Accounting Certificate Online

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Earn an Accounting Certificate Online

• $320 per credit for 18 credits
• Develop key accounting industry knowledge and skills
• Complete in as few as 6 months

• Program accredited by ACBSP
• Supplement your bachelor’s with a certificate
• Upskill to help you kick off your career – or take it further

Accounting Certificate Online Program Overview

Enhance your knowledge of accounting principles and practices with an undergraduate Certificate in Accounting online. Whether the certificate is your first step toward a degree or a means to improve your skills, this customizable program provides the training you’ll need to excel in today’s competitive workplace. This certificate is a good supplement to an existing bachelor’s degree, or you can use this coursework as part of a bachelor of science degree in accounting.

You’ll learn how to interpret and use financial statements and apply financial, managerial and accounting principles. You can also customize your certification with 6 credits of electives. This certificate may help you grow your career and prepare you to complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting and or a bachelor’s in finance, or could supplement any bachelor’s degree you have already completed.

Learn how to:

• Gain fundamental accounting skills
• Prepare financial statements in accordance with industry standards
• Explore the financial impact of short-term and long-term business decisions
• Address intricate accounting scenarios such as recording complex financial statement elements

Career Outlook

The accounting certificate is a strong supplement to a bachelor’s degree, especially for anyone who may already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-business field. Whether you need basic skills for entry-level positions or want to gain knowledge for promotion or job transfer within your current organization, this certificate could help you get closer to your end goal.

Earning an accounting certificate provides a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices. This work can prepare you for entry-level accounting positions in nearly any industry. With a suite of general accounting courses under your belt, you should be ready to start or advance in an exciting career in accounting, auditing or even finance.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for accountants and auditors between 2018 and 2028 is 6%, which is on par with the national average for all professions.1 However, a certificate alone is not enough to qualify you for a career in accounting. A bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business, is generally a necessary accompaniment, at minimum.

If your interest is in applying the knowledge you gain from online accounting courses toward an entry-level job in bookkeeping, accounting and auditing, there are many possible career paths where you could benefit from an accredited accounting certification program online:

• Bookkeeper: In this role, you may oversee a company’s financial inputs and outputs and their budget. You may be responsible for maintaining the books showing all accounts payable and receivable. You may also be in charge of processing payroll and completing other work such as producing financial reports and making general ledger entries.
• Accounting technician or assistant: These entry-level roles involve managing day-to-day accounting tasks. You may prepare financial reports, handle petty cash or conduct general office administration such as invoicing and communicating with vendors. General accounting duties are the hallmark of this role, including reconciling bank statements, recording revenue or managing accounts receivable and customer billing.
• Auditing clerk: Attention to detail is a particular must with this role, as the auditing clerk will combine bookkeeping, accounting and general financial recording for an organization. Ensuring accuracy across all financial documents is key.
• Financial reporting clerk: Administrative financial work is one part of this role, while the main responsibilities include record keeping and financial reporting.
• Accounts payable and accounts receivable administrator: Every company has money that goes out and comes in, and needs a professional to manage that flow. Serving as an administrator of accounts payable, accounts receivable or both means you may track that cash flow and ensure that bills are paid on time, on an incoming and outgoing basis.

Whichever the role you take, your expertise in accounting – as well as the communication, analytical and creative thinking skills developed through each of your accounting classes online – can help prepare you to not just succeed, but to excel, in the career path of your dreams.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Accounting Certificate

Why SNHU For Your Online Accounting Certificate

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.

Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

• “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
• A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
• Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you’ll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

Opportunities

• Customize your education to fit your schedule and your life
• Access courses 24/7 and learn from faculty working in the field
• Consider applying your credits toward a bachelor’s degree, or our BS-to-MS accelerated online degree pathway.
• Enjoy being a part of one of the biggest and most vibrant alumni associations in the country

96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.2 Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Admission Requirements

Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

How to Apply

Simply work with an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:

• Completing a free undergraduate application
• Providing previous institutions attended – so we can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost

Test scores are not required as part of your application.

Courses & Curriculum

The accounting certificate online program is designed with your career trajectory in mind.

Every student will take 4 courses (12 credits) in general accounting. This suite of major courses is meant to provide the foundation you need to earn a key credential that will help move your career in accounting forward by setting you apart from your peers.

The 4 major courses may include:

• Financial Accounting: This course details the accounting lifecycle. It includes instruction on preparing financial statements and learning rules and best practices as defined by industry standards. The focus is on both finance and communication skills, as stakeholder communication is a vital part of this coursework and of the profession of accounting.
• Managerial Accounting: The impact of both short- and long-term business decisions is this focus of this course. Improving the performance of any organization through best practices, as well as using accounting principles to create and advance business value, are also covered.
• Intermediate Accounting: More advanced instruction on the accounting lifecycle is covered here. Also addressed are more intricate accounting scenarios and how to manage them. Application of theoretical frameworks, standards and regulations of accounting as well as preparation of statements and reports may also be covered.
• Federal Taxation 1: An understanding of tax laws is a crucial part of professional accountancy. In this course, you may expect to dive in to the Internal Revenue Service tax code and focus on applying laws and standards relating to taxes and how they related to general accountancy. You may also learn to prepare federal tax returns.

While these courses are designed to present the foundation of accountancy as a profession, they each also incorporate transferable skills that can help in any business environment. Any position that involves working with numbers includes the need to communicate findings to stakeholders. A variety of written communication and creative thinking exercises and practice is included across the curriculum along with the best practices of professional accountancy.

Once these 12 credits are successfully completed, you will have the option of choosing 6 credits from the catalog of undergraduate accounting courses. There is a wide variety, so that you may customize your focus for the remaining 2 courses and apply this certificate directly to your career path.

Elective courses may include choices like:

• Accounting Information Systems: Explore business processes related to accounting systems, including documentation of internal controls. You may learn accounting applications and types of software commonly used in the profession. Data analysis and problem solving are hallmarks of this course.
• Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations: Specific to nonprofit organizations, this course presents accounting principles geared to the way that nonprofits function. It includes discussion on the unique structure, governance, legal requirements and tax issues surrounding the management of a nonprofit.
• Cost Accounting: Cost data is the focus in the course, including how you may record, classify and report this data. Planning and control processes are covered, as are budgeting, job order and process. Special topics relating to cost accounting may also be covered.
• Auditing and Forensic Accounting: If the world of criminal investigation interests you, consider this course. Focusing on the many ways that accounting expertise can be used to solve white-collar crime, you may learn how to recognize and investigate fraud, as well as how to control and prevent it, all from an accounting perspective.

Throughout the coursework, you’ll learn accounting principles and practices while reinforcing applicable transferable skills, such as written communication and creative thinking. Each course is taught by instructors with professional credentials and experience in their respective fields.

Full Course Catalog

View Full Curriculum in the Catalog

Certificate in Accounting

List of Courses

Courses May Include

Certificate in Accounting Online

ACC 201

Financial Accounting

Students will learn the steps of the accounting cycle and how to prepare financial statements in accordance with industry established rules and regulations. Students will develop skills needed to analyze financial accounting information, communicate this information to stakeholders, and understand the accounting procedures that produce this information.

ACC 202

Managerial Accounting

Students will explore the financial impact of short-term and long-term business decisions. By learning how accounting and other productivity information can be used to assess and improve performance of an organization, managers will be provided the essential information they need to execute growth strategies and select opportunities that create business value.

ACC 307

Intermediate Accounting I

Review introductory concepts including the accounting cycle, journal and adjusting entries. Learn to address more intricate accounting scenarios such as recording more complex financial statement elements. Apply theoretical frameworks and various accounting standards and regulations to the proper preparation of financial statements.

ACC 330

Federal Taxation I

Learn about current US tax laws and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), as well as the relevant source documents, associated with federal tax returns for individuals. Apply the appropriate tax laws as required by law in relation to the specific circumstances and tax liabilities of individuals. Prepare federal tax returns and communicate various tax return information to individuals

Total Credits: 18

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Component Type 

PC (Windows OS) 

Apple (Mac OS) 

Operating System 

Currently supported operating system from Microsoft.  

Currently supported operating system from Apple. 

Memory (RAM) 

8GB or higher 

8GB or higher 

Hard Drive 

100GB or higher 

100GB or higher 

Antivirus Software 

Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. 

Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. 

SNHU Purchase Programs 

Visit Dell 

Visit Apple 

Internet/ Bandwidth 

5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency 

5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency 

Notes: 

• Laptop or desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. 

• Note:  Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. 

• Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft’s discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. 

• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. 

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU’s online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation.

Online Undergraduate Programs

Per Course

Per Credit Hour

Degree/Certificates

$960

$320

Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)*

$675

$225

Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs
No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an accounting certificate?

First, be sure to look for a program that is fully accredited. That will ensure that the curriculum is designed to meet a high standard.

Then, examine the course offerings. Ideally, we recommend a certificate program that offers both broad accounting coursework as well as the opportunity to customize your learning experience with some free electives.

Any accounting certificate program you enroll in should also include good student support. Academic advising, career advising and a strong alumni network are areas that go beyond the curriculum and lend themselves well to the overall student experience. After all, it takes a considerable commitment of time and money to earn an education and it’s important to find a program that best fits your life and goals.

That’s where an online program can be a great idea. With online certificate courses, you will be able to not only customize your curriculum, but you will be able to personalize the entire learning experience.

You can access courses and submit assignments 24/7, and expect constructive, thoughtful and actionable feedback from your instructor within a fairly quick time frame. At Southern New Hampshire University, we aim to make sure you have feedback on any assignments, emails or other correspondence within a few days.

Can I get an accounting certificate online?

Online accounting certificate courses are an excellent option for a busy professional, or for anyone interested in gaining a quality education from the comfort of their own home.

More academic programs are offered online now than ever before, and for good reason. With online options, you can access your courses every day of the week and any time – day or night. You can expect quick turnaround on grading and feedback from your instructors.

Perhaps one of the ways that online learning is particularly strong is because every interaction and every course will reinforce your written communication skills and creative thinking. You’ll learn how to collaborate in a new way while using the latest technology.

As an accountant, you can present reports and make recommendations to clients, managers, colleagues and other stakeholders. It’s important to be able to communicate with them effectively and efficiently.

With Southern New Hampshire University, you can not only earn an accounting certificate online, you can do so at your own pace, in a schedule that works for you.

You’ll be able to take a suite of courses grounded in general accounting, and then customize your learning with 6 credits of free electives. For those electives, you may choose from any of the accounting courses in our undergraduate catalog. This offers the highest level of customization for your learning so you are able to maximize every minute and every assignment of every course.

Which accounting certification is best?

We believe that the best accounting certificate is one that you can customize to meet your needs. A fully accredited program that offers a certificate grounded in general accounting but also has the option to customize with free electives is a particularly great option.

Any accredited certification programs online should offer top-notch instruction plus the versatility you need to make the program work with your schedule. It can be tough to fit full-time employment, family, social life and the other challenges we all face every day into a schedule that includes school. When the coursework is online – and designed with you in mind – you have the flexibility you need to make the program work for you.

At Southern New Hampshire University, we designed our accounting certificate to be as flexible as you are. Every course is taught by experts in the field of accounting. They can teach the specifics about reporting, tax code and other aspects of the field while also sharing best practices about the profession itself. They can offer tips and tricks on how to best support clients, managers and other stakeholders. They also are ready to provide feedback and support quickly, every day of the week.

Is an accounting certificate worth it?

If you work in accounting or are interested in pursuing accounting as a career, a certificate can help. The coursework lays the foundation for a bachelor’s degree and eventual graduate work if that’s the path you wish to take. The certificate can also serve as an additional credential to boost your resume, which could help you get a leg up on the competition when it comes to job offers and promotion opportunities.

The accounting certificate online at Southern New Hampshire University in particular is designed with you in mind. In just 18 total credits, you can earn a credential from an accredited program that comes with academic and career advising as well as faculty who work in the field. After graduating, you’ll become part of an extensive, vibrant alumni network.

And in as little as one year, you can have a accounting certificate under your belt, showing that you are serious about the field and ensuring that you are best-equipped to provide the best possible accounting and financial services to any company or organization.

Can I get an accounting job with a certificate?

Completion of a certificate in accounting can prepare you to be competitive for hire or promotions. The basic accounting classes online will provide you with a strong grounding in the field of accounting while also showing your commitment to learning and professional growth.

With this credential under your belt, you will be more competitive for promotions without investing the time and money it would take to earn a full degree.

And, if a full degree is what you decide is best for you, we have options. Southern New Hampshire University not only has both bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees online and on campus, we offer accelerated BS-to-MS pathway to help you complete both degrees at an accelerated pace. We also accept up to 90 transfer credits at the undergraduate level (and up to 12 at the graduate level) so we can help you maximize every hard-earned credit without having to repeat any coursework.

Our program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

As for what you can do with an accounting certificate supplemented to your bachelor’s degree, consider these great options:

• Finance manager: With predicted 16% job growth from 2018 to 2028 and average median salary of $129,890 in 2019, a strong background in accounting principles can help you build a strong career in financial management.1 Finance managers consider tax laws and regulations and how those laws inform financial matters. They may be experts in budgets and appropriations, billing or other business matters relating to their respective field.
• Financial analyst: With a median salary of $85,660 in 2019 and predicted job growth of 6% between 2018 and 2028, the role of a financial analyst looks bright.1 Focusing on trends in the market, financial analysts consider investment opportunities for their respective institutions. They may work for investment or financial management companies, securities firms, insurance companies or even banks.
• Budget analyst: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, budget analysts are on track for job growth to stay right about on par with the national average of 4% growth from 2018 to 2028.1 They had a median salary of $76,540 per year in 2019.1 In this role, a budget analyst not only keeps a close eye on the budget of an organization, they may also prepare reports and determine costs and benefits of programs and other expenditures.

Whatever job you choose, your new grounding in accounting will help you excel.

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

References

Sources & Citations (1, 2)

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Handbook, on the internet, at:

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-Auditors.htm (viewed June 24, 2020)
• https://www.bls.gov/OOH/management/financial-managers.htm (viewed June 24, 2020)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.Htm (viewed June 24, 2020)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm (viewed June 24, 2020)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2 According to more than 9,200 SNHU online students in survey responses from the fall of 2019.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting can pave the way for a profitable job in finance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants in the United States make a median annual salary of $73,560, nearly twice the median salary for all occupations.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting yields 120 academic credits out of the 150 required to sit for the certified public accountant (CPA) exam in most states. Many employers hire candidates with a bachelor’s in accounting for entry-level accounting positions, but company recruiters increasingly prefer those with CPA licensure for higher-paying accounting positions.

The ranking below, which we revise yearly to keep prospective students abreast of the latest developments in online accounting education, provides detailed information about the nation’s top accounting bachelor’s degree online.

Explore the Main Points: What to Expect | Jobs | Top Online Bachelor’s | FAQs

What Is Accounting?

Accounting is the enterprise of collecting, processing, plotting, and presenting economic data to facilitate financial decision-making. Accountants are pivotal to a business’s prosperity, as these specialists oversee regulatory compliance, gather and appraise financial information, and produce quarterly reports for business leaders and shareholders.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting focuses on developing easily transferable skills, such as critical reasoning, statistical analysis, strategic problem-solving, and business ethics. These skills qualify bachelor’s in accounting graduates for a wealth of careers across industries and occupations. Common jobs in accounting include accountant, auditor, budget analyst, and personal financial advisor.

Accountants are pivotal to a business’s prosperity, as these specialists oversee regulatory compliance, gather and appraise financial information, and produce quarterly reports for business leaders and shareholders.

Many bachelor’s in accounting programs offer concentrations that cultivate accounting skills geared toward specific sectors or professions. Graduates seeking specific jobs in particular industries may pursue a specialized bachelor’s degree to gain an edge over candidates with just a general bachelor’s in accounting.

Accounting colleges can furthermore increase students’ chances of admission into top-tier accounting graduate programs and qualify learners for higher-paying accounting positions, such as financial analyst, financial manager, management analyst, or top executive.

Why Get an Accounting Bachelor’s Degree Online?

A bachelor of accounting online can open the door to a lucrative career, likely to bring a high return on investment (ROI) a few years down the line. Most accounting bachelor’s degrees online offer flexibility to working professionals. Read on for three more key benefits of earning an online bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Versatility

A bachelor’s degree in accounting delivers highly versatile skills in economics, statistical analysis, effective communication, and business law, which transfer across a variety of sectors and occupations. The degree’s amenability to career changes makes it an attractive credential in today’s rapidly changing economy.

Flexibility

Most bachelor of accounting online programs enable students to study at a pace that fits their busy schedules. An online accounting degree can thus be an appealing option for learners with demanding vocational or family commitments.

CPA Certification

A bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited school provides 120 credits, which count toward fulfilling the requirement to sit for the CPA exam. Aspiring public accountants can earn the additional 30 credits by taking a graduate certificate or a master’s degree.

Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

What to Expect From a Bachelor of Accounting Online

Typical bachelor’s in accounting programs expose learners to an array of foundational and specialized topics in accounting such as financial and managerial accounting, auditing, macro- and microeconomics, business statistics, federal taxation, compliance, business law, and forensic accounting. Each degree-granting institution offers its own unique bachelor’s degrees in accounting and concentration options.

During the first part of a typical curriculum, students take required foundational courses. During the second part, degree-seekers can choose to complete electives or courses needed to satisfy a chosen concentration. Some bachelor’s in accounting programs offer an optional capstone or thesis seminar, in which learners can apply the knowledge acquired from their studies to real-world business problems or academic, theoretical problems.

Accounting bachelor’s degree online programs follow different formats. Some run synchronously, allowing for an immersive experience with contemporaneous online lectures, classroom discussions, and peer collaboration. Other programs provide fully asynchronous courses, in which students listen to prerecorded lectures and complete readings, homework, and tests at their own pace, provided that they meet the deadlines for each course module.

Read more about accounting programs

Admission Requirements

To gain admission to a bachelor’s in accounting program, learners must pass a high school equivalency test or hold a high school diploma, typically with an unweighted GPA of at least 2.0, though top-tier schools often require an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher. Many schools also factor in standardized test scores like the SAT or the ACT.

Once it is time to apply, the Common App can help streamline the application process, allowing applicants to apply to multiple colleges in one go. More than 900 schools accept applications via this platform.

Degree and Concentration Options

Higher education institutions offer several types of accounting bachelor’s degrees. Common accounting degrees include the bachelor of accountancy (BAcc), the BS in accounting, and the bachelor of business administration (BBA) with a concentration in accounting.

The main difference between the BAcc and BS in accounting is that a BS requires more courses in quantitative areas like math and statistics. A BBA, on the other hand, gives students an excellent foundation for an MBA with courses about the fundamentals of business. A BBA with a concentration in accounting can lead to high-paying positions like financial manager or CFO down the road.

Business schools typically allow students to add a concentration in a specialized topic. Popular areas of concentration include:

• Financial accounting
• Managerial accounting
• Business administration
• Information technology
• Actuarial science
• Forensic accounting

Students who plan to work in accounting immediately after graduation should keep in mind that a specialized bachelor’s could narrow their career options. However, a concentration can help applicants stand out in a crowded job market.

Popular Accounting Courses

A typical bachelor’s in accounting program offers courses that concentrate on building foundational accounting skills, electives that explore specialty areas, and sometimes a capstone or thesis. The following are examples of classes you may find in a typical accounting curriculum.

• Federal Taxation: Most programs require students to take a class in taxation. A course in federal taxation focuses on deepening students’ understanding of core concepts involved in preparing a federal tax return, such as itemized deductions, personal exemptions, and property taxes.
• Assurance Services: Assurance services is a common component of a core bachelor’s in accounting curriculum. In this class, students learn how to assess a business’ processes and controls in order to minimize the risk that economic errors make their way into financial decision-making.
• Financial Management: Most programs require learners with a concentration in business administration to take a class in financial management. In this class, students learn a variety of strategies and analytical skills needed to assess financial risks and opportunities, make economic decisions, and set financial goals.
• Forensic Accounting: In most online accounting programs, degree-seekers can choose an elective in forensic accounting. A fairly recent addition to the accounting curriculum, forensic accounting seeks to cultivate the necessary skills for investigating financial crimes, such as organizational fraud and money laundering to enable terrorism and racketeering.
• Capstone or Thesis Seminar: Some bachelor’s in accounting programs offer a capstone or thesis seminar that allows students to apply theoretical expertise acquired throughout their study to tackle real-life or theoretical business problems. For example, a final thesis in accounting might address the problem of how to minimize the adverse effects of a pandemic on local businesses’ financial health.

How Much Will a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Cost?

The typical costs of a bachelor’s in accounting depends on a variety of factors, including whether the school is public or private, whether the degree is online, and the student’s state residency, among other considerations.

The average cost of tuition and fees for an in-person degree at a top-ranked private college is $38,185 annually. The cost of tuition and fees at top-tier public colleges depends on whether you are a resident in the state in question. In-state residents pay $10,388 annually and out-of-state residents pay $22,698 per year for an in-person degree.

An online accounting degree at a private school or a public school as an out-of-state resident is more cost-effective. The average total cost of an online bachelor’s degree is $60,593 at a private school, $38,496 for in-state residents at a public school, and $54,183 for out-of-state residents.

A bachelor’s normally takes four years to complete, and students may be able to cut costs by transferring previous credits and pursuing financial aid. Many schools automatically consider applicants for merit-based scholarships. Alternative ways to finance a bachelor’s degree in accounting include financial aid and student loans. The links below provide more information about these options.

Learn more about financial aid options

Learn more about and explore accounting scholarships

Jobs for Bachelor’s in Accounting Graduates

A bachelor’s in accounting can be a stepping stone to a profitable and challenging career. The BLS reports that the median salary for accountants and auditors is $73,560, which is nearly 80% higher than the median salary for all occupations. Additional education, such as a master’s or graduate certificate in accounting, can significantly increase graduates’ earning potential.

The BLS projects a 7% growth in accountant and auditor jobs from 2020 to 2030. The outlook is even better for some of the occupations reviewed below:

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts help analyze and identify shortcomings in a corporation’s budgets and propose changes to the budget going forward.

• Required Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field
• Job Outlook (2020-30): +5%
• Median Annual Salary: $78,970

Cost Estimator

Cost estimators estimate the cost of the resources, such as labor and materials, a startup or organization needs to produce a product or provide a service.

• Required Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field
• Job Outlook (2020-30): +1%
• Median Annual Salary: $66,610

Financial Examiner

Financial examiners scrutinize corporations’ financial records to ensure that they comply with the financial regulations and identify strategies for ensuring compliance going forward.

• Required Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field
• Job Outlook (2020-30): +18%
• Median Annual Salary: $81,430

Personal Financial Advisor

Personal financial advisors advise individuals on how best to manage their finances and budget for the future.

• Required Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field
• Job Outlook (2020-30): +5%
• Median Annual Salary: $89,330

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts analyze and evaluate the financial health of public and private organizations and provide guidance on where to cut costs.

• Required Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field
• Job Outlook (2020-30): +6%
• Median Annual Salary: $83,660

Choosing the Right Accounting College

Aspiring accountants contemplating where to apply should consider several other factors besides a school’s ranking/prestige. Key factors to weigh before selecting a program include accreditation, alumni network, and future education opportunities.

Two types of accreditation can affect the credibility of a bachelor’s degree in accounting: Prospective students should prioritize a degree-granting institution that is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies, as regionally accredited schools allow students to apply for federal aid and more easily transfer credits between schools or toward a graduate degree.

But program-specific accreditation is equally important for boosting the credibility of a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Accreditation by program-specific agencies such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business ensures that the program has a proven track record of high educational quality.

A program’s alumni network can also impact learners’ future careers in powerful ways. Most quality programs organize events where students meet accomplished alumni. Making a lasting impression on just one fellow graduate can be the beginning of a solid professional network that potentially can assist with career advice, recommendations, and pointers to job openings.

Future education opportunities offered by a program are pivotal to the ROI on your degree. While some undergraduates seek a job immediately after graduating, a certificate or graduate degree can increase your earning potential and help you meet the requirements for the CPA exam.

Why You Should Get Your Bachelor of Accounting Online

Many working professionals and busy learners opt to pursue an online accounting degree, which can be a more affordable and convenient alternative to an on-campus degree. Highly ranked online programs generally boast similar educational outcomes and networking and recruitment opportunities as their on-campus equivalents.

The online degree format varies by school and program. An asynchronous format allows learners to study at their own pace, whereas a synchronous format requires students to attend lectures and tests at set times. An allochronic format provides maximum flexibility and convenience but also requires substantial self-direction and time management skills.

Many working professionals and busy learners opt to pursue an online accounting degree, which can be a more affordable and convenient alternative to an on-campus degree.

The COVID-19 pandemic presents another impetus for pursuing a degree online. Many universities and colleges made the transition to a fully online or hybrid format, and institutions that offer on-campus classes predominantly host professional activities and office hours online. Given the lower cost and higher quality of a degree designed to be online, a 2021 online bachelor’s accounting degree may be a smart choice.

Top 5 Accounting Bachelor’s Degree Online

As a popular business major, online accounting degrees can prepare aspiring accountants for CPA, certified management accountant (CMA), or certified financial manager (CFM) designations. Read on to discover the best online accounting degrees for 2021, and see below to learn more about our methodology for ranking the best bachelor’s degrees in accounting.

Our ranking methodology

• What the Best Accounting Programs Have in Common

  Each school offers a unique college experience, but many of the top schools share winning characteristics. The following attributes align closely with our ranking methodology, and distinguish some of the nation’s best bachelor’s in accounting programs.

  • They Are Accredited. Students should only consider schools with national or regional accreditation, which indicates that a school meets performance standards set by the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. All schools on our list hold such accreditation. Some online accounting degrees receive additional programmatic accreditation through agencies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Keep an eye out for the following regional accrediting agencies:
    • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges
    • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
    • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
    • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • WASC Senior College and University Commission
  • They Offer Academic Excellence. Only schools with enduring legacies of academic excellence make the list. Factors contributing to academic excellence include student retention rate, graduation rate, full-time faculty, and student-to-faculty ratio. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, for example, boasts a 70% retention rate and a student-to-faculty ratio of just 14-to-1, occupying the No. 2 spot on our list.
  • They Are Reputable, Yet Affordable. We determine a school’s reputation based on its admissions rate, admissions yield, and alumni’s mean earnings six years after graduation. A school’s affordability depends on its net price, default loan rate, percentage of students with scholarships or federal aid, and the average amount of aid awarded. For example, 99% of undergraduate students at Wesleyan College, third in our rankings, receive some form of financial aid.
  • They Have a Strong Accounting Program. Obviously, each school in this ranking features a robust accounting program for aspiring professionals. Factors affecting this include the percentage of students enrolled online, the percentage of degrees offered, and the percentage of degrees awarded at a given school. At the University of Minnesota-Crookston, enrollment is split evenly between campus and online students.

1. Location

   Saint Louis, MO

   Maryville University of Saint Louis

   Graduation Rate

   72%

   View School Profile

   Located near downtown St. Louis, Missouri, Maryville enrolls nearly 11,000 students from all 50 states and 47 countries. Students can choose from more than 90 degrees. Maryville dates back to 1872, among the oldest private colleges in the Midwest.

   Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting

   Students can earn Maryville’s bachelor’s in accounting entirely online, with no campus residency requirements. This online accounting degree suits analytically minded learners aspiring to build business acumen and professional experience. Full-time enrollees can graduate in as few as 2.5 years. The program offers early-access coursework, which can apply directly toward a master’s in accounting at Maryville.

   Learners can choose from multiple start dates for the online accounting degree. Maryville does not require application fees, entrance exams, or SAT or ACT scores for admission. Students can seek 24/7 tech support and access faculty with online learning expertise at any time.

   Applying to Maryville

   Students may apply on a rolling basis for the online bachelor’s in accounting. Applicants must submit school transcripts or GED certification, plus official transcripts from colleges attended. Students should possess a minimum 2.5 high school GPA or 2.0 transfer (college) GPA.

   Program at a Glance

   • School Type: Private
   • Accreditation: HLC
   • Tuition: $12,383/semester (full time); $781/credit (part time)
   • Required Credits: 128 credits
   • Program Length: 2.5 years
   • Delivery Format: Online

2. Location

   Saint Mary of the Woods, IN

   Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

   Graduation Rate

   57%

   View School Profile

   Indiana’s oldest Catholic college, SMWC originated as a women’s institution and began enrolling male students in 2015. SMWC offers more than 50 academic programs at its wooded campus in West Terre Haute and online.

   BS in Accounting

   SMWC offers its bachelor’s in accounting through the Business and Leadership Department. The curriculum approaches business and accounting coursework from a liberal arts perspective, with optional concentrations in entrepreneurship or professional preparation. Students explore topics including principles of accounting, business finance, and accounting information systems.

   Learners can complete the bachelor’s degree in accounting online. Only the optional professional preparation concentration requires an internship. Graduates may qualify to pursue CMA, CFM, or certified internal auditor credentials. Enrollees must complete a course in statistics to earn the degree.

   Applying to SMWC

   Students can apply online to SMWC, with no application fee. Applicants must submit official high school or college transcripts and may opt to submit ACT or SAC scores, though not required. Learners may choose from multiple start dates.

   Program at a Glance

   • School Type: Private
   • Accreditation: HLC
   • Tuition: $496/credit (online)
   • Required Credits: 125 credits
   • Program Length: 4 years
   • Delivery Format: Online or on campus

3. Location

   Macon, GA

   Wesleyan College

   Graduation Rate

   52%

   View School Profile

   Wesleyan was the world’s first college to receive a charter to grant degrees to women. The college enrolls more than 700 students and offers more than 50 academic programs, primarily rooted in the liberal arts.

   Online Accounting Degree

   Wesleyan’s online accounting degree combines foundational accounting with social sciences and humanities coursework. The program emphasizes career skill development through a required professional preparation experience and a professional practice seminar. Students may also complete an internship through sponsors including the “Big Four” accounting firms.

   Several of the “Big Four” firms regularly hire graduates of Wesleyan’s online accounting degree. Students can participate in critical networking events including the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program and Wesleyan’s annual accounting open house. The bachelor’s in accounting can lead to CPA and other professional accounting certifications.

   Applying to Wesleyan

   Wesleyan accepts applications on a rolling basis and students can enroll online at any time. Applying online does not require an application fee. Applicants must submit high school transcripts for consideration and may opt to submit SAT or ACT scores.

   Program at a Glance

   • School Type: Private
   • Accreditation: SACSCOC
   • Tuition: $448/credit (online)
   • Required Credits: 120 credits
   • Program Length: 4 years
   • Delivery Format: Online

4. Location

   Longmeadow, MA

   Bay Path University

   Graduation Rate

   59%

   View School Profile

   Established in 1897, Bay Path occupies four campuses across Massachusetts. The university’s online division, the American Women’s College, offered the first all-women, online accredited bachelor’s degree in the United States.

   BS in Business: Accounting

   Bay Path offers a BS in business with a major in accounting. The bachelor’s degree in accounting includes Bay Path’s signature core business education module, and trains students in the practical applications of accounting theory. Course topics include taxation, business law and ethics, and financial and managerial accounting.

   The online accounting degree culminates in a capstone course, Leadership in Practice. Enrollees can begin the program at one of six annual start dates. Learners can access Bay Path’s personalized online educational tool, Social Online Universal Learning, or SOUL. The university offers full- and part-time enrollment options.

   Applying to Bay Path

   Bay Path offers a free online application to prospective students. Applicants must complete the application, schedule an interview with admissions staff via phone or in person, complete the FAFSA, and request official high school or college transcripts.

   Program at a Glance

   • School Type: Private
   • Accreditation: NECHE
   • Tuition: $400/credit
   • Required Credits: 120 credits
   • Program Length: 1.5-3 years
   • Delivery Format: Online or on campus

5. Location

   North Canton, OH

   Walsh University

   Graduation Rate

   59%

   View School Profile

   Walsh offers nearly 100 academic programs centered on holistic Catholic education. The university enrolls more than 2,600 students at its 136-acre campus in Ohio and online.

   Online BBA in Accounting

   Walsh’s online BBA features a specialization in accounting, ideal for aspiring CPAs and managerial or corporate accountants. The curriculum approaches the practice of accounting from an ethical, global perspective. Course topics include auditing, tax accounting, and corporate profitability and sustainability.

   The bachelor’s in accounting offers six start dates per year. Students with prior college experience may transfer up to 92 credits toward the online accounting degree. The program offers accelerated eight-week courses and flexible enrollment. Walsh boasts a business alliance membership in the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

   Applying to Walsh

   Applicants must be at least 21 and possess a minimum of 12 transferable credits from a regionally accredited institution, with a GPA of at least 2.0. Walsh requires high school and college transcripts, a resume, and a completed FAFSA form.

   Program at a Glance

   • School Type: Private
   • Accreditation: HLC
   • Tuition: $500/credit (online)
   • Required Credits: 124 credits
   • Delivery Format: Online

Questions About Accounting College

• What should I major in to become an accountant?

  To become an accountant, you should pursue a bachelor of art in accounting, a bachelor of science in accounting, or a bachelor of business administration with a concentration in accounting. All of these options amount to “majoring” in accounting.

• Can I get a bachelor of accounting online?

  Yes, you can get a bachelor’s degree in accounting online. The recent surge in the popularity of distance learning has incentivized many reputable business schools to develop top-quality online accounting degrees.

• What do you do with a degree in accounting?

  A bachelor’s degree in accounting can be a stepping stone to a lucrative and highly gratifying career as a forensic accountant, a financial analyst, a financial manager, a controller, or a CFO.

• Is accounting a good degree?

  Yes, accounting is a good degree. A bachelor’s degree in accounting builds skills that are transferable across industries and occupations. Accounting graduates also command high wages: In the U.S., accountants make a median annual salary of $71,550 — almost double the median salary for all occupations nationwide.