Best Online Accounting Degrees of 2026
Check out our guide to learn more about the top online accounting programs and how to find the best one for you.
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2026An accounting degree can prepare you for in-demand roles in accounting, finance, and business. And by choosing an accredited online program, you’ll benefit from a flexible learning format without sacrificing quality.
Besides accreditation status and flexibility, our ranking methodology prioritizes affordability, student outcomes, and accessibility to select schools that offer value and support for online learners.
Read on for our list of the best online bachelor’s in accounting programs to find the right fit for your budget, schedule, and career goals.
Top Online Accounting Degrees of 2026
How We Rank Schools
Florida Atlantic University — Most Unique Degree Type
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: This school is the only one on our list offering a BBA in accounting, and you can select from six minors.
If you're looking for a degree with a business-first approach that still leads to an accounting credential, FAU's online BBA in accounting may be a good fit. This 120-credit program requires you to complete management, marketing, and leadership courses before moving into the accounting major requirements.
FAU also allows you to customize your degree with six minors, including finance, economics, marketing, business law, leadership and human resource development, and hospitality and tourism management. Each minor requires just 9-12 credits, giving you room to tailor your plan of study without significantly increasing your credit load. You can start in any of the three annual terms, and the program accepts up to 90 transfer credits if you're entering with previous coursework.
What We Like About FAU
- It's a great choice for Florida residents, offering the lowest in-state tuition on our list at $203 per credit.
- The accelerated pathway lets you double-count six credits toward FAU's master of accounting, saving time and money.
- FAU's College of Business participates in the Institute of Internal Auditors' Academic Alliance, supporting students in preparing for careers in internal auditing.
What We Don't Like
- Out-of-state tuition is $722 per credit, making it the most expensive option for non-residents in our list.
- A broader business curriculum may not be suitable if you're seeking highly technical accounting training.
69%
$ 2,522
84%
$14,374
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,607
- Institution Type
- Public
Linfield University — Most Flexible Curriculum
- McMinnville, OR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Pursue either a BA or BS in accounting, and study part time or full time.
Linfield's online accounting program offers two degree paths — a BA or a BS — giving you room to choose the curriculum that best fits your goals. The accounting major requires 56 credits. The BA's foreign language requirement can help you develop necessary skills if you plan to work with international clients. The BS offers STEM-focused coursework in areas such as data science, computer science, psychology, or biology, providing a more analytical path for students interested in technical or interdisciplinary accounting work.
You can study part time or full time, and the program accepts up to 72 transfer credits. Accounting majors may also pursue Linfield's 18-21 credit entrepreneurship minor, which can help learners build applied business and management skills.
What We Like About Linfield
- It may offer the lowest total program cost on our list if you complete your degree in about eight terms.
- Linfield offers uncapped Yellow Ribbon support, matching VA funding with no limit for eligible veteran students.
- According to the institution, nearly 90% of Linfield students receive financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.
What We Don't Like
- Flat-rate tuition of $5,940 per term can be costly for students taking fewer courses.
- The program page doesn't clearly outline start dates, total degree credits, or typical completion timelines for either pathway.
31%
$49,810
80%
$49,810
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,709
- Institution Type
- Private
Oregon State University — Most Prestigious Programs
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: At OSU, you may be picked for the Dean's Academy and can apply to the Honors College.
Offered through the AACSB-accredited College of Business, OSU's online BS in accounting carries credibility. Each year, select students are invited to join the Dean's Academy, an exclusive community that provides smaller classes, events, career coaching, and networking opportunities, with a transcript distinction upon completion.
You can also apply to OSU's Honors College, where multidisciplinary coursework and a faculty-mentored thesis earn an honors designation that could further elevate your degree.
What We Like About OSU
- You'll have access to the College of Business Career Success Center, which offers resources and employer connections to support internships and job placements.
- In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition, $411 per credit.
- The accelerated pathway allows you to take online graduate courses that count toward an MBA or MS in business.
What We Don't Like
- The $411-per-credit rate and 180-quarter credit requirement may make this program one of the costlier options on this list.
- Transfer students must complete 45 of their final 75 credits at OSU, reducing flexibility.
- The program page does not clarify whether part-time enrollment is an option.
58%
$12,675
88%
$37,860
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 37,163
- Institution Type
- Public
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota — Most Amount of Start Dates
- Winona, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: The program offers six different start dates throughout the year.
SMUMN's online BS in accounting offers one of the most frequent start schedules on our list, with new cohorts beginning in September, October, January, March, May, and June. The program delivers 120 credits in an accelerated, eight-week course format through the School of Advancing Studies, allowing students to progress at a faster pace than semester models.
The IACBE-accredited program accepts up to 90 credits from previous college coursework, associate degree studies, and military training. Students may also fast-track into several graduate programs by applying select online graduate courses toward both their bachelor's and future master's degrees.
What We Like About SMUMN
- You have the option to pursue a double major in accounting and business administration.
- You'll have access to online learner support, including 24/7 library access, writing assistance, and career preparation.
- The Trusted Partnership Program provides tuition discounts for employees of numerous partner organizations nationwide.
What We Don't Like
- The program page does not mention whether part-time enrollment is available, which may be a consideration if you're working full time.
- At $440 per credit, tuition at SMUMN is higher than at other schools on our list.
- The university's Lasallian Catholic mission may not align with the beliefs of all learners.
54%
$42,500
75%
$42,500
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,656
- Institution Type
- Private
St. Catherine University — Most Accelerated Program
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: You can earn a BS in accounting in fewer than two years.
St. Kate's offers an accelerated online BS in accounting that allows learners to graduate in about 21 months, depending on transfer credits, with start dates available in fall, spring, and summer. St. Kate's is one of the largest private women's universities in the U.S. — yet the program itself, offered through the College for Adults, is open to students of all genders.
St. Kate's also provides additional pathways to help you earn your degree faster. You can apply transfer credits, military training, and employer-based learning toward degree requirements. The university also offers a streamlined second-degree option for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, requiring only 44 credits in the accounting major.
What We Like About St. Kate's
- The school offers maximum Yellow Ribbon funding for eligible military students.
- The program is accredited by the ACBSP.
- Online student support services include internship placements and career and program advising.
What We Don't Like
- Students completing the full 120 credits are unlikely to complete their degree in 21 months.
- The required business portfolio adds an extra graduation component, which may not be convenient for all learners.
64%
$36,694
80%
$36,694
- Acceptance Rate
- 92%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,659
- Institution Type
- Private
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like degree type, prestige, and start dates. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get an Accounting Degree
- Practical Financial Expertise: Accounting programs can equip you with practical skills in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and data analysis.
- High Career Demand and Stability: An accounting degree can lead to several career paths, including accountant, auditor, financial analyst, personal financial advisor, or financial manager. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects financial occupations will grow at a faster rate than the average for all occupations through 2034.
- Pathway to Professional Certification: A bachelor’s in accounting provides the foundation to pursue credentials such as certified public accountant (CPA) or certified management accountant (CMA), which may significantly increase your earning potential.
Benefits of Getting an Accounting Degree Online
According to our 2025 Online Education Trends Report:
- 90% of graduates who were surveyed say their online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- 98% of all students surveyed — current, prospective, and graduates — would recommend earning an online degree to others.
How to Choose the Best Program for You
With many top-ranked colleges offering accounting programs, how can you find the best fit? Consider factors like cost, application requirements, and curriculum to choose the best program for you.
Cost and Financial Aid
Bachelor’s in Business/Management, 2020
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $10,473
Avg. Net Price: $5,918
On-Campus
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $16,941
Avg. Net Price: $9,248
Source: NCES PowerStats
Students pay between $10,500-$17,000 on average in tuition and fees, depending on whether the accounting program is online or on campus, according to 2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
However, the cost of an accounting degree depends on the total number of required credits and the financial aid you receive. Also, tuition rates vary widely between public and private schools. And whether you qualify for in-state tuition can make a significant difference.
At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, for example, you would pay an average of around $8,830 per year. On the other hand, Elizabethtown College — which is a private college — charges an average tuition of over $36,000.
Remember, advertised tuition prices don’t take into account financial aid, and scholarships and grants can significantly lower tuition. With this in mind, use schools’ net price calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket cost.
Find Financial Aid for Your Degree
Program Length
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting generally requires a minimum of 120 credits. Full-time students typically graduate in around four years, while part-time students may take six years or more to finish their degree.
If you have previous college experience, you can graduate faster by transferring as many credits as possible. Be sure to review and compare each school’s transfer credit policy — some accept more credits or have more flexible requirements than others.
You can also consider enrolling in accelerated classes or taking courses year-round to earn more credits each year.
Application Requirements
The most common application requirements for online accounting programs include:
High School Diploma: Bachelor’s programs generally only admit students with a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as a GED certificate. - Minimum GPA: Applicants often need to demonstrate a minimum 2.0 GPA to gain admission, though some schools set a higher minimum.
- Prerequisite Courses: Accounting programs may require students to complete prerequisites in accounting and business before joining the major.
- Standardized Test Scores: While many online accounting programs are test-optional, some still ask for SAT or ACT scores, particularly for first-time college students.
- Supplemental Materials: Applicants may also need to provide letters of recommendation, a personal statement, or a résumé outlining relevant academic or work experience.
Comparing admission requirements across schools can help you identify programs that match your academic and personal experiences, which will increase your chances of getting accepted.
Accreditation
You should always check a school’s accreditation when comparing programs, as it confirms that the institution meets recognized academic standards and ensures eligibility for federal financial aid.
Accreditation is also essential for certain professional pathways — for instance, certified public accountants (CPAs) typically must earn a degree from an accredited institution to qualify for licensure.
You can check a school’s institutional accreditation status through the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs from the U.S. Department of Education.
Top bachelor’s in accounting programs often also hold programmatic accreditation from business-specific accrediting bodies, such as Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Curriculum
Comparing curriculums, electives, and concentrations can help you find programs that match your long-term career goals. For example, if you’re interested in a field like forensic accounting, you’ll want to choose a program that offers classes in that area.
You can also verify if a program incorporates experiential learning opportunities, such as a practicum, internship, or capstone. These hands-on experiences can provide valuable preparation for the job market.
Student Support
When reviewing programs, review the resources and services available to online students, as strong support can make a big difference in your learning experience.
For example, SUNY Plattsburgh assigns a faculty advisor to all students, including online learners. These advisors can usually help students select courses that align with their career goals and identify internships or professional experiences that strengthen their résumés, among other things.
What Can You Do With an Accounting Degree?
Below is a list of some of the most popular jobs for accounting graduates, along with their median annual salaries. Keep in mind that salaries can vary depending on factors such as job title, experience, location, and professional certifications.
Also, note that some positions — like certified public accountant (CPA) — require additional education, licensure, or certification beyond a bachelor’s degree.
| Job | Median Annual Salary(May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant and Auditor | $81,680 | Accountants and auditors create and review financial documents, including tax filings, revenue statements, and budgets. |
| Budget Analyst | $87,930 | Budget analysts evaluate spending and revenue forecasts to help organizations plan their finances. |
| Cost Estimator | $77,070 | Cost estimators analyze data on the cost of a product or services to help organizations plan projects. |
| Personal Financial Advisor | $102,140 | Personal financial advisors recommend investment and savings strategies to clients, including managing portfolios of investments. |
| Financial Manager | $161,700 | Financial managers oversee financial reporting, investments, and financial planning for organizations. |
Learn More About Accounting Jobs
Ask an Expert: Frequently Asked Questions About Online Accounting Degrees
Colin Smith is a certified public accountant and financial reporting consultant with over 16 years of experience advising public and private companies on a range of complex accounting projects. After spending 10-plus years in Big 4 firms and working in public accounting, Smith started his own accounting consulting practice.
Like anything else, and especially with education, you get what you put into it. For someone looking to break into accounting or who wants a cost-effective alternative to the standard on-campus degree program, an online accounting degree can be a great investment.
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