Best Online Schools for Accounting
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.
Enrolling into an accredited accounting degree program online can kick-start your career in accounting or finance. Our list ranks the best schools for accounting and details career paths and common courses.
10 Best Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs Online
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $330
Out-of-State | $330
Credits to Graduate: 120
SNHU's online accounting BS degree welcoming transfer policy accepts up to 90 credits from past education. The curriculum explores financial analysis, auditing and taxation, and general accounting principles. You can also earn certificates and credentials while earning credits toward your degree. SNHU offers an optional concentration in forensic accounting and fraud examination.
The program, fully revised in 2022, aligns with the 2024 CPA requirements and prepares you to pursue the role. You can attend virtual classes asynchronously as your schedule permits.
- 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
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Term:
In-State | $3,955
Out-of-State | $3,955
Courses to Graduate: 41
WGU's online accounting BSBA program covers the generally accepted accounting principles, ledgers, and business performance management. The degree can help you take the first step toward earning your CPA certification and prepare for a career in accounting, bookkeeping, or auditing.
The curriculum includes classes like business law for accountants, accounting information systems, principles of financial and management accounting, and taxation. Coursework allows you to develop finance, communication, research, and financial analysis skills. You can advance through the program on your schedule after passing each course's exam.
- 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
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $350
Out-of-State | $350
Credits to Graduate: 120
CSU Global's online bachelor's in accounting program can prepare you for accounting careers in government, the nonprofit sector, and private companies. After graduation, you can qualify to take the CPA exam or CMA exam, depending on your state.
The fully asynchronous program lets you learn online while receiving live support for tutoring, technical help, and library services. The curriculum includes real-world case studies and a capstone that provides hands-on experience. Classes explore auditing, cost analysis and automation, and forensic accounting. Specializations include organizational leadership, project management, and marketing.
- 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
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $299
Out-of-State | $299
Credits to Graduate: 120
TrineOnline's accounting BSBA degree from the College of Graduate and Professional Studies can help you get practical, hands-on experience in accounting and using tools like QuickBooks and Peachtree during internships. The curriculum includes classes like cost accounting, advanced managerial finance, personal income tax, and advanced accounting.
Trine Online also offers a combined bachelor's and master's in accounting program, which can save you up to $8,625 in tuition and only takes four years to complete. Classes start every eight weeks and occur asynchronously to best fit your schedule.
- 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
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $626-$671
Out-of-State | $626-$671
Credits to Graduate: 120
Penn State World Campus's online accounting BS program, available through the Harrisburg School of Business Administration, can prepare you for the CPA, CMA, and CIA exams. The degree can also prepare you for accounting careers in the nonprofit sector, government agencies, or corporations.
The curriculum covers federal income taxes, auditing, accounting information systems, and managerial and cost accounting. Other required courses focus on business and include basic management concepts, supply chain management, and business strategy.
- 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
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $175
Out-of-State | $257
Credits to Graduate: 120
ENMU's BBA in accounting degree is available online through the College of Business and can prepare you to earn various accounting certifications. Career opportunities for accounting graduates include CPA, CIA, CMA, and CFA roles.
Required core courses include cost accounting, accounting information systems theory, governmental and not-for-profit accounting, and auditing. The degree also requires business foundation, business core, general education, and elective classes. The College of Business offers 29 scholarships, including seven for accounting majors.
- 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
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500-600
Out-of-State | $600-600
Credits to Graduate: 120
Arizona Online's BSBA in accounting degree from the Dhaliwal-Reidy School of Accountancy requires 30 professional core units and 21 accounting units. The curriculum includes classes like cost and managerial accounting, financial statement analysis, federal taxation principles, and accounting information systems.
Coursework explores auditing, general accounting knowledge, billing, and finance. You can also learn critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Potential careers for BSBA in accounting graduates include tax examiner and collector, budget analyst, and financial manager.
- 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
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $714
Out-of-State | $714
Credits to Graduate: 120
ASU Online's bachelor of science in accountancy program, available through the W.P. Carey School of Business, requires 40 classes that last 7.5 weeks each. Students take courses like microeconomic principles, external reporting, taxes and business decisions, and principles of auditing. Accountancy majors can receive hands-on experience using e-business software.
You can develop teamwork, communication, information technology, and critical thinking skills. The accountancy BS program can prepare you for various professional certification and licensure opportunities, but requirements vary by state.
- 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
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $370
Credits to Graduate: 180
NU's online BS in accounting program offers year-round enrollment and four-week courses that make it easier to balance your life with school. The curriculum aligns with industry exams for prospective CPAs and CMAs. You must complete at least 45 of the required 180 credits in residence at NU.
Courses explore financial accounting fundamentals, government and nonprofit accounting, accounting ethics, and applied technology for accountants. You can master skills in analyzing accounting information, understanding international financial reporting standards, and researching accounting information.
- 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
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $371
Out-of-State | $371
Credits to Graduate: 180
Purdue Global's online BS in accounting degree covers organizational behavior, finance, business law, and federal tax. You can choose from four accounting concentrations: auditing and forensic accountancy, managerial accountancy, public accountancy, or tax accountancy.
The school offers at least one start date each month. You can save time and money by earning credits for prior coursework, professional work, and/or military experience. Purdue Global also offers a three-week introductory period with no financial obligation, allowing you to explore the program without making a full commitment.
- 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 to Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Program
Online accounting degree programs provide the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the business and finance world. Accounting programs at the bachelor’s level 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. As an online student, you take the same types of core courses as you would on-campus: general education, accounting basics, and electives. Major classes cover economics, finance, and business law.
If you’re interested in a specific area of accounting, you may be able to pursue a concentration as part of your degree. Many online schools for accounting offer specializations such as auditing, forensic, managerial, public, or tax accounting. Each specialization requires specific courses.
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.
Accounting Degree Accreditation
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 in the field of accounting.
What Can You Do With an Accounting Degree?
A bachelor’s degree in accounting 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 those with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, 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 (2024): $81,680
- 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 (2024): $161,700
- 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 (2024): $87,930
- 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 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 online schools for accounting can vary widely in cost depending on factors such as the institution, location, and program length.
