By Jennifer W. Eisenberg
December 2019
Especially tied to the state of the economy, accounting work is typically abundant. As an accountant, auditor, or other professional examiner of finances, you will need to be trained in efficiency analysis. Though some of the fields head toward automation, the need for live human analysis is fairly steady. Of all the paths you could have taken, this may be the most consistent and well-paying.
Among the following top 20 online bachelor’s degree programs in accounting, several tracks and specializations are possible, dividing typically into personal and corporate. Also, you may branch into the non–profit sector and public institutions. Related median salaries range from $69K to $75K.
If you already have a CPA, why get the accounting degree? Programs have been designed to work with those in that particular situation, and it has proved a benefit to job seekers in a constantly growing but still competitive field. You may find related positions as a public accountant, banker, or certified public accountant based on the training in specialized software certifications and related skills. Nearly all the following schools require you to study ethics and ethical practices. You will need it should you choose entrepreneurship on your own.
This list of the top 20 online bachelor’s degrees in accounting is based on tuition rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratios, and accreditation. In cases of a tie on points, the higher rating went to the school with the lower tuition rate.
Hourly Tuition Rate:
- $300 and under – 5 points
- $400 and under- 4 points
- $500 and under – 3 points
- $600 and under – 2 points
- $601 and above – 1 point
Regional Accreditation: 5 points
Multiple Tracks/Specializations: 3 points
Student to Faculty Ratio Ranking:
- 10:1 and under – 5 points
- 20:1 and under – 4 points
- 30:1 and under – 3 points
- 40:1 and under – 2 points
- 50:1 and under – 1 point
Graduation Rate:
- 70-100% – 5 points
- 50-69% – 4 points
- 40-49 % – 3 points
- 30-39% – 2 points
- 0-29% – 1 point
#20 – Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
BS in Accounting Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $596
Points: 12
Website
To transfer directly into the Pennsylvania State University bachelor of science in accounting online program, students must have at least 27 college credits, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, and at least a grade of C. Students not meeting these criteria will be accepted as freshmen and can apply to the program as they are eligible. The Pennsylvania State University online BS in accounting is a 122 credit hour program that allows an unlimited number of transfer credits, but mandates that students must complete 36 hours at the university for a diploma to be awarded from PSU.
#19 – Florida Institute of Technology-Online
Melbourne, Florida
BA in Accounting Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $510
Points: 14
Website
There is no application fee involved with the admissions process for the Florida Institute of Technology bachelor of arts in accounting that is fully online. The program operates on an eight-week course structure and contains 41 courses. It can be completed in about four years at a full-time rate. The Florida Institute of Technology online BA in accounting works as part of the training process in becoming a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant.
#18 – Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
BABA in Accounting Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $578
Points: 15
Website
A 2.5 GPA in all business coursework is required for graduation with the Washington State University bachelor of arts in business administration in accounting online. The school has a plethora of transfer agreements with many schools and six states but, more broadly, possession of an associates degree will transfer on a course by course basis and will not assure the student of junior class status. Washington State University’s 100% online BABA in accounting includes 18 hours of “accounting core” coursework and six hours of accounting electives.
#17 – University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
BBA with a major in Accounting Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $470
Points: 15
Website
The bachelor of business administration with a major in accounting online given by the University of Memphis is a 120-122 credit hour affair that comprises 41 hours of the general education program required by the University (usually completed in the first two years), business core classes, twenty-seven hours in the major and thirteen hours on electives. This online BBA with a major in accounting that the University of Memphis has on offer will provide all but about 30 of the classroom hours required for the CPA exam in most states.
#16 – Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Online BS in Accounting
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $422
Points: 15
Website
To complement the well-designed major, optional minors related to the field for the Indiana State University online bachelor of science in accounting include insurance and risk management, forensic accounting, and finance. Thirty credit hours must be completed at ISU, and up to 90 hours can be transferred into this program. The Indiana State University BS in accounting online also has credit opportunities for military training and experience. Courses in an accounting-related minor are also applicable to serve as hours relevant to the CPA exam’s required classroom time. This program is open for full or part-time study.
#15 – SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, New York
Online BS in Accounting
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $353
Points: 15
Website
The State University of New York’s Empire State College features an online bachelor of science in accounting that can be completed in 124 credit hours or about four years, starting as a freshman. The state of New York requires 150 classroom hours before individuals can take the CPA exam in the Empire State. The SUNY Empire State College BS in accounting online requires submission of an essay that demonstrates the ability to complete university-level academic work with the application packet.
#14 – Colorado State University Global
AURORA, Colorado
BS in Accounting Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition: $350
Points: 15
Website
The 120 credit bachelor of science in accounting online available from Colorado State University Global has developed two optional finance-related specializations: fundraising and business administration. Other specializations are available and are similar in function to a minor. CSU Global’s online BS in accounting allows up to 90 previously earned college credits to be transferred into the program. The website features a summary credit evaluator to check how many credits are eligible for transfer.
#13 – Troy University
Troy, Alabama
Online BS in Global Business – Accounting and Finance Concentration
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $338
Points: 15
Website
Troy University’s 120 credit online bachelor of science in global business – accounting and finance concentration approaches this vital field from the viewpoint of the worldwide business market. Some course titles are investments, intermediate financial management, financial statement analysis, and financial reporting and analysis. The Troy University BS in global business – accounting and finance concentration online requires that students obtain a grade of C or higher in all lower level coursework before proceeding to upper level coursework in the School of Business.
#12 – Temple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
BBA in Accounting Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $595
Points: 16
Website
The Temple University bachelor of business administration with a major in accounting online requires a 2.0 GPA in the major and an overall 2.0 GPA for graduation. This 120 credit program has transfer agreements ensuring compassionate treatment of one’s transfer credit with 19 Pennsylvania area community colleges. Temple University’s online BBA with a major in accounting is given in both 15 week and seven week formats in the fall and spring, with two six-week terms in the summer.
#11 – Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Online BSBA in Accounting
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $407
Points: 16
Website
Credits from the Old Dominion University online bachelor of science in business administration in accounting degree completion program can be used to kickstart your career with ODU’s online MBA or Master of Public Administration, should the spirit so move you. You can transfer up to 90 credits into this program, but the final 30 must be accomplished with this institution. Old Dominion University BSBA in accounting degree completion program online requires 120 credits for graduation.
#10 – Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota
Online BBA in Accounting
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $351.25
Points: 16
Website
Dakota State University features an online bachelor of business administration in accounting that can lead directly into study for an MBA. The program is looking for transfer applicants with at least 24 hours of college credit and a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with fewer than 24 credits may register as freshmen. The school also has a BS in accounting that meets the requirement for CPA status. The Dakota State University BBA in accounting online is a 120 credit program.
#9 – Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota
BS in Accounting Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $303.40
Points: 16
Website
A cumulative 2.25 GPA over-all coursework is required for graduation with the Dickinson State University bachelor of science in accounting online. This program fulfills 121 of the 150 credit hours necessary to stand for the CPA exam in the state of North Dakota. This program does fulfill requirements to stand for the CMA, CIA, and CFE exams in the state of North Dakota. Dickinson State University’s online BS in accounting requires coursework in intercultural communication, financial statement analysis, and principles of marketing.
#8 – Bemidji State University
Bemidji, Minnesota
Online BS in Accounting
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $274.40
Points: 16
Website
Students with at least 24 pre-existing credit hours are eligible to transfer into the Bemidji State University online bachelor of science in accounting. Students with an existing undergraduate degree (associates or bachelor’s) can complete this degree in as little as two years. Bemidji State University’s fully online BS in accounting is intended to prepare students for the Certified Public Accountant exam. This affordable option is open to students with at least two years of college experience and preferably an awarded associates degree.
#7 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Online BS in Accounting
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $215
Points: 16
Website
The Western Governors University online bachelor of science in accounting operates under a slightly different system than other institutions of higher learning. They have two six-month terms per year and during each term, students complete “competency units” and test into the next “competency unit” until the degree is finished. Western Governors University’s BS in accounting online charges a tuition fee of $3,225 per six-month term. We divided this figure by a standard 15-hour enrollment to arrive at an hourly tuition figure of $215.
#6 – Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Online BA in Accounting
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $370
Points: 17
Website
Students in Saint Leo University’s online bachelor of arts in accounting are eligible, upon graduation, to stand for the CPA exam in the state of Florida with just 120 semester hours of study, assuming all other requirements are met. The major at this school includes 27 hours of accounting programming and recommends an internship experience. The Saint Leo University BA in accounting online contains classes in the areas of cost accounting, auditing, and individual federal income taxes.
#5 – University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
Online BBA in Accounting
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $351.25
Points: 17
Website
The University of South Dakota has a 120 semester hour online bachelor of business administration in accounting that covers essential topics to the field, like business statistics, auditing, econometrics, and public finance. Students must apply for admission to the business major as a sophomore, after completing the liberal arts core required by the school. The BBA in accounting online at the University of South Dakota requires a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for admission to the Beacom School of Business, but admittance on probation is a possibility.
#4 – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Online BS in Accounting
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $332
Points: 17
Website
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth online bachelor of science in accounting allows students to transfer in up to 75 credits, which is very generous. Students with fewer than 13 college credits will be admitted as freshmen, with appropriate admission requirements. Those with existing college credit should have a GPA of at least 2.5. The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s BS in accounting online offers a panoply of options in graduate degrees for completing the coursework necessary to stand for the CPA exam in Massachusetts.
#3 – Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
BS in Accounting Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $500
Points: 19
Website
The Maryville University bachelor of science in accounting online has designed tracks for those who wish to pursue the CPA exam and for those who will be content with the baccalaureate degree. The CPA track has three courses at the graduate level. The non-CPA track coursework is geared more toward individual tax preparation. Maryville University’s online BS in accounting is based around a general business curriculum with an accounting focus and requires no ACT or SAT to apply.
#2 – Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Online BS in Accounting
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $251.88
Points: 19
Website
There are three tracks for admission to the Fayetteville State University online bachelor of science in accounting degree completion program. One is for individuals under the age of 21 who have more than 24 credit hours, but not an associates degree, and the second is for students who are over 21, and the third and simplest is for students who hold an associates degree. Fayetteville State University’s BS in accounting online is a 121 credit hour degree completion program that can be completed in about two years with full time study and sufficient transfer credit.
#1 – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana
BS in Accounting Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $496
Points: 20
Website
Offering two optional concentrations (entrepreneurship and professional prep), the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College bachelor of science in accounting online is a 125 credit program that allows transfer credits, credit by CLEP, and credit by PLA. The online undergraduate admissions process involves the submission of SAT/ACT scores and transcripts. There is no application fee for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s online BS in accounting. The college employs support personnel to ensure that new students are not hitting too many bumps on the path to academic success.
Other Rankings of Interest: