In this article, we profile the 30 best online bachelor’s in accounting degree programs at some of the nation’s top-ranked institutions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for accountants and auditors is expected to increase 11% through the year 2024. This means that job openings in accounting are on the rise. However, education is essential to securing an accounting job, even at the entry level. Thankfully, online accounting programs are available and cater to students who want to work full-time while attending school.
We reviewed 209 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator) that offered online bachelor’s in accounting degrees or closely related programs. From our list of schools, we reviewed rankings received from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We chose regionally and nationally ranked schools, or institutions with rankings for online bachelor’s programs, and listed them in order of affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our top 30 best online bachelor’s degrees in accounting for 2017.
#30 – Northeastern University
Online Bachelor’s in Finance and Accounting Management
Boston, Massachusetts
Undergraduate tuition: $47,653
One of the top online bachelor’s in accounting degree programs on our list is offered by the highly ranked Northeastern University. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and requires academic high school transcripts or an official associate degree for admission. All courses are delivered online and include a series of business foundation courses as well as elective classes. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These classes include business strategy, cost accounting, financial statement analysis, risk management and insurance, and principles of taxation. Northeastern is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 39th best national university and 7th most innovative school in the country. Also, several of the undergraduate and graduate business programs (including accounting) have earned top rankings.
#29 – Champlain College
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Burlington, Vermont
Undergraduate tuition: $38,660
The bachelor’s in accounting online degree program at Champlain College is designed for working adults who want to earn an accounting degree entirely via distance education. Online courses are delivered in an accelerated seven-week format and include accounting information systems, advanced accounting, corporate finance and financial markets, financial accounting, managing behavior in organizations, and the strategic marketing process. A total of 120 credits are required to earn the degree. Champlain College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 91st best regional university in the North and 3rd most innovative school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs at Champlain are ranked #148 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#28 – New England College
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Henniker, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $35,952
New England College’s accredited online bachelor’s in accounting degree program is available 100% online and designed for busy adults and working students. The program is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and designed to prepare students for careers as accountants, financial examiners, insurance underwriters, and revenue agents. Students take a total of 30 courses over the span of four years. Courses include auditing and attestation, cost accounting, financial accounting, introduction to microeconomics, and management accounting. New England College is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #172 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#27 – Regis University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Denver, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $34,450
Regis University’s online accounting degree programs include the BS in Accounting, which is offered entirely online. Offered as an accelerated eight-week degree, the bachelor’s program equips students with the analytical and quantitative skills necessary to work in the private and public sector. Also, the bachelor’s program helps prepare students who intend to sit for a CPA certification examination. Courses include cost accounting, intermediate accounting, legal environment of business, marketing principles, and principles of macro- and microeconomics. Regis is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs have earned a top ranking of #156 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#26 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Manchester, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $31,136
Southern New Hampshire University offers an accredited online bachelor’s in accounting degree with two concentration tracks. Available concentrations include an accelerated pathway or focus in forensic accounting. Both degrees offer classes entirely online with curriculum delivered by university professors. Courses include advanced accounting, auditing principles, cost accounting, federal taxation, financial statement analysis and business valuation, and intermediate accounting. Southern New Hampshire University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the #1 most innovative school in the nation and the 101st best regional university in the North. Also, the institution is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
#25 – Viterbo University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Undergraduate tuition: $26,150
Viterbo University’s bachelor’s in accounting online degree program is designed in an adult learning format. This means that students with an associate degree in accounting or those who have completed accounting prerequisite courses may earn a bachelor’s in accounting completely online. The program is also designed to equip students with the skills needed to sit for the state public accounting examinations. Classes begin three times per year in August, January, and May, and run eight weeks in length. All courses are taught by university professors who regularly teach on campus. Viterbo is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 115th best regional university in the Midwest.
#24 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Marion, Indiana
Undergraduate tuition: $25,346
One of the top online accounting degree programs on our list is the bachelor’s in accounting at Indiana Wesleyan University. This online program is designed for working professionals who are interested in gaining a foundation that can be applied toward CPA certification. All courses are delivered online and include applied microeconomics for business, business law, intermediate financial accounting, managerial cost accounting, managerial finance, and strategic planning. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certification and official transcripts. Graduation requirements include the completion of 120 credit hours. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as the 27th best regional university in the Midwest.
#23 – Tiffin University
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Tiffin, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $23,125
Tiffin University offers an online bachelor’s in accounting degree that follows a BBA pathway with concentration in accounting. The program is offered entirely online and is designed to encourage decision-making and analytical thinking. All courses are delivered online and include analysis of the accounting process, cost accounting, federal income tax, intermediate accounting, managerial accounting, and survey of accounting. Several foundational business courses are also required, including business finance, introductory marketing, organizational strategy, principles of microeconomics, and survey of accounting. Tiffin is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as among the best regional universities in the Midwest.
#22 – Saint Leo University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Saint Leo, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $21,440
One of the top online accounting degree programs on our list is found at Saint Leo University. The program is ideal for students interested in continuing their education to become certified public accountants (CPAs) or certified management accountants (CMAs). All courses are delivered online and include applied decision methods of business, business information systems and analytics, integrated perspectives on business, introduction to statistics, and principles of accounting. Saint Leo University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 62nd best regional university in the South and 26th best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #59 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#21 – Liberty University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Lynchburg, Virginia
Undergraduate tuition: $21,292
Liberty University’s online bachelor’s in accounting program is designed for working students who want to gain the knowledge needed for entry-level careers in accounting. The program is offered entirely online and requires a total of 120 credit hours. Foundational and intermediate accounting courses are taught by university professors. The program is also designed to provide students with a foundation that is ideal for master’s level accounting or MBA programs. Online courses include accounting ethics, accounting information systems, advanced accounting, financial accounting, managerial accounting, and taxation. Liberty is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as among the top national universities. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #148 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#20 – Linfield College
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
McMinnville, Oregon
Undergraduate tuition: $14,320
Linfield College offers online accounting degree programs, including a bachelor’s in accounting designed for working students. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same college professors who teach at the McMinnville campus. Courses include business law, financial accounting, financial management, intermediate accounting, managerial accounting, and strategic management. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the fields of government, private, and public accounting. Linfield is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 128th best national liberal arts college in the country. Also, the online bachelor’s degree programs are ranked #119 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#19 – Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
University Park, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate tuition: $13,678
The AACSB-accredited online bachelor’s in accounting degree program at Pennsylvania State University is one of the more affordable programs on our list. The program offers comprehensive curriculum designed to help students prepare for a variety of accounting certification examinations like the CFE, CIA, CMA, and CPA. All courses are delivered online, including advanced financial accounting, auditing, cost accounting, financial and managerial accounting for decision making, and principles of marketing. Penn State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 50th best national university and 14th top public school in the country. The school also offers a top-ranked graduate business program, which includes MBA and accounting degrees.
#18 – Southern Illinois University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Carbondale, Illinois
Undergraduate tuition: $13,481
Southern Illinois University’s College of Business offers an online accounting degree designed for individuals with busy lifestyles that want to earn an online bachelor’s in accounting. The program typically takes six semesters over a 24-month period, but it is possible to complete the degree in just 18 months. All courses are delivered online and include accounting financial, accounting managerial, cost accounting, intermediate accounting, internal auditing, introduction to finance, and the legal and social environment of business. Southern Illinois University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution and public school.
#17 – National University
Online Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
La Jolla, California
Undergraduate tuition: $13,016
One of the most affordable online accounting degree programs on our list is the bachelor’s in accountancy from National University. The program is entirely online and designed to prepare students for a wide range of accounting-related careers in corporate, not-for-profit, and public accounting. All courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include applied technology for accountants, legal aspects of business, marketing fundamentals, survey of global business, and taxation for business and individuals. National university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #119 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#16 – Florida Institute of Technology
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Melbourne, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $12,240
One of the top bachelor’s in accounting online degree programs on our list is offered by Florida Institute of Technology. The program is 100% online and designed to establish a foundation for the CMA and CPA certification examinations. The program takes four years to complete and includes a total of 40 classes, all of which are completed online. Courses include accounting information systems, auditing, cost accounting, intermediate accounting, organizational behavior and development, and principles of marketing. Florida Tech is accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 171st best national universities. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #68 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#15 – Walden University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Undergraduate tuition: $12,075
While some institutions offer online BBA in accounting degrees, schools like Walden University offer a BS in Accounting that is both affordable and ACBSP-accredited. Curriculum is delivered entirely online with classes taught by Walden professors. Two concentrations are also available so that students may tailor their degree toward career goals and personal interests. These concentrations include the general track or public accountancy. Courses include business law, auditing and internal controls, financial accounting, fundamentals of accounting, and managerial accounting. Walden is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution. Several of its graduate schools have earned rankings and recognition.
#14 – University of Minnesota
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Crookston, Minnesota
Undergraduate tuition: $11,700
The University of Minnesota offers an online accounting degree that allows busy and working students to earn a bachelor’s in accounting entirely online. The program includes small class sizes, individualized attention, and a solid foundation in accounting that prepares students for certification examinations and graduate programs. All courses are delivered online and include accounting systems, advanced accounting, auditing, business ethics, business law, cost accounting, managerial finance, and principles of accounting. CPA examination preparatory classes are also offered for those interested in sitting for the CPA certification exam. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 3rd top public school and 40th best regional college in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #212 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#13 – Washington State University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Pullman, Washington
Undergraduate tuition: $11,041
Washington State University offers an online bachelor’s in accounting degree designed for working and busy students who want the flexibility that an online bachelor’s program provides. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. Students are required to complete both business and accounting classes, which include accounting systems and auditing, auditing, cost accounting, intermediate accounting, and introduction to taxation. Several accounting electives are also offered, including accounting and culture and business ethics. WSU is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 143rd best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #15 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#12 – Auburn University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Auburn, Alabama
Undergraduate tuition: $10,696
Auburn University offers one of the most affordable online accounting degree programs on our list. The AACSB-accredited bachelor’s degree program is designed for students who want to earn a degree and received preparation for the CPA certification examination while juggling work and family obligations. All classes are delivered online and include accounting information systems, auditing and assurance services, business processes and internal controls, cost accounting, and income tax. Auburn is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 99th best national university and 43rd top public school. Also, several of the school’s online graduate business programs have earned top 10 recognition.
#11 – Colorado Technical University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $10,540
Colorado Technical University offers an online accounting degree program designed for working students interested in working in accounting. The online bachelor’s in accounting degree prepares students with the skills needed for graduate business or accounting programs and lays a foundation for those interested in pursuing a certification examination (CPA or CMA). Classes are delivered online and include advanced accounting, cost accounting, government and not for profit accounting, introduction to managerial and cost accounting, and organizational behavioral principles. Colorado Tech is listed by U.S. News and World Report as among the best regional universities in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #81 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Online BSBA in Accounting
Clarion, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate tuition: $10,287
One of the top online BBA in accounting program on our list is offered by Clarion University of Pennsylvania. The program is designed to prepare students to succeed in accounting and finance professions The program is offered both on-campus and online. Online accounting courses include accounting for equities, auditing, business taxation, cost accounting, legal environment of business, and personal taxation. The program lays a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing graduate accounting programs and CPA certification exams. Clarion is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #81 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#9 – Old Dominion University
Online BSBA in Accounting
Norfolk, Virginia
Undergraduate tuition: $9,750
Old Dominion University offers affordable online accounting degree programs, including the BSBA in Accounting. Students must complete at least 30 credit hours with Old Dominion, and the bachelor’s degree requires 120 total credit hours. All classes are delivered online and taught by some of the same professors who instruct on campus. Courses include accounting information systems, business policy and strategy, intermediate accounting, managerial accounting, principles of accounting, and statistical data analysis and management science. U.S. News and World Report ranks Old Dominion as a top national university and the 118th best public school in the nation. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #63 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#8 – Indiana State University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Terre Haute, Indiana
Undergraduate tuition: $8,746
An alternative to an online BBA in accounting is an online bachelor’s in accounting like the one offered at Indiana State University. This 120-credit online program is designed for busy and working students who want to pursue a career in accounting. Courses are delivered online and include accounting systems, auditing theory and practice, cost accounting, financial accounting, and introduction to federal income taxation. The program serves as a precursor to entry into a graduate accounting program or preparation for the CPA certification examination. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #142 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#7 – Southern Oregon University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Ashland, Oregon
Undergraduate tuition: $8,523
One of the most affordable bachelor’s in accounting online degree programs on our list is the BA with option in accounting from Southern Oregon University. Students may select from two tracks: management accounting and public accounting. All courses are delivered online and include accounting information systems, auditing, cost and management accounting, intermediate accounting, and taxation. The program also offers elective courses and encourages those students interested in seeking a CPA certification to take as many accounting classes as possible. Southern Oregon University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 76th best regional university in the West and 25th top public school.
#6 – Colorado State University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $8,400
The online accounting degree programs at Colorado State University include the bachelor’s in accounting, designed for working students who require the flexibility that an online program offers. This ACBSP-accredited degree offers various specializations so that students may tailor their degree toward personal interests or career goals. Courses are taught by university professors and include advanced accounting, auditing, cost accounting, federal individual taxation, government and nonprofit accounting, information systems for accounting, and quantitative business analysis. Colorado State is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 129th best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked 48th out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#5 – Bemidji State University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Bemidji, Minnesota
Undergraduate tuition: $8,394
The bachelors in accounting online program at Bemidji State University is a four-year degree that may be completed in two years. The online program is designed for students with an associate’s degree who want to earn a bachelor’s in accounting in a quick and flexible manner. The program also provides an option to focus on advanced accounting courses designed to prepare students for the certified public accounting certification exam. All classes are delivered online and are taught by university professors. Bemidji State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 115th best regional university in the Midwest and 35th top public school.
#4 – University of Alabama
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Birmingham, Alabama
Undergraduate tuition: $8,040
University of Alabama offers a bachelor’s in accounting online degree program through its Collat School of Business. The program is 100% online with transfer credit options that can accelerate the completion of the degree. Preparation for accounting certification exams like the CPA, CFE, and CMA is also provided. All courses are delivered online and include accounting information systems, cost accounting, financial accounting, internal auditing, international accounting, and management processes and behavior. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 159th best national university and 83rd top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #63 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#3 – University of Maine
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Augusta, Maine
Undergraduate tuition: $7,448
The University of Maine offers online BBA in accounting type degree programs like the BSBA in Accounting. Students may major in accounting and then choose one of three accounting concentrations such as financial accounting, governmental accounting, and management accounting. All courses are taught online by university professors. These courses include accounting for management decisions, accounting information systems, business law, financial accounting for management and decision making, intermediate financial reporting, operations management, and strategy and policy planning. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Maine as a top regional college in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #48 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#2 – University of Maryland University College
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Adelphi, Maryland
Undergraduate tuition: $7,176
One of the most affordable online accounting degree programs on our list is offered by the University of Maryland University College. The 120-credit online bachelor’s in accounting program can be completed entirely online or in a hybrid format. Classes are taught by university professors and include accounting for government and not-for-profit organizations, advanced accounting, auditing theory and practice, cost accounting, federal income tax, and international accounting. Students may also pick up a business administration minor by taking mandatory business courses in business finance, business law, and ethics and professionalism in accounting. The University of Maine is ranked among the best regional colleges in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #48 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#1 – Western Governors University
Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
Salt Lake City, Utah
Undergraduate tuition: $6,070
Western Governors University offers the most affordable online bachelor’s in accounting program on our list. The program requires students spend approximately 15 hours or more per week on their studies and is ideal for those interested in pursuing advanced careers in accounting. Also, advanced courses geared toward CPA certification preparation are offered. Online courses include business ethics, cost and managerial accounting, intermediate accounting, operations and supply chain management, and quantitative analysis for business. Western Governors is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report recognizes the school as among the best regional universities in the West.
BDP Staff
April 2017
