Best Online Accounting Bachelor Degree Programs of 2024
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Every organization needs careful financial management to pay employees, settle debts, and follow regulations. Accountants and finance experts handle these aspects of running a business.
Earning an accredited accounting bachelor’s degree online can kick-start your career in accounting or finance. Our list ranks the best online accounting degrees and details career paths and common courses.
Popular Online Accounting Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled145,533
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,162
- Out-of-state$7,162
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,500
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled150,116
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Colorado State University Global Campus
- Aurora, CO
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$8,400
- Out-of-state$8,400
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate35%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled10,844
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Trine University Online
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$9,576
- Out-of-state$9,576
- In-State$10,350
- Out-of-state$10,350
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled1,367
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Pennsylvania State University
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,400
- Out-of-state$25,084
- In-State$23,189
- Out-of-state$39,248
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled88,914
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern New Mexico University
- Portales, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,074
- Out-of-state$6,114
- In-State$5,351
- Out-of-state$7,110
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate33%
- Students Enrolled4,991
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,990
- Out-of-state$33,739
- In-State$12,106
- Out-of-state$32,290
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled48,274
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University Online
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$10,710
- Out-of-state$12,984
- In-State$9,774
- Out-of-state$9,774
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled57,848
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,480
- Out-of-state$15,480
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled17,135
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue Global University
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$13,356
- In-State$8,730
- Out-of-state$9,700
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled43,458
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
What Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting?
Online accounting bachelor’s degree programs provide the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the business and finance world. These four-year programs typically cover a wide range of business and finance topics, along with accounting specifics like financial, cost, and forensic accounting.
To graduate, you’ll usually need to complete around 120 credits over four years. Many of these programs focus on preparing you to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.
What to Expect From a Bachelor’s in Accounting Program
Most bachelor’s in accounting programs require 120 credits and take four years of full-time study to complete. If you choose to study part time — whether online or on campus — it may take another year or two to complete your degree requirements.Online and in-person learners take the same types of core courses: general education, accounting basics, and electives. Classes cover economics, finance, and business law.
If you’re interested in a specific area of accounting, you may be able to choose from specializations. Common options include auditing, forensic, managerial, public, or tax accounting. Each specialization demands specific courses. Examples are corporate tax accounting, financial analysis, and cost accounting.
Accounting Courses You Can Expect to Take
- Business Ethics: This course teaches students how to apply ethical theories in business. It covers various ethical systems, their cultural differences, and how companies implement ethics programs. Learners analyze case studies to identify and tackle ethical issues at work.
- Auditing: This course introduces assurance services and the standards auditors must meet. Students learn to design audits, test methods, and discuss results. This class focuses on reducing risks and ensuring compliance.
- Taxation: Taxation courses teach students to interpret personal tax information. They cover federal income tax basics such as gross income, exemptions, deductions, and credits. Those pursuing an accounting degree may also study corporate taxation, focusing on business requirements and procedures.
Which Accreditation Is Best for Accounting?
Accreditation is a process that ensures excellence in curriculum, faculty quality, and job preparation. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the gold standard for online accredited accounting degree programs.
Attending an AACSB-accredited school signals to employers and licensing boards that you’ve received a high-quality education.
What Can You Do With an Accounting Degree?
An online accounting degree can be versatile and prepare you for many different roles. While public accounting might be the most obvious career path for graduates, an accounting degree can also lead to job opportunities with businesses, governments, and individuals.
Below are three of the most popular careers for accounting graduates, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note that some careers may require additional education or certification.
Certified Public Accountants
- Median Salary (2023): $79,880
- Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): 6%
Certified public accountants (CPAs) complete financial tasks for individual, corporate, and government clients. These tasks include bookkeeping and accounting, auditing, tax preparation, and consulting. Accountants generally work independently while completing tasks, but they must communicate effectively with clients to explain their findings.
To become a CPA, candidates must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting and complete a national certification exam from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Financial Managers
- Median Salary: $156,100
- Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): 17%
Financial managers—also known as controllers, treasurers, and finance officers—safeguard an organization’s financial health. These professionals monitor legal compliance, prepare statements and reports, direct investment activities, and help craft long-term financial goals.
Employers typically look for financial managers with a bachelor’s degree and several years of relevant experience in business or finance. Many financial managers begin their careers as accountants or financial analysts before seeking advancement.
Budget Analyst
- Median Salary: $84,940
- Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): 4%
Businesses, universities, and governments rely on budget analysts to help organize their finances and develop realistic budgets. Tasks include estimating future financial needs, analyzing costs and benefits, and making recommendations to managers.
Education requirements vary by employer, but many budget analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Accounting Bachelor Degree Programs
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, an online bachelor’s in business degree cost an average of $7,547 in tuition and fees in 2020. Average accounting tuition and fees are unavailable. Keep in mind that college costs vary significantly depending on factors such as the institution, location, and program length.