The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for accounting professionals to grow at a rate of 7% through 2030 — faster than the national average, and a big jump from last year’s outlook. This indicates a bright future for those who want to pursue their love of accounting. It also makes right now the ideal time to earn an online bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Affordability is a key factor many students consider when choosing an online bachelor’s in accounting. Students simply do not want to end up in debt, stuck paying off expensive student loans for years to come. That’s why Top Accounting Degrees went on the hunt for the most affordable online accounting bachelor’s degrees. We began by compiling a list of any and all programs that fit our description. Then we scoured each program’s official website to figure out the number of credits required to complete the degree, plus the cost-per-credit for online, out-of-state students. Below, we’ve ranked the 25 most affordable bachelor’s degrees in accounting that can be completed online.
Note: The estimated program costs listed below are based on current per-credit tuition rates for out-of-state students. They do not include fees, and assume the student will be completing the entire bachelor’s degree, including general education courses.
#1. Georgia Southwestern State University
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Americus, Georgia
Estimated Program Cost: $20,400
The AACSB-accredited online affordable bachelor’s in accounting program at Georgia Southwestern State University can prepare students for a number of careers, including legal studies, banking, accounting, and government. Students are able to earn credits for prior learning, saving even more money. Graduates may be eligible to sit for exams such as the CPA, CMA, CIA, CFE, or CFP. While the program is offered through eMajor, a partnership with other USG public universities, the BBA in accounting is offered exclusively from GSSU.
#2. Western Governors University
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting
Salt Lake City, Utah
Estimated Program Cost: $24,429
Western Governors University features an affordable online bachelor’s in accounting program that teaches students how to use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), ledgers, and journals related to finance to help businesses and individuals assess their assets and liabilities. Almost 72% of graduates finish the program in 1-3.5 years and the average student transfers in 38 credits. The curriculum is designed by business and accounting experts who are members of the Business Program Council at Western Governors University.
#3. Dickinson State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Dickinson, North Dakota
Estimated Program Cost: $26,983
The corporate track online affordable bachelor’s in accounting program at Dickinson State University will prepare students to make strategic business decisions, identify and apply management practices, solve problems and communicate solutions, and become leaders within a business organization. A comprehensive accounting curriculum will provide students with the knowledge and experience needed to understand accounting and how to apply accounting principles in the business environment. Graduates will have the educational requirements needed to sit for a variety of exams including the CMA, CFE, CIA and 121 of the required 150 hours to become a CPA.
#4. Eastern New Mexico University
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Portales, New Mexico
Estimated Program Cost: $30,600
The flexible online bachelor’s in accounting program at Eastern New Mexico University features both asynchronous and synchronous coursework allowing students to participate during class time and on their own schedule. This blend of formats allows students to meet their personal and professional obligations while still receiving the benefit of peer and faculty engagement during class time. Students benefit from phone or email advising to make sure they complete their degree in the most efficient (and affordable!) means possible. Online students have access to tutoring services, an Online Writing Center, and the Golden State Student Center.
#5. American Public University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Charles Town, West Virginia
Estimated Program Cost: $34,200
American Public University, a member of the American Public University System is accredited by the ACBSP and has earned an additional ACBSP Specialized Accounting Accreditation. The online affordable bachelor’s in accounting program can prepare students for any number of career options including positions in auditing or accounting and other positions in public, private, or non-profit organizations. Students can transfer in up to 90 credit hours toward the 120-hour program. There are monthly course starts so students never have to wait to begin earning their degree.
#6. Colorado State University Global
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Aurora, Colorado
Estimated Program Cost: $42,000
Colorado State University’s highly regarded Global campus offers a BS in Accounting which can be completed entirely online. Courses making up the program focus on providing each student with practical and real-world knowledge as they prepare for a career in accounting. Though Colorado State University Global hasn’t raised their tuition prices in more than seven years, they also offer a tuition freeze that lasts until graduation, should prices suddenly increase.
#7. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Estimated Program Cost: $45,000
eNSU, the global campus of Northwestern State University of Louisiana is home to an affordable online bachelor’s in accounting for students who want to consider a variety of careers in accounting. The program is accredited by the AACSBI and includes coursework in business, accounting, auditing, management, income taxes, and banking. Most of the courses are taught through Moodle and include a good blend of PowerPoint lectures, discussion boards, blogs, webinars, and group projects.
#8. American InterContinental University
Online Bachelor of Accounting
Chandler, Arizona
Estimated Program Cost: $47,860
Considered one of the best online programs by U.S. News and World Report, and accredited by the ACBSP, the affordable Bachelor of Accounting program at American InterContinental University Online packs some punch. Students will come away with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field of accounting. Specialized coursework is available in auditing, taxation, cost accounting, professional accounting, government/institutional accounting, and accounting information systems. Students who have completed coursework at another institution may be eligible to transfer in up to 75% of the credits needed to complete the program.
#9. Trine University
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Accounting
Angola, Indiana
Estimated Program Cost: $47,880
Trine University’s online BS in Business Administration: Accounting degree provides students with hands-on, real-world experience leading up to their career. Courses are taught by professors who also happen to be industry professionals. Internships and other business opportunities are also organized throughout the four-year degree program. The full degree requires 120 credits to complete.
#10. Indiana State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Terre Haute, Indiana
Estimated Program Cost: $51,840
The online affordable bachelor’s in accounting program at Indiana State University is a 120 credit hour program with coursework in accounting information systems, auditing, financial and management accounting, nonprofit accounting, and taxation. Minors are available in a variety of areas including forensic accounting, finance, and risk management. Students with no previous college experience can earn their degree in four years, while transfer students can complete their degree in a much shorter amount of time. The program is accredited by the AACSB International through the Scott College of Business.
#11. Delaware State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Dover, Delaware
Estimated Program Cost: $53,700
Delaware State University offers the same great on-campus bachelor’s in accounting program to online students, incorporating classroom lecture with hands-on experience. Students will be able to pursue their CPA, CMA, or CIA certification or complete the 5 year, 150 hour program to earn their accounting bachelor’s and an MBA. Students have the opportunity to complete an internship experience to gain exposure to real-world accounting environment. DSU has an active Accounting and Finance Club and a student chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants.
#12. Bellevue University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Bellevue, Nebraska
Estimated Program Cost: $53,975
Bellevue University offers one of the most affordable online bachelor’s in accounting programs in the country, with the flexibility needed by working professionals. Students can complete coursework online or in-class and graduates are prepared to sit for the CPA exam. A specialization is available in business finance or students can minor in tax accountancy. The hands-on curriculum will ensure that you are able to transfer your newly acquired knowledge and skills to the workforce, or continue on to earn a master’s in accounting.
#13. University of Minnesota
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Crookston, Minnesota
Estimated Program Cost: $54,180
The online bachelor’s in accounting degree program at the University of Minnesota is focused on auditing and implantation, to assist future clients with their financial reports. Students can expect to be well prepared for careers in public, private, or governmental accounting. Those interested in becoming tax professionals can earn a Certificate of Taxation online to compliment their degree. Online students can choose to take their Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam, or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam. One of the many highlights of this affordable online bachelor’s in accounting program is the small class size and individualized attention.
#14. Brescia University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Owensboro, Kentucky
Estimated Program Cost: $54,400
The affordable online bachelor’s in accounting program at Brescia University is designed to prepare students for a professional career in accounting. Faculty members consistently review the curriculum to make sure content covers all the latest trends and practices in the field. While the program is definitely affordable, it also provides adult students with the flexibility needed to complete the program in just two years (provided they have completed general education requirements).
#15. University of Memphis
Online Bachelor of Business Administration w/ a major in Accounting
Memphis, Tennessee
Estimated Program Cost: $55,008
The School of Accountancy at the University of Memphis features an online affordable bachelor’s in accounting program accredited by the AACSB. Students who plan to earn their CPA will benefit from a solid curriculum focused on fundamentals, critical thinking and problem solving, and decision making in a fast-paced business environment. There are no on-campus residency requirements, which is a huge benefit for those with busy schedules. Upper division level accounting courses cover topics such as cost accounting, accounting systems, federal income tax, and audit/assurance services.
#16. University of Maryland Global Campus
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Adelphi, Maryland
Estimated Program Cost: $59,880
The University of Maryland Global Campus features an online affordable bachelor’s in accounting program with no on-campus residency requirements and a liberal transfer credit policy. Students will learn principles of accounting from employers and professors, using real-world data sets and examples, facilitating networking opportunities that can lead to employment. Employers serve as guest speakers and will often recruit students for employment opportunities after graduation. This innovative online affordable bachelor’s in accounting program can prepare students for certification exams including the CAP, CIA, CISA, CFE, CGFM, CMA, and CGAP.
#17. Troy University
Online Bachelor of Science in Global Business w/ a concentration in Accounting and Finance
Troy, Alabama
Estimated Program Cost: $62,400
While Troy University features three different concentration areas in its bachelor of accounting program, the forensic accounting concentration is the only one offered online. The program prepares non-traditional students for accounting careers in government and other industry. Forensic accounting concentration courses include internal auditing, investigation and evidence, fraud examination, and governmental accounting. Courses are offered in the evening in a blended format using video lectures. Graduates will be prepared to take the Certified Fraud Examiners exam.
#18. Maryville University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
St Louis, Missouri
Estimated Program Cost: $64,000
Maryville University offers an online bachelor’s in accounting which does not require any campus visits. The degree consists of 128 credit hours, and sets students on the path towards the CPA Exam. Courses cover everything from micro- and macro-economics to business data analytics, and everything in between. Conveniently, no SAT scores are necessary for entrance into this online accounting bachelor’s degree.
#19. National American University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Estimated Program Cost: $66,600
National American University offers an affordable 180-credit online bachelor’s in accounting degree. Students will not only come away with a solid foundation in accounting, but they will also learn business principles that will apply to just about any organization. Key courses cover areas such as federal income tax, cost accounting, auditing, and intermediate accounting. Faculty has years of experience in the field and use real-life case studies to bridge the gap between online learning and field application.
#20. Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Online Bachelor of Business Administration w/ a major in Accounting
Alva, Oklahoma
Estimated Program Cost: $67,200
The online affordable bachelor’s in accounting program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University requires no on-campus residency, offering much-needed flexibility for working professionals. Students who have already completed their general education requirements prior to starting the program should be able to earn their degree in just five or six semesters. Courses are typically offered in an asynchronous format to allow students to work around their schedule.
#21. Peirce College
Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Estimated Program Cost: $72,600
Peirce College’s affordable online bachelor’s in accounting degree program prepares students for a successful career in accounting by teaching them the analytical and financial skills in demand by some of the largest firms in the nation. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Certified Public Accounting, Certified Management Accountant, and Certified Fraud Examiner exams. The program is accredited by the ACBSP, an indicator of quality teaching and learning outcomes.
#22. Baker College
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Flint, Michigan
Estimated Program Cost: $83,400
The online affordable bachelor’s in business administration in accounting program at Baker College provides students with exactly what they need to be successful in the accounting profession. The program is taught by professional accountants with years of experience in the industry. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination exam in Michigan. Baker College is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business.
#23. Cleary University
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Public Accounting
Howell, Michigan
Estimated Program Cost: $86.520
Cleary University features an innovative online bachelor of business administration in public accounting program ideal for students who want to advance in careers in management or leadership. The program prepares students for the Uniform CPA Exam. Course content consists of case studies, project-based learning, and other hands-on teaching strategies that make it easy for students to transfer classroom knowledge to the workplace.
#24. Florida Atlantic University
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Boca Raton, Florida
Estimated Program Cost: $93,820
The AACSB-accredited online bachelor’s in accounting program at Florida Atlantic University is designed for students who want to have a successful career in accounting in business or government. There are no on-campus residency requirements and students who begin the program with an associate’s degree can finish in just two years of study. Students will take courses in cost accounting, federal tax, business law, intermediate theory, and auditing and assurance services.
#25. Central Methodist University
Online Bachelor of Accountancy
Fayette, Missouri
Estimated Program Cost: $100,000
Central Methodist University is where aspiring accounting students can find the flexibility and balance needed to earn their degree while maintaining personal and professional obligations. The affordable online bachelor’s in accountancy program includes classes in fraud examination, auditing, marketing, business finance, and cost accounting. It includes hands-on learning so students can demonstrate their skills. Graduates will be prepared for careers in consulting, accounting, underwriting, financial planning, and financial analysis.
Related Resources:
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