Never give up hope of earning an accounting degree in 2022 with a variety of online accounting courses and programs available from online schools.
In this article, we highlight the 20 best online schools for bachelors, masters, and PhD students in accounting.
An accounting degree prepares you to help businesses organize their financial information and operate successfully in this increasingly complex and competitive business environment.
The first step toward an accounting career is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in the discipline. It also helps to find an accredited institution with a world-class accounting program.
According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupational outlook for accountants is extremely favorable.
In fact, employment for accountants and auditors is expected to grow 11 percent over the next eight years. The anticipated demand means that colleges and universities are offering programs designed to prepare students for long-term accounting careers.
Even some of the higher-ranking institutions now offer online accounting degree options so students can balance life’s obligations with education.
So, find out the best online schools for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, which you can easily take programs from anywhere in the world.
Are online accounting degrees respected?
A few decades ago, earning a degree online was a rarity. Employers often had misconceptions about online titles. Usually this was due to information circulating about diploma mills and diploma mills selling diplomas to people for the right price.
However, things have been transformed. Online degrees are becoming more and more respected as more and more people choose to continue their education online to obtain a degree in the field of their choice.
Today, people receive excellent online training with great respect from most employers. Also, some employers are impressed that a potential employee took the time to graduate while working full time.
However, more respect is given to the job applicant who graduated from a recognized and accredited online higher education institution.
Can You Get a Bachelor of Accounting Online?
An online accounting degree meets the minimum entry requirement for most accounting majors. However, to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), applicants need 150 credits, which they often earn by completing a 120-credit bachelor’s degree and a 30-credit master’s degree in accounting.
In 2019, accountants earned a median annual salary of more than $71,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
An affordable online accounting degree helps professionals increase their earning potential through a flexible format without incurring huge debt.
During an online accounting degree, students take courses in subjects such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, and auditing. In addition to accounting courses, online students can take business courses to strengthen their professional skills.
Online schools often design their accounting programs for working professionals, offering options such as flexible and asynchronous courses. E-learning also enables accounting specialists to enroll in the most affordable online accounting degree programs without having to move.
Our list ranks the most affordable online accounting degree programs to help prospective students find a program that fits their budget.
How Much Does It Cost To Get An Online Accounting Degree?
The average annual cost for a four-year private non-profit school is $34,740 and over $16,000 for a private for-profit school.
Tuition for the master’s program at public institutions in the state costs an average of $ 8,670 per year, and tuition for the doctoral program costs $10,830 per year at public institutions in the state.
20 Best Online Schools for Accounting
This ranking is designed to help students identify the best schools to earn an accounting degree online based on the methodology listed below. We examine over 100 accredited institutions offering online accounting degree programs.
From the group of schools, we examined the percentage of admitted applicants, graduation rates, and student-to-faculty ratio. We also examine college student tuition and fees in the state to determine affordability.
Our data was taken from NCES College Navigator and used to help create our list of the 20 best online schools for accounting degrees.
Classification methodology:
The ratio of students to faculty.
15: 1 and below 3 points
16: 1 to 20: 1- Points 2
More than 20: 1- Point 1
Tuition / Tuition
Less than $10,000/year- Points 3
$ 10,001- $20,000/year- Points 2
More than $20,000/year- Point 1
Applicants admitted
Less than 50% – Points 3
More than 50% – 1 Point
Graduation rate
50% or higher – Points 3
25% -49% – Points 2
Less than 25% – Point 1
#20 – Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Online courses at Colorado State University’s online school of accounting are aligned with the AICPA standards.
Colorado Technical University is one of our best online accounting schools. In fact, major publications like US News and World Report rank online bachelor’s programs at CTU # 63 in the nation.
Students receive online instruction that is designed to prepare them for careers in corporate, government, or private sector accounting. Additionally, the program provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing graduate degrees in accounting.
Online courses include advanced accounting, advanced tax, cost accounting, government and non-profit accounting, introduction to international financial reporting standards, and management fundamentals.
All courses are aligned with the standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Tuition/Tuition: College Tuition is $11,656
Points: School is at Grade 5
#19 – Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, Florida
Florida Tech’s accredited online Bachelor of Accounting is for those interested in becoming a CPA.
The Florida Institute of Technology offers an accredited online bachelor’s degree in accounting, designed for those who wish to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accounting (CMA) exam.
Courses are taught online; include accounting information systems, advanced accounting, advanced auditing, federal corporate income taxes, cost accounting, accounting principles, and strategic management.
FIT is one of our best online accounting schools primarily because of the affordability. News and World Report as one of the best national universities. Online bachelor’s programs also rank 92nd in the nation.
Tuition / Tuition: $ 12,240
Points: 5
#18 – Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University Online School for Accounting offers two concentrations!
Southern New Hampshire University is among our top picks for online schools for accounting due in part to the high graduation rate. The school offers an online bachelor’s degree in accounting with two concentrations available: Accelerated or Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination.
The program is designed to equip students for entry-level accounting careers or prepare them for graduate programs and certificate exams.
Courses are taught entirely online and include advanced accounting, auditing principles, cost accounting, federal taxes, financial statement analysis and business valuation, and intermediate accounting.
The school ranks as the best regional university in the north.
Tuition / Tuition: $ 30,386
Points: 6
#17 – Colorado State University-Global Campus
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Tuition / Tuition: $ 8,400
Points: 6
Colorado State University-Global Campus is one of the best online accounting schools with numerous specialization options.
One of the best online accounting schools on our list is Colorado State University-Global Campus. The institution offers an accredited online bachelor’s degree in accounting that is designed to equip students for careers as accountants or certified as licensed accountants.
Over 15 specialization options are available for students to customize their accounting degree. Some of the specializations include business administration, criminal forensics, data management and analysis, information technology operations, and marketing.
Specialization requirements include completion of five upper division courses (15 credit hours).
#16 – University of Maryland University College
Adelphi, Maryland
Do you want to pursue a career as a CPA? The University of Maryland is one of the best online accounting schools on our list.
Tuition / Tuition: $ 7,056
Points: 6
One of the best online accounting schools on our list is the University of Maryland University College. The school offers an online accounting degree program that is accredited and highly affordable.
These online courses include advanced accounting, auditing theory and practice, cost accounting, federal income tax, international accounting, introduction to statistics, and accounting principles.
The program is designed to help students prepare for various accounting certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
#15 – Tiffin University
Tiffin, Ohio
Tiffin University is one of the best options for online accounting schools.
Tuition / Tuition: $ 22,165
Points: 7
Tiffin University is one of our top online accounting schools offering a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. This unique BBA program allows students to focus their studies on accounting and prepares them for various certification exams.
Students take courses that explore a wide variety of accounting principles. All classes are taught online and include accounting information systems, accounting process analysis, cost accounting, federal income tax, intermediate accounting, and managerial accounting.
Tiffin is an accredited institution and ranked by major publications such as US News and World Report as one of the best regional universities in the Midwest.
Affordable tuition and a relatively high graduation rate make Tiffin on our list of the best online schools for accounting.
#14 – Saint Leo University
St. Leo, Florida
Saint Leo’s affordability puts it at the top of our list of the best online schools for accounting.
Tuition / Tuition: $ 20,830
Points: 7
Saint Leo University ranks high on our list of Best Online Accounting Schools due to affordability and a low student-to-faculty ratio.
All classes are taught online and include advanced accounting, auditing, business law, cost accounting, individual federal income taxes, and intermediate accounting.
The International Assembly accredits the program for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). Additionally, the school is among the best regional universities in the South and the 51st best college for veterans according to US News and World Report.
#13 – Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
Accredited and affordable! WSU is one of the best options for our list of online schools for accounting.
Tuition / Tuition: $ 11.96
Points: 7
Washington State University is one of our leading online accounting schools that are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
The school offers an online Bachelor of Accounting degree program that is designed for busy or busy students who want to receive the foundation in accounting necessary for employment or professional certification.
Classes are delivered entirely online and include accounting and auditing systems, auditing, cost accounting, intermediate accounting, and introduction to taxes.
In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school’s online bachelor’s programs # 34 in the nation.
#12 – University of Minnesota
Crookston, Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is one of our top picks for online accounting schools due in part to the small class sizes.
Tuition / Tuition: $ 11,646
Points: 7
For those looking for accredited and ranked online schools for accounting, the University of Minnesota offers an affordable option.
The online accounting degree program offers small classes and individualized attention. In fact, the low student-to-faculty ratio is one of the reasons the school lands on our list.
All classes are taught online and include accounting systems, auditing, cost accounting, income tax, administrative finance, and accounting principles.
US News and World Report rank this online bachelor’s programs # 63 in the most recent edition of Best Colleges.
#11 – Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, Pennsylvania
Clarion University’s affordable tuition earns it a spot on our list of the best online accounting schools.
Tuition / Tuition: $ 10.19
Points: 7
Clarion University of Pennsylvania’s affordable tuition and relatively high graduation rate earn it a spot on our list of the best online accounting schools. The school offers a BSBA in accounting degree that is designed to help students succeed in obtaining accounting and financial positions.
Online classes are small and taught by the same college professors who teach on campus. Classes explore topics in business economics and statistics, financial accounting, financial management, managerial accounting, and issues in federal tax accounting.
The school’s online bachelor’s programs rank 120th in the country.
#10 – Regis University
Denver, Colorado
Expedited options are available! Regis University is among the best online accounting schools.
Tuition / Tuition: $ 33.71
Points: 8
Regis University is among the best online accounting schools due to its low student to faculty ratio and high graduation rate. The school offers an accelerated online BS in accounting that is designed to prepare students with the most current accounting practices and techniques while building a strong foundation in ethics.
Classes are taught online in eight-week increments. Some of the online courses include cost accounting, intermediate accounting, and introduction to statistics, business legal environment, and accounting principles.
In fact, US News and World Report rank the school as having the 92nd best online bachelor’s program in the country. The institution also earns a # 10 spot on our list of the best online accounting schools.
#9 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a low student-to-faculty ratio and is one of the best accounting schools online.
Tuition / Tuition: $ 24.72
Points: 8
Indiana Wesleyan University is one of the best online accounting schools due to the low student to faculty ratio and high graduation rate. The school offers an accredited Bachelor of Accounting degree program specifically designed for working professionals who require flexible learning options from an online program.
The college degree is also designed to prepare students for CPA certification and licensing, for those interested.
These courses include accounting ethics, accounting information systems, advanced accounting, auditing, federal income tax, and managerial cost accounting.
#8 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University’s online bachelor’s degree program in accounting is among the top accounting schools on our list.
Tuition/Tuition: $ 20,109
Points: 8
Liberty University is one of our best online accounting schools to offer an accounting degree designed for working professionals. Flexible course schedules and reasonable tuition fees make the program attractive to those interested in pursuing a career or certification in accounting.
Additionally, the show is accredited by ACBSP, a premiere governing body. Classes are taught entirely online and include accounting ethics, accounting information systems, advanced accounting, financial accounting, managerial accounting, and taxation. Liberty online bachelor’s programs are ranked by major publications like US News and World Report as the top 100 in the country.
The school also provides access to online Master of Business programs, such as the Master of Accounting, which are qualified and accredited.
#7 – Pennsylvania State University Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
Penn State offers an online accounting program that is AACSB accredited.
Tuition / Tuition: $ 13,516
Points: 8
Pennsylvania State University’s affordable undergraduate tuition and low student-to-faculty ratio make it high on our list of the best online accounting schools.
Through Penn State’s World Campus, busy students can earn an AACSB-accredited bachelor’s degree in accounting. AACSB accreditation is an honor given only to the top 5 of business schools around the world.
Additionally, the school and its online degree programs are ranked by major publications such as US News and World Report.
The accounting program is designed to prepare students for major accounting certifications such as the CIA, CGMA, or CMA. All classes are taught online and include auditing, cost accounting, federal taxes, and financial and managerial accounting for decision-making.
#6 – Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Auburn University is one of the best online accounting schools.
Tuition/Tuition: $ 10,424
Points: 8
Auburn University’s low college tuition and high graduation rate earn it a spot on our list of the best online accounting schools.
The online accounting degree program is designed for working students or those with life obligations that require them to follow a flexible distance-learning program.
Online students receive the same instruction and an AACSB-accredited degree as their peers on campus.
Some of the online courses students take include accounting information systems, auditing and assurance services, cost accounting, income tax, and intermediate accounting.
#5 – Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $ 8,580
Points: 8
Indiana State University’s affordability makes it one of our top picks for the best online accounting schools.
Indiana State University is one of our top picks for the best online accounting schools. Affordable tuition, a low student-to-teacher ratio, and a relatively high graduation rate put it on our list.
Students can earn an online bachelor’s degree in accounting that is designed to serve as preparation for the certified public accountant licensing exam.
Classes are taught entirely online and include accounting systems, auditing theory and practice, cost accounting, financial accounting, and an introduction to federal income taxes.
The school and its online degree programs are also ranked by major publications like US News and World Report.
#4 – Keizer University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Keizer University’s high graduation rate makes it one of the best online accounting schools.
Tuition/Tuition: $ 17,664
Points: 9
Keizer University is one of our top picks for online accounting schools due to its low student-to-faculty ratio and high graduation rate. The school offers an online Bachelor of Accounting degree program that is designed to provide busy students with flexible learning options.
The online accounting program offers courses on accounting information for business decisions, accounting principles, business law, financial management, integrated accounting, and tax principles.
#3 – Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Old Dominion University is one of the best online schools for accounting because of its affordability.
Tuition / Tuition: $9,480
Points: 9
Old Dominion University is one of the best on our list of online accounting schools. The institution offers an online bachelor’s degree in business administration with an accounting concentration.
To earn the degree, students must complete at least 30 credit hours at Old Dominion, for an overall of 120 credit hours. Accounting courses are taught online and include accounting information systems, intermediate accounting, management accounting, accounting principles, and taxation.
#2 – Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
AACSB accreditation and high selectivity make Northeastern University the best choice for online schools for accounting.
Tuition / Tuition: $ 45,530
Points: 10
One of the best online accounting schools is Northeastern University. The highly rated institution offers an AACSB accredited accounting and financial management degree program designed for individuals who want a professional certification, or to enter a graduate program in accounting.
All classes are taught online and taught by the same experienced professors who teach on campus. Students can expect to take up business strategies, cost accounting, financial statement analysis, investments, tax principles, and insurance and risk management.
Northeastern is ranked by major publications as the best national university. In fact, the school consistently ranks in the top 50. Northeastern is on our Best Online Schools for Accounting list due to its low student-to-faculty ratio, high graduation rate, and low admissions rate.
#1 – University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
The University of Memphis is our number one pick for the best online accounting schools.
Tuition/Tuition: $ 8,903
Points: 11
The University of Memphis is our top pick for the best online accounting schools due to its affordable tuition, low student-to-faculty ratio, and competitive admission rate.
The university offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) major in accounting, with core classes designed to serve as quality preparation for the CPA certification exam.
Students take courses in accounting systems, auditing and assurance services, cost accounting, federal income tax, financial statement analysis, information systems auditing and assurance, and intermediate accounting.
US News and World Report as one of the top national universities recognize the University of Memphis. Additionally, the school’s online bachelor’s programs are ranked as well. The school is our # 1 pick for the best accounting online schools in 2021.
Conclusion
Online accounting schools are very beneficial for the person who works and / or takes care of a family. It is often very difficult for a person to work full or part time and continue their education. Therefore, they choose to take a remote accounting program. Our list ranks the most affordable online accounting degree programs to help prospective students find a program that suits their time.
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