Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN ACCOUNTING
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

In this article, we present to you the top-ranked online bachelor’s degree programs in accounting. These programs prepare students to join high-paying fields as accountants, auditors, financial analysts, insurance underwriters, and more.

Key Takeaways

  • The best online bachelor’s in accounting programs are accredited by respected organizations (such as AACSB or ACBSP), ensuring a high-quality education that aligns with industry standards and prepares students for the CPA exam and other certifications.
  • Many of these programs offer asynchronous courses, allowing students to study at their own pace while balancing work or personal commitments, making them accessible to working professionals.
  • The colleges in this ranking provide robust career services, including job placement assistance, networking opportunities with accounting firms, and access to internships to help students transition into the workforce after graduation.

Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Accounting Programs

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  1. University of Arizona
  2. University of Alabama
  3. University of South Carolina
  4. University of Louisville
  5. University of Arkansas
  6. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  7. University of Memphis
  8. Florida Atlantic University
  9. Portland State University
  10. Thomas Jefferson University
  1. University of Arizona
  2. University of Alabama
  3. University of South Carolina
  4. University of Louisville
  5. University of Arkansas
  6. University of Memphis
  7. Thomas Jefferson University
  8. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  9. Florida Atlantic University
  10. Portland State University
  1. New England College 100%
  2. Liberty University 99%
  3. Southern New Hampshire University 96%
  4. California State University, East Bay 96%
  5. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 96%
  6. Old Dominion University 95%
  7. University of Memphis 95%
  8. Portland State University 93%
  9. Thomas Jefferson University 89%
  10. University of Baltimore 89%
  1. Southern New Hampshire University 22 to 1
  2. Florida Atlantic University 22 to 1
  3. California State University, East Bay 22 to 1
  4. University of Arkansas 20 to 1
  5. University of Alabama 19 to 1
  6. University of South Carolina 18 to 1
  7. Liberty University 18 to 1
  8. University of Alabama at Birmingham 18 to 1
  9. University of Arizona 17 to 1
  10. University of Memphis 17 to 1
  1. Thomas Jefferson University $44,350
  2. New England College $41,518
  3. Mercer University $39,708
  4. Upper Iowa University $33,639
  5. Catawba College $32,868
  6. Northwood University $31,600
  7. Liberty University $22,511
  8. Southern New Hampshire University $15,380
  9. Western Illinois University $14,406
  10. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $14,179
  1. Northwood University $37,080
  2. Thomas Jefferson University $22,509
  3. Golden Gate University $19,620
  4. Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
  5. Upper Iowa University $18,870
  6. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $16,390
  7. National University $15,912
  8. Mercer University $15,531
  9. Portland State University $15,048
  10. University of Baltimore $14,382
  1. Upper Iowa University
  2. Northwood University
  3. New England College
  4. Catawba College
  5. National University
  6. Western Illinois University
  7. University of Baltimore
  8. California State University, East Bay
  9. Southern New Hampshire University
  10. Golden Gate University
  1. Northwood University
  2. New England College
  3. Catawba College
  4. Upper Iowa University
  5. National University
  6. Western Illinois University
  7. University of Baltimore
  8. California State University, East Bay
  9. Southern New Hampshire University
  10. Golden Gate University
  1. Upper Iowa University 54%
  2. University of South Carolina 64%
  3. Catawba College 67%
  4. Western Illinois University 75%
  5. Mercer University 75%
  6. University of Arkansas 79%
  7. Northwood University 80%
  8. University of Alabama 80%
  9. Florida Atlantic University 81%
  10. University of Louisville 82%
  1. New England College 7 to 1
  2. Northwood University 8 to 1
  3. University of Baltimore 10 to 1
  4. Catawba College 11 to 1
  5. University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
  6. Western Illinois University 13 to 1
  7. Golden Gate University 13 to 1
  8. Mercer University 13 to 1
  9. Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
  10. University of Louisville 13 to 1
  1. Florida Atlantic University $2,522
  2. California State University, East Bay $5,742
  3. Old Dominion University $7,239
  4. University of Baltimore $7,296
  5. University of Alaska Fairbanks $7,659
  6. University of Arkansas $7,666
  7. University of Memphis $8,352
  8. Portland State University $8,400
  9. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,832
  10. Golden Gate University $11,088
  1. Catawba College $3,594
  2. Florida Atlantic University $5,467
  3. California State University, East Bay $7,176
  4. University of Arkansas $7,875
  5. Liberty University $7,893
  6. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,424
  7. Western Illinois University $8,609
  8. University of Memphis $9,378
  9. Old Dominion University $10,519
  10. University of Alabama $11,100

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.

While the University of Arizona remained in the top position, the University of Alabama, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Louisville all gained one position. The University of Arkansas dropped three positions.

Featured Programs

25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs 2025

  1. #1

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #20 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $13,277
    Expenses: $19,500
    Starting Salary: $61,588
    Salary after 4 years: $72,467
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/27

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,900
    Expenses: $21,482
    Starting Salary: $56,749
    Salary after 4 years: $66,773
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Commerce and Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • General Business
    • Management
    • Accounting
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of South Carolina

    Columbia , SC
    #2 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #1 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #1 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/29

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of South Carolina

    Cost of Degree: $12,688
    Expenses: $19,289
    Starting Salary: $59,279
    Salary after 4 years: $69,750
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Louisville

    Louisville , KY
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/23

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Louisville

    Cost of Degree: $12,828
    Expenses: $20,878
    Starting Salary: $53,450
    Salary after 4 years: $62,891
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accountancy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Arkansas

    Fayetteville , AR
    #1 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/24

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $9,748
    Expenses: $20,260
    Starting Salary: $57,959
    Salary after 4 years: $68,197
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham , AL
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/26

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Cost of Degree: $8,832
    Expenses: $20,547
    Starting Salary: $53,230
    Salary after 4 years: $62,632
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting

    Concentrations

    • Financial Management Concentration
    • Investments and Institutions Concentration
    • Real Estate Concentration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,344
    Expenses: $17,726
    Starting Salary: $47,511
    Salary after 4 years: $55,903
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Business Information and Technology
    • Management
    • Marketing Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Florida Atlantic University

    Boca Raton , FL
    #6 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/22

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Florida Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $4,879
    Expenses: $19,966
    Starting Salary: $53,120
    Salary after 4 years: $62,503
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Portland State University

    Portland , OR
    #3 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    28K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Portland State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,617
    Expenses: $16,785
    Starting Salary: $55,870
    Salary after 4 years: $65,738
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/29

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $45,533
    Expenses: $22,874
    Starting Salary: $111,469
    Salary after 4 years: $128,721
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Acquisition and Contract Management
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Health Services Administration
    • Human Resource Management
    • Hospitality and Tourism Management
    • Joe Gibbs Performance Management
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Retail Management
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Fairbanks , AK
    #1 Best Grad School in Alaska 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Alaska 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Cost of Degree: $10,016
    Expenses: $16,700
    Starting Salary: $49,601
    Salary after 4 years: $58,362
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Old Dominion University

    Norfolk , VA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/24

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Old Dominion University

    Cost of Degree: $12,262
    Expenses: $19,392
    Starting Salary: $53,560
    Salary after 4 years: $63,020
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $15,822
    Expenses: $21,458
    Starting Salary: $46,474
    Salary after 4 years: $53,666
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems

    Concentrations

    • Accounting Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    North Dartmouth , MA
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/26

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Cost of Degree: $15,208
    Expenses: $21,112
    Starting Salary: $56,639
    Salary after 4 years: $66,644
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA
    #10 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025 #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #4 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Golden Gate University

    Cost of Degree: $11,343
    Starting Salary: $92,386
    Salary after 4 years: $106,684

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $16,450
    Expenses: $24,000
    Starting Salary: $56,352
    Salary after 4 years: $65,073
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Human Resources Management
    • International Business
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Nonprofit Management
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting

    Concentrations

    • Forensic Accounting And Fraud Examination
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  24. #20

    Western Illinois University

    Macomb , IL
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #8 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2025 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Western Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $14,085
    Expenses: $13,896
    Starting Salary: $52,240
    Salary after 4 years: $61,468
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BB in Accountancy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 Years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  25. #21

    National University

    San Diego , CA
    #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    29K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at National University

    Cost of Degree: $13,320
    Starting Salary: $66,231
    Salary after 4 years: $76,481

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accountancy
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Catawba College

    Salisbury , NC
    #6 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #12 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/22

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Catawba College

    Cost of Degree: $33,400
    Expenses: $17,399
    Starting Salary: $47,933
    Salary after 4 years: $55,351
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Business Management
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Professional Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    New England College

    Henniker , NH
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #5 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at New England College

    Cost of Degree: $27,114
    Expenses: $20,014
    Starting Salary: $50,178
    Salary after 4 years: $57,944
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Hybrid
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Northwood University

    Midland , MI
    #4 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan #5 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024 #9 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024 #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/20

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Northwood University

    Cost of Degree: $33,000
    Expenses: $16,938
    Starting Salary: $61,628
    Salary after 4 years: $71,166
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Automotive Marketing and Management
    • Cybersecurity
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Franchising Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Marketing Communications
    • Operations and Supply Chain Management
    • Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Upper Iowa University

    Fayette , IA
    #10 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/21

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Upper Iowa University

    Cost of Degree: $19,000
    Expenses: $15,022
    Starting Salary: $51,076
    Salary after 4 years: $58,981
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Management

    Concentrations

    • Financial Management
    • Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Accounting Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Accounting

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,724
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,147
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $52,238
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $61,465
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 10 years
  • Job Growth: 5.85%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,072,200
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Financial Managers16.51%$156,100
Financial Risk Specialists8.35%$106,090
Financial and Investment Analysts9.53%$99,010
Business Teachers, Postsecondary6.67%$97,130
Budget Analysts3.74%$84,940

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Financial Managers$156,100
Financial Risk Specialists$106,090
Financial and Investment Analysts$99,010
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting: Worth the Investment?

There are excellent reasons to earn an online bachelor’s in accounting degree! So let’s cover some of the most notable reasons:

Diverse Job Opportunities

You have a wide range of accounting career options with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Accounting majors can become staff accountants, managerial accounting experts, tax accounting specialists, budget analysts, and financial analysts after graduation.

Great Salary

You’ll also have high earning potential, even with entry-level positions. And compensation packages only increase with further professional training, certification and work experience. Accountants and auditors earned a national average salary of $77,250 (May 2021).

Opportunities in Thriving Industries

You will find job opportunities in nearly all industries with an accounting degree online. Due to accounting being the language of business, virtually every industry will need bookkeepers, accountants and auditors.

Opportunities in both Private and Public Cectors

Both the public (i.e., government and its instrumentalities) and private (i.e., for-profit and nonprofit organizations) sectors need accounting professionals.

Robust Job Growth

You can look forward to a discipline that guarantees robust job growth over the next decade. A Bureau of Labor Statistics report points to a job growth for accountants and auditors by 7% (2020-2030).

Job Security

Your job as accountant or auditor is among the most recession-proof occupations! During a tough economy, these professionals are vital in taking business finance into a better direction.

Translatable Skills and Specializations

You can combine an accounting career as a specialization within another field, such as law (e.g., legal accountant), taxation (e.g., tax accountant) or management (e.g., Certified Management Accountant). With courses that are similar to or applicable in undergraduate business programs, the opportunity to switch careers is also excellent.

Fulfills Prerequisites for a Master’s of Accounting Program

A Bachelor’s of Accounting sets you up to pursue a master’s degree in Accounting. A Master’s will open doors to opportunities such as the following high level jobs: lead accountants, auditing managers, and financial managers.

Accounting is a challenging discipline that involves employing many different skills. Your soft skills, particularly critical and analytical thinking and critical thinking skills, will be put to good use, both during the accounting cycle and the management phase.

You will also develop skills in leadership, communication, and organization, aside from the technical skills. These skills will be valuable assets throughout your career.

Most Common Online Accounting Degree Undergrad Concentrations

Bachelor’s in Accounting degrees often offer concentration options are available to students, each of which provide specialized accounting courses. These enable future professionals to focus on specific areas of practice in accounting for nonprofit or for-profit business operations:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Accounting Program: A BA in Accounting has a more liberal art-centric curriculum that allow students to pursue a minor in subject of interest.
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting Degree: The more common choice, an online BS in Accounting prepares students for work in entry-level positions at the public and private sectors, and prepares students for enrollment in a master’s degree.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration with an Accounting Concentration: A Bachelor’s in BA program with emphasis on Accounting is suitable for online students who want to pursue management careers with a strong accounting foundation.

The job market for Accounting degree graduates is a tough one. But accounting degree programs prepare you to compete at the highest level with knowledge of financial reporting, business strategy, business law, financial planning, and accounting information systems.

This is what makes an online accounting degree worth your time and investment!

Bachelor of Accounting Online Admission Requirements and Process

Prospective students of online bachelor’s degree in accounting programs must be prepared for a selective admissions process.

The common admissions requirements include:

  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent with minimum cumulative GPA -OR- an associate degree in accounting or related discipline,
  • Standardized test scores, such as SAT and ACT, with minimum scores and within a specific time limit taken,
  • Letters of recommendation, usually from former teachers or professors,
  • Personal statement or essay according to the standards (format and content) required by the school or program,
  • Current resume

Additional Requirements:

Online students must be well-versed in the fundamentals of the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Note that GAAP itself is an ever-changing framework of principles and practices, thus, accounting students must make efforts to stay on top of them.

Accounting students also will be required to learn about financial accounting, management accounting and forensic accounting fundamentals.

How to Speed Up Your Accounting Degree

Transfer of credits from an associate degree can reduce the time-to-completion by up to two years. Look for an accelerated bachelor’s degree program, too, if you want to earn an accounting bachelor’s degree faster.

Earning an online bachelor’s degree in accounting can be more affordable than an on-campus degree, too. Financial aid options including federal financial aid are also available for online students.

Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Frequently Asked Questions

When earning your bachelor’s degree in accounting, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You may have the option to take classes in person or online. And if you’ve already eared your associate degree in accounting, you may be able to take an accelerated degree completion program.

How long does it take to get a bachelor’s in accounting?

Typically, at full-time status this four-year degree typically requires the completion of 120 credits.

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What courses will I take?

You will likely take introductory courses on topics like tax law, payroll accounting, and personal finance as well as concentration courses that discuss topics like auditing and forensic accounting.

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What can I do with a bachelor’s in accounting?

With a bachelor’s in accounting, students will be ready to enter this high-paying field as accountants, auditors, financial analysts, insurance underwriters, and more. This degree also fulfills 120 credits of the 150 credits needed to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam, a four-part test that leads to CPA licensure. With a bachelor’s degree, you would qualify to sit for the licensure exam in some states. However, in most states, in order to become a licensed CPA, you must go on to earn your master’s degree in accounting.

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Learn more about how to major in accounting.

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