Best Online Accounting Degree Programs of 2025
Explore the best online accounting degree programs and learn what to expect from them, including cost, career outlook, and salaries.
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Accounting is a fast-changing field. AI is shaking up the industry, and financial technology, or fintech, is evolving at a rapid pace.
Businesses are scrambling to adjust to those changes — and hiring projections reflect this. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for accountant jobs through 2033.
Fortunately, an online degree in accounting can prepare you fill one of these roles without breaking the bank or pausing your current career.
In this guide, we list some of the best online accounting degree programs available, ranked based on factors such as affordability and graduate-student outcomes.
Online Accounting Degree Highlights
- Accountants earn a median salary of $81,680 per year, according to the BLS.
- In our 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 94% of online business students and graduates said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- Accounting programs often offer specializations, allowing you to hone your skills in specific subfields such as forensic accounting or auditing.
2025 Best Online Accounting Degree Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
2025- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA2 yearCampus + Online
$35,050
$35,050
77%
25%
Why We Chose This School
A bachelor's degree in accounting from Elizabethtown College combines business, technology, and accounting principles with courses in areas like business ethics and forensic accounting. The program focuses on shaping strategic leadership and critical thinking skills to prepare students for careers as accountants, budget analysts, controllers, and auditors.
You can also choose specific concentrations in human resources, management, or marketing. Military or previous professional experience can be applied towards course credits to help accelerate degree completion.
Highlights
- Accelerated program for adult learners
- Alumni tuition discount and referral program
Know Before You Apply
- Higher tuition costs
- State-specific CPA requirements
$35,020
$35,020
84%
2,152
Private
Yes
$35,050
$35,050
Elizabethtown, PA2 yearCampus + Online
$35,050
$35,050
77%
25%
$35,020
$35,020
84%
2,152
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
A bachelor's degree in accounting from Elizabethtown College combines business, technology, and accounting principles with courses in areas like business ethics and forensic accounting. The program focuses on shaping strategic leadership and critical thinking skills to prepare students for careers as accountants, budget analysts, controllers, and auditors.
You can also choose specific concentrations in human resources, management, or marketing. Military or previous professional experience can be applied towards course credits to help accelerate degree completion.
Highlights
- Accelerated program for adult learners
- Alumni tuition discount and referral program
Know Before You Apply
- Higher tuition costs
- State-specific CPA requirements
The College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$38,750
$38,750
97%
40%
Why We Chose This School
The College of Saint Scholastica's bachelor's degree in accounting prepares you for a career in either public or private accounting. You'll be able to complete your degree completely online in 2-3 years, depending on transfer credit. In-person courses are also available.
Elective classes include topics like business research, financial planning, and financial statement analysis and business valuation. Though the program is online, you have access to full library services, counseling, career services, and student groups as you work toward your degree.
Highlights
- Flexible format
- Online group projects and optional trips
Know Before You Apply
- Private tuition costs
- Potentially limited course offerings
$13,551
$13,551
79%
3,207
Private
Yes
$38,750
$38,750
Duluth, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$38,750
$38,750
97%
40%
$13,551
$13,551
79%
3,207
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The College of Saint Scholastica's bachelor's degree in accounting prepares you for a career in either public or private accounting. You'll be able to complete your degree completely online in 2-3 years, depending on transfer credit. In-person courses are also available.
Elective classes include topics like business research, financial planning, and financial statement analysis and business valuation. Though the program is online, you have access to full library services, counseling, career services, and student groups as you work toward your degree.
Highlights
- Flexible format
- Online group projects and optional trips
Know Before You Apply
- Private tuition costs
- Potentially limited course offerings
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$24,766
$24,766
94%
83%
Why We Chose This School
Maryville University of Saint Louis offers a bachelor's degree in accounting that's 100% online. The program incorporates modern accounting processes including topics on marketing and sales.
Once you've completed the program, you'll be prepared to take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam if you choose. During your coursework, you'll learn about the principles of finance, computer applications, business policies, auditing, as well as micro and macroeconomics.
No SAT or ACT test score is required for application. You can opt to take up to three early-access courses that can be applied toward a master's degree.
Highlights
- No residency requirements
- Graduate in as little as 2.5 years
Know Before You Apply
- State-specific CPA requirements
- Limited interaction with classmates and professors
$14,346
$14,346
83%
9,883
Private
Yes
$24,766
$24,766
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$24,766
$24,766
94%
83%
$14,346
$14,346
83%
9,883
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Maryville University of Saint Louis offers a bachelor's degree in accounting that's 100% online. The program incorporates modern accounting processes including topics on marketing and sales.
Once you've completed the program, you'll be prepared to take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam if you choose. During your coursework, you'll learn about the principles of finance, computer applications, business policies, auditing, as well as micro and macroeconomics.
No SAT or ACT test score is required for application. You can opt to take up to three early-access courses that can be applied toward a master's degree.
Highlights
- No residency requirements
- Graduate in as little as 2.5 years
Know Before You Apply
- State-specific CPA requirements
- Limited interaction with classmates and professors
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$40,520
$40,520
97%
70%
Why We Chose This School
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's online bachelor's degree in accounting is a degree completion program. You can begin the program with as little as 30 previously earned credits. Associate degree or technical college credits from any age are accepted. Expect to take foundation courses and others in corporate finance, cost accounting, and auditing.
The program has six annual start dates and can be completed in one year. A fast-track program makes earning your master's degree more attainable as well.
Highlights
- One-year completion
- Online student resources, including a library and writing center
Know Before You Apply
- Limited in-person interaction
$11,835
$11,835
78%
4,133
Private
Yes
$40,520
$40,520
Winona, MN4 yearCampus + Online
$40,520
$40,520
97%
70%
$11,835
$11,835
78%
4,133
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's online bachelor's degree in accounting is a degree completion program. You can begin the program with as little as 30 previously earned credits. Associate degree or technical college credits from any age are accepted. Expect to take foundation courses and others in corporate finance, cost accounting, and auditing.
The program has six annual start dates and can be completed in one year. A fast-track program makes earning your master's degree more attainable as well.
Highlights
- One-year completion
- Online student resources, including a library and writing center
Know Before You Apply
- Limited in-person interaction
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,040
$26,520
87%
68%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a self-paced bachelor's degree in accounting to provide you with financial training for a career in public or private practice. Your coursework will include courses on topics including income taxation, auditing, and government or non-profit accounting. The courses are designed to be innovative, teaching you traditional business principles along with new technologies.
An accelerated advanced degree program can help you earn your bachelor's and master's degrees faster and more affordably.
Highlights
- Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accounting bootcamps and mentorship programs
Know Before You Apply
- Larger program
- Competitive admission
$8,424
$34,260
82%
21,639
Public
Yes
$11,040
$26,520
Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,040
$26,520
87%
68%
$8,424
$34,260
82%
21,639
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a self-paced bachelor's degree in accounting to provide you with financial training for a career in public or private practice. Your coursework will include courses on topics including income taxation, auditing, and government or non-profit accounting. The courses are designed to be innovative, teaching you traditional business principles along with new technologies.
An accelerated advanced degree program can help you earn your bachelor's and master's degrees faster and more affordably.
Highlights
- Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accounting bootcamps and mentorship programs
Know Before You Apply
- Larger program
- Competitive admission
SUNY College at Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, NY2 yearCampus + Online
$7,070
$16,980
70%
67%
Why We Chose This School
Earn an online accounting degree at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. The classes are asynchronous and prepare you for a range of accounting certifications. Graduates from the program go on to work at state agencies, multinational corporations, and Wall Street firms.
You'll enjoy access to the same student resources as traditional students and a strong alumni networking community. The school's relationship with IBM allows for job placement possibilities upon graduation.
Highlights
- Year-round enrollment
- Affordable tuition
Know Before You Apply
- Self-discipline required due to asynchronous format
$11,310
$23,100
73%
4,474
Public
Yes
$7,070
$16,980
Plattsburgh, NY2 yearCampus + Online
$7,070
$16,980
70%
67%
$11,310
$23,100
73%
4,474
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Earn an online accounting degree at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. The classes are asynchronous and prepare you for a range of accounting certifications. Graduates from the program go on to work at state agencies, multinational corporations, and Wall Street firms.
You'll enjoy access to the same student resources as traditional students and a strong alumni networking community. The school's relationship with IBM allows for job placement possibilities upon graduation.
Highlights
- Year-round enrollment
- Affordable tuition
Know Before You Apply
- Self-discipline required due to asynchronous format
Linfield University
McMinnville, OR2 yearCampus + Online
$48,132
$48,132
88%
31%
Why We Chose This School
Linfield University's accounting program is available as a bachelor of arts or science degree. It will prepare you for careers such as accountant, treasurer and controller, financial manager, or chief executive.
In addition to core courses in accounting, you'll also learn statistics, business law, and marketing. With this program, not only will you be able to demonstrate a literacy in accounting after earning your degree, but you'll also learn to appreciate business ethics and legal issues.
Highlights
- Alumni network
- Internships and collaborative research
Know Before You Apply
- Higher tuition price tuition costs
- Rural location
$30,738
$30,738
79%
1,727
Private
Yes
$48,132
$48,132
McMinnville, OR2 yearCampus + Online
$48,132
$48,132
88%
31%
$30,738
$30,738
79%
1,727
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Linfield University's accounting program is available as a bachelor of arts or science degree. It will prepare you for careers such as accountant, treasurer and controller, financial manager, or chief executive.
In addition to core courses in accounting, you'll also learn statistics, business law, and marketing. With this program, not only will you be able to demonstrate a literacy in accounting after earning your degree, but you'll also learn to appreciate business ethics and legal issues.
Highlights
- Alumni network
- Internships and collaborative research
Know Before You Apply
- Higher tuition price tuition costs
- Rural location
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,422
$19,582
90%
69%
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers its bachelor's degree in accounting completely online or in person for maximum flexibility. The program has a strong reputation for preparing students for a master's degree program in accounting. If you choose to pursue a master's, you can select a fast-track option that will allow you to earn it together with your bachelor's in just five years.
Student clubs provide networking opportunities to help further your career, including the Beta Alpha Psi professional organization, THREADS, or the Spartan Investment Club.
Highlights
- Top-rated accounting degree
- Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Know Before You Apply
- Competitive admission
- State-specific CPA requirements
$5,219
$18,937
76%
17,743
Public
Yes
$4,422
$19,582
Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,422
$19,582
90%
69%
$5,219
$18,937
76%
17,743
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers its bachelor's degree in accounting completely online or in person for maximum flexibility. The program has a strong reputation for preparing students for a master's degree program in accounting. If you choose to pursue a master's, you can select a fast-track option that will allow you to earn it together with your bachelor's in just five years.
Student clubs provide networking opportunities to help further your career, including the Beta Alpha Psi professional organization, THREADS, or the Spartan Investment Club.
Highlights
- Top-rated accounting degree
- Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Know Before You Apply
- Competitive admission
- State-specific CPA requirements
Regis University
Denver, CO4 yearCampus + Online
$40,830
$40,830
76%
60%
Why We Chose This School
Regis University offers accelerated courses to help you earn your bachelor's degree in accounting online. There are six annual start dates for the degree program, and each class lasts five or eight weeks.
If you want to earn your master's degree as well, Regis provides a FastForward program option that allows you to earn your bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time at a more affordable price. Up to 87 transfer credits are accepted toward your degree.
Highlights
- Flexible class format
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Transfer credits accepted
Know Before You Apply
- Private tuition costs
- Limited in-person opportunities
$14,261
$14,261
72%
4,668
Private
Yes
$40,830
$40,830
Denver, CO4 yearCampus + Online
$40,830
$40,830
76%
60%
$14,261
$14,261
72%
4,668
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Regis University offers accelerated courses to help you earn your bachelor's degree in accounting online. There are six annual start dates for the degree program, and each class lasts five or eight weeks.
If you want to earn your master's degree as well, Regis provides a FastForward program option that allows you to earn your bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time at a more affordable price. Up to 87 transfer credits are accepted toward your degree.
Highlights
- Flexible class format
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Transfer credits accepted
Know Before You Apply
- Private tuition costs
- Limited in-person opportunities
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$6,228
$16,020
84%
81%
Why We Chose This School
An online bachelor's degree in management accounting and analytics from Lamar University opens the door for your career at accounting firms, medical facilities, schools and universities, and auditing agencies. It's one of the few degree programs that offers a managerial track.
The program is STEM-certified with career outcomes ranging from accounting manager and financial analyst to strategic planning consultant and data analytics manager. In addition to foundation courses, class topics include professional ethics, data mining, and financial statement analysis.
Highlights
- Industry connections
- Pay-as-you-go tuition
Know Before You Apply
- Smaller program size
- Rural location
$6,471
$13,815
59%
16,914
Public
Yes
$6,228
$16,020
Beaumont, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$6,228
$16,020
84%
81%
$6,471
$13,815
59%
16,914
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
An online bachelor's degree in management accounting and analytics from Lamar University opens the door for your career at accounting firms, medical facilities, schools and universities, and auditing agencies. It's one of the few degree programs that offers a managerial track.
The program is STEM-certified with career outcomes ranging from accounting manager and financial analyst to strategic planning consultant and data analytics manager. In addition to foundation courses, class topics include professional ethics, data mining, and financial statement analysis.
Highlights
- Industry connections
- Pay-as-you-go tuition
Know Before You Apply
- Smaller program size
- Rural location
Why You Should Get an Accounting Degree
Room for Specialization: Accounting programs often offer numerous specialization options, like forensic accounting.- Highly Important Role: Accountants are key in every industry and have a unique understanding of an organization’s finances, making them valuable members of the organization they work in.
- Broad Work Opportunities: An accounting degree opens doors to work in several settings, from small firms to multinational corporations in a wide range of industries.
- Learn New Technologies: Many accounting programs are incorporating emerging technologies, like AI, to help students stay up-to date.
Benefits of Getting an Accounting Degree Online
According to our 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report:
- 97% of online business students and graduates would recommend online education to others.
- 81% of those students said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- More than half of those students said their online programs featured networking opportunities.
How to Choose the Best Online Accounting Degree for You
The best program for you will depend on factors such as cost and program length, but you should also consider how it can help fulfill your career goals.
With this in mind, make sure to consider your interest when evaluating a program’s curriculum or specialization options. This can help you pick a program what will focus on the skills you need to improve your career prospects.
How Much Does an Online Accounting Degree Cost?
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$10,473
Avg. Net Price
$5,918
Source: NCES PowerStats, for Online Bachelor’s in Business (2019-2020)
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), an online bachelor’s degree in business — which includes bachelor’s in accounting programs — typically costs about $ 10,500 per year in tuition and fees.
That said, prices can vary depending on the type of school you attend, your program’s format, and how much financial aid you get.
For instance, full-time programs tend to be pricier than part-time programs. And degrees at prestigious business schools can often cost thousands more than those at smaller, regional schools.
Cost is a major concern for online business students. In our survey, 22% of online business students and graduates said paying for higher education while minimizing student debt was the most significant challenge they faced.
Fortunately, financial aid can further cut down the cost of your online accounting degree. With this in mind, remember to fill out the FAFSA and contact your school’s financial aid office to check if you qualify for grants and scholarships.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online Accounting Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get an Accounting Degree Online?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
An online accounting degree typically requires 120 credits, which usually takes four years to complete.
However, this isn’t always the case. Many colleges offer online accelerated programs that you can completed in 1-3 years. These programs usually feature intensive classes with short, fast-paced instruction to truncate four years of content into a shorter time span.
Transferring credits from a prior college experience can also shorten your time in school. For example, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an online accounting degree that can take just a year to complete and allows you to transfer up to 90 credits. This accounts for three-quarters of the program’s degree requirements.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans with some college experience but no degree, you can also consider an accounting degree-completion program. These can help you earn your degree faster for less money.
Online Accounting Degree Application Requirements
Letters of recommendation- ACT or SAT scores
- High school transcripts
- Essay
- Resume
Accreditation for Online Accounting Degrees
Accreditation is a good way to tell whether or not a program is teaching relevant, industry-ready skills.
While colleges can receive institutional accreditation from regional and national accrediting bodies, individual business schools and accounting degree programs can receive programmatic accreditation from specialized third-party organizations.
The three main business and accounting accreditors to look for are:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
AACSB has long been considered the gold standard for business school accreditation, evaluating business schools and accounting programs at an individual level.
“AACSB-accredited institutions tend to have the biggest name recognition with employers, and most state CPA licensing boards consider AACSB to be the highest-quality certification,” says Colin Smith, a CPA with nearly 15 years of experience.
On the other hand, ACBSP and IACBE evaluate business and accounting programs individually, not entire business schools, based on their outcomes and industry relevance.
Attending a program that has programmatic accreditation isn’t a requirement to become a certified public accountant, but it’s one easy way to ensure you’ll learn the necessary skills to pass your certification exam.
Ask an Expert: How Important Is Accounting Accreditation?
“A degree from an AACSB-accredited school will likely be viewed more favorably than a degree from a non-AACSB-accredited school. That being said, you can absolutely get a high-quality education from an ACBSP- or IACBE-accredited program.”
What Can You Do With an Online Accounting Degree?
Many online accounting degree-holders become certified public accountants, or CPAs. As a CPA, you’ll be legally qualified to take on tasks which non-licensed accountant can’t, including external audits. For this reason, many employers prefer job candidates with this certification.
However, keep in mind that you’ll need take the CPA exam and complete other requirements to get certified.
You can still work as an accountant without having a CPA license. You can also take on other roles, including financial examiner and budget analyst.
Additionally, you can consider pursuing other certifications, like the Certified Management Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor, which can also highlight your expertise to potential employers.
But, wether you to get certified or not, note that accounting jobs are on the rise. The BLS projects a 6% growth in jobs for accountants and auditors through 2033, faster than the average 4% rate for all other occupations.
| Years of Experience | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| <1 Yr | $59,060 |
| 1-4 Yrs | $68,980 |
| 5-9 Yrs | $82,300 |
| 10-19 Yrs | $96,630 |
| 20+ Yrs | $105,970 |
Learn More About Accounting Jobs
Is an Online Accounting Degree Worth It?
An online accounting degree can be a worthwhile major that can help you land high-paying jobs without pausing your current career. According to the BLS, accountants and auditors earned a median salary of $81,680 per year as of May 2024.
Plus, an accounting degree can set you up for more than just a traditional accounting or auditing job. For instance, you can also qualify for financial analyst, budget analyst, and actuary roles, all which earn higher median salaries than accountants and auditors.
“Be sure to consider the post-degree employment statistics of any programs you’re considering and see if they offer any assistance with finding a job, such as hosting job fairs or offering resume review services,” recommends Smith. “These little things can make the difference between landing that first job right out of school versus having an extended job search.”
Additionally, business schools are increasingly gearing their degrees toward working professionals, with asynchronous classes to help you balance your personal and educational commitments.
Finally, there’s cost: Online degrees tend to be more affordable than traditional programs, leading to a better return on investment (ROI). In our survey, over 9 in 10 online college students and program graduates said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive ROI.
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Accounting
A bachelor’s in accounting can land you a job, but you can take your education further to break into the management field or land a more specialized position.
A master’s in accounting often includes specializations in areas like information systems, forensic auditing, corporate accounting, and taxation to help you advance your skills. You’ll also study financial policy and investing.
Alternatively, you could earn a master of business administration (MBA) to broaden your managerial skills and professional network.
If you’re interested in economic research and teaching, you could pursue a doctorate in accounting. This terminal degree can open up high-level research positions and jobs in academia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Accounting Degrees
A bachelor’s degree in accounting is usually best for an accountant since most programs include prep to become a CPA. Accounting degrees cover best practices in the field and prepare you for a number of career paths.
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