Students who seek long-term career stability pursue online bachelor's in accounting degrees.
Accounting is a popular career field for its straightforward education requirements and stable job prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6% between 2018 and 2028 thanks to increasing globalization and complex regulatory environments.
One of the most direct pathways to break into the industry is to earn a bachelor's in accounting online. This degree prepares graduates for professional certification exams and entry-level careers. Many programs offer concentrations for students who plan to pursue specialized careers like forensic, managerial, or tax accounting.
This guide evaluates 25 of the best online degrees for accounting students, providing information about curriculum content, admission requirements, program formatting, and online support services.
#1 | Penn State World Campus | University Park, PA |
#2 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH |
#3 | Trine Online | Fort Wayne, IN |
#4 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches, LA |
#5 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, MO |
#6 | Shorter University | Rome, GA |
#7 | Ottawa University – Online | Ottawa, KS |
#8 | University of Mary | Bismarck, ND |
#9 | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary of the Woods, IN |
#10 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL |
The Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Penn State World Campus |
University Park, PA Apply Now | ||
2 |
Southern New Hampshire University |
Manchester, NH Apply Now | ||
3 |
Trine Online |
Fort Wayne, IN Apply Now | ||
4 |
Northwestern State University of Louisiana |
Natchitoches, LA Apply Now | ||
5 |
Maryville University of Saint Louis |
Saint Louis, MO Apply Now | ||
6 |
Shorter University |
Rome, GA Apply Now | ||
7 |
Ottawa University – Online |
Ottawa, KS Apply Now | ||
8 |
University of Mary |
Bismarck, ND Apply Now | ||
9 |
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College |
Saint Mary of the Woods, IN Apply Now | ||
10 |
Florida Atlantic University |
Boca Raton, FL Apply Now | ||
11 |
Dakota State University |
Madison, SD Apply Now | ||
12 |
University of Alabama at Birmingham |
Birmingham, AL Apply Now | ||
13 |
Concordia University – Saint Paul |
Saint Paul, MN Apply Now | ||
14 |
Davenport University |
Grand Rapids, MI Apply Now | ||
15 |
CSU Global |
Aurora, CO Apply Now | ||
16 |
Misericordia University |
Dallas, PA Apply Now | ||
17 |
Eastern New Mexico University |
Portales, NM Apply Now | ||
18 |
University of Minnesota – Crookston |
Crookston, MN Apply Now | ||
19 |
Troy University |
Troy, AL Apply Now | ||
20 |
Dickinson State University |
Dickinson, ND Apply Now | ||
21 |
Northern State University |
Aberdeen, SD Apply Now | ||
22 |
California Baptist University |
Riverside, CA Apply Now | ||
23 |
Georgia Southwestern State University |
Americus, GA Apply Now | ||
24 |
Central Methodist University |
Fayette, MO Apply Now | ||
25 |
Old Dominion University |
Norfolk, VA Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!

Online Bachelor's in Accounting Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
What Is an Online Bachelor's in Accounting Degree?
Online degrees for accounting students provide the knowledge and skills needed to earn professional accounting certification, pursue entry-level careers, or enroll in graduate school. Graduates can apply accepted accounting principles to real-world businesses, analyze financial issues and make recommendations, and assess ethical issues appropriately.
Online degrees for accounting students provide the knowledge and skills needed to earn professional accounting certification, pursue entry-level careers, or enroll in graduate school.
The flexibility and expanded access of online programs attract high school graduates, older students attending college for the first time, and working professionals looking to change careers. Learners with associate degrees who want to become certified public accountants are also excellent candidates for an online bachelor's degree.
Graduates who earn an accounting bachelor's degree online gain skills in mathematics, research, communication, and specialized types of accounting.
Choosing an Online Accounting Program
Many top universities offer accounting programs online. With so many options, how do you find the right program for your unique needs and goals? Prospective students must consider factors like cost, course formatting, degree requirements, and learning outcomes.
How To Choose Your MajorWhat Else Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Accounting Program?
Whether earning their accounting degrees online or on campus, students can expect to encounter the same foundational curriculum components: general education, major core, and electives. In an accounting program, courses cover topics like economics, finance, and business law. Students looking to further specialize their curriculum can often select from concentrations in auditing and forensic accounting; managerial accounting; public accounting; or tax accounting. Each concentration requires courses focused on field-specific knowledge and skills, such as corporate tax accounting, financial statement analysis, or cost accounting. Students may also choose to supplement their degrees with open electives.Accounting Curriculum
- Business Ethics: This course teaches students to apply ethical theory and practice in business contexts. Topics include different ethical systems, cross-cultural variations and similarities, and how organizations develop and implement ethics programs. Courses use case studies to help students recognize and analyze ethical issues in the workplace.
- Auditing: An undergraduate auditing course introduces students to assurance services and the professional and ethical standards required of auditors. By examining audit programs and procedures, students gain skills in audit design, testing methods, and communication strategies for discussing results. Coursework emphasizes risk mitigation and compliance.
- Taxation: Students in this course learn the procedures used to interpret tax information for individuals. Coursework explores the basic concepts of federal income taxation, including gross income, exemptions, deductions, and credits. Undergraduate accounting degrees may also offer courses in corporate taxation, focusing on requirements and procedures for businesses.
Accounting Professional Organizations
In the world of finance and accounting, professional organizations offer opportunities for certification, networking, and career development. It is never too early to start making connections and planning for the future, especially when many organizations offer student memberships at a reduced cost.
- National Society of Accountants For more than 75 years, NSA has served accountants and tax practitioners working in small practices. The association provides continuing professional education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for practice rights. Students receive a discounted membership rate and can earn scholarships through the NSA Foundation.
- American Institute of CPAs AICPA provides national representation for certified public accountants and develops industry rules and standards. Students can apply for free membership and scholarship opportunities. They also receive access to an online mentoring program and education and career resources.
- American Accounting Association The largest community of accountants working in academia, the AAA strives to shape the future of the profession through teaching, research, and networking. Membership benefits include access to a digital library of all AAA publications and access to an online career center. Students pay a reduced rate for membership dues
Accounting Jobs
A bachelor's in accounting gives students a strong foundation in finance principles, computer applications, and economics. Public accounting may be the most obvious career path for graduates, but an online degree in accounting is equally applicable to many jobs serving businesses, governments, and individual clients.
Undergraduate accounting programs are also an excellent choice for students who plan to attend graduate school before pursuing advanced positions in finance or economics.
Here are three of the most popular careers for accounting graduates. Some careers require additional education or certification.
Certified Public Accountants
Median Salary: $71,550 | Projected Job Growth: 6% |
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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.
CPAs may operate their own businesses or work for public accounting firms. 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. CPAs must have keen analytical, organizational, and mathematics skills to excel.
Financial Managers
Median Salary: $129,890 | Projected Job Growth: 16% |
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Financial managers — also known as controllers, treasurers, and finance officers — safeguard the financial health of an organization. These professionals monitor legal compliance, prepare statements and reports, direct investment activities, and help craft long-term financial goals. They often work on management teams and act as advisors to top executives.
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. This position requires excellent analytical, communication, and mathematics skills.
Budget Analysts
Median Salary: $76,540 | Projected Job Growth: 4% |
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Businesses, universities, and governments rely on budget analysts to help organize their finances and develop realistic budgets. Tasks include monitoring organizational spending, analyzing costs and benefits, reviewing funding requests, estimating future financial needs, 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. Budget analysts should have excellent communication, mathematics, and writing skills.