If you're considering an online accounting degree, you'll be prepared for lucrative career opportunities while benefiting from North Carolina's strong ties to financial institutions and businesses. We've selected several programs to consider in your college search.
For inclusion on our list, a school must have a primary campus in North Carolina, offer a fully online bachelor's degree in accounting, and publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). When applicable, we've also highlighted median earnings for graduates and if the school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
List Of Accredited Online Accounting Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition | Median Earnings | AACSB Accredited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Carolina University | $25,911 | $57,782 | Yes | ||
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | 2,653 | $9,324 | $53,080 | Yes | |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke | 2,060 | $5,083 | N/A | Yes | |
| University of Mount Olive | 1,027 | $13,650 | N/A | No | |
| Gardner Webb University | 480 | $11,250 | $55,487 | No | |
| Campbell University | 475 | $13,950 | $52,267 | No | |
| Montreat College | 154 | $12,900 | N/A | No |
2025 Best Online Accounting Degrees in North Carolina
East Carolina University East Carolina University East Carolina University
- Online Enrollment: 4,434
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $25,911
- Median Earnings: $57,782
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree:
Why we like them: ECU has a sizable online enrollment of over 4,400 students, placing it among the top 9% of universities with the most online learners. Additionally, the overall school has a high recommendation rate of 92%, based on submitted reviews on our website, suggesting that students are not only satisfied but eager to share their positive experiences. The program's online option features small class sizes tailored for students who cannot attend traditional classes. These courses ensure a strong foundation in accounting, economics, and mathematics. The program supports your study with full-time instructors and professors, ensuring consistent quality and support across both delivery modes.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Online Enrollment: 2,653
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $9,324
- Median Earnings: $53,080
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree:
Why we like them: UNC Greensboro has a robust online enrollment of 2,653 students, placing it in the top 17% for the most distance learners. We also recognize the school's commendable recommendation rate of 86%, based on over 60 student reviews on our website. As part of the Joseph M. Bryan School of Business and Economics, the program has AACSB accreditation. Notably, students have opportunities to fast-track their education by pursuing a combined bachelor's and master's degree in approximately five years. The curriculum covers key areas such as financial statement analysis, taxation, and auditing. Students also benefit from networking through Beta Alpha Psi and can participate in the annual 'Meet the Firms' event, enhancing their professional engagement and career prospects.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke University of North Carolina at Pembroke University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- Online Enrollment: 2,060
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $5,083
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree:
Why we like them: UNCP has a significant online enrollment of 2,060 distance learners, placing it among the top 23% nationwide for online student presence. We also believe the high military enrollment demonstrates the university's support for military-affiliated students. The blend of these attributes makes UNCP a commendable choice for pursuing an online degree in accounting. Notably, the curriculum aligns with CPA exam criteria in North Carolina, offering you a clear path to certification upon graduation.
University of Mount Olive University of Mount Olive University of Mount Olive
- Online Enrollment: 1,027
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $13,650
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree:
Why we like them: The University of Mount Olive stands out with an online enrollment of over 1,000 students at the undergraduate level. Furthermore, its dedication to military students is evident, with 237 military enrollees, highlighting a supportive environment for veteran learners. This degree emphasizes mastery of accounting language and technology, offering pathways to certifications like the CPA, CMA, and CFP, among others. UMO also provides experiential learning credit to recognize prior training, and graduates are prepared for a diverse array of careers including CPA, auditor, and investment banker.
Gardner Webb University Gardner Webb University Gardner Webb University
- Online Enrollment: 480
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $11,250
- Median Earnings: $55,487
Online degree:
Why we like them: The university supports 480 online learners at the undergraduate level. Spanning 60 to 63 credit hours, the program is structured to equip you with essential skills for accounting professions, facilitated by an intensive quantitative approach that emphasizes both accounting and business administration. This program prepares you for pivotal certifications such as CPA, CMA, and CFA. Core components include 36 credit hours in professional subjects and 21 in accounting-specific courses. It incorporates practical courses like Intermediate Accounting, Federal Income Tax, and Auditing, ensuring you meet the dynamic challenges of global financial environments.
Campbell University Campbell University Campbell University
- Online Enrollment: 475
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $13,950
- Median Earnings: $52,267
Online degree:
Why we like them: Campbell University enrolls 475 students engaging in remote learning. Moreover, student-submitted reviews on our website have given the overall university a 93% recommendation rate, indicating satisfaction among its attendees. The program requires completion of 124 credit hours, offered entirely online, with additional availability at locations such as Camp Lejeune and Fort Liberty. Courses are structured in accelerated 8-week terms to facilitate quicker degree completion. The curriculum is tailored for diverse paths, preparing you to sit for exams like CPA, CMA, and CIA, or to pursue careers in CPA firms, corporations, and government roles. The program also acts as a foundation for advanced studies, like MBA or Master of Accountancy degrees.
Montreat College Montreat College Montreat College
- Online Enrollment: 154
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $12,900
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree:
Why we like them: Montreat College is a smaller private school with just over 150 online students. Courses for this accounting program are offered in an eight-week format across spring, summer, and fall semesters. It covers various topics from accounting principles to corporate finance, enhancing decision-making skills. The program prepares students for careers as accounting professionals, financial analysts, and auditors. Additionally, graduates are equipped to pursue advanced studies like an MBA or Master of Accountancy.
Overview of Online Accounting Degrees in North Carolina
As an accountant in North Carolina, you can explore opportunities across various industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and government, or work within specialized areas like forensic accounting or environmental accounting. Accountants are in demand in both private firms and public agencies, providing financial expertise, strategic planning, and compliance support crucial to organizations鈥� success.
How To Become an Accountant in North Carolina
The first step to an accounting career will likely be completing a bachelor's degree in accounting. When choosing a program, it鈥檚 important to select one that is both accredited and cost-effective, ensuring you receive a quality education with strong value. According to U.S. Census data, of North Carolina residents over the age of 25 hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree or higher, meaning that graduates are entering a competitive job market where additional credentials, like a CPA, can set them apart.
Bachelor鈥檚 degree programs typically require around 120 credits and take about four years to complete, although some accelerated tracks may allow for graduation in as little as two to three years. Programs combine general education with specialized coursework in accounting, business, and finance, covering key areas such as auditing, corporate taxation, budgeting, and financial management. While online programs provide flexibility, many degrees also include in-person internships to provide hands-on experience.
If tuition expenses are a factor in your college choice, please review our most affordable online accounting degrees to see which programs fit within your budget.
How To Become a CPA in North Carolina
Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a fantastic opportunity to earn a higher salary but requires a lot of work to achieve this distinction. North Carolina is one of 55 jurisdictions one can apply for a license and practice as a CPA. Prior to starting this career path, you should review North Carolina's requirements from the .
CPA candidates must do the following:
- Complete 150 hours of university-level coursework.
- Complete one year of work experience. If you're concerned about how to manage this while also focusing on coursework, consider an online master's degree in accounting.
- Pass the computer-based CPA exam for North Carolina.
FAQs About Accounting in North Carolina
How Much Do Accountants Make in North Carolina?
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants and auditors living in North Carolina earn a median wage of per year. There are a little over 43,000 employed in these professions.
How Hard is the CPA Exam in North Carolina?
CPA candidates in North Carolina have reported the test to be difficult, but this is common for all states. You'll need to sit for a 16-hour test and receive a score of 75 on a scale of 0-99. We encourage you to review the to get a better sense of the types of questions.
Where Can I Take the CPA Exam in North Carolina?
You can pick one of these locations: Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville, Greensboro, Raleigh, or Wilmington.
Student Reviews of Online Accounting Programs
This is not an easy school. I thought it would be a piece of cake but you have to work and you have to work REALLY hard to EARN your degree. It is not given to you. Anyone looking to make "easy" A's - this is NOT for you. Anyone thinking that UOP is a "degree mill" - DO NOT apply. I have never worked so hard for anything as I did this degree but it is MOST DEFINITELY worth it.
Review Date: 8/22/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
BYU is a great school. From an academic perspective I was intellectually engaged in nearly every class I took. I was especially impressed with the accounting major and business school as a whole. Socially, it is a large student body of over 30,000 and so there is always something fun going on.
Review Date: 12/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The key to being successful at the University of Dayton in the Accounting department is networking with the professors. The faculty have endless connections and opportunities that they will gladly connect students with. These connections include never-ending lists of partners from the Big Four, local firms always looking for interns, and everything in between. The connections do not stop at just public accounting either. The faculty is very diverse in that many have experience across the board. But... Read More
Review Date: 3/8/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Umass Lowell was a great and affordable state college that provided the same opportunities for learning as a private university in New England. The college provides rigorous course loads with many available time selections and faculty staff with many years of experience and qualifying abilities. The school is continuously upgrading and changing their facilities to more modern grounds and has a very diverse group of students. I was a proud student of Umass Lowell that saved money going to a state... Read More
Review Date: 6/26/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The faculty are usually friendly and approachable and are willing to meet with you to assist in resolving matters. There is much online access for traditional students as well as global campus users. I have enjoyed most of my classes at this college so far and have grown with many of them I have taken. I am hoping to continue on as a graduate student in English once I finish my Accounting degree.
Review Date: 7/9/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The only benefit from attending BYU-I is the education itself. The teacher's int he Accounting program are fantastic with real work knowledge. The downside is the school itself. You have a school run by close minded folks who seek to control your life. They have rules for everything with no chance in developing as adults. I don't recommend it.
Review Date: 3/21/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
The college has a diversity of people from many different countries. The environment is very welcoming and clean. The work load isn't very hard to manage with your social life because you have professors that help you in every step of your academic life and people that care. As for to a prospective student make sure to stay close to your professors as they help you out for your academic life. A great beginning for someone who wants to move onto the bigger campus but is scared to move on from high... Read More
Review Date: 2/20/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes