Looking for the best Associate Degree in Accounting in Virginia? You should consider these top-tier programs and jobs in the accounting field.
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Students looking for the best degrees in Virginia for accounting should consider accredited schools. These colleges and universities offer many online learning opportunities. Graduates can use associate degrees in a variety of fields. With an associate degree, graduates possess the skills required to move forward in their field.
Associate degree-holders earn approximately $963 per week, which translates to about $3,852 a month and approximately $50,076 annually. With an associate degree, unemployment is 4.6%, versus 6.2% for those with a high school degree.
Accounting Associate Programs for You
Working and Living in Virginia in the Accounting Profession
Earning an accounting degree can be beneficial for those seeking a career in finance or business. Many common courses are covered in an accounting program, such as financial accounting, tax accounting, and auditing. Jobs for those with accounting degrees are varied, but can include positions such as financial analyst, accountant, and controller.
The annual wage in Virginia is $47,200, or $22.69 per hour. This statistic includes all 3,753,230 employees in Virginia. BLS data shows that individuals with the lowest incomes take home $23,190 annually. The highest earners take home approximately $90,000 annually. See below for a comparison of the wages for accountants and auditors in Virginia.
Key
Accountants and Auditors in Virginia
Accountants and Auditors Nationally
All Occupations in Virginia
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Accountants and Auditors in Virginia and Nationwide
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According to MERIC, Virginia ranks number 32 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) in terms of the cost of living index. According to this index, the average cost of living in the United States is compared with the cost of living in specific locations in the country. As a whole, the U.S. average is set at 100, and every location in the U.S. has either a cost above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) the U.S. average. In Virginia, the cost of living index currently stands at 103.2, which is 3.2% higher than the national average. Students interested in relocating to Virginia can use the cost of living comparison to find the right fit for their budget.
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Jobs for accountants and auditors are projected to increase by 6.9% in the next 10 years. The BLS projects the number of these professionals to change from 1,392,200 in 2020 to 1,488,200 in 2030. Associate degrees are generally required for these positions. The most common job titles include:
Accountants and auditors
Account Auditor
Accountant
Auditor
Auditor-In-Charge
CPA
Certified Public Accountant
Cost Accountant
Field Auditor
Financial Accountant
Associate Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
#1 Associate Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Looking for a flexible associate degree in accounting? Consider Liberty University's online associate in accounting. Enrollees gain foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Degree-seekers can apply their course credits to future educational opportunities, such as a bachelor's degree.
The college connects enrollees with career services, academic advising, and other success-geared resources. Distance learners can connect with virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources. Attending classes on campus makes it easier for students to access the school's facilities and professors' offices.
The college reports that 99% of students receive financial aid, with 57% using student loans.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Location: Lynchburg
Admission Rate: 51%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $15,417
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $15,417
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Associate Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Richmond, VA
2 years
Online + Campus
A leader in online education, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College supports four online associate programs, including its associate in accounting. Students benefit from a rigorous core curriculum, industry-relevant coursework, and experiential learning opportunities. Degree candidates seeking to advance in further studies can apply their credits to a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees can access college resources geared toward student success. They can also access virtual library services and academic tutoring. Students who attend the school on campus have easier access to campus amenities and faculty offices.
On average, degree-seekers receive $5,258 in financial aid. Approximately 68% of all incoming learners receive financial aid, with 11% using student loans.
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Richmond
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,743
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $10,041
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,743
Out-of-state
$10,041
Retention Rate
59%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
7,759
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Associate Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
New River Community College
Dublin, VA
2 years
Online + Campus
From its main campus in Dublin, New River Community College supports four online associate programs, including an associate of applied science in accounting. The program prepares students for the accounting field through comprehensive coursework. Degree-seekers can also transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year college.
The college connects students with resources such as academic advising and career resources. As part of an online learning community, distance learners can benefit from virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources. Campus facilities and professors' offices are easier to access for those who attend the school on campus.
Learners can access scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities, with the average award package totaling $4,759. Typically, 89% of all degree-seekers receive financial aid, with 8% receiving loans.
New River Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Dublin
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 31-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,620
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,918
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,620
Out-of-state
$9,918
Retention Rate
63%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,137
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Associate Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
Southwest Virginia Community College
Cedar Bluff, VA
2 years
Online + Campus
Southwest Virginia Community College, located in Cedar Bluff, boasts six online associate programs, including its highly ranked associate of applied science in accounting. Enrollees benefit from a rigorous core curriculum, industry-relevant coursework, and experiential learning opportunities. Upon graduating, students can apply their course credits to a bachelor's degree.
Learners benefit from career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. They can also access virtual library services and academic tutoring. Students who attend the school on campus have easier access to campus amenities and professors' offices.
Learners can access scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities, with the average award package totaling $5,655. Students can access scholarships, fellowships, and loans to assist with educational expenses.
Southwest Virginia Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Cedar Bluff
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,620
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,918
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,620
Out-of-state
$9,918
Retention Rate
56%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,295
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Associate Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA
2 years
Online + Campus
Tidewater Community College, located in Norfolk, supports eight online associate programs, including an associate of applied science in accounting. Learners benefit from a rigorous core curriculum, industry-relevant coursework, and experiential learning opportunities. Enrollees can also transfer their credits to a bachelor's degree at a four-year college.
Degree-seekers can access career services, academic advising, and other support during their studies. The institution also provides online enrollees with virtual library services and academic tutoring resources, including writing tutoring. It is easier for students attending the school on campus to access campus facilities and professors' offices.
Degree candidates can expect to receive an average of $5,343 in financial aid. The college reports that 73% of students receive financial aid, with 19% using student loans.
Tidewater Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Norfolk
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,680
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,978
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,680
Out-of-state
$9,978
Retention Rate
56%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
16,769
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing an Associate Degree in Accounting
You can get financial aid to help pay for college. Financial aid comes in many forms, such as scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. Some students also cover federal and private student loans. It is a good idea to do your research ahead of time and find out what kind of financial aid might be available to you at your desired schools.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA helps many students cover educational expenses.
For scholarship and grant opportunities, students should contact the school's financial aid office.
Average Cost of Attending College in Virginia
In Virginia, college costs vary between institutions. Private and public sectors share several similarities. The following are some examples: Find out whether attending a public institution is right for you by reviewing the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
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Virginia
National Average
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What is the cost of attending a private college? There is generally a higher cost associated with private schools. The following graph provides information regarding attending private colleges in Virginia.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
Key
Virginia
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
In order to pay for your education, have you considered borrowing student loans? You should take certain things into consideration prior to obtaining a loan.
If you wish to repay the loan on time, you must ensure that you can make all the payments.
If you wish to advance your career goals, you should consider whether a degree from your chosen school will assist you.
Ensure that you understand the repayment schedule so that it does not disrupt your finances after you start working.
You can determine what students typically borrow by reviewing the following data.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
Online and on-campus programs differ in cost and class size. Some advantages of online programs include flexibility, affordability, and convenience. A campus-based degree typically costs more than an online degree due to student fees, which are optional for distance learners. Even so, there are some benefits to attending classes in person.
Many differences exist between public and private colleges, including cost. There are government-funded grants and scholarships that provide students with financial aid to pay for their education at public institutions. For those with high GPAs or SAT scores, private institutions often offer merit scholarships.
There is a tendency for private colleges to feature a lower student-to-teacher ratio. An overview of the pros and cons of attending a private institution versus a public institution is provided below.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for accountants and auditors in Virginia?
There is a mean annual wage of $87,850 for accountants and auditors in Virginia.
Are graduates with accounting degrees in high demand?
The total number of accountants and auditors is projected to increase by 6.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Can I earn an associate degree in accounting online?
An online associate degree in accounting is possible. At least some online courses are available as part of most schools' programs in today's environment.
How much time will you spend earning an associate degree?
Students typically complete an associate degree in two years. Part-time learners take longer to complete the program.
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