-accredited schools
Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or above on the last 60 credit hours of their undergraduate degree
Limited graduate scholarship opportunities
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,735
Out-of-state
$16,004
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,088
Out-of-state
$22,166
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
13,521
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
Florida International University
Miami, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
FIU's fully online master of accounting program can be completed within 12 months. The program has AACSB accreditation and offers specialization tracks in taxation or assurance. Each specialization track requires 30 credits, which includes 10 pre-selected courses.
The master of accounting program charges a per-semester rate. Online students pay a total of $29,214, regardless of location. Applicants must pay a $200 deposit upon acceptance.
Highlights
Students can access Becker CPA courses
Provides virtual information sessions about the program and financial aid
Offers specialized scholarships for master of accounting students
Considerations
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in accounting or business
Also offers a hybrid program, which can be completed in 10 months
Conditional admission applicants must complete five prerequisite summer courses
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,168
Out-of-state
$18,566
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$911
Out-of-state
$2,003
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
54,085
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
NC State University's master of accounting program is designed for entry to mid-level professionals. The 31-credit program focuses on commercial law, income tax, and auditing. Students can take nine elective credit hours or select a concentration.
Distance education and in-person students pay the same tuition rate. Graduate students have a maximum tuition cap of nine credits per semester. North Carolina residents pay $546 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $1,701 per credit.
Highlights
Automatically assigns academic advisors for online students
Admits applicants twice per year
Offers interactive online courses with videos, assignments, and activities
Considerations
Applicants must have completed seven prerequisite courses, including financial reporting and managerial accounting
Most financial aid opportunities come from student loans
Courses may be asynchronous or synchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,535
Out-of-state
$29,407
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,095
Out-of-state
$28,301
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
40%
Students Enrolled
37,314
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The required capstone course requires accounting research and communication skills. Students must complete a written and oral report. Program graduates satisfy the 150-credit Texas State Board of Public Accountancy requirement to sit for the CPA exam.
Highlights
Individuals can take online leveling classes to satisfy course prerequisites
Flat fee of $472.22 per credit hour
No application fee
Considerations
Must meet specific prerequisites for a GMAT waiver
October-February application window for graduate scholarships
No concentration choices
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,857
Out-of-state
$20,097
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,002
Out-of-state
$14,562
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
31,559
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
UIUC's fully online MS in accountancy degree can be completed in 18-60 months. The curriculums include 32 credits, with a minimum 20 credits of accounting coursework. The remaining 12 credits can be in accounting or non-accounting electives. Students must complete at least one non-accounting course.
The program provides synchronous courses with weekly live classes. Students can work with classmates and discuss issues with professors during online office hours.
Highlights
Average pay increase of 22% for program graduates, reports UIUC
Accredited by the AACSB
Students can simultaneously earn a graduate certificate or concentration
Considerations
Requires prerequisite business management and accounting coursework
Transfer credits must come from an AACSB-accredited programs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,474
Out-of-state
$30,446
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,891
Out-of-state
$29,176
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
56,563
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
UT Dallas' MS in accounting and analytics program teaches corporate accounting, taxation, and internal auditing principles. Online students participate in the 36-credit MS accounting flex program. The flex program's curriculum includes an equal amount of core courses, electives, and accounting analysis courses.
Students can pursue a double-degree option and choose electives that apply to both programs. The school recommends graduates pursue the certified management accountant certification.
Highlights
Open to individuals with any undergraduate major
Program can be completed in 12-24 months
Offers accounting volunteer programs for students to gain hands-on experience
Considerations
Online students can only choose the accounting analysis track
Dual degrees require a 3.0 GPA or higher for core courses among both degrees
The MS in accounting and analytics program may not qualify for scholarship awards
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,412
Out-of-state
$45,100
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,088
Out-of-state
$29,252
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
30,885
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL
4 years
Online
What You Should Know
NIU's online master of accountancy program is designed for individuals with a non-accounting undergraduate degree. This part-time AACSB-accredited program can be completed within two years. Graduates qualify to sit for the CPA exam in Illinois and most other states.
Attendees must complete five prerequisite courses before enrolling. Students can take these courses through schools, community colleges, or approved online vendors.
Highlights
$835 per credit hour, regardless of student location
Fully online program
Online counseling services via Microsoft Teams
Considerations
Must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all coursework
Maximum of nine transfer credits
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,790
Out-of-state
$9,790
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,066
Out-of-state
$9,066
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
15,649
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
Auburn's master of accountancy program offers pathways for students with or without an undergraduate degree in accounting. Students with an accounting degree must complete 30 credits while other students must complete 42 credits. Graduates who complete the CPA exam within one year of graduation have an 85% pass rate.
Students must attend a three-day, on-campus residency program during the final spring semester. The residency includes networking events, business speeches, and leadership workshops. Attendees must pay for their own expenses, including hotel, food, and travel.
Highlights
Non-thesis program
AACSB-accredited program
Applications receive holistic reviews
Considerations
$950 per credit for the 30 and 42-credit programs
No scholarships for graduate programs
Eight prerequisite business foundation classes
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,704
Out-of-state
$32,112
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,386
Out-of-state
$31,158
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
33,015
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
California State University, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
CSUSB's MS in accountancy degree teaches professional ethics, financial accounting, and advanced tax topics. The curriculum has 33 credits, including core, elective, and capstone classes. The capstone course can be a project or comprehensive examination.
The school offers an accelerated 3:2 bachelor's-to-master's program. However, students must be a current CSUSB accounting student and receive an invitation to the program.
Highlights
Elective options include an internship, independent study, and seminar in accounting
Military personnel may receive up to $4,500 annually
Students can take the CPA preparation course up to four times
Considerations
Maximum of nine transfer credits
Non-residents must pay an additional $420 per credit
Eight prerequisite courses
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
18,510
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Our Ranking Methodology
Accounting.com ranks the best accounting degrees using reputable sources such as the U.S. Department of Education. We build our rankings with four main metrics in mind: academics, cost, reputation, and program availability. We also consider subfactors like retention rate, federal aid amounts, and return on investment to help you find the right program for you.
What to Expect From an Online Master's in Accounting Program
Online master's in accounting programs typically feature the same courses, books, and instructors as a traditional on-campus program. These programs have identical prerequisites and lead to the same career paths. However, differences in course delivery, scheduling, and environment could affect your experience and decision.
The following sections explore some of the unique aspects of online master's in accounting programs.
How Does an Online Accounting Degree Differ From an On-Campus Master's?
An on-campus and online master's degree in accounting may feature the same curriculum, but their delivery formats can affect the cost, schedule, and program length.
Many online courses use recorded lectures and online discussion forums instead of scheduled meetings. This format eliminates classroom space requirements and fixed class times, allowing you to take more classes and study during the times that suit you best.
Comparing Online and On-Campus Master's in Accounting Degrees
Factor
Online Program
On-Campus Program
Average Tuition and Fees
$10,995
$21,974
Typical Course Load
3 credits per eight-week session or 24 credits per year
9 credits per semester or 18 credits per year
Program Length
18-24 months
2-3 years
Standard Class times
Asynchronous (anytime) or evenings and weekends
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Hands-On Experiences
Virtual and in-person internships/practicums (may be local to school)
An online program may be a more affordable, accelerated, and flexible study option, but it won't suit everyone. Fast-tracking your coursework makes it more rigorous and more difficult to fit around a busy work or home life.
Additionally, asynchronous online classes can feel less interactive and hands-on. Some online learners miss the engagement and hands-on experiences of in-person classes.
When choosing an online program, consider how you learn best and what you want to get from your program.
Delivery Formats for Online Accounting Degrees
Online accounting programs run in different formats to accommodate various student needs. Each format has its benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the right one for you depends on your schedule, learning style, and location.
Here are the three major online formats:
Hybrid: Hybrid programs feature a mixture of online classes and in-person residencies. The on-campus portion may include orientations and the most practical courses. While hybrid programs reduce travel, they still require you to live within commuting distance from the school.
Asynchronous: Asynchronous programs have assignment deadlines but no set class times and, in most cases, no on-campus requirements. You watch recorded lectures and complete the assignments within a set period. While that flexibility may allow you to balance work and school, asynchronous programs require independence, organization, and self-motivation.
Synchronous: Synchronous programs feature scheduled online classes with your instructors and classmates. These programs provide a comparable experience to in-person studies but without the travel. Though many programs offer accommodating evening and weekend class times, you still need a flexible schedule to balance study and your other priorities.
Accreditation for Online Accounting Degrees
Accreditation tells you that a school or program meets the industry's academic and professional standards. Without institutional accreditation, schools may not provide financial aid or transferable credits. Professional credentials like the certified public accountant (CPA) also require degrees from accredited schools.
When choosing an online school, you should look for accreditation from organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education. This includes organizations like the Higher Learning Commission and the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC), which works with online schools.
Along with accreditation, online schools also need state authorization, which allows them to teach out-of-state remote students. A school can apply for authorization with its state government directly or with an organization like the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
How Much Will an Online Accounting Master's Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees for an online graduate degree in business was $10,995 for the 2020 school year. Yet, many factors can affect the price you pay, including school prestige, school type, and your location in relation to the school.
For the programs on our list, tuition prices range between $457 and $1,446 per credit for in-state students. With programs featuring 30-48 credits, total tuition prices fall between $13,710 and $69,408. While online programs limit or eliminate travel and room and board costs, they often feature technology, distance education, and subscription fees.
You can offset the costs with financial aid. First, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which could qualify you for federal loans and grants. You can also apply for national, state, and local scholarships and grants, along with those from your school and accounting organizations.
An online master's degree in accounting may provide the same postgraduate opportunities as an on-campus program, but it adds a new dynamic to the studies. The flexible schedule and limited travel may offer a better work-study balance, lower costs, and more study options.
However, online accounting programs provide a different classroom and learning experience, which may not meet your needs. Before you decide on an online master's degree in accounting, consider the following pros and cons.
Pros
Flexibility: Enjoy a better work, life, and study balance with unscheduled, evening, or weekend classes.
Affordability: Reduce your travel expenses while maintaining a job.
Variety: Access out-of-state programs, often without the out-of-state tuition increases.
Cons
Self-Reliance: Manage your coursework without the same level of classroom engagement and/or guidance.
In-Person Limitations: Miss out on hands-on training and networking opportunities.
Self-Discipline and Time Management: Keep up with a program on your own time.
Questions About Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
Which online master's degree is best for an accountant?
The best online master's degree in accounting depends on your educational and career goals. While an MS in accounting or master of accounting (MAcc) focuses on CPA preparation, an MBA in accounting emphasizes leadership and management training.
Is an online master's in accounting useful?
An online master's degree in accounting can prepare you for postgraduate credentials, improve your career opportunities, and increase your earning potential while offering flexibility.
How long does it take to get a master's degree in accounting online?
Online master's degrees in accounting often take 18-24 months for full-time students to complete. Accelerated programs may offer even faster completion times, while part-time programs will slow them down.
How much is an online master's degree in accounting?
The cost of an online master's degree in accounting varies, but tuition for the programs on this list ranges between $13,710 and $69,408.
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