Best Online Accounting Associate Degrees 2024
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Accountants investigate financial irregularities, manage corporate risk, and support executive decision-makers. If you aspire to work as an accountant, bookkeeper, or auditor — or if you envision yourself as a certified public accountant (CPA) — an online accounting associate degree can provide a great starting place.
The need for accountants continues to grow quickly, with retiring baby boomers creating more openings for new graduates. In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected employment for accountants and auditors would grow by 4% from 2022-2032, keeping pace with the average for all occupations.
While a bachelor’s degree or higher may be your ultimate goal, an associate degree in accounting can help you explore the field, enter the workforce, and pursue an accelerated four-year program.
Learn more about what you can do with an online accounting degree, and explore our list of the top online associate degrees in accounting.
Popular Online Accounting Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Associate Accounting Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled145,533
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Gateway Community College
- Steubenville, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,115
- Out-of-state$7,727
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled45,173
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Miami Dade College
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,987
- Out-of-state$7,947
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled44,002
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Ivy Tech Community College
- Indianapolis, IN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,487
- Out-of-state$8,777
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled86,100
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$13,356
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled43,458
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$20,800
- Out-of-state$20,800
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled19,861
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,875
- Out-of-state$9,875
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled19,272
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Houston Community College
- Houston, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,904
- Out-of-state$3,624
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled46,780
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Trine University
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$9,576
- Out-of-state$9,576
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled1,367
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
San Jacinto Community College
- Pasadena, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,240
- Out-of-state$5,040
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled31,577
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Why Get an Accounting Associate Degree?
Career Advancement
Aspiring business and accounting professionals can benefit from associate programs. An accounting degree can get you started as a bookkeeper or accounting clerk. These careers pay an average annual salary of $45,000-$50,000, or about the same as the national average for all occupations.Affordable Education
An associate degree typically costs much less than a bachelor’s degree. In addition to requiring just half the credits of a four-year program, an associate usually comes at a cheaper cost per credit. Some community colleges even offer free tuition, reducing your total costs to near zero.Transfer Credits
Earning an associate degree can shave off two years from a bachelor’s degree. You may be able to transfer all your credits toward a degree in accounting, finance, business, or another major. A bachelor’s degree can help you secure more advanced accounting roles or meet state requirements for becoming a CPA.
What to Expect From an Online Accounting Associate Degree
An online accounting associate degree can equip you to transfer into a four-year program or enter the workforce immediately. This degree introduces business, economics, and financial management principles that students can apply as bookkeepers and clerks.
Like other associate programs, this degree usually requires 60-72 credits, amounting to two years of full-time enrollment. Part-time students will typically need 3-4 years. Studying online can help you complete your coursework on a more flexible schedule.
If you attend an accredited school, your credits may transfer to a four-year institution, giving you a head start on your bachelor’s degree. Check your prospective school’s accreditation status with the U.S. Department of Education before applying.
Different Associate Types
You can earn an associate of arts (AA), associate of science (AS), associate of applied science (AAS), or associate of applied business (AAB) in accounting. Explore similarities and differences below.
- AA in Accounting: This degree usually offers more flexibility with electives and may require more general education coursework in humanities and social studies.
- AS in Accounting: An AS degree emphasizes math, science, and technology, and you may need to take more computer science or business technology courses.
- AAS in Accounting: Unlike an AA or AS, which can prepare students to enter a bachelor’s program, the AAS equips graduates to pursue a career after graduation. This degree offers more skills-based courses, which graduates may not find easy to transfer to a four-year program.
- AAB in Accounting: Like the AAS, the AAB is a career-focused degree emphasizing professional skills. It may include more general business courses than an AAS.
You can typically transfer your courses from an applied associate to a bachelor’s program, but transfer credit is not the purpose of these degrees.
Admissions Process
Each college sets specific criteria for admission. However, most online accounting associate degrees require applicants to submit the following documents:
- Application and fee (unless waived)
- Proof of a high school diploma, GED certificate, or completion of an approved homeschool program
- A minimum GPA or minimum score on the GED exam
- Acceptable SAT, ACT, or CLT scores (unless waived)
Some community colleges accept all applicants, but if you need additional support in math or English, you may need to complete developmental courses before joining the accounting program.
Popular Accounting Associate Courses
Associate degrees in accounting typically combine general education coursework with core accounting courses and electives. Some schools may require additional math or business credits, while others emphasize accounting technology. Common courses include:
Financial Accounting
This class introduces the accounting cycle. Students explore the rules and regulations for preparing financial reports and learn fundamental accounting procedures. Topics include preparing income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and statements of retained earnings. The course may require a lab.Managerial Accounting
Managerial accounting refers to assessing the financial impact of business decisions. Students learn the principles of cost and management accounting, covering topics such as cost accumulation, cost behavior, and cost control. Other subjects may include budgeting, decentralized operations, activity-based costing, differential analysis, and capital investment analysis.Federal Taxation
This course introduces the Internal Revenue Code and current U.S. tax law. Students learn to research and apply federal tax laws and regulations to individual tax returns. Topics include preparing tax returns and communicating taxation information to various stakeholders.
How Much Do Accounting Associate Programs Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the average associate degree in business costs about $3,255 per year. While this single data point can help you budget for your degree, be aware that tuition costs vary widely among schools.
Many factors affect the price of education, including your school’s prestige, its classification as public or private, and whether your degree is offered in person or online. In addition, some schools charge additional fees.
However, students can often avoid paying the full sticker price for college tuition. Grants, scholarships, employer reimbursements, and other financial aid options can help.
- Grants are usually based on need and do not require repayment.
- Scholarships are merit-based aid that does not need to be repaid.
- Employers sometimes help pay for their employees to earn more education if they maintain a certain GPA.
Learn more about how to pay for your online associate in accounting with the links at the end of this guide.
Accounting Jobs and Salaries
Earning an online accounting associate degree can position you for a career as a payroll clerk, bookkeeper, tax preparer, or other financial professional. It can also prepare you for an accelerated bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or finance — all well-paying fields.
The BLS reports that the median wage for business and financial occupations was $76,850 as of May 2022. Accountants and auditors earned a median wage of $78,000.
Accounting and Auditing Clerks
An accounting clerk may post transactions, monitor payments, prepare invoices, or code documents. Auditing clerks usually check documents and reports for mathematical or coding errors. They may work for small businesses, corporations, or accounting firms. A bachelor’s degree can position clerks to become accountants and auditors.
- Job Outlook (2022-32): -6%
- Median Annual Salary: $45,860
Source: BLS
Bookkeepers
A bookkeeper calculates, records, and balances a company’s financial records so decision-makers can make effective decisions. These professionals need a strong working knowledge of best practices in bookkeeping and strong skills in spreadsheet and accounting software. With a bachelor’s degree and experience, a bookkeeper can become a staff accountant or operations manager.
- Average Annual Salary (March 2024): $47,630
Source: Payscale
Accounts Payable Specialists
An accounts payable specialist processes and files vendor invoices. These professionals print and mail checks and maintain tax information such as 1099 and W-9 forms. They need excellent communication skills and familiarity with spreadsheets. With experience and education, an accounts payable specialist may become a manager, supervisor, or staff accountant.
- Average Annual Salary (March 2024): $49,680
Source: Payscale
Should You Get an Associate Degree or a Certificate?
Some schools offer accounting certificates and associate degrees. It makes sense to pursue a certificate if you want to start work within a year or if you already hold an associate degree and want to specialize. If you can devote two years to study, however, an associate degree can prepare you for more job opportunities and bachelor’s programs.
| Key Factor | Accounting Associate | Accounting Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Completion | 3-4 semesters if studying full time | 1-2 semesters if studying full time |
| Curriculum Focus | Covers a broad base of general education and accounting courses; usually 60-72 credits | Emphasizes a specific area of accounting, such as forensic accounting or payroll taxes; usually 12-30 credits |
| Admission Requirements | Applicants generally need a high school diploma or GED certificate | Requirements for educational and work experience vary widely by school |
| Cost | The average public institution charges $4,000 per year for a two-year degree | Costs vary widely by school |
| Financial Aid | Grants, scholarships, employer reimbursements, loans, and work-study programs | Grants and employer reimbursements may apply; scholarships and loans may be more difficult to acquire for a certificate |
| Future Degree Options | Can prepare graduates for a bachelor’s degree | Some certificates can be stacked into an associate degree; generally, a certificate does not prepare graduates for advanced education |
Selecting the Right Associate Program
You may be tempted to choose the cheapest or most convenient associate program, and certainly, cost and accessibility are two important considerations. However, you may want to consider these other factors as you research the right degree for your needs:
- Accreditation: Your school should hold institutional accreditation with an agency such as the Higher Learning Commission or the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation is the key to receiving federal financial aid and, ultimately, a credible degree.
- Location: Although online education is location-independent, a degree from a local institution may present more opportunities to connect with alumni.
- Career Services: How will this school help you get a job after graduation? Will they still offer career support if you are ready to change jobs years later?
- Delivery: Do you prefer a synchronous or asynchronous program? Do you want to take some courses on campus or study entirely online?
Common Questions About Accounting Associates
A two-year accounting degree is called an associate degree, usually an associate of applied science, or AAS, in accounting. Some schools may offer associate of applied business, associate of arts, or associate of science in accounting degrees.
An associate degree in accounting can prepare you to pursue entry-level positions such as accounting assistant, tax preparer, bookkeeper, or payroll clerk. This degree also gives you a headstart on a four-year program in accounting or a related field.
According to Payscale, in March 2024, people with AAS in accounting degrees earned an average of $57,000 a year. Most people with the degree also reported being highly satisfied with their jobs.
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