AOC affordable online bachelors accounting AOC

The most affordable online bachelor’s in accounting attract tuition rates that are, in many cases, much lower than the average tuition rate across the nation!

Choosing a career in accounting can help you to secure above-average salaries and strong promotion prospects for the future. What’s more, the demand for qualified accountants and other related professionals is growing. One of the most affordable online bachelor’s in accounting could help you find a role as an accountant, and best of all, it could work out cheaper than you think. Below, we’ve highlighted what you’ll learn, and a list of the best, most affordable colleges for accounting. Get ready for a successful career from an accounting degree online.

State tuition may help keep costs down more than collegiate schools, but those choosing to go that route may look into financial aid. When students complete one of these affordable online bachelor’s degrees they may become a certified public accountant, go into business administration, be able to prepare a financial statement analysis, go into nonprofit accounting, managerial cost accounting or move on to advanced accounting.

Online accounting degrees may just be the best fit for you!

See Also: Top 30 Accredited Online Accounting College Degree Programs

What will you learn with this accounting degree online?

Bachelor’s degrees in accounting seek to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to work in accounting or many other related professionals. So, accounting students will often study a business core curriculum to understand the role of the wider organization and its activities in relation to financial matters. This includes accounting courses in:

  • marketing
  • business ethics
  • tax accounting
  • management
  • accounting theory
  • federal taxation
  • accounting principles
  • accounting information systems theory

With an affordable online bachelor’s in accounting, you’ll learn about this and so much more, including accounting tools, theory, and practice. Accounting majors will develop key skills that employers look for in any graduate, including critical thinking and problem solving, in addition to communication for business. Online accounting degree students may be ready for:

  • income tax accounting
  • governmental accounting
  • managerial accounting
  • forensic accounting
  • nonprofit accounting
  • advanced accounting

See Also: Financial Aid Tips for Online College

What are the Best Affordable Online Accounting Degrees?

Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics for their school search. Each program is scored individually. It’s then compared to all other universities offering that degree to determine the final score you see by each ranking. Accredited Online College considers the affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of programs offered on-campus and online. To learn more about our school rankings, visit our methodology page. This will help you understand how we have chosen our accounting programs.

See Also: Top 30 Accredited Online Accounting College Degree Programs

Online Accounting Degree Programs

#1. American Public University

American Public University

American Public University offers an Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting. You’ll explore a wide range of topics, including tax preparation, finance law, and Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, and simulations and labs help to bring the curriculum alive. The accounting program also holds specialized accreditation from the ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs).

Graduating from this affordable online program means you’ll meet part of the educational prerequisites for the CPA exam in both Maryland and Texas – you can find out more on the university website. Admission requirements for this affordable online program are fairly standard, requiring a high school diploma or equivalent, such as the GED. You’ll also need to submit the necessary undergraduate admission documents and a signed statement of understanding. 

One of the great things about American Public University is the low cost of application and attendance. There are no application fees and no fees for transfer credit evaluations. You’ll also pay nothing for textbooks or eBooks for this online accounting degree, leaving just your tuition and any other fees. Tuition costs just $285 per undergraduate credit hour!

#2. University of Washington

University of Washington

Under the Foster School of Business, you can enroll in a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Through this affordable online program, you can choose to specialize in a range of areas that include:

  • Accounting
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Management

Find a full list of specializations on the university’s program page.

In this affordable online program, you’ll explore the key roles and responsibilities of the account from a theoretical point of view. Accounting students will cover topics that include audit, tax, and managerial, international, and public-sector taxation and financial activities. Students interested in public accounting need to gain CPA eligibility through the completion of 225 credits.

Typical undergraduate tuition for a non-resident student at the University of Washington is around $12,076 annually. For non-resident students, this rises to around 39,906. If you check out the financial aid section on the university’s website, you can look for scholarships and other funding, or get more details on the food assistance program.

#3. The University of Arizona

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona’s Global Campus offers a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. This online business degree is offered in partnership with the Forbes School of Business and Technology. You’ll be given a thorough understanding of business through the study of financial statements, budgets, ledgers, and more that will prepare you for a variety of accounting careers. 

Courses for online programs are structured in accelerated 5 or 6 weeks blocks, and you’ll complete one course at a time. Comprising 120 credits, the program offers a number of emphasis options including:

  • Business Economics
  • Cognitive Studies
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Health and Wellness
  • Real Estate Studies
  • Supply Chain Management

To reduce the cost of your education, you could transfer up to 90 credits from prior college-level study. There’s also no application fee for this program. You can get an approximate cost of attendance using the website’s cost calculator, and you can also read more information on the three-week tuition trial.

#4. Grantham University

University of Arkansas Grantham

You can earn your Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Arkansas Grantham. This affordable online accounting program comprises 120 credit hours and has been designed to be completed within 38 months. However, transfer credits could reduce the duration and see you graduate more quickly.

Courses in this accounting program begin monthly, and you’ll gain exposure to key theories and practices that are required by accounting experts. You’ll cover areas for this online accounting degree that include:

  • finance
  • business
  • management
  • economics

Accounting students can apply their new knowledge of audit, tax, and IT systems to a final capstone project.

The undergraduate tuition rate for this program is just $295 per credit hour, making it one of the more affordable institutions offering accounting degrees. You could also save further money on your tuition if you’re a member of the military, a veteran, or related to those who are.

#5. Eastern New Mexico University – Main Campus

Eastern New Mexico University

At Eastern New Mexico University, you can enroll in an Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. This is a fully online business administration program that uses projects, tests, and assignments to grade your progress, so you won’t need to commute to a campus. The learning format includes a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning.

Through the university’s elearning system, you’ll have full access to student support services. These include flexible tutoring services like the ENMU Writing Center. You’ll also have access to scholarly articles, journals, and eBooks with the Golden Library. What’s more, you can choose to work with a graduate assistant to resolve any issues.

Eastern New Mexico University is an affordable institution, with the second-lowest tuition rates in the state for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. You’ll typically pay state tuition of around $2,037 per semester for this state university, in addition to fees of around $1,227. If you’re an out-of-state student, you’ll pay a higher rate of tuition of around $3,057.

This business administration in accounting degree will prepare students for a variety of jobs such as a certified public accountant.

#6. Arizona State University

ASU

At Arizona State University, you can earn a fully online bachelor’s degree in accounting under the W.P. Carey School of Business. This affordable online accounting program may qualify for licensure in some states, though it’s worth reviewing the W.P. Carey Licensure and Certification document to see whether this applies to the state in which you’re resident.

As part of the accounting degree, you’ll have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned through internships, students clubs and organizations, and career programs. This institution is also home to Beta Alpha Psi, a well-known organization for accountancy and finance students. These opportunities will also help you to develop those essential communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.

ASU has been ranked as a Best Buy College by the Fiske Guide to Colleges and offers competitive state tuition rates for online bachelor’s degrees. As an undergraduate online student, you’ll pay approximately $561 to $661 per credit hour for your degree program. Accounting graduates may go on to receive a master’s. Master’s programs are charged at around $543 to $1,343 per credit hour.

#7. Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University

This accounting degree utilizes the Junior Core curriculum, which was pioneered by the university in the 90s and has been largely successful. What’s more, the curriculum was reviewed as recently as 2020 and updated with the most up-to-date competencies for accountants as specified by professionals in the industry. You can read more about Junior Core on the website.

As part of this online degree, you’ll take accounting courses that include Accounting Information Systems, Intermediate Financial Accounting, and Intermediate Managerial Accounting. You’ll also study:

  • taxation
  • financial statements
  • data analytics

You should know that one additional requirement of this program includes securing a relevant internship during your summer break.

At Brigham Young, you could get a tuition discount if you’re a Latter-day Saint. Typical undergraduate tuition for a student taking 12 or more credit hours is around $6,120 per semester, but for Latter-day Saints, this drops to around $3,060. You can find more information on tuition rates by going to the university website.

#8. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic

Florida Atlantic University offers an Online BBA (OBBA) in Accounting that is led by a faculty with many years’ experience in the industry. Comprising 120 credit hours, the major has a number of requirements, including a minimum of 60 credit hours earned, satisfaction of the foreign language requirement, completion of the Accounting Competency Exam (ACCE) with at least 70%, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the Pre-Business Foundation courses.

You’ll take courses from this online bachelor’s for accounting majors that touch on a range of accountancy subject areas including:

  • Cost Accounting
  • Accounting Applications of Data Analytics
  • Taxation
  • Auditing and Assurance Services

This accounting program prepares students to be public accountant, forensic accountant, loan administrator, industrial buyer, and financial analyst. Ambitious students could also land a CFO (chief financial officer) role.

You can use FIU’s online tuition calculator to get a good idea of what your tuition fees will be for this affordable online degree. If you need help paying for college, FIU also offers a number of scholarships across the university. This includes the Corporate and Community Scholarship, Online Academic Merit Scholarship, and Online GET STARTED Scholarship.

#9. University of Minnesota Crookston

University of Minnesota Crookston

At the University of Minnesota Crookston, students have access to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Accounting. The accounting degree is accredited by the ACBSP and will allow you to complete 4 CPA Review courses worth 12 credits, which are available online. After completing these courses — Regulation, Financial Reporting, Auditing and Attestation, and Business Environment and Concepts — the credit can be applied towards the CPA exam prerequisites.

This online accounting degree requires the completion of 63 major credits including accounting courses such as:

  • Managerial Accounting
  • Intermediate Accounting
  • Cost Accounting
  • Auditing

If you want to pursue your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure after graduation, you can take certification examinations online through FIU’s campus. 

Typical undergraduate tuition at the University of Minnesota Crookston comes to around $10,822.00 annually for 13 or more credits per semester. The cost per credit hour is around $418.55 for undergraduate study. To finish your program within four years, you’ll need to average around 15 to 16 credit hours each semester.

#10. Dickinson State University

Dickinson State University

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting at Dickinson State University is delivered entirely online and can lead to such careers as:

  • accountant
  • auditor
  • budget analyst
  • tax examiner

While it’s accounting program that can lead to careers in many fields, there’s a heavy emphasis on finance and accounting.

This BBA program requires you to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher to graduate. Upon graduating from the online accounting degree, you’ll also have fulfilled the academic requirements to take the CMA, CFE, and CIA examination. You’ll also have accrued 121 of the 150 required hours to apply for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure.

Tuition at Dickinson State University is competitive, with the institution recently having expanded the list of states that receive resident tuition (state tuition). Non-residents pay around $319 per credit hour, while those falling under the applicable states pay just $249 per credit hour. Check out the website to see if you’re eligible.

#11. Bellevue University

Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting that will help you to prepare for the CPA examination. Accredited by the IACBE, this affordable online accounting degree comprises 127 credit hours and will teach you how to apply common accounting concepts to marketing, finance, and management.

You’ll leverage industry specific technology to gather, analyze, and interpret financial information, evaluate the effects of business decisions on accounting data, and apply ethics and critical thinking toward your work in accountancy. Accounting courses include those such as:

  • Principles of Management
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Business Communication
  • Macroeconomics

Bellevue University has a credit transfer policy that allows you to reduce the cost of your degree by only paying for the credits you need. Tuition rates for undergraduate degrees are $430 per online credit, with traditional, class-based programs only marginally cheaper at around $315 per credit.

#12. University of South Florida

University of South Florida

Under the Muma College of Business, you can opt to enroll in an Online Accounting Major with your degree. This makes it a suitable choice for students who have already earned an associate’s degree and want to gain their bachelor’s. This online program makes use of the same curriculum, resources, and faculty as the traditional major.

All of your course information and learning will be delivered over this state school’s online learning system, Canvas. Your courses are asynchronous, so there’s no need to alter your busy schedule, and you can complete assignments in your own time. You’ll also take exams through software called Proctorio.

Undergraduate tuition at USF varies depending on your residency. As a state resident, you can expect to pay typical state tuition and fees of around $2,534.28 per semester, assuming a 12-credit study schedule. Out-of-state students pay around $6,900.12 in tuition and fees for the same number of credits each semester.

#13. Western Governors University

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting. Through WGU, you can earn 120 semester hours from this accounting degree, before progressing to the Master of Accounting to meet the semester hour requirement for the CPA certification.

To ensure relevancy to the current and emerging tools and techniques of the accounting industry, this curriculum was designed with input from leaders and other experts on the Western Governors University Business Program Council. The curriculum will teach you about all the key areas of accounting including:

  • financial and managerial accounting
  • taxation
  • auditing
  • economics
  • business law

Undergraduate tuition for this program comes to around $3,575 per 6-month term. There’s a one-time application fee of around $65, but best of all, the cost for eBooks and other resources is fixed too. You’ll pay around $145 for your books and supplies, saving money every term.

#14. Fort Hays State University 

Fort-Hays-State-University

Fort Hays State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a Major in Accounting. This affordable online program has a generous credit transfer policy that allows you to transfer at least 45 credits from prior college-level study. This way, you could earn your bachelor’s degree with less time studying.

The curriculum covers common business and accounting subjects including:

  • finance
  • business law
  • management principles
  • marketing
  • auditing
  • taxation

You’ll also be able to choose electives in areas such as fraud examination, or complete an apprenticeship or internship to gain valuable practical experience that could help you land a job or promotion after graduation.

At FHSU Online, you’ll benefit from undergraduate tuition rates that have been ranked among the lowest in the nation. The typical rate is around $226.88 per credit hour for bachelor’s degrees, which is lower than many discounted tuition rates charged by other institutions.

#15. CUNY Brooklyn College

CUNY Brooklyn College

CUNY Brooklyn College offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program. Comprising 120 credits, the program offers a curriculum with courses such as:

  • Business Law
  • Advanced Financial Accounting
  • Principles of Management
  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Income Taxation

In addition to your major requirements, you’ll choose 6 electives to further specialize your studies with this online accounting degree.

Online distance learning at CUNY is popular, with around 800 online courses available. What’s more, departments such as the School of Professional Studies are ranked highly, with this academic department having programs that have been ranked in the top 10% of all online bachelor’s degree programs in the country.

Tuition rates and fees at Brooklyn College vary depending on whether you’re a continuing student, freshman, or non-degree student. However, typical tuition for a New York State resident (state tuition) is around $3,465 per semester if studying full-time. Non-residents pay around $620 per credit hour for their tuition as opposed to a flat rate.

#16. Colorado State University-Global Campus

CSU Global

Colorado State University’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting program will give you the technical knowledge and skills needed to work as an accountant. This online bachelor’s specializes in:

  • Auditing
  • Tax Accounting
  • Business Consulting
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Higher Education
  • Financial Accounting

Find a career in many sectors, including public, private, not-for-profit, and government organizations.

This affordable online accounting degree is endorsed by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This ensures that you’re prepared for the CSP examination and given the most up-to-date knowledge in innovative areas like business intelligence, automation, AI, and more. You’ll also develop your analytical, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills.

CSU Global is a not-for-profit university and aims to keep the cost of college affordable. In fact, costs haven’t risen in around a decade. For undergraduate students, the cost per credit is around $350. This results in annual tuition of around $8,400 for a typical undergraduate student.

#17. Indiana Wesleyan University – National and Global

Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) offers an Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting, though you’ll earn the same degree as campus-based students. Comprising 16 courses, this is a degree-completion program led by a faculty that includes many certified public accountants (CPAs), IRS examiners, and other skilled, experienced professionals.

Choose from flexible start dates throughout the year and potentially complete this affordable online accounting degree in as few as 18 months. Accounting students take:

  • Accounting Principles
  • Business Law
  • Accounting Ethics
  • Strategic Planning
  • Applied Microeconomics for Business

You’ll also gain valuable hands-on experience through practical coursework. 

In terms of tuition, you’ll pay around 449 per credit hour. Your total credit hours to complete your bachelor’s degree will depend on the number of credits you’ve already completed. You can also apply for financial aid, which includes grants, scholarships, loans, and veteran benefits for eligible students.

#18. Athens State University

Athens State University

Earn your Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Athens State University in a program that accepts students with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. With this accounting degree under your belt, you could start a new career in:

  • tax regulation
  • financial risk management
  • banking

This state university accepts transfer credits, with at least 36 transferable credits being needed from another regionally-accredited college or university as part of the admissions process. If enrolled, you’ll benefit from small class sizes, a highly flexible study schedule, and a faculty of which 98% of members have experience in the industry.

Undergraduate tuition at Athens State University varies from one program to the next, and students from other states may pay a higher rate. Still, it’s one of the most affordable tuition rates in Alabama at around $225 per credit hour (state tuition). That makes it cheaper than even the veteran tuition rates charged by many other institutions.

#19. Indiana University

Indiana University-Bloomington

At Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, you can enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, which has been ranked as one of the best in the nation. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of accountancy topics including:

  • taxation
  • auditing
  • management of accounting systems

Owing to the nature of this accounting degree online, you may have to take courses in a specific sequence. However, the flexibility of online learning means that you should be able to fit your studies into your busy schedule if you’re a working professional. Internships are also available, though you should apply early, as most begin during the spring semesters.

The cost of undergraduate tuition at Indiana University is much lower for in-state students. Typically, an undergraduate of this state university will pay around $10,947 in tuition and fees. Conversely, out-of-state students pay around $36,512 including fees. For a full list of potential fees, check out the university’s website.

#20. Northwest Oklahoma State University

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

At Northwestern Oklahoma State University, you can enroll in a Bachelor of Business Administration under the School of Professional Studies. This affordable online program offers majors in Business Administration and Accounting, which means you’ll receive instruction in areas like economics, finance, management, marketing, and more.

The affordable online program has been designed to ensure that you have the necessary skills to secure competitive entry-level roles in accounting. That’s why accounting students will study general education courses, Foundation and Business Core subjects, and minors and electives. Your skills and knowledge will not only help you secure a role, but also to progress toward more senior positions in future.

Undergraduate tuition at Northwestern Oklahoma State University can vary depending on your residency. Oklahoma residents (state tuition) typically pay around $322.50 per credit hour (excluding Nursing), while non-residents typically pay around $559.75 per credit hour. However, the NWOSU GO OK! Tuition Waiver could see you pay a lower rate as a student from out of state.

#21. Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University provides a Bachelor of Science in Accounting that has been ranked on a list of the Top 20 Online Accounting Degrees in the United States. Assuming that you complete the necessary prerequisite courses, you could earn your bachelor’s degree in as few as just 2 years.

While this is an online accounting degree, you’ll earn the same degree as your campus-based peers. You’ll also have access to invaluable student resources, including the Center for Extended Learning, which is dedicated to supporting online-only distance learners. These resources also include financial aid support, a careers service, student advising, and more, so you should never feel like you’re out on your own.

Regardless of your residency, as an online student enrolled in this program, you’ll pay the same tuition rate as a state resident. You can calculate your approximate tuition with the university’s tuition calculator, but expect to pay around $4,345 for 12 credit hours (state tuition), in addition to around $150 in fees.

#22. Northern State University

Northern State University

With Northern State University’s bachelor’s degree in accounting, you’ll be prepared to sit for a number of professional certifications, including:

  • Certified Bookkeeper (CB)
  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

There’s also the Accounting Club, which provides opportunities to network, gain industry insider knowledge, and support charities through volunteering.

Part of the curriculum involves the chance to participate in an internship, which will let you put your new knowledge and skills into practice. Past students have found positions within public and private organizations, in addition to government agencies. These internships could also form part of the credits needed to graduate from your program.

According to the university’s website, around 80% of students receive some degree of financial assistance. Undergraduate tuition for this program is approximately $17,661 annually for residents of SD, ND, IA, NE, CO, WY, and MT (state tuition). Minnesota residents pay around $19,195, while non-residents only pay a small premium of around $20,763.

#23. University of Maryland – University College

University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus allows you to get your Bachelor of Science in Accounting via distance learning. Comprising a total of 120 credits, the affordable online program combines practice with theory to teach you how to analyze and report on organizations’ economic activities and operations. Courses cover:

  • managerial accounting
  • accounting systems
  • reporting
  • taxation
  • auditing

The university provides unique insight into its program curriculum by highlighting students’ past projects. For example, analyzing the U.S. SEC’s (Securities and Exchange Commission) Form 10-K, and reviewing corporate governance and accounting ethics to understand the impact of licensing and government regulations. The curriculum was designed in conjunction with industry experts, employers, and other experienced professionals.

This fully online program attracts the standard undergraduate rate of tuition. For the most accurate estimates, consult the university’s Time and Tuition Estimator. However, undergraduates can typically expect to pay tuition of around $306 per credit as a Maryland resident or around $499 per credit as a non-resident.

#24. Dakota State University

Dakota State University

Dakota State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting. The online accounting degree curriculum and instruction makes use of common accounting software, including Sage 50 and QuickBooks, which will help you to gain valuable experience with the tools you’ll be using after graduation. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with day-to-day responsibilities, including interpretation of financial statements and the analysis of income streams. Courses include:

  • Business Statistics
  • Business Finance
  • Managerial Communications
  • Marketing
  • microeconomics
  • macroeconomics

Dakota State University offers tuition on a per-credit basis, allowing you to pay as you go. Tuition typically costs around $354.75 per credit for undergraduate programs (state tuition), though non-residents pay a higher rate of around $464.90 per credit. Active-duty service members can get a reduced rate of $250 per credit hour.

#25. Shorter University

Shorter University

Shorter University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. The curriculum draws on a background in arts and sciences, with a strong business emphasis. It’s a fully online program that features small class sizes, and internships that could help you to gain valuable hands-on experience.

You’ll be taught by the same faculty as campus-based students enrolled in the accounting degree, which includes numerous faculty members with first-hand industry experience. In terms of the curriculum, your courses will cover a range of subjects, with many unique courses such as:

  • Swindles and Schemes
  • Micro and Macro Fraud Examination
  • Forensic Interviews & Interrogations

Shorter University’s undergraduate tuition rates come to around $11,190.00 per semester. However, online students are charged tuition on a per-credit basis at around $360 per credit hour. There’s an additional $25 technology fee due for each course in which you’re enrolled. The good news is that around 99% of students receive some degree of financial aid.

#26. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Baruch Colleges Zicklin School of Business

Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting. The curriculum features a background in liberal arts and sciences, in addition to a general business foundation. Of course, you’ll also gain an understanding of accounting concepts, responsibilities, theory, and tools.

You’ll complete required courses that include:

  • Financial Accounting
  • Cost Accounting
  • Principles of Auditing
  • Federal Income Taxation

You’ll also study areas of business that include marketing, management, operations, finance, IT systems, and business policy. Note that for some required courses for accounting, you’ll need to maintain an average GPA of 2.5 in several of the program’s other courses.

Degree-seeking undergraduates at Baruch College pay tuition of around $3,465 per semester. This is the in-state tuition rate for New York State Residents, whereas non-residents and international students pay around $620 per credit. There are additional fees, which includes a $125 technology fee due each semester.

#27. Franklin University

Franklin University

Franklin University’s Bachelor’s in Accounting is accredited by the IACBE and features a curriculum that has been designed in line with the industry’s best-practice guidelines. You’ll learn from real-world accounting professionals and have the opportunity to gain experience with software packages and tools commonly used by accountants.

The online accounting degree, which has been ranked the #1 Online Business Administration Degree in Ohio, comprises 124 semester hours and features some courses that stand out from typical accounting degree curriculums. These include:

  • Fraud Examination
  • Legal Elements of Fraud
  • Internet Control Assessment

There’s also the opportunity to complete an internship.

Standard undergraduate tuition for this program is around $398 per credit, which ranks lower than the national average. Current service members can get a fixed tuition rate of $250 per credit, while international students pay a higher rate of around $526 per credit.

#28. Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University offers an Accounting major that covers all the essential areas of accountancy knowledge, including taxation, auditing, and financial reporting. You’ll also study key areas of business which include:

  • marketing
  • management
  • business finance

Hands-on opportunities will teach you how to market campaigns, present professional information to audiences, and complete tax returns.

As the only United Methodist-related higher education institution in the state, Central Methodist University has an excellent reputation for its teaching quality. Of course, the university’s United Methodist heritage is woven into this program’s curriculum. You can find out more about the university’s principles and mission statement on their website.

Undergraduate tuition rates at this university are fairly similar regardless of your mode of study. Campus-based students typically pay around $220 per credit hour, while online programs attract a rate of around $260 per credit hour, with a few exceptions. When compared to other institutions, this makes it one of the most affordable institutions in the state.

#29. Maryville University of Saint Louis

Maryville University

The Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Maryville University requires no campus visits and could help prepare you for your CPA examination. The curriculum was designed alongside industry leaders, and by completing 3 early-access courses, you could earn credit toward a master’s degree in accounting or a related subject.

The core business courses that make up this program cover areas including:

  • computer software and hardware concepts
  • business law
  • marketing
  • management
  • finance
  • accounting

From here, you’ll focus more in-depth on your accounting major, studying financial reporting, ethics, auditing, and many more topics. You don’t need to evidence any SAT or ACT scores for admission.

Typical undergraduate tuition at Maryville University is around $24,766 for full-time study. In addition, you’ll pay fees of around $2,400. However, online students benefit from a per-credit rate of around $500 per credit hour. The Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting comprises a total of 128 credits.

#30. Columbia College

Columbia College

Columbia College has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, which offers fully online classes that can be taken at night. This curriculum covers the usual areas of accounting knowledge you’d expect, including auditing, taxation, and economics. However, you’ll also study a foundation that’s grounded in liberal arts.

While the program is offered online, you’ve also got the option of following a hybrid model. Courses are offered on-campus, with locations spread across several states, including CA, CO, IL, MO, OK, and WA. If you do enroll in a traditional course, you’ll benefit from state-of-the-art facilities that were built as recently as 2019.

Columbia College offers something called Truition, a pledge to be completely open and honest about the cost of your college education. Online and evening undergraduate courses are charged at a rate of around $375 per credit hour, while current service members benefit from a fixed rate of $250 per credit hour.

Frequently Asked Questions (Online Accounting Degrees)

Can you study accounting online?

Accounting is one of the bachelor’s degree programs that can be studied online with relative ease. Ignoring the other obvious benefits of enrolling in a degree that provides in-demand skills, accounting is one of the easiest degree programs to study via distance learning with minimal disruption to your schedule.

For starters, most accounting degrees don’t require you to complete a practicum or other field experience. There are obvious benefits to gaining hands-on experience in your chosen subject area; however, unlike degree programs in healthcare for example, you won’t be missing out on a large part of the curriculum from online accounting degrees.

What’s more, there’s a wealth of information available on the internet that will help you when studying online accounting degrees, including licensing body requirements, scholarly articles, policies and regulations, and more. All of this is easily accessible with an internet connection, wherever you choose to study. If you are looking for affordable online accounting, you can rest assured one of the schools on this list will be a good fit for you!

What can I do with a bachelor’s in accounting?

Most accountant roles require a minimum level of education of a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a similar field. In addition to learning about the theories, concepts, tools, and responsibilities of an accountant, you’ll often take courses in business, studying subjects such as marketing, economics, business ethics, intermediate accounting, forensic accounting, federal taxation and accounting systems.

What’s more, you’ll improve your critical thinking, analytical, problem solving, and communication skills. These are all important skills that employers look for, not just in accounting roles, but in many other professions too. This means you have a broad scope of roles available to you with a bachelor’s in accounting under your belt.

Some of the most popular roles for graduates with an accounting degree include, of course, that of the accountant. Others find work as a personal financial advisor, financial analyst, forensic accountant, internal auditor, or budget analyst for example. Some of these roles may require work experience, further study at a master’s level, or the study of specific courses such as advanced financial reporting.

How much can I earn with a bachelor’s in accounting?

According to statistics published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2020, the median pay for an accountant was around $73,560 per year, or $35.37 hourly. They also highlight how demand for qualified accountants is likely to rise by around 7% over the next decade. 

The highest-paid individuals worked in finance and insurance companies, while the lowest-paid workers tended to be in government agencies. For comparison, a high school graduate or student who didn’t finish their degree might work as a bookkeeper, or an accounting or auditing clerk. The BLS listed a median annual salary of around $42,410.

Financial analysts earned a higher median salary in 2020 according to the BLS, at around $83,660. Personal financial advisors earned even more, with a recorded figure of around $89,330. On the other hand, tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents earned less, with a median salary of around $55,640.

What are the admissions requirements for a bachelor’s degree in accounting?

The admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in accounting vary from one program and institution to the next. However, every bachelor’s degree on this list requires you to have a high school diploma or GED. Most colleges will ask that you have a minimum GPA of at least 2.5. 

However, many more competitive institutions also ask for a higher GPA of 3.0 or above, and SAT or ACT scores. First, you’ll need to ensure that you meet the admission requirements of the institution you’re interested in. Then, you can apply for entry into the accounting degree program.

In addition to the above requirements, you may be asked for letters of recommendation or personal essays, in addition to references. While it’s not the case with a handful of universities, it’s also likely you’ll need to pay an application fee, which is normally no more than $100 to $150.

If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out 20 Best Online Masters In Accounting Degree Programs and 35 Best Bachelor’s in Accounting!