Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting

Badge for BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN ACCOUNTING

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.

Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Accounting Programs

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  1. University of Arizona
  2. University of Arkansas
  3. University of Alabama
  4. University of South Carolina
  5. University of Louisville
  6. University of Memphis
  7. Portland State University
  8. Golden Gate University
  9. University of Baltimore
  10. Old Dominion 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. Portland State University 98%
  4. Old Dominion University 96%
  5. University of Memphis 95%
  6. Southern New Hampshire University 92%
  7. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 92%
  8. University of Alabama at Birmingham 89%
  9. University of Baltimore 89%
  10. University of Arizona 87%
  1. California State University, East Bay 26 to 1
  2. Florida Atlantic University 22 to 1
  3. Southern New Hampshire University 21 to 1
  4. University of Alabama at Birmingham 20 to 1
  5. University of Alabama 20 to 1
  6. University of Louisville 19 to 1
  7. University of Arkansas 19 to 1
  8. Portland State University 19 to 1
  9. University of South Carolina 18 to 1
  10. Old Dominion University 18 to 1
  1. Thomas Jefferson University $43,116
  2. New England College $40,642
  3. Mercer University $38,746
  4. Upper Iowa University $33,609
  5. Catawba College $32,380
  6. Northwood University $30,520
  7. Liberty University $22,713
  8. Southern New Hampshire University $15,380
  9. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $13,833
  10. Western Illinois University $13,669
  1. Northwood University $37,080
  2. Thomas Jefferson University $22,068
  3. Upper Iowa University $19,685
  4. Golden Gate University $19,620
  5. Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
  6. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $16,390
  7. National University $15,480
  8. Mercer University $15,244
  9. Portland State University $14,817
  10. New England College $14,568
  1. New England College
  2. Upper Iowa University
  3. Northwood University
  4. Thomas Jefferson University
  5. National University
  6. Liberty University
  7. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  8. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  9. Western Illinois University
  10. Catawba College
  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. National University 55%
  2. Catawba College 56%
  3. University of South Carolina 62%
  4. University of Alaska Fairbanks 65%
  5. Upper Iowa University 65%
  6. Western Illinois University 72%
  7. Mercer University 75%
  8. University of Louisville 75%
  9. Thomas Jefferson University 78%
  10. Florida Atlantic University 78%
  1. Northwood University 9 to 1
  2. University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
  3. Upper Iowa University 11 to 1
  4. Golden Gate University 12 to 1
  5. Catawba College 12 to 1
  6. New England College 13 to 1
  7. Western Illinois University 13 to 1
  8. Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
  9. University of Baltimore 13 to 1
  10. Mercer University 14 to 1
  1. Florida Atlantic University $2,522
  2. California State University, East Bay $5,742
  3. Old Dominion University $7,029
  4. University of Baltimore $7,154
  5. University of Alaska Fairbanks $7,296
  6. University of Arkansas $7,666
  7. Portland State University $8,106
  8. University of Memphis $8,352
  9. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,568
  10. University of Alabama $10,780
  1. Catawba College $3,594
  2. Florida Atlantic University $5,467
  3. California State University, East Bay $7,176
  4. Liberty University $7,847
  5. University of Arkansas $7,875
  6. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,100
  7. Western Illinois University $8,319
  8. University of Memphis $9,378
  9. Old Dominion University $10,207
  10. University of Alabama $10,780

Do you want to learn the language of business, budgets, and finance?

If so, then you may want to consider earning an online bachelor’s in accounting degree! As an online student, you will progress through a curriculum designed to prepare you for a successful career–all while studying and attending digital lectures from anywhere with an internet connection.

After graduation, you will be instrumental in the preparation of financial statements, in effective business administration, and in efficient business finance.

Featured Programs

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.

25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $12,937
    Expenses: $18,350
    Starting Salary: $57,390
    Salary after 4 years: $73,090
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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
  2. #2

    University of Arkansas

    Fayetteville , AR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $9,656
    Expenses: $18,644
    Starting Salary: $54,008
    Salary after 4 years: $68,783
    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
  3. #3

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/27

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,940
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $52,881
    Salary after 4 years: $67,348
    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
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of South Carolina

    Cost of Degree: $12,688
    Expenses: $17,251
    Starting Salary: $55,238
    Salary after 4 years: $70,350
    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
  5. #5

    University of Louisville

    Louisville , KY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/24

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Louisville

    Cost of Degree: $12,520
    Expenses: $19,160
    Starting Salary: $49,806
    Salary after 4 years: $63,432
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
  6. #6

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,056
    Expenses: $18,080
    Starting Salary: $44,272
    Salary after 4 years: $56,384
    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
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/20

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Portland State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,206
    Expenses: $18,639
    Starting Salary: $52,061
    Salary after 4 years: $66,303
    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
  8. #8

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Golden Gate University

    Cost of Degree: $11,343
    Starting Salary: $87,052
    Salary after 4 years: $107,001

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Old Dominion University

    Cost of Degree: $11,220
    Expenses: $17,780
    Starting Salary: $49,909
    Salary after 4 years: $63,563
    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
  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    199K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $15,380
    Expenses: $21,900
    Starting Salary: $53,098
    Salary after 4 years: $65,267
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  11. #13

    Florida Atlantic University

    Boca Raton , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/23

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Florida Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $4,879
    Expenses: $19,974
    Starting Salary: $49,499
    Salary after 4 years: $63,041
    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
  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1209/26

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Cost of Degree: $8,832
    Expenses: $20,077
    Starting Salary: $49,601
    Salary after 4 years: $63,171
    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
  13. #16

    Catawba College

    Salisbury , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/19

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Catawba College

    Cost of Degree: $32,868
    Expenses: $16,410
    Starting Salary: $45,165
    Salary after 4 years: $55,516
    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
  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    985/21

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Western Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $13,661
    Expenses: $13,721
    Starting Salary: $48,679
    Salary after 4 years: $61,996
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BB in Accountancy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 Years
    • Format: Online
  15. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/23

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Cost of Degree: $14,854
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $52,778
    Salary after 4 years: $67,217
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  16. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/22

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Cost of Degree: $9,612
    Expenses: $15,300
    Starting Salary: $46,220
    Salary after 4 years: $58,864
    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
  17. #20

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    129K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/25

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $16,203
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $43,790
    Salary after 4 years: $53,825
    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
  18. #21

    National University

    La Jolla , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    30K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at National University

    Cost of Degree: $13,320
    Starting Salary: $62,406
    Salary after 4 years: $76,708

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accountancy
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Online
  19. #22

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/23

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $44,200
    Expenses: $21,469
    Starting Salary: $105,033
    Salary after 4 years: $129,103
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
  20. #23

    Northwood University

    Midland , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Northwood University

    Cost of Degree: $31,600
    Expenses: $16,222
    Starting Salary: $58,070
    Salary after 4 years: $71,377
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
  21. #25

    New England College

    Henniker , NH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at New England College

    Cost of Degree: $27,054
    Expenses: $19,802
    Starting Salary: $47,281
    Salary after 4 years: $58,116
    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

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*: $10,320
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,201
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $48,492
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $61,758
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 9 years
  • Job Growth: 4.52%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,051,900
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Financial Managers15.97%$125,312
Financial Risk Specialists8.15%$89,827
Business Teachers, Postsecondary7.01%$86,765
Financial and Investment Analysts7.63%$82,451
Budget Analysts3.30%$78,432

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$49,057$77,714$129,196

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 New York5% higher than average$104,966
#3 Michigan15% higher than average$78,409
#4 North Carolina11% higher than average$79,756
#5 Texas10% higher than average$79,329
#6 Ohio14% higher than average$75,885

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Financial Managers$125,312
Financial Risk Specialists$89,827
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$86,765

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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