Looking for a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting in Virginia? You should consider these top-tier undergraduate programs and jobs in the Accounting field.
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The best degrees in Virginia for accounting are all about making your career and life after graduation more fulfilling. Bachelor's degrees can open doors for employment in a variety of fields. Bachelor's degree-holders possess the skills needed to move forward in their field.
With a bachelor's degree, the rate of unemployment is 3.5%, versus 6.2% for those with a high school diploma.
Accounting Bachelor's Programs for You
Working and Living in Virginia in the Accounting Profession
You can develop effective communication, planning, and problem-solving skills by pursuing an accounting degree. As well as strong writing and oral communication skills, accountants are expected to possess analytical reasoning abilities. Job analysts and accountants are common jobs for accounting graduates.
The average annual salary in Virginia is $47,200, or $22.69 per hour. This holds true for the state's 3,753,230 employees. BLS data shows that the lowest 10% of earners bring in approximately $23,190 a year. The highest 10% earn approximately $125,820 annually. This table shows what accountants and auditors make on a regular basis.
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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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A report by MERIC ranks Virginia number 32 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) on the cost of living index. According to the cost of living index, the average cost of living in the United States is compared with the cost of living in specific locations in the country. All locations in the United States are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) the U.S. average. Virginia's cost of living index is 103.2, which is 3.2% higher than the national average. See how the cost of living in Virginia compares to the rest of the country.
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Jobs for accountants and auditors are projected to grow by 6.9% in the next decade. The BLS projects the number of professionals will grow from 1,392,200 in 2020 to 1,488,200 in 2030. These positions typically require a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions. These are some of the typical job titles that can be found in the industry:
Accountants and auditors
Account Auditor
Accountant
Auditor
Auditor-In-Charge
CPA
Certified Public Accountant
Cost Accountant
Field Auditor
Financial Accountant
Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
#1 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
Averett University
Danville, VA
4 years
Campus
A leader in hybrid education, Averett University supports 52 bachelor's degree programs. Of these online programs, the bachelor's in accounting stands out as a wise option for students seeking flexible, industry-relevant study. Students in the program can also pivot to a master's degree program after their undergraduate studies.
Students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. Prospective students can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine eligibility, and apply for student loans.
Averett University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 65%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $35,450
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $35,450
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $40,300
Average Tuition
In-state
$36,520
Out-of-state
$36,520
Retention Rate
59%
Admission Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
887
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
Eastern Mennonite University
Harrisonburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Eastern Mennonite University, a private college located in Harrisonburg, supports both in-person and online learning across 41 bachelor's degree programs. Of these online programs, the accounting major stands out as a wise option for students seeking flexible, industry-relevant study. Students can apply their learnings to an accounting-specific career or towards a graduate degree.
Students benefit from a range of resources throughout their studies, including career services and academic advising. The college provides numerous funding opportunities to eligible students, including scholarships and fellowships.
Eastern Mennonite University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 65%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $37,880
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $37,880
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,400
Average Tuition
In-state
$38,850
Out-of-state
$38,850
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
1,394
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its main campus in Harrisonburg, James Madison University provides in-person and remote learning opportunities across 48 bachelor's degree programs. The school's bachelor of business Administration (BBA) prepares students for the demands of a career in accounting through rigorous study. The knowledge and skills gained from these studies can benefit students in a career or in further educational pursuits.
Students can receive guidance during their studies through career services, academic advising, and other resources. Learners can connect with the office of financial aid to explore funding opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. Of the college's total undergraduate cohort, 62% receive some form of aid.
James Madison University at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 77%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,250
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $23,564
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $46,100
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,250
Out-of-state
$23,564
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
21,594
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
#4 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
A leader in hybrid education, Liberty University supports 91 bachelor's degree programs, 30 of which are available online. The bachelor of science in accounting and data analysis is an impressive online degree program, equipping enrollees with industry-relevant knowledge and the skills needed to succeed in a career. The program also prepares students for their post-graduate path, whether that is an accounting-specific career or graduate studies.
Throughout their studies, undergraduate students can access institutional resources geared toward student success. Students seeking to defray the costs of their degree can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities and determine eligibility.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 51%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $15,417
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $15,417
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $35,800
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
#5 Bachelors Degrees in Accounting in Virginia
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Norfolk State University, a public college located in Norfolk, supports both in-person and online learning across 33 bachelor's degree programs. The school offers a bachelor of science in accounting, which through a robust education, equips students with the skills needed to succeed in a career. The program also prepares students for further educational pursuits, such as graduate studies.
The college connects students with institutional resources throughout their studies. Prospective students should meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. Each incoming enrollee receives an average of $11,785 in financial aid awards.
Norfolk State University at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 92%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,752
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $16,920
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $30,000
Average Tuition
In-state
$5,752
Out-of-state
$16,920
Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
5,457
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
Financial aid like scholarships, fellowships, and work-study programs help students lower their degree costs. Some students qualify for federal student loans, while others qualify for private student loans. If you are considering attending a college, you may also be eligible for their scholarship programs. It is a good idea to research the financial aid available ahead of time.
The university's financial aid department should contact students for scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan opportunities.
Average Cost of Attending College in Virginia
In Virginia, tuition and other costs vary based on the institution you choose. However, there are some commonalities between public and private institutions. Please review the information below to determine whether attending a public institution is right for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
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Virginia
National Average
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How about attending a private university instead of a public university? In general, you can expect higher costs at private schools. In the graph below, we provide information about attending private colleges in Virginia.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
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Virginia
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Would borrowing student loans help you pay for your education? You should take certain factors into consideration before taking out a loan.
You must ensure that you can make all the payments on time.
You should think about whether earning a degree from a particular school is going to help you in your career goals.
Ensure that you understand the repayment schedule so that it does not cause undue hardship on your financial situation.
The following data can help you determine what students tend to borrow on a regular basis.
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
Among the most notable differences between on-campus and online programs include the cost and the size of the class. The advantages of online programs are numerous, and they include flexibility, affordability, and convenience. On-campus programs usually cost more because of student fees, which are optional for distance learners. However, the benefits of attending classes are numerous.
Private and public colleges differ primarily in terms of their academic prestige and value. The cost varies depending on whether you choose a public or private school. The cost of education at public schools is often reduced by grants and scholarships. Students at private schools can often get merit scholarships based on their academic performances.
The professors at private colleges are often more available to students because of their smaller classes. There are some benefits and drawbacks to attending a private versus a public institution.
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
For accountants and auditors in Virginia, what is the wage?
Accountants and auditors can expect a mean annual salary of $87,850 in Virginia.
In general, are accounting graduates in high demand?
The total number of accountants and auditors is projected to increase by 6.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Are there any opportunities to study for a bachelor's degree in accounting online?
A bachelor's degree in accounting can be obtained online. As part of the program, most schools offer at least some online courses.
How many years does it take to complete a bachelor's degree?
On average, a full-time student takes four years to complete a bachelor's degree. Some students complete the program faster than others.
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