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Online Accounting Degrees that Lead to Careers
A bachelor's in accounting is a four-year undergraduate degree that prepares learners for entry-level careers in public, government, and management accounting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for accountants to grow 7% between 2020 and 2030.
In the U.S., higher education is a major financial commitment. Some learners search for cost-effective programs to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and student debt. The cheapest online accounting degrees typically offer extensive financial aid opportunities, reduced fees, and tuition breaks for out-of-state students.
Check out the following rankings and guide to find an online bachelor's in accounting degree that fits your budget.
Why Get an Affordable Degree in Accounting?
In higher education, affordability goes beyond just tuition. To find the cheapest online accounting degree, prospective students must consider factors like financial aid and post-graduation salary-to-debt ratio.
The accounting field attracts degree-seekers for various reasons, including job security and earning potential. Complex taxation and regulatory environments may allow accounting graduates to enter a high-demand field. Accountants earn a median annual salary of $73,560 each year, according to the BLS.
To find the cheapest online accounting degree, prospective students must consider factors like financial aid and post-graduation salary-to-debt ratio.
Many in-person and online accounting degrees offer concentrations that prepare learners for specific career paths, like public accountancy. Other tracks include managerial accountancy, tax accountancy, and auditing or forensic accountancy. Specializations provide job-specific knowledge and skills that can improve career prospects after graduation.
An online bachelor's in accounting degree typically requires 120 credits of coursework, including general education, accounting core classes, and electives. Prospective students typically need a high school or GED diploma to apply. Visit our main program rankings page to learn more about earning a bachelor's in accounting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Accounting Degrees
How much does an online accounting degree cost?
Exact cost varies by school. However, according to NCES data, tuition, fees, and room and board at public four-year institutions averaged $18,380 for the 2018-19 school year. The same costs at private four-year institutions averaged $47,420.
Are there scholarships available for accounting majors?
Yes. Accounting majors can apply for a variety of scholarships to fund their education. Students may find scholarships offered by corporations and small businesses, professional organizations, private individuals, and nonprofits.
Is a bachelor's degree in accounting online worth it?
Yes. A bachelor's in accounting can be a great career investment, as it satisfies education requirements for most entry-level opportunities in the industry. Bachelor's graduates may earn higher salaries and more advancement opportunities than those with just an associate degree or high school diploma.
What jobs can I get with an online bachelor's degree in accounting?
An online bachelor's degree in accounting prepares graduates for rewarding careers as government, public, and management accountants. They can also work as financial analysts and personal financial advisors. Some positions may require additional certification.
How much does an accountant make?
According to the BLS, accountants earn a median annual salary of $73,560 each year. The top 10% of earners earn upwards of $128,680 annually, while the lowest 10% earned below $45,220.
Featured Online Programs
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Cheapest Online Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees
#1 Most Affordable Online Accounting Degrees
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
- Portales, NM
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
All kinds of degree-seekers choose Eastern New Mexico University because the public institution offers learning opportunities with a great deal of flexibility. The school offers its 3,946 distance learners 18 remote bachelor's programs from its campus in Portales, New Mexico. Of these, the Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting is a top-ranking degree, attracting students interested in an accounting-related career.
Connecting with premier faculty members and a supportive learning community benefits accounting students. The remote classroom environment lets degree-seekers do coursework and projects relevant to their personal and professional goals. Some learners participate in internships, externships, or faculty-led research projects. Choosing electives and customizing classes with the help of an advisor allows enrollees to tailor their academic experience to their needs and interests.
Since the price of an education can be high, the college features a variety of internal and external opportunities for financial assistance. Students who meet the eligibility requirements may benefit from fellowships, scholarships, and other types of financial aid. Of all the college's enrollees, 97% get some kind of financial assistance to help lower educational expenses.
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Most Affordable Online Accounting Degrees
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Its flexibility makes the Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting at Florida Atlantic University a good choice for many people seeking an online education in accounting. The public institution offers 11 online bachelor’s programs, providing industry-relevant education to 14,613 remote students. The Boca Raton, Florida, college supports distance learners with institutional resources, such as a helpful online community.
Accounting students gain industry knowledge through interactive classes. Courses in the accounting curriculum cover general education and advanced topics and can be customized. Hands-on learning opportunities let enrollees supplement their academic learning. Degree-seekers gain first-hand experience of what it's like working in the accounting field by completing research, internships, and externships.
The admissions office can tell applicants more about enrollment requirements. Students can meet with the financial aid office to discuss if they are eligible for any funding opportunities, since 82% of all enrollees receive some kind of financial assistance. Aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, help qualified learners decrease their educational expenses.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Most Affordable Online Accounting Degrees
University of Minnesota-Crookston
- Crookston, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers from all walks of life pick the University of Minnesota Crookston because the public institution provides flexible education opportunities. Online learners at the school choose from 15 bachelor's programs offered virtually. Many people looking to go into accounting or a related field find that the top-choice Bachelor of Science in Accounting is a great option.
Top faculty members and a supportive student body benefit students enrolled in accounting. Advancing personal and professional goals is made easier for degree-seekers with career-ready coursework and projects that they do in an online classroom space. Faculty-driven research, internships, and externships are some of the opportunities learners can get involved with. Faculty advisors help enrollees mold the program to their needs and interests by letting them pick electives and select individualized coursework.
Since the price of an education can be high, the college features a variety of internal and external opportunities for financial assistance. Eligible students can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of aid. Receiving some form of financial assistance helps 93% of enrollees at the college lower their educational expenses.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Most Affordable Online Accounting Degrees
Northern State University
- Aberdeen, SD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for a flexible education that prepares you for a career in the accounting field? Check out the Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Northern State University. The 1,958 online learners at the public college receive a premier education, choosing from seven bachelor's programs offered remotely.
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting gives students the tools they need for success in a future career in the accounting field. The broad curriculum includes different types of classes that cover both foundational concepts and advanced knowledge in accounting. Experiential learning opportunities deepen degree-seekers' industry knowledge, helping them advance their career goals. Learners gain valuable knowledge from internships, externships, and applied research projects. Academic advisors and career counselors assist students through the course of their degree.
To offset degree costs, eligible enrollees can pursue external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. As a leader in remote education, the college supports the academic endeavors of its students, awarding aid to 96% of degree-seekers.
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Why You Should Earn a Degree in Accounting Online
Online learning has grown more popular in recent years. Of the nearly 20 million undergraduates enrolled in degree-granting institutions in fall 2019, about 37% took at least one distance education course, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Over 17% of learners studied exclusively online.
Many online degree-seekers continue working full or part time as they study. These learners may benefit from asynchronous online accounting bachelor's degrees. Asynchronous programs allow students to complete assignments at their convenience. Some public institutions charge in-state tuition to out-of-state remote learners, which can amount to thousands of dollars in savings.
How Much Will an Online Accounting Bachelor's Degree Cost?
According to NCES data, the 2018-19 cost for tuition, fees, and room and board at public four-year institutions averaged $18,380. At private four-year institutions, these expenses averaged $47,420.
An online bachelor's in accounting degree can reduce these figures considerably. Studying remotely can eliminate additional housing, meal plan, and campus-based fees. According to NCES data, 2019-20 tuition averaged $9,350 at four-year public institutions and $32,770 at four-year private institutions.
To help finance an online accounting bachelor's degree, consider the following forms of financial aid.
Federal and state governments, banks, and other private lenders offer loans. They provide funds with certain terms and conditions attached. Loans accrue interest and require repayment after graduation.
Federal and state governments fund work-study programs, which help students with financial need secure part-time jobs. Work-study participants often find qualifying work opportunities on their college campus.
Awarded based on financial need or academic merit, grants do not require repayment. Governments, institutions, and private organizations all offer grants.
Like grants, scholarships provide funds that do not need repaying. Scholarship committees often consider factors like financial need, academic merit, demographic information, or field of study. Applications regularly require essays.
Learn About the FAFSA
Making Cheap Accounting Degrees Even Cheaper
Tuition is often the largest financial hurdle college students must face, but it's not the only expense. Learners seeking the cheapest online accounting degrees may want to reduce other major student expenses, too. Whether studying on campus or online, students can lower out-of-pocket costs through careful planning and budgeting.
Consider following the tips below to make an affordable accounting degree even cheaper.
Rather than buying new textbooks at full price, consider renting. Students can use rental services at many college bookstores and online from sites like Chegg and Amazon. If a book cannot be rented, pursue cheaper options like used textbooks or loose-leaf copies. Make sure to sell books back at the end of the year to recoup some expenses.
Housing is another major expense for college students. If studying on campus, consider low-cost dorm rooms or splitting an apartment with roommates. Studying online can automatically reduce housing expenditure by eliminating the need to relocate.
Colleges and universities can charge many fees, so take advantage of the resources they pay for. These fees often cover free or low-cost health and counseling services, IT support, and financial services.
Some schools charge a flat per-semester tuition for full-time students, which typically permits learners to enroll in 12-18 semester credits. By maximizing course loads each semester, students can save money and graduate sooner.
Frugality can reduce financial strain for students. Thrift shopping for outfits, meal planning, and eating out less often can help college enrollees save money.
Will an Online Degree in Accounting Pay Off?
Even the most affordable online accounting degrees come at a significant cost. Some prospective students may worry about the ultimate value of such a major investment. One method to evaluate a program's worth is calculating its likely return on investment (ROI). ROI measures the gain from an investment relative to the amount initially invested.
To calculate the most accurate ROI for a particular college program, look for schools' student outcome data or research local accounting salaries. Using this information, compare expected total expenses against expected post-graduation earnings. This estimates how many years of working it would take to earn back the cost of a degree.
Also consider the value of non-financial returns. A degree is an investment in personal growth and knowledge, and it can provide valuable networking and professionalization opportunities, too.
Jobs for Accounting Graduates
An online accounting degree prepares graduates for a variety of high-paying opportunities. Below, we explore three of the most popular job titles for bachelor's degree holders.
Accountant
Accountants prepare and examine financial records to support the financial health of individuals and businesses. Duties include assessing financial risks and ensuring the accuracy of records. They may also suggest ways to reduce costs or increase revenue. Accountants can specialize in government, management, or public accounting. Obtaining certification may improve job prospects.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): 7%
Median Annual Salary: $73,560
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts guide business decisions to help increase profits. Common duties include assessing investment performance and providing recommendations to management. They also evaluate financial data and study economic trends. These professionals commonly work for banks, insurance companies, credit intermediaries, and other businesses with large financial assets.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): 6%
Median Annual Salary: $83,660
Personal Financial Advisor
Personal financial advisors discuss clients' financial goals and offer advice regarding investments, college savings, taxes, retirement, and estate planning. Advisors may offer advice about many topics or specialize in one area. They most commonly work for financial management and investment companies, but some pursue self-employment opportunities.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): 5%
Median Annual Salary: $89,330
Choosing the Right Affordable Online Accounting Degree
The cost of college matters. Finding the cheapest online accounting degree can save students thousands of dollars in tuition, fees, and associated costs. However, several other key factors can also impact school selection.
When evaluating schools, accreditation status should top the priority list. Attending an accredited institution ensures students can get federal financial aid and transfer credits. It also enables learners to pursue advanced education, licensure, and employment opportunities.
Below, you'll find other factors to consider.
School size affects student-to-faculty ratio and opportunities for networking with peers. It also impacts extracurricular availability.
Location, including whether the school is in state or out of state, can impact tuition cost.
Some schools offer more robust career services, tutoring support, and other resources.
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