The most affordable online Accounting bachelor’s degrees offer a flexible path to earn a degree and advance your career or begin a new one! Becoming an accountant can be quite a rewarding profession. Not to mention, the projection for accounting careers, including auditors and accountants is only expected to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field of accounting will expand by a minimum of 6 percent over the next decade.

Accounting programs come in all shapes and sizes, though more and more it is easier to find flexible online courses and program offerings that enable students to achieve a degree at their own pace and on their own schedule. Some programs are even delivered with an asynchronous format, meaning students can work through their coursework at their own pace and within their own framework. Many online programs not only offer flexibility, but also convenience and affordability. That is the focus of our best value online accounting bachelor’s.

We have compiled a list for you of 25 most affordable online accounting degree programs. Select programs do require some on campus visits, so keep that in mind when doing your research. You will notice that many program offerings have distinct specializations that students can choose between. That is also something to consider while finding the perfect fit for your academic and career goals. Take a look at these flexible and unique offerings. Hopefully there is an affordable program here that speaks to you. 

1. Peirce College

Peirce College offers a bachelors of science program in accounting. It is considered one of the most affordable online accounting degree programs, and one of the best. The entire course of study is made up of 121 credit hours, 90 of which can be transferred in from other degree programs. Students can take this program entirely online or choose to use a hybrid model, which offers some face to face opportunities. The online learning is designed to be entirely flexible and convenient, even for students who are working full time while completing their studies. The coursework includes learning about the key components in decision making for business, integration of accounting knowledge and information technology, and teamwork skills, as students will work in groups to complete required projects. This program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BS 

2. CSU Global 

CSU Global offers a bachelors of science degree program in accounting online. This is considered one of most affordable online accounting degree programs. The cost makes it accessible to many different learners. This online program prides itself of being a flexible option for accounting students and it requires no on campus visits, cutting down on the time and costs associated with commuting. Students will learn how to analyze and prepare financial documents and records, help clients file taxes and ensure they are done on time, and identify value increase plans. Some of the associated classes include topics such as: leadership, ethics and legal compliance, marketing, qualitative decision making, business intelligence, and economics. Many graduates of the program have gone on to work for government organizations, non profits, and the private sector. The program is fully accredited by the accreditation council for business schools and programs. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BS 

CSU Global

3. Grantham University 

Grantham University offers a bachelors of science program in accounting that is delivered entirely online. This program is considered one of the most affordable accounting degree online programs. Students will engage in coursework that covers theories of broad exposure and practices and principles that are necessary for accounting professionals. Other topics that are covered in the curriculum include management, business, organizational behavior, and economics. Many graduates go on to work as auditors, within information systems and general financial areas, as well as taxes. The coursework goes into depth on topics such as bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial statement analysis, among many others. The entire course of study is made up of 120 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 38 months. One of the perks of this program is the convenient enrollment. Classes start every month, and students can matriculate at their convenience. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BS 

Grantham University

4. Florida Atlantic University 

Florida Atlantic University offers a bachelors of business administration online. This program specializes in accounting. It is considered one of the most affordable accounting programs online as well as one of the best online accounting degree programs. Students that participate in this program will learn the ins and outs of financial decision making as well as financial reporting, financial disclosure regulations, and all of the necessary preparation to become certified public accountants. Students will have options to learn the skills for such certifications as CIA, CMA, CISA, CFE, and CGFM. Some of the additional skills that students will learn in the program include audit of financial records, identifying and measuring economic information, making strategic recommendations to a variety of boards and relevant teams. The coursework is all delivered in a flexible and convenient online format. Graduates of the program can achieve positions such as forensic accountant, industrial buyer, financial analyst, loan administrator, among many others. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BBA

Florida Atlantic University

5. Northwestern State University of Louisiana 

Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers an affordable online bachelor of science in accounting degree. This is one of the best online accounting degree programs. The coursework in this program includes such classes as: managerial accounting, governmental accounting, tax auditing, ethics and laws associated with accounting, and accounting information systems. The freshman and sophomore year classes emphasize the basics along with general education requirements. The junior and senior coursework offers higher-level classes such as business law, business finance, management policy, and a variety of accounting electives. This program is delivered through their Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s School of Business. It is fully accredited by the Association for Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business International. Graduates of the program have many opportunities to engage in entry-level positions in the field of accounting and/ or matriculate into a related graduate program with options to specialize more deeply. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BS 

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

6. University of Minnesota – Crookston

The University of Minnesota at Crookston offers a bachelors of science in accounting program that can be accomplished entirely online. This is known for being one of the most affordable options as well as one of the best online accounting degree programs. Students in the program will gain an excellent foundation in all of the critical aspects of accounting. This includes the associated analytical and theoretical frameworks of the discipline. Some of the key topics of the program are taxation, estates, trusts, and payroll, among many others. Required classes include: principles of accounting, accounting systems, managerial science, business writing, business ethics, income tax, and auditing. Additional classes that are required include a basis in liberal arts education that is transferable to a variety of other disciplines. There is also a three credit technology credit requirement. Students also have the option of achieving an additional certificate in taxation. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BS 

University of Minnesota at Crookston

7. Arizona State University 

ASU, or Arizona State University offers a bachelors of arts in corporate accounting degree program that is delivered entirely online. This is considered not only one of the most affordable options, but also one of the best online accounting degree programs. This program is expressly designed for students who are interested in achieving a career in accounting management. The emphasis on managerial accounting includes coursework in corporate compliance, strategic financial planning, corporate accounting, control, and complex decision making. Some of the classes students can expect to take include: business law and ethics for managers, financial statement analysis, business statistics, global supply operations, public speaking, governance, risk, compliance internal controls and ethics, intermediate accounting for corporate accountants among others. Students will be prepared to enter the field of management accounting upon graduation or matriculate into a related graduate program. Many people achieve their CPA certification directly out of the program. 

Degree Type: Corporate Accounting, BA

Arizona State University

8. Columbus State University 

Columbus State University offers a bachelors in business administration degree program that is delivered entirely online. This is considered one of the most affordable programs of its kind as well as one of the best online accounting degree programs according to our ranking. All of the coursework in the program is in service to achieving a CPA license as well as preparation to pursue graduate studies in the field of accounting. The major has 24 upper-division accounting classes embedded into the program. Some of the general education classes include subjects such as macroeconomics, applied calculus, non lab science, American government, public speaking, a foreign language, among many others. This program offers students many opportunities for networking and connections to the discipline. This includes connections to a variety of relevant professional associations and access to national organizations or databases. The program format is designed to be flexible and convenient to accommodate the needs of a variety of learnings. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BBA

Columbus State University

9. Indiana State University 

Indiana State University offers a bachelors of science in accounting program that is delivered entirely online. This program is not only one of the most affordable, but also considered one of the best online accounting degree programs. Students in the program will be prepared to take their CPA exam and pass with flying colors based on the coursework offered. Students will participate in a variety of basic accounting classes and choose between a variety of accounting electives including nonprofit accounting, financial and management accounting, taxation, and nonprofit accounting. Core business classes are also part of the curriculum in this program as well as foundational studies. Some of the additional skills students will gain include: leadership, critical thinking, interpersonal, communication, and critical thinking skills. Many graduates of this program go into such careers as education, corporate accounting, public accounting, reading specialist, government, not for profit, among many others. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BS 

Indiana State University

10. Linfield College

Linfield College offers a bachelors of science program in accounting that is delivered entirely online. This course of study has made our ranking because of its affordability. It is known also for being one of the best online accounting degree programs. This program asks prospective students in this course of study to be detail oriented. It is designed, however, to be a flexible learning option for students who have other life commitments including a full time job and subsequent family commitments. This course of study includes topics such as cost measurement, accounting theory, auditing, and taxes. Graduates of this program can easily achieve entry level positions such as public accounting, tax specialist, financial analyst, general auditor, and government accountant. They also offer a certificate program that is helpful for those who have a different degree, but want to go into accounting. The program is designed to be flexible and convenient for a variety of students. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BS 

Linfield College

11. Morehead State University 

Morehead State University offers a bachelors of business administration program that is delivered with many online options. This course of study is considered one of the most affordable of its kind while also being one of the best online accounting degree programs. The first two years offer more traditional coursework, however, the last two years of upper division accounting classes can be completed online. This program is offered through their School of Business Administration. Students will learn the complex skills required for careers in a variety of accounting sectors including within government agencies, private businesses. Students will learn the ins and outs of careers such as tax auditing, controllerships, among many others. Graduates of the program have gone into careers such as private, personal, and corporate accounting, as well as consulting, financial advising, and investment planning. The coursework is designed to be flexible and convenient to meet the needs of a variety of learners with different life circumstances. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BBA 

Morehead State University

12. University of Memphis 

The University of Memphis offers a bachelors of business administration degree program in accountancy with a major in accounting that is delivered entirely online. This program is offered through the Fogelman College of Business & Economics, which has six distinct departments. They are fully accredited by the prestigious Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. They pride themselves on being the only business school within the city of Memphis that has this accreditation. The entire program is made up of 120 credit hours. Some of the key competencies in this program include: critical financial problem solving, team orientation, competency with technology, the relationship between ethics and business, global business environments, among many others. This program makes it easy to transfer in credits from other programs. The course structure is designed to accommodate a variety of learners with its flexible learning format. Upon graduation, students should be ready to consider taking the CPA exam. 

Degree Type: Accountancy, BBA

University of Memphis

13. University of Michigan – Flint 

The University of Michigan at Flint offers a bachelors in business administration degree in accounting that can be completed entirely online. This is one of the most affordable options of its kind. Students in this course of study will learn all of the skills related to becoming a certified public accountant including the ethical, social, legal, economic, and regulatory environments that impact the field. This includes skills such as complex problem solving. The online learning format is designed to accommodate a variety of learners, many of whom require flexibility to be successful. Some students work full time while getting through the program as well as attend to other life commitments. The program is also very transfer friendly, making it easy for students to move credits from another academic experience. The faculty in the program are experts in their fields. Some of the classes include cost accounting, federal taxation, and income tax preparation. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BBA 

University of Michigan at Flint

14. SUNY College at Plattsburgh 

SUNY College at Plattsburgh offers a bachelors of science program in accounting. This course of study is known for its affordability, as well as its flexible learning format. They make it easy for associates degree holding students to seamlessly matriculate into this course of study, using their previous credits as a foundation for their degree. One of the aspects that draw students to this program is their experiential learning component. This includes a required internship that places students in well known companies such as IBM, Deloitte, GT, PwC, as well as a variety of local firms and businesses where they can practice their accounting skills in the field. They have a lot of resources that provide students with the support they need to be successful. One of the said resources is one-on-one faculty advising. Within advising sessions, students will create educational and career plans that are designed expressly for them. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BS 

SUNY College at Plattsburgh

15. University of Arkansas 

The University of Arkansas, or U of L online, offers a bachelors of science in business administration-accounting that is delivered entirely online. This is offered through their Sam M. Walton College of Business, a renowned business school that has placed their name on the map. This is an excellent program for students who are interested in passing their CPA exam soon after graduation. The program is designed to be incredibly flexible with 15 week semesters and five week summer sessions. Some of the required classes include accounting principles, public speaking, finite math, principles of microeconomics, principles of macroeconomics, survey calculus, and business application knowledge. They offer many opportunities for students to receive support services including career counseling. The entire course of study is made up of 120 credit hours. Students will need at least an additional 30 credit hours to meet the requirements to sit for the CPA exam. 

Degree Type: Business Administration: Accounting, BS 

University of Arkansas

16. University of Maryland – University College 

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a bachelors in accounting program that is delivered entirely online. This is considered one of the most affordable degree options of its kind as well as one of the best online accounting degree programs. The entire program is made up of 120 credit hours, 36 of which are major requirements. Students in the program will learn how to communicate within financial communities and make critical financial decisions. They will also learn how to use all of the appropriate technology for the financial industry. They will also gain the skills to write effective reports and conduct disclosure analysis. Some of the required classes include principles of accounting, cost accounting, auditing theory and practice, advanced accounting, and fraud and forensic accounting. The program is designed to help students gain a foundation that will enable them to have a successful career in the accounting industry. 

Degree Type: Bachelor’s in Accounting

University of Maryland Global Campus

17. Concordia University- Chicago

Concordia University Chicago offers a bachelors of arts degree and a bachelors of science degree in accounting that are delivered primarily with mostly online classes. This course of study is known for its affordability and is considered one of the best online accounting degree programs. This course of study is delivered through their College of Business. Students are required to complete 51 major credits in this program. Some of the required coursework includes accounting, finance, ethics, statistics, marketing, management, advertising, economics, consumer behavior, information technology, among many others. The bachelors of science program gives students the choice to select such electives as operations, individual tax accounting, project management, and advanced business law. One unique aspect of this program is that students are able to receive academic credit by working in the field. Some of the companies that people have options to gain fieldwork experience with include Aldi USA, Northwestern Mutual, and Enterprise among others. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BA & BS

Concordia University Chicago

18. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers a bachelors of science in business administration accounting that is specifically designed to be a degree completion program. Their coursework is delivered in a flexible online format to accommodate learners who have a variety of other life commitments to account for. This program supports students to learn a variety of skills including analytic skills, communication, and computer skills. One unique aspect of this program is that students can be earning graduate skills while they undergo their bachelors degree. There is also the option of matriculating into a masters program at Old Dominion upon completion. Some of the classes included in this program are principles of managerial accounting, principles of financial accounting, and international and advanced accounting. The classes are delivered with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning, meaning some are delivered live and others have no log in time requirements. Students can participate from anywhere in the world. 

Degree Type: Business Administration: Accounting, BS 

Old Dominion University

19. Saint Mary of the woods College 

Saint Mary of the Woods College offers a bachelors of science program in accounting that is delivered entirely online. This program is considered to be one of the most affordable as well as one of the overall best online accounting degree programs. They teach students to understand what they call “the language of business,” another way of looking at accounting. This course of study requires students to complete 125 credit hours. There are additional credit requirements for those who are interested in going on to complete their CPA certification exam and associated requirements. Students are able to modify their program to make it work at Saint Mary of The Woods, however. The accounting major requires 51 credit hours. Some of the required classes include principles of accounting, business law, managerial communications, microeconomics, accounting information systems, advanced financial accounting, among others. Students have the option of achieving a concentration in entrepreneurship. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BS 

Saint Mary of the Woods College

20. University of Toledo 

The University of Toledo offers a bachelors in business administration in accounting that is delivered entirely online if the student chooses. They pride themselves on offering the same online classes as traditional, with the same quality. The program is known for both being affordable and generally one of the best online accounting degree programs. They suggest prospective students check to make sure their state qualifies their online classes. They offer a variety of online resources for students in addition to innovative teaching. Such resources include a comprehensive elibrary, etutoring, a help desk, advising, among many other services. Each student is given personal attention through the accounting department faculty and the college of business and innovation’s student success office. They make it easy for students to seamlessly matriculate into their one year masters degree program upon bachelor’s program completion. Many alumni go on to work in the field of budget analyst, forensic accountant, and certified public accountant. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BBA 

University of Toledo

21. University of West Georgia 

The University of West Georgia offers a bachelors of business administration program in accounting that is delivered partially online. This program has made a name for itself as one of the best online accounting degree programs and has ranked especially high in terms of affordability. The program is delivered through the University of West Georgia’s Richard’s College of Business. They are fully accredited by the association to advance collegiate schools of business. The accounting program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The entire course of study is made up of 120 credit hours. Some of the primary courses offered include management accounting, financial accounting, personal income taxation, auditing, and personal information systems. Students can choose from a variety of elective courses including corporate taxation, fraud examination, advanced accounting, financial statement analysis, among others. There is an advanced internship course available for students who are interested in securing an internship while they undergo the program. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BBA 

University of West Georgia

22. Washington State University 

Washington State University offers a bachelors of arts program in business administration that is delivered entirely online. This is not only an affordable option, but also considered one of the best online accounting degree programs. This program is fully accredited by the association to advance collegiate schools of business. They are one of seven schools within the pacific northwest with that prestigious accreditation. This degree program requires the completion of 120 credit hours and the accounting requirements include 18 semester hours with six additional electives. The accounting courses include introduction to taxation, auditing, cost accounting, and accounting systems and auditing. The electives include options such as accounting and culture, and business ethics and corporate accountability. They have a unique international experience requirement that is designed to ensure students have some experience with international business practices. Students will also participate in general education coursework that includes communications and public speaking. 

Degree Type: Business Administration: Accounting, BA

Washington State University

23. University of Mary

The University of Mary offers a bachelors of science program in accounting that is delivered entirely online if the student is interested in learning this way. They have the option, however, of taking it in a blended format instead or traditional. The program is offered in an accelerated format enabling students to easily get to their MBA in accountancy or the preparatory coursework for their CPA exam. This program pulls from both Christian and catholic frameworks and they utilize this faith-based framework to teach business ethics. Students can complete this entire program in as little as 3.3 years time. Graduates of this program are often working towards careers as accountants, budget analysts, financial analysts, bookkeepers, auditors, tax preparers, and accounting clerks. The school of business, which is the parent of this degree program is fully accredited by the international accreditation council for business education (IACBE). 

Degree Type: Accounting, BS 

24. Ashford University 

Ashford University offers a bachelors of arts in accounting that is delivered entirely online. It is offered through their Forbes School of Business and Technology. This is not only known for being one of the more affordable program options, but also one of the best online accounting degree programs. Students will learn how to work effectively in a business environment. They will also explore such topics as accruals, ledgers, budgets, reporting, and financial statements. They will also learn complex problem solving skills, communication skills, and offer specializations in a variety of fields including project management, entrepreneurship, information systems, among others. Fundamental accounting principles run throughout the program.The program is fully accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Students can transfer up to 90 credits into the program. They will take one class at a time and each class lasts five weeks. 

Degree Type: Accounting, BA

25. St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University offers a bachelors of arts program in business management that is delivered through a mix of face-to-face and online classes. This is considered one of the more affordable accounting degree online programs. This program is offered through a collaboration between their college of adults and school of business. There are 44 credits for the major and students can complete the coursework in 21 months time. Most students in the program receive some financial aid. Not only is the program flexible enough to accommodate adult learners, but it is also convenient. They offer three distinct start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. Graduates of the program will be prepared to achieve employment in such fields as public accountant, internal auditor, financial analyst, government accountant, management accountant, among many others. When students complete this degree program, they will be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. The program is fully accredited by the accreditation council for business schools and programs. 

Degree Type: Business Management: Accounting, BA 

St. Catherine University

Is Accounting a Good Career for the Future?

According to many released career projections, including the aforementioned bureau of labor statistics the demand for accountants in the future looks very good. The profession is said to increase by a minimum of 6 percent from now until 2026. So, if you’re wondering what can I do with a bachelors in accounting? You are asking a timely and appropriate question, as the field is only going to expand. To answer the query, many of the programs at hand train students to prepare for careers as tax assessors, auditors, certified public accountants, and a myriad of other careers that bring together business and finance. Many of the programs offered require such relevant coursework as business ethics, advanced statistics, beginning and advanced accounting, and many classes that tie into a successful career as a business savvy professional. Many tout that accounting is the language of business, and such skills are offered in the programs that we have ranked. If you are still asking yourself is accounting a good job for the future, think about all of the places where you can achieve employment including governmental agencies, not for profits, within education, working for small businesses, and of course preparing taxes for individuals. 

How Do I Choose an Accredited Accounting Program?

Good questions, as accreditation as far as accounting is concerned is especially important. ACBSP vs AACSB accreditation is often a big question; let’s look a little closer at that. ACBSP stands for the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. AACSB stands for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Accredited accounting schools online, especially ACBSP accredited schools, have ensured that the programs they accredit offer all of the current up-to-date coursework that is necessary for accounting professions to not only have a foundation that prepares them to pass the licensure exams, but are able to have the skills that can be effectively add to the discipline. You will notice that, hands down, all of the best colleges for accounting majors are accredited. 

What Kinds of Jobs are in Accounting?

An accounting career path can take you in many directions. There are many career opportunities in the accounting profession. You may want to ask yourself if you are interested in public accounting vs corporate accounting and take it from there. Though you do not have to know right away. Maybe your goal is to become a CPA? There is a good chance that you will get a better sense of how you want to approach your accounting career from what you learn in the classes you take. You will be exposed to all of the ways accounting and financial professionals shape the world of business. A tax accountant career is a lucrative and in demand option. Many people hire accountants to prepare their taxes, as do corporations, businesses, and even government agencies and not-for-profit organizations. This is to say, if you go this route, you will never be out of work. Those in the field of accounting are professionals to the extent that they carry a large ethical responsibility. They hold vulnerable information for their clients in many cases and are also there to provide support and advice for critical financial matters.

Related:

• Best Online Accounting Bachelor’s
• 10 Cheapest Online Colleges
• What Can I do with a Bachelors in Accounting?
• Can I become a CPA with a Bachelors in Accounting?
• Top 25 Best Online Masters in Accounting Degrees