Earning an accounting degree online can be an efficient, affordable path to building versatile skills that have cross-industry transferability. In terms of online degrees, "affordable" generally refers to any accredited degree-granting institution that charges below-average tuition.
Though artificial intelligence and software automation have changed the trajectory of accounting professions, technical accounting skills remain in high demand. If you reduce your schooling costs while also entering an accounting career with higher-than-average salaries, you may achieve a positive return on investment (ROI).
Start your journey by reviewing the ranked list of affordable online accounting degrees below.
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Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees of 2025
What Factors Into an Accounting Bachelor's Affordability?
Affordable accounting programs typically charge lower tuition rates. But while tuition makes up a large portion of the cost of college, financial aid and delivery format influence the net cost.
By considering the total cost of a degree, including living expenses, textbooks, and required technology, you can make your program more affordable.
Tuition
How much will you spend on an accounting degree? It depends on the school. Four-year public institutions charged an average of $9,750 in tuition and fees in 2022-2023, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), while private institutions cost an average of $35,250. Graduate programs charged an average of $20,500 in tuition during the 2021-2022 academic year, per NCES.
Tuition rates vary widely, so identifying affordable programs may save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Tuition rates vary widely, so identifying affordable programs may save you tens of thousands of dollars. If you can transfer credits toward your degree, you can also cut down on tuition costs.
Enrollment Status
In 2023, 44% of college students worked while in school, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. That number reached 78% for part-time college students. Your enrollment status can impact the cost of your degree. Working students may spend longer in college, but their income can help cover tuition and limit student loan debt.
If you're paying per credit, a longer timeline will not significantly impact the cost of your degree. However, if your college charges a flat rate per term, part-time enrollment might not save you money. It could even add to the total cost of your degree.
Location
Location can affect your living expenses. Choosing a college in an area with a lower cost of living means cheaper rent, groceries, and other costs. Even if you live on campus, room and board may be cheaper at colleges in low-cost-of-living towns.
Tuition may also depend on location. In-state tuition at public institutions cost $9,750 in 2022-2023, while out-of-state tuition cost $28,300, according to NCES data. That means qualifying for in-state tuition can save you over $74,000 throughout a four-year degree program.
Online learning can lower your living expenses if you attend a college located in an expensive area. Make sure to factor in the cost of any required campus visits when looking for affordable online accounting degrees.
Accounting Degrees Online vs. On Campus
An affordable online accounting degree may cost less than an in-person degree. That's because distance learners may qualify for flat tuition rates regardless of their location. Studying online can also offer students the flexibility to work while in college. And online accounting students at accredited institutions could be eligible for the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus learners.
When considering an online program, students should research the delivery format and experiential learning opportunities. Many online accounting programs encourage majors to complete an internship or hands-on learning in their local area, which can improve employment opportunities after graduation.
Financial Aid
The net price of college represents how much you'll actually spend. Financial aid can greatly lower the cost of your degree.
According to NCES data, in 2021-2022, 87% of all undergrads used financial aid to pay for college. More than half (56%) received federal grants, 33% received state and local grants and scholarships, and 54% received institutional grants and scholarships. Nearly 39% also used student loans.
While loans must be repaid, scholarships and grants are essentially free money to attend college.
While loans must be repaid, scholarships and grants are essentially free money to attend college. Maximizing scholarships and grants can make an affordable accounting degree even cheaper.
How Can You Pay for a Degree in Accounting?
Scholarships are one of the best ways to pay for an accounting degree. That's because you don't have to repay scholarship awards. Accounting students benefit from many scholarship opportunities, including numerous state and local scholarships offered by certified public accountant (CPA) associations and accounting firms. Below are a few of the many opportunities that can help you pay for college.
Scholarships for Accounting Students
AICPA Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs
Requirements: In order to support accounting students who plan to become CPAs, the American Institute of CPAs offers multiple scholarships, including this award. Applicants must demonstrate some financial need and hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 with at least 30 credits at the college level.
Award: $5,000-$10,000
Deadline: March 15
Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship
Requirements: The Government Finance Officers Association offers this scholarship to support accounting students who plan to work in state or local government. Applicants must be full-time graduate or upper-division undergraduate students. The scholarship requires a letter of recommendation that addresses the applicant's commitment to the public sector.
Award: $10,000
Deadline: Dec. 30
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
Requirements: Offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, this award supports undergraduate and graduate students who intend to work in fraud examination or an anti-fraud profession, including accounting majors. Applicants must attend an accredited institution.
Award: $2,000-$10,000
Deadline: Feb. 2
Making Cheap Accounting Degrees Even Cheaper
How can students make an affordable accounting program even cheaper? Fill out the FAFSAevery year, and apply for scholarships. Next, create a personal budget. Budgeting doesn't have to mean cutting out every expense — many colleges offer student discounts on technology, entertainment, and clothes.
Here are some other ways that college students can make their degree more affordable:
Transfer Credits
Apply transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree to cut costs. Students need at least 120 credits to graduate, so counting community college classes, AP classes, or other transfer credits will cut down on the time undergrads spend on an accounting degree. Students can also consider credit by exam or credit for experience.Enroll in Accelerated Programs
An accelerated accounting degree can speed up the normal time to a degree. For example, many universities offer one-year master's programs for accountants, saving you a year of tuition, as graduate programs typically last two years. However, programs that charge per credit may not cost less with an accelerated format.Rent Textbooks
Undergrads spent an average of over $1,200 on textbooks and supplies in 2022-2023, based on NCES data. Renting textbooks, particularly for general education classes, can cut that expense. Accounting majors can also consider buying used editions of textbooks.Lower Living Expenses
Students at public colleges spent more on living expenses than tuition in 2022-2023, according to NCES. Getting a roommate and limiting transportation costs can help students lower their living expenses. Earning an affordable online accounting degree can also make it easier for degree-seekers to lower expenses by living in a cheaper area or with their parents.Maximize Funding
Focusing on the net cost of a degree rather than the sticker price can make a degree even cheaper. In addition to applying for grants and scholarships, accounting majors can consider work-study opportunities and employee tuition reimbursement benefits offered through their employers.
Will Getting Your Accounting Degree Pay Off?
Do accounting majors see a positive return on their investment? Earning an accounting degree can pay off. According to the BLS, business majors reported a median wage of $71,000 per year in 2023, compared with $66,000 for all majors, making a degree in the business field a sound investment.
As of May 2024, accountants and auditors earned a median annual wage of $81,680, per the BLS. Earning potential varies widely, however, with the lowest-paid accountants earning under $52,780 and the highest-paid earning over $141,420. Specialization, experience, and location all impact salaries.
Accounting majors can estimate their return on investment by researching accountant salaries in their local area and specialty. Some accounting programs also list average salaries for recent graduates and information on the program's graduate placement rate. Earning a master's degree can also lead to higher-paying accounting jobs, including management roles.
Learn MoreFind top-paying, entry-level accounting jobsExplore accounting jobs you can get with a bachelor'sWhat are unique and unexpected accounting jobs?Learn about CPA careers
Common Questions About Affordable Online Accounting Degrees
You can save money on an accounting degree by choosing an affordable program and maximizing your financial aid. Scholarships and grants can make accounting degrees cheaper. An online accounting degree can also give you the flexibility to work while in college.
