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Best online accounting degrees 2022: Top picks
Accountants and auditors prepare financial statements, review accounting documents to identify fraud, and recommend tax strategies to clients. An online bachelor's degree in accounting helps graduates launch their careers.
Accounting majors study auditing and financial and managerial accounting. After taking core courses in accounting and business, learners prepare for the workforce through specialized classes in tax preparation, fraud examination, and financial policy. By emphasizing career-ready skills, accounting programs train students for focused career paths.
Our guide to the best online accounting programs draws on reputable sources to help prospective students make an informed choice about their future.
The top 5 online schools for accounting
College | Program stats | How much? |
Boca Raton, FL |
| Per credit $203 in-state $722 out-of-state Application fee: $30 |
University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, MA |
| Per year, estimated $16,439 in-state $36,964 out-of-state Application fee: $85 |
Plattsburgh, NY |
| Per semester, full time $3,814 in-state $4,519 out-of-state Application fee: $50 |
University Park, PA |
| Per credit $590 in-state $632 out-of-state Application fee: $65 |
University of Minnesota Crookston Crookston, MN |
| Per semester, full time: $10,822 Application fee: $30 |
The best online bachelor's in accounting degrees
Our list of the best online accounting degrees uses ZDnet's ranking methodology to round up 25 top accounting programs. Prospective accounting majors can use the rankings to find the best fit for their unique needs.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
1. Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida
About the program: The online accounting program emphasizes financial reporting and analysis. Majors learn how to follow regulations and make strategic decisions.
Acceptance rate: 63%
Graduation rate: 52%
Avg. annual net price: $10,186
Years to completion: Two-year degree completion program
SAT range: 1080-1240
Minimum GPA: 2.25
Enrollment periods per year: Fall, spring, summer
Course delivery methods: Online; asynchronous
2. University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
About the program: Students with at least 27 college credits qualify for the online accounting degree at UMass Amherst. The major prioritizes engagement opportunities.
Acceptance rate: 64%
Graduation rate: 80%
Avg. annual net price: $22,501
Years to completion: Two to three years
SAT range: 1190-1390
Minimum GPA: No minimum
Enrollment periods per year: Fall, spring, summer
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous
3. SUNY College at Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, New York
About the program: The bachelor's in accounting program offers one-on-one faculty advising and internship opportunities to prepare graduates for the workforce.
Acceptance rate: 58%
Graduation rate: 68%
Avg. annual net price: $15,845
Years to completion: Two-year degree completion program
SAT range: 980-1180
Minimum GPA: 2.3
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling admissions
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous and asynchronous
4. Penn State World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
About the program: The online accounting program emphasizes the intersections between accounting and business. Majors prepare for in-demand accounting certifications.
Acceptance rate: 76%
Graduation rate: 71%
Avg. annual net price: $27,372
Years to completion: Four years
SAT range: 1070-1310
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Fall, spring, summer
Course delivery methods: Online; asynchronous
5. University of Minnesota Crookston
Crookston, Minnesota
About the program: The online bachelor's in accounting program covers key topics like public accounting, taxation, and finance. Accounting majors can also take CPA exam prep courses.
Acceptance rate: 68%
Graduation rate: 54%
Avg. annual net price: $10,952
Years to completion: Four years
SAT range: Not required
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Fall, spring
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous and asynchronous
6. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
About the program: The flexible online accounting degree offers a self-paced or structured online enrollment option. The program offers concentration classes in information technology and forensic accounting.
Acceptance rate: 74%
Graduation rate: 58%
Avg. annual net price: $16,953
Years to completion: Four years
SAT range: 1090-1370
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling admissions
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous and asynchronous
7. Northern State University
Aberdeen, South Dakota
About the program: The online bachelor's in accounting program builds critical thinking and analytical skills. Majors gain real-world accounting skills with a flexible format.
Acceptance rate: 84%
Graduation rate: 48%
Avg. annual net price: $15,851
Years to completion: Four years
SAT range: 980-1190
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling admissions
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous and asynchronous
8. University of Mary
Bismarck, North Dakota
About the program: The accelerated online accounting degree trains students in reporting requirements, auditing procedures, and tax regulations. The University of Mary offers start dates every five weeks.
Acceptance rate: 74%
Graduation rate: 55%
Avg. annual net price: $17,410
Years to completion: 3.3-4 years
SAT range: 1050-1280
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling admissions
Course delivery methods: Online
9. Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico
About the program: The fully online bachelor's in accounting program uses recorded lectures, projects, and collaborative participation to provide flexibility and engagement.
Acceptance rate: 58%
Graduation rate: 35%
Avg. annual net price: $9,516
Years to completion: Four years
SAT range: 900-1100
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Enrollment periods per year: Fall, spring, summer
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous and asynchronous
10. Santa Fe College
Gainesville, Florida
About the program: The bachelor's in accounting program offers a degree-completion path for those with prior college experience. The program emphasizes auditing, managerial accounting, accounting theory, and financial statement analysis.
Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
Graduation rate: 57%
Avg. annual net price: $11,420
Years to completion: Two-year degree completion program
SAT range: N/A
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling admissions
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous
11. Bemidji State University
Bemidji, Minnesota
About the program: The fully online accounting degree blends technical and theoretical knowledge in a career-focused curriculum.
Acceptance rate: 65%
Graduation rate: 46%
Avg. annual net price: $15,868
Years to completion: Four years
SAT range: Not required
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling admissions
Course delivery methods: Online; asynchronous and synchronous
12. Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
About the program: Offered as an online degree completion program, the bachelor's in accounting includes advanced coursework in accounting, finance, and data processing.
Acceptance rate: 69%
Graduation rate: 35%
Avg. annual net price: $5,899
Years to completion: Two-year degree completion program
SAT range: 870-1010
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling admissions
Course delivery methods: Online; asynchronous
13. Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Alva, Oklahoma
About the program: The online bachelor's in accounting program largely uses an asynchronous format. Students complete a synchronous senior capstone in business policy.
Acceptance rate: 63%
Graduation rate: 30%
Avg. annual net price: $9,791
Years to completion: Four years
SAT range: 920-1120
Minimum GPA: 2.7
Enrollment periods per year: Fall, spring, summer
Course delivery methods: Online; asynchronous and synchronous
14. Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah
About the program: Undergraduates in the online accounting program complete core business and accounting classes. SUU offers both bachelor of science and bachelor of arts options.
Acceptance rate: 78%
Graduation rate: 37%
Avg. annual net price: $14,285
Years to completion: Four years
SAT range: 1020-1240
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Fall, spring, summer
Course delivery methods: Online; asynchronous
15. Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
About the program: The fully online bachelor's in accounting program at Jefferson emphasizes tax law, government regulations, and accounting technology. Learners complete coursework during eight-week terms.
Acceptance rate: 66%
Graduation rate: 64%
Avg. annual net price: $25,162
Years to completion: Two to three years
SAT range: 1070-1260
Minimum GPA: N/A
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling admissions
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous and asynchronous
16. Concordia University, St. Paul
St. Paul, Minnesota
About the program: The fully online accounting degree uses an accelerated format and offers scholarships for online students. Undergraduates at the Lutheran university can transfer up to 90 credits toward the 120-credit degree.
Acceptance rate: 98%
Avg. annual net price: $16,245
Years to completion: Four years
Net price: $16,500
SAT range: Not required
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Six
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous and asynchronous
17. Temple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
About the program: The online accounting degree at Temple uses semester-long and accelerated classes that enhance learning through interactive sessions. Temple charges a flat tuition rate for distance learners.
Acceptance rate: 60%
Graduation rate: 71%
Avg. annual net price: $23,521
Years to completion: Four years or accelerated three-year program
SAT range: Not required
Minimum GPA: N/A
Enrollment periods per year: Fall, spring
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous and asynchronous
18. University of Toledo
Toledo, Ohio
About the program: The bachelor of business administration in accounting degree blends liberal arts courses with core business classes and an accounting curriculum. Seniors complete a business policy forum as a capstone course.
Acceptance rate: 96%
Graduation rate: 47%
Avg. annual net price: $17,630
Years to completion: Four years
SAT range: 1000-1240
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: fall, spring, summer
Course delivery methods: Online; asynchronous
19. St. Ambrose University
Davenport, Iowa
About the program: The online bachelor's in business administration with an accounting management focus uses an eight-week course schedule and incorporates interactive elements. St. Ambrose is a private, Catholic university.
Acceptance rate: 77%
Graduation rate: 67%
Avg. annual net price: $26,204
Years to completion: Two years with transfer credits
SAT range: 1070-1270
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Enrollment periods per year: Six
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous and asynchronous
20. Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
About the program: Undergraduates earning an online accounting degree at ODU choose between a traditional or degree completion option. Virginia residents receive a tuition discount.
Acceptance rate: 89%
Graduation rate: 52%
Avg. annual net price: $16,493
Years to completion: Two to four years
SAT range: 980-1180
Minimum GPA: No minimum
Enrollment periods per year: Fall, spring, summer
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous
21. Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
About the program: The fully online bachelor's in accounting lets majors choose accounting electives to customize their course of study.
Acceptance rate: 90%
Graduation rate: 41%
Avg. annual net price: $13,896
Years to completion: Four years
SAT range: Not required
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Enrollment periods per year: Fall, spring, summer
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous and asynchronous
22. University of Charleston
Charleston, West Virginia
About the program: The online accounting program incorporates mentorship and internship opportunities to build career-ready skills. The University of Charleston also offers a fast-track option.
Acceptance rate: 50%
Graduation rate: 47%
Avg. annual net price: $22,284
Years to completion: Four years or three-year fast-track
SAT range: 940-1140
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling admissions
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous
23. Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
About the program: The online bachelor's in accounting program offers traditional and degree-completion options. Gardner-Webb's curriculum incorporates Baptist ethics.
Acceptance rate: 67%
Graduation rate: 53%
Avg. annual net price: $21,296
Years to completion: Two to four years
SAT range: 970-1180
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Enrollment periods per year: Rolling admissions
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous and asynchronous
24. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
About the program: The bachelor of science in accounting program, offered through the School of Business, covers key topics like financial and managerial accounting and offers electives.
Acceptance rate: 82%
Graduation rate: 45%
Avg. annual net price: $12,866
Years to completion: Four years
SAT range: 1010-1210
Minimum GPA: 2.35
Enrollment periods per year: Fall, spring, summer
Course delivery methods: Online; synchronous and asynchronous
25. Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
About the program: The online accounting degree uses a competency-based model where students demonstrate mastery to complete courses. At WGU, 70% of undergraduates finish within 41 months.
Acceptance rate: 100%
Graduation rate: 29%
Avg. annual net price: $9,805
Years to completion: 3.5 years
SAT range: Not required
Minimum GPA: No minimum
Enrollment periods per year: 12 — one per month
Course delivery methods: Online; asynchronous
Insights from an accounting graduate
Namrita Singh is a senior tax associate at Wiss & Company, LLP and a CPA. She has three years of public accounting experience in a wide range of industries. Her primary focus is high-net-worth individuals and their closely held businesses.
In addition to tax preparation, she also assists clients in tax planning and facilitates communication with federal and state tax agencies. She recently graduated from The College of New Jersey.
ZDNet: What type of person is successful and thrives in an accounting career? What type of person may not be the best fit?
Namrita Singh: I'd say that most people could thrive in an accounting career, from my experience, and not to discount yourself just because you don't feel like you don't fit in a particular box. However, there are a few qualities that determine if you're going to sink or swim.
Time management and multitasking are the most important, in my opinion. If you haven't developed these skills in college, then the first year or two of your professional life may be a bit of a whirlwind. Between busy season and studying for the certified public accountant exam, you're going to get hit with a lot of demands from a lot of different people. If you can make it through that then you can certainly thrive.
I strongly recommend figuring out how to be organized in whatever way works best for you as early as you can.
ZDNet: What would you recommend that students do in addition to their accounting degree program, in order to stand out to employers?
NS: Aside from academics, employers want to see what you care about -- it gives them insight into what kind of person you are. Join a club or two about something you're passionate about. It doesn't matter if it's a hobby you do for fun or a cause you're particularly interested in.
It also doesn't matter if it's irrelevant to your degree -- in fact, showing employers that you care about more than just accounting is important. College campuses are so diverse that you're almost guaranteed to find a club for something you care about, no matter how obscure. It also makes for a great talking point when you interview!
ZDNet: What misconceptions do people have about this degree, and what would you tell them?
NS: Like most jobs, there tends to be a stereotype around accountants. I'm sure you've heard it before: We're boring math people, sitting at our desks and counting beans. Maybe that's true for some people and maybe it was true in the past, but it's 2021 and in my experience, being good at math is irrelevant (thank you Excel).
We're also not (for the most part) the monotonous, nerdy Type-A people that others seem to think we are. We are just as diverse as any other field of work, with a wide range of personalities, quirks, and hobbies.
ZDNet: What was the most challenging, rigorous course you took in your accounting degree program? What advice would you give to students who are about to start this course?
NS: For me, and for most people, intermediate accounting II was the most challenging. It covers a lot of complex areas of accounting such as leases, pensions, and stockholder's equity transactions. If you haven't figured out a study technique that works for you yet, now is the time.
It's easy to get away with not putting in a lot of extra effort outside of class for most classes, but intermediate II is a beast of its own. Go to your professor's office hours or the tutoring center if you have to. You'll most likely need them to reinforce some concepts for you.
Most importantly, though: Do your homework. Doing and redoing problems is the best way to conceptually understand what you're doing.
What to expect in an online bachelor's in accounting degree program
A bachelor's degree in accounting prepares graduates for entry-level careers in accounting, finance, and business.
To engage learners, accounting programs incorporate interactive elements including group projects, presentations, and capstone courses. In many programs, majors choose accounting electives to specialize their course of study.
Accounting courses offer a mix of theoretical and practical approaches. The career-focused emphasizes the skills needed for accountant or auditor jobs.
In addition to online courses, distance learners may complete an accounting internship in their local area. An internship builds career-ready skills and helps undergraduates network.
Accounting courses
During an accounting degree, students take courses in financial accounting, auditing, managerial accounting, and tax accounting. After these core courses, students take specialized classes in fraud examination, public accounting, accounting information systems, and more. Below are a few classes majors will likely encounter.
Financial Accounting
Financial accounting courses introduce students to the process of recording and analyzing financial transactions. Topics include accounting methods, information systems, and financial statement analysis. The class trains students to create financial statements.
Auditing
Internal and external auditors evaluate financial statements for errors and fraud. The course covers auditing procedures, ethical standards, and fiscal regulations. Students also learn how to report audit results.
Fraud Examination
Accountants and auditors, particularly forensic accountants, identify and investigate financial crimes. This course teaches about fraud identification, cybercrimes, and business valuation methods. Students also explore financial investigation techniques.
Managerial Accounting
Learners explore topics like cost accumulation, budgeting, and cost accounting. The course also examines the role of accounting in managerial decision-making and the need for accurate information systems.
Accounting degree levels
Degree-seekers can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in accounting. Accounting degrees at every level provide career-ready training. However, different degrees lead to different career paths.
In addition to an accounting degree, students can earn an accounting certificate. Certificate programs offer focused training in less time than a degree.
Associate in accounting
Length: 2 years
Cost: $6,000-$20,000
Post-grad careers: Accounting clerk; financial clerk; tax collector
An associate degree in accounting introduces learners to core accounting and business concepts. Students examine financial accounting methods, learn how to create financial statements, and gain basic business skills. The curriculum also includes general education courses that strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
After earning an associate degree, graduates qualify for support roles such as accounting clerk. Graduates can also transfer into a bachelor's program. Many four-year colleges waive general education requirements for transfer students with an associate degree.
Bachelor's in accounting
Length: 4 years
Cost: $40,000-$100,000
Post-grad careers: Accountant; auditor; financial analyst
Accounting majors take core business classes, general education requirements, and upper-division accounting courses. The degree meets the entry-level educational requirement for careers as an accountant or auditor. Graduates also work as financial analysts, budget analysts, and personal financial advisors.
During an accounting program, undergraduates complete project-based assignments to strengthen their financial statement analysis skills. Many programs also incorporate an internship to prepare majors for the workforce. In addition to strong analytical skills, the major encourages attention to detail.
Master's in accounting
Length: 2 years
Cost: $24,000-$70,000
Post-grad careers: Accounting manager; certified public accountant; personal financial advisor
An accounting master's degree provides advanced training in accounting methods, theory, and practice. Master's students choose between accounting programs and an MBA with an accounting focus. Both options prepare graduates for careers as supervisors, CPAs, and financial managers. However, an MBA program incorporates more management training.
Accounting graduate students take specialized courses in public accounting, forensic accounting, and auditing. They may also complete projects and internships.
Doctorate in accounting
Length: 4-6 years
Cost: $35,000-$65,000
Post-grad careers: Accounting professor; researcher; accounting consultant
A doctorate in accounting is the highest degree in the field. During a doctoral program, learners take advanced courses, conduct research, and write a dissertation. Some programs also incorporate internships and experiential learning opportunities.
At the doctoral level, students can earn a research-focused Ph.D. in accounting or a doctor of business administration with an accounting focus. The Ph.D. leads to academic and research careers, while the DBA helps practitioners advance to leadership roles in organizations.
In conclusion
An online accounting degree can launch a career in growing, high-paying fields. Choosing the right program helps prospective accounting majors reach their professional goals. By researching delivery methods, career paths, and accounting programs, applicants can find the right program for their unique needs.