15 Best Online Accounting Degrees for 2024

Do you enjoy working with numbers? Have you always been a whiz in math and aspire to work with numbers for a career? If so, you may want to consider a career as an accountant. We hear a lot about AI and how it’s going to take over the world. As amazing as AI appears, it will not replace accountants because they are the individuals who can really crunch numbers and monitor important financial data, and most importantly, meet with clients or coworkers to explain complex issues.

If attending college every day seems daunting or won’t fit into your schedule, you might want to check into online degrees. Learn everything you need to know about online accounting degrees and check out our list of some of the best online accounting degrees.

What is an Online Accounting Degree?

An online accounting degree is an accounting program offered over the internet. Unlike on-campus programs that require students to go to a brick-and-mortar college for classes, online programs allow you to do most, if not all, of your work at the time and place of your convenience. All students need is a computer with high-speed internet.

Online students watch videos, listen to recordings and lectures, and complete courses all online at their convenience. Courses in an online accounting degree program may be hybrid; online synchronous, or online asynchronous. Hybrid courses are a combination of online and on-campus courses.

Online synchronous courses require all online students to attend meetings at a designated time. Online asynchronous courses do not require students to attend meetings and lectures together. The students can go through the assignments at their own pace.

Who Needs an Online Bachelor’s in Accounting?

Online bachelor’s degree programs are a great option for students who find it difficult to attend college on campus every day. Online bachelor’s in accounting degrees are ideal for these students.

• Students who can’t attend college full time due to family obligations
• Students who must continue to work
• Students who want to choose a college without worrying about distance
• Students who don’t wish to commute back and forth to college each day
• Students who want flexibility and convenience while earning the degree

The simple answer to this question is anyone who wants an accounting degree but is unable to attend campus classes needs an online bachelor’s degree.

Salary and Job Prospects for Bachelor’s in Accounting Graduates

Graduates of an online bachelor’s degree typically have many job opportunities available to them. Regardless of how big or small a company is, they all have need for an accountant or auditor. Accounting programs teach students various aspects of accounting, such as business laws, taxation, and other areas of specialized finance.

Accountants are projected to see a job growth of 4% between 2022 and 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The salary potential for accountants is also very good. According to a 2022 BLS report, accountants earned wages ranging from $48,560 to $132,690 or more with the average annual wage at $78,000. Various factors can affect wages, such as experience, degree level, certifications, employer, and location. Location plays a big role in salary potential. Choosing from the best online accounting degrees may earn the higher wages.

15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Accounting Degrees

We’ve analyzed programs from all around the U.S. and have selected 15 of the best online Bachelor of Accounting degrees. You can read about our methodology from 20 years of experience in online enrollment here.

1. University of West Florida

Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting

The 120-credit-hour accounting program at the University of West Florida teaches students not only accounting but also business administration and the role accounting has in businesses. Of the 120 credits, 30 of them are accounting. The program can be completed in 2 to 4 years depending on if the student is full or parttime.

Most of the courses, which are 15 weeks in duration, are taught by accounting professionals and CPAs. Students can transfer in up to 90 credits, which can decrease the time needed to finish the program. In-state tuition is about $220 per credit hour.

2. Saint Mary of the Woods College

Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Saint Mary of the Woods College features an online Bachelor of Science program that prepares students for a career in accounting or finance. This liberal arts-rich program includes business, accounting, and general education courses. Graduates are prepared to obtain several industry certifications.

Students who wish to become CPAs can integrate necessary courses into this program. This 120-credit program can be completed in four years or less. Courses include statistics, ethics, bioethics for healthcare professionals, microeconomics, and accounting, among others.

3. Eastern New Mexico University

Program: Bachelor in Business Administration in Accounting

The Bachelor of Business Administration program at ENMU is 100% online. Several certifications are available to graduates of this program. The 120-credit program includes courses in applied economics, accounting, finance, microeconomics, corporate taxation, Of the total credits, 39 are business core courses.

This university boasts of having some of the lowest tuition in the state. They also offer some general scholarship opportunities and tutoring services. Students have various resources available to them.

4. University of Minnesota – Crookston

Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

The online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program offered at the University of Minnesota in Crookston requires completing 120 credits. This is a 100% online program with no on-campus components. Course topics include income tax, managerial finance, accounting, accounting systems, cost accounting, auditing, and cost accounting to name a few. Students interested in becoming CPAs have the option of taking up to 12 credits of CPA courses. Tuition is about $441.00 per credit. The school does also offer this program on campus.

5.National University

Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

The school has year-round enrollment allowing students to enroll any time they want. With 4-week classes, students easily balance school with work and family. Students are taught by professional accountants and CPAs. Course topics include financial accounting, legal business aspects, college algebra, managerial accounting, and microeconomics. Upon completion of this 18p-quarter-unit program, students are prepared to set for the CMA, CPA, and CFE certification exams. National University allows students to study different areas of specialization. Online students typically can complete this undergraduate program in about four years.

6. Illinois College

Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

The online Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Illinois University is an online program that is ideal for students who need flexibility with their classes. With courses running 8 weeks in length, students can complete this program sooner rather than later. The accelerated major-related courses can be completed in 15 months, which generally allows the student sufficient time to complete the 42 required credit hours. Students also have the option to study full-time or part-time. Tuition is $375 per credits.

7. Western Governors University

Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

The online Bachelor of Science in accounting program at Western Governors University is a four-year program that prepares students to work as accountants and gives them a jump-start towards becoming CPAs. The total cost of two years of this program is about $15,820. The quicker the student completes the program, the less they’ll pay in tuition. This 120-credit program includes courses like managerial accounting, finances, microeconomics, quantitative analysis, employment laws, and finance skills. In addition to offering the online bachelor’s degree, WGU also offers online accounting certificates.

8. Buena Vista University

Program: Bachelor of Business Administration Accounting

Buena Vista University offers an online business accounting degree through its Harold Walther Siebens School of Business. Upon completion of this program, graduates will have earned a double degree: one in business and one in accounting. BVU also offers an online accelerated master’s degree program.

Students can transfer credits into the program from several Iowa community colleges. Possible courses include business finance; principles of microeconomics; applied statistics; business finance; managerial accounting; business law; and marketing; among others. Graduates of this program are generally prepared to that the CPA exam upon completion.

9. Purdue Global

Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

The online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at Purdue Global is a program ideal for students who can’t attend college full time. The program consists of 33 courses with students putting in 15-18 hours per week. Most students can finish this program in four years. Tuition is about $371 per credit. The program offers four areas of specialty:

• Tax accountancy
• Managerial accountancy
• Auditing and forensic accountancy
• Public accountancy

Purdue Global also offers an accelerated CPA track for students interested in pursuing the CPA credential. All it requires is that graduates of the bachelor’s degree program apply within 7 weeks of graduation.

10. Trine University

Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Accounting

Trine University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting. This program not only offers accounting-based courses but also provides students with hands-on experience working in the accounting field. Trine also offers a combined degree program that allows students to finish the bachelor’s degree and an MBA together and all in four years. Students find that this option can save them thousands of dollars in tuition. This 120-credit program is known for its affordability.

11. Brescia University

Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Located in Owensboro, KY, Brescia University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program that’s known for its flexibility and affordability. Students can transfer from 67-81 credits, which can really lessen the time and credits required to complete this 120-credit program. The program includes courses like management concepts; business policies; accounting and advanced accounting; economic concepts; federal taxation; and business law. Students can also take the courses required to become CPAs.

12. Walsh University

Program: BBA in Accounting

Walsh University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting that’s 100% online. This program not only helps students earn the bachelor’s degree but also helps them prepare for the CPA certification. Students are required to complete 120 credits. Of that number, up to 88 of these credits can be transferred into the program. Students can enroll six times per year.

In addition to offering affordable tuition, Walsh also offers payment plans and deferment options. They also give credits for life experiences. Students can earn more credits in less time by enrolling in the accelerated BBA program.

13. Temple University

Program: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

Situated in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting program through its Fox School of Business. Students must complete 124 credits to earn the degree. This accounting program also helps students to prepare for CMA or CPA certification exams.

By continuing their studies, students can turn the bachelor’s degree into a master’s in accounting degree. This 4-year program provides the student with knowledge of tax accounting, corporate financial management, public accounting, nonprofit accounting, and consulting, among others. The program also offers data analytics as an area of concentration.

14. University of Arkansas

Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville offers an online bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on accounting through its Sam M. Walter College of Business. This 100% online program generally takes four years to complete with students completing 120 credit hours. Tuition is about $339 per credit hour. The curriculum for this program consists of business courses, accounting courses and general education courses. The flexible online format offers a 15-week semesters in the spring and fall as well as a 5-week sessions during the summer.

15. University of Massachusetts – Amherst

Program: BBA in Accounting

The online BBA in accounting program offered at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers mostly asynchronous courses, which give students the flexibility of keeping up with their day-to-day routine while still earning the degree. They also allow the student to customize their degree, so it includes courses that align with their career goals and interests.

Students must complete 120 semester units to earn the degree. Tuition is about $500 per credit hour. Course topics include auditing, advanced accounting, balancing, cost analysis, and financial statements to name a few.

Admission Requirements

Although admission requirements often differ from school to school, most colleges require the following things for admission.

• Minimum GPA
• High school diploma or GED
• Official transcripts from other colleges
• Standardized exam scores
• Letters of application
• Application

Why an Online Program?

Online programs are so popular and continue to be more popular every year. There are many benefits to taking an online program.

• Convenience
• Flexibility
• Never have to leave home
• Can choose a distant college while staying in your own home
• Tuition and fees may be cheaper
• Can continue to work while earning the degree
• Save money on gas, lodging, and food
• Can often earn the degree faster than on-campus programs

Getting Started

If you’ve determined you want to earn an online degree, and you want to earn the degree online, you’re ready to get the ball rolling. The first and most important step is researching different colleges online. You can’t research enough or too much when you’re talking about your career. Make sure the college or program is accredited by a reputable agency.

Look at the different accounting programs and find ones that offer the courses you need to reach your career goals. You can become an accountant with a bachelor’s degree, but it’s not enough to become a certified public accountant (CPA). If becoming a CPA in the future is another of your career goals, try to find a program that offers courses that might speed up the process. Once, you’ve chosen a school or narrowed it down, it’s time to start applying and submitting your online application to the best online accounting degrees.