Bachelor's in accounting programs teach students basic accounting principles to help them pursue roles in accounting, finance, or business. Pursuing an accounting degree may be a good fit for you, whether you just enjoy math, wish to pursue a certified public accountant (CPA) certification, or want to become an entrepreneur. The number of students pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting increased 13.8% from 2024-2025, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Studying online offers greater scheduling flexibility and the opportunity to bolster your technological skills. Read on to discover top online accounting programs, benefits, and delivery formats available.
Popular Online Accounting Bachelor's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Accounting Bachelor's Programs
What to Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Accounting Program
Both online and in-person bachelor's in accounting programs typically have similar curriculums and graduation prerequisites. Graduates from either program should understand basic generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), forecasting, and tax planning.
However, your experience while studying depends on your specific program and delivery method. Online programs may offer flexibility, while live courses provide additional opportunities to interact with professors and peers. You must weigh the pros and cons of each program against your personal requirements.
How Does an Online Accounting Program Differ From On-Campus Learning?
Online and on-campus accounting degree programs typically offer similar courses and cover the same material. Online and in-person options at the same school often have completely identical curriculums. The differences between a virtual and campus-based accounting program may include cost, flexibility, timeline, and guidance from professors.
Below, find examples of some differences between online and in-person programs, based on a few specific schools' offerings:
| Factor | Online Program | On-Campus Program |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $7,500-$30,000 annually | $6,240-$69,000 annually |
| Course Load | Typically 15 credits per semester, or at your own pace | Typically 15 credits per semester |
| Combination Programs | Master of accountancy and data analytics | Master of science in accounting |
| Total Credits | 120 | 120 |
| Concentrations | Data analytics, forensic accounting | Management accounting, finance, healthcare management, marketing |
| Accounting Courses | Accounting ethics, forensic accounting, data analytics, and professional writing | Legal and ethical environment of business, data analysis with spreadsheets, and technical writing |
Tuition rates may vary between online and on-campus programs. Online programs have a smaller range of tuition rates than in-person programs. Virtual programs may charge lower rates to attract students and compete against similar nationwide programs.
Online and in-person programs generally include 120 credits and take four years to complete. Certain online degrees allow students to complete courses at their own pace. Full-time students who enroll in an accelerated online accounting program can complete it within 2-3 years.
Online programs have a smaller range of tuition rates than in-person programs.
Both on-campus and virtual accounting degree curriculums consist of accounting, ethics, and data analytics classes. Course titles may vary by program but focus on the same fundamentals. Applicants should compare programs holistically by assessing available concentrations, cost, and course load.
Delivery Formats for Online Accounting Degrees
While many of the best online accounting degree programs offer classes only virtually, some take a hybrid approach. Hybrid programs require students to attend both online and in-person courses. Fully online programs are quite common, however, as accounting courses do not usually require labs or in-person assignments.
Fully online programs may employ asynchronous or synchronous courses. Asynchronous classes allow students to complete courses at their own pace, while synchronous courses require students to attend live sessions during set times.
Online learning can be advantageous if you would benefit from the flexibility of an asynchronous schedule. You could also choose any school within the U.S., as you do not need to attend physical courses.
However, if you want to improve your time management, then you may benefit from a synchronous or hybrid program. Synchronous programs offer less freedom, but that can also help you develop your organizational and planning skills.
You can also utilize synchronous programs to develop friendships and ask professors questions. Building an in-person relationship with your professors can work to your advantage when tricky class topics come up or when you have specific accounting questions regarding taxation rules, internal controls, and variance analysis.
How Much Will an Online Accounting Bachelor's Cost?
The best online accounting degrees can cost $7,500-$30,000 annually, depending on your school's prestige, location, and other factors. As a remote student, you may need to pay additional fees for a computer, Microsoft Office, and high-speed internet.
In-person programs can be more expensive than online programs, charging up to $69,000 annually. On-campus students may also pay additional costs, including for housing, transportation, and campus meal plans. Both online and in-person students can apply for financial aid, including:
Scholarships: Scholarships may have various prerequisites, including academic, need-based, or skill-based requirements. Scholarship recipients generally do not need to repay funds.
Grants: Grants usually have need-based criteria, but do not need to be repaid.
Loans: Loans accrue interest and need to be repaid in the future.
Learn More About Payment Options:Check out our financial aid guideLearn more about accounting scholarshipsCheck out the top affordable bachelor's in accounting
Accreditation for the Best Online Accounting Degrees
You should ensure that any school you attend has received institutional accreditation. Institutional accrediting agencies review schools and offer accreditation to institutions that meet a certain standard of learning.
The U.S. has multiple institutional accreditors, including the Higher Learning Commission and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Non-accredited institutions may not be recognized by future employers and may prevent you from transferring credits to other universities or accessing federal financial aid.
Out-of-state students who want to attend an online program should ensure the school has state authorization.
Individual programs can also receive accreditation from agencies that specialize in certain subjects. Accounting programs can earn accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The AACSB requires accounting programs to meet nine business and six accounting accreditation standards.
Accredited institutions receive accreditation for all programs within their school, while programmatic accreditation only applies to a single course of study.
Out-of-state students who want to attend an online program should ensure the school has state authorization. State authorization allows a school to teach students in another state. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation offers resources to check a school's accreditation and state authorization status.
Why Get Your Bachelor's in Accounting Online?
If flexibility is important to you, or if you have competing priorities that you need to balance while in school, an online bachelor's in accounting could be a better fit for you than an in-person program. The following list highlights some of the pros and cons of choosing an online bachelor's in accounting program.
Pros
Choices: Accounting has multiple disciplines, including managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing. If you wish to pursue a specialized track but no institutions nearby offer it, an online program with a relevant concentration may be suitable for you.
Self-Paced: You may find specific aspects of accounting easy or difficult to master. Online programs may offer additional flexibility, allowing you to work at your own pace and work on topics as needed.
Digital Practice: Accounting professionals should feel comfortable with technology, including computers, accounting software, video conferencing, and more. You may practice these skills more frequently in an online program.
Cons
Minimal Networking: On-campus students may attend event fairs, networking events, and meetings with professors. Online attendees may have fewer networking opportunities.
Few Extracurriculars: Fully online students may have fewer academic and non-academic extracurricular choices, including tutoring sessions, sporting events, and student council.
Lack of Structure: Online students must be self-motivated to complete lessons and assignments on time.
Questions About Online Accounting Programs
Your individual requirements determine the best online accounting degree. You must consider your learning objectives, scheduling flexibility, and budget to find the program that best suits your needs.
