An 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.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Accounting Degrees of 2026
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 occupationswill 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.
Is an online degree in accounting worth it?
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.
What is the best accounting degree to get?
The best accounting degree to get is the one that suits what you're looking to get out of your career. If you're really interested in doing taxes, then an accounting degree program that offers a tax specialty can be a great fit. Similarly, if you're looking to land a Big 4 internship or job offer, then you may want to consider a degree from a larger institution that has a track record of graduates landing Big 4 job offers.
Are online accounting degrees respected?
Absolutely! There may have been some stigma around online degree programs 10-15 years ago, but with the evolution of the internet and the number of elite programs that now offer online accounting programs, online programs are just as highly regarded as on-campus programs. At many schools, the degree you receive is actually the same whether you earn it through an online program or on campus.
Keep in mind, though, online programs may offer less natural opportunities for networking and connecting with your professors and cohort.
Is it better to get a certificate or a degree in accounting?
It depends on what you want out of your career. If you simply want to work as a bookkeeper or a tax preparer, an accounting certificate may be all you need. If you want to become a CPA and maximize your career growth and earning potential, then you'd probably be better off getting an accounting degree.
Which degrees do most CPAs have?
Due to the requirement that CPA applicants complete a bachelor's degree and earn at least 150 credit hours to become a licensed CPA, most CPAs hold at least a bachelor's degree in accounting. To satisfy the 150-credit hour requirement, some aspiring CPAs enroll in a master's of accounting program, but you can earn those extra credit hours in any subject you choose.
