Accounting degrees teach students how to analyze financial information and provide valuable advice to help organizations improve their financial well-being. Getting an online bachelor’s degree in accounting offers graduates various career paths, including finance and insurance, auditing, tax preparation, banking, finance analytics, and consulting.
To assist potential students in making the most of their educational investment, we’ve ranked the best online bachelor’s degrees in accounting based on Salary Score. If you’re looking for affordable options, check out our list of the most budget-friendly accounting degrees.
2024 Most Affordable Online Accounting Programs
| RANK | SCHOOL | LOCATION | IN-STATE TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | The University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | $3,735 | $16,004 | 53% |
| #2 | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary of the Woods, IN | $29,950 | $29,950 | 70% |
| #3 | Eastern New Mexico University | Portales, NM | $4,074 | $6,114 | 33% |
| #4 | University of Minnesota-Crookston | Crookston, MN | $10,822 | $10,822 | 48% |
| #5 | National University | San Diego, CA | $13,320 | $13,320 | 55% |
| #6 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | $7,162 | $7,162 | Not provided |
| #7 | Buena Vista University | Storm Lake, IA | $37,518 | $37,518 | 66% |
| #8 | Trine University | Fort Wayne, IN | $9,576 | $9,576 | 60% |
| #9 | Brescia University | Owensboro, KY | $26,000 | $26,000 | 53% |
| #10 | Illinois College | Jacksonville, IL | $34,752 | $34,752 | 75% |
Below, Check the detailed overview of the best top 10 Online Accounting Degrees in 2024.
1. The University of West Florida
- Location: Pensacola, FL
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery Mode: Online + Campus
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Cost per Credit:
- In-State: $219
- Out-of-State: $342
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120
The University of West Florida in Pensacola has an online Bachelor’s program in Business Administration with a focus on accounting. It covers general business knowledge before diving into specific accounting classes.
Students learn communication, problem-solving, and accounting skills. The courses include topics like accounting information systems, auditing, forensic accounting, and taxation. There’s also an optional accounting internship. Graduates meet the educational requirements for the CPA exam in Florida.
2. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Location: Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery Mode: Online + Campus
- Cost per Credit:
- In-State: $496
- Out-of-State: $496
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers an online Accounting degree, preparing graduates for jobs in government, industry, or nonprofits.
The program covers important topics like tax preparation, auditing, and accounting information systems. Students can specialize in entrepreneurship or professional preparation if they choose.
3. Eastern New Mexico University
- Location: Portales, NM
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery Mode: Online + Campus
- Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Cost per Credit:
- In-State: $175
- Out-of-State: $257
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120
Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM, has an online Bachelor’s in Business Administration for Accounting.
It prepares students for accounting jobs and certifications. Accounting majors can apply for scholarships. The program covers topics like cost accounting and offers flexible learning with real-time interaction.
4. University of Minnesota-Crookston
- Location: Crookston, MN
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery Mode: Online + Campus
- Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Cost per Credit:
- In-State: $441
- Out-of-State: $441
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120
At UMN Crookston, you can earn an online Accounting degree. It’s good for jobs in public, private, or government accounting. They’ve teamed up with Gleim CPA Review for extra courses.
In the program, you’ll take 40 credits of general courses and 63 credits focused on accounting, business, and management. This helps you build skills in analysis, theory, communication, and leadership. Recent grads started with salaries between $41,600 and $60,000 per year.
5. National University
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery Mode: Online
- Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- Tuition Average for 2023-2024: $13,284
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 180
National University has a Bachelor’s in Accounting that you can do online or in person in California. It’s great for adults who need flexibility. The program is structured in four-week courses, making it easier to balance.
The courses prepare you for exams like CPA, CFA, and CME. You’ll take general education and business courses along with specific accounting classes. All live classes are recorded, so you can watch them when it works for you.
6. Western Governors University
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery Mode: Online
- Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Cost per Six-Month Term:
- In-State: $3,955
- Out-of-State: $3,955
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120
You can earn a flexible online accounting degree from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah. WGU’s programs allow you to learn at your own pace. Once you understand a topic, you move on to the next class.
The program is focused on practical skills and includes 41 courses covering areas like leadership, financial accounting, business law for accountants, and management principles. Most students complete the program in less than three years.
7. Buena Vista University
- Location: Storm Lake, IA
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery Mode: Online + Campus
- Cost per Credit:
- In-State: $465
- Out-of-State: $465
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120
Buena Vista University has an online accounting bachelor’s degree. Every student graduates with a double major in accounting and business, which can be an advantage when job hunting.
The program covers data communication and interpretation, getting students ready for the CPA exam. You’ll study cost accounting, business taxation, advanced Excel spreadsheets, and business communication. There’s also an option to do an accounting internship.
8. Trine University
- Location: Fort Wayne, IN
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery Mode: Online
- Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Cost per Credit:
- In-State: $299-$399
- Out-of-State: $299-$399
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120
Trine University in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has an online accounting degree that’s accredited. The program covers important topics like cost accounting, auditing, finance, and income tax. Classes are flexible and last eight weeks each.
You can also earn credits toward a master’s degree in business analytics or administration while getting your accounting degree. This can save you money and get you two degrees at once. The program includes hands-on experience with QuickBooks and Peachtree software.
9. Brescia University
- Location: Owensboro, KY
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery Mode: Online + Campus
- Cost per Credit: $450
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120
Brescia University, based in Owensboro, Kentucky, is a private Catholic liberal arts school providing a fully online Bachelor of Science in Accounting. This program ensures its curriculum meets the credit hour requirements for licensure in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Brescia University aims to provide affordable and flexible education for online students. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting is a comprehensive program that prepares students with broad and specific professional training and skills. Key courses cover areas such as accounting, business law, ethics, microeconomics, taxation, and auditing.
10. Illinois College
- Location: Jacksonville, IL
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery Mode: Online + Campus
- Cost per Credit:
- In-State: $375
- Out-of-State: $375
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120
Illinois College has a fast online program for a Bachelor’s in Accounting. Depending on your previous college credits, you can finish it in around 15 months. The program covers things like risk assessment, business analytics, financial accounting, and income tax.
You’ll need to take an accounting capstone course to graduate, and there’s an option for internships to get hands-on experience. You can choose to study full-time or part-time. The main courses include agricultural finance, statistics, and principles of economics.
