Ohio colleges and universities offer a variety of online accounting degrees, and we've highlighted bachelor's programs you should consider. These accredited programs cover important topics, including financial accounting, auditing, and taxation, preparing you to meet CPA requirements and expand your skills in the accounting field.
For inclusion on our list, a school must have a primary campus in Ohio, 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin University | $11,940 | $57,679 | No | ||
| University of Toledo | 1,750 | $10,593 | $62,290 | Yes | |
| Ohio Christian University | 1,126 | $13,500 | N/A | No | |
| Tiffin University | 733 | $12,720 | N/A | No | |
| University of Northwestern Ohio | 387 | $8,400 | $49,971 | No | |
| Shawnee State University | 269 | $10,375 | $45,497 | No | |
| Walsh University | 146 | $15,300 | $60,146 | No | |
| Hiram College | 68 | $16,800 | $53,610 | No | |
| Ohio Dominican University | 42 | $12,450 | $59,691 | No |
2025 Best Online Accounting Degrees in Ohio
Franklin University Franklin University Franklin University
- Online Enrollment: 5,224
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $11,940
- Median Earnings: $57,679
Online degree:
Why we like them: Franklin University stands out with its impressive online enrollment figures. More than 5,200 students engage with Franklin's virtual learning platform, placing the university among the top 7% of institutions with the highest online enrollment. Additionally, Franklin's commitment to supporting military members in their educational pursuits is underscored by its notable military enrollment figure, placing it in the top 5%. This 124-credit hour program offers courses ranging from 6 to 12 weeks in length, allowing for adaptable scheduling. Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), the program emphasizes practical accounting skills and prepares students for professional certification exams such as CPA and CMA.
University of Toledo University of Toledo University of Toledo
- Online Enrollment: 1,750
- Salary Score: B-
- Annual Tuition: $10,593
- Median Earnings: $62,290
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree:
Why we like them: University of Toledo has 1,750 students engaged in its online programs, placing it among the top 25% of schools in this regard. This online presence is complemented by the school's overall recommendation rate of 85%, based on over 60 student reviews submitted on our website. Courses in this program are delivered asynchronously, allowing you to progress at your own pace. The curriculum covers essential topics such as financial and management accounting, auditing, systems, and taxation. This program prepares you for examinations like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
Ohio Christian University Ohio Christian University Ohio Christian University
- Online Enrollment: 1,126
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $13,500
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree:
Why we like them: Ohio Christian University (OCU) supports a significant number of online students, with 1,126 enrolled. We also recognize the student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1. Small class sizes foster an interactive learning environment where personalized attention from faculty is more attainable. This program requires 72 credits in major courses, with a total of 120 credits for graduation, integrating core business and accounting principles. Coursework spans financial management, accounting software applications, and business ethics, among others. OCU's five-week module format provides flexibility, accommodating busy adults with weekly assignment deadlines.
Tiffin University Tiffin University Tiffin University
- Online Enrollment: 733
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $12,720
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree:
Why we like them: Tiffin stands out as a popular choice, with over 700 online students enrolled at the university. This program is designed for flexibility with classes starting six times yearly and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Coursework explores accounting principles, tax research, and management. Furthermore, you can consider the accelerated BBA to MBA pathway, allowing students to earn both degrees in five years. The curriculum also includes experiential learning opportunities such as accounting software training and participation in competitive case studies, preparing you for real-world challenges in the accounting field.
University of Northwestern Ohio University of Northwestern Ohio University of Northwestern Ohio
- Online Enrollment: 387
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $8,400
- Median Earnings: $49,971
Online degree:
Why we like them: We appreciate University of Northwestern Ohio as an affordable option. Students can expect to pay a little over $12,000 in annual tuition, based on recent data reported from the NCES. This program offers two tracks: CPA and Forensic Accounting. Between these tracks, students can specialize in auditing and tax preparation or in financial fraud prevention and detection. The CPA Track is a comprehensive five-year commitment facilitating eligibility for the CPA Exam, while the Forensic Accounting program spans four years, equipping students for the Certified Fraud Examiner鈥檚 Exam. Classes are taught by certified public accountants, ensuring that students gain real-world insights.
Shawnee State University Shawnee State University Shawnee State University
- Online Enrollment: 269
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $10,375
- Median Earnings: $45,497
Online degree:
Why we like them: Shawnee State University has 269 students enrolled in its remote programs. Additionally, SSU provides a commendable student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, supporting an environment where learners can benefit from more personalized interactions. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the IACBE, the program comprises 120 credit hours, with courses crafted to equip you with practical knowledge in fields such as taxation, auditing, and advanced cost concepts. The curriculum includes both core accounting principles and elective customization in upper-division courses, enhancing readiness for careers or further studies like the CPA exam.
Walsh University Walsh University Walsh University
- Online Enrollment: 146
- Salary Score: B
- Annual Tuition: $15,300
- Median Earnings: $60,146
Online degree:
Why we like them: Walsh stands out with an enrollment a little under 450 students at the undergraduate level. The program is designed to prepare you for dynamic careers including Certified Public Accountant and Managerial or Corporate Accountant roles. The program embraces flexibility by offering a 100% online delivery and allowing the transfer of up to 88 credits out of the 120 required for completion. With six intakes per year, the program is well-suited for your schedule and allows credit for prior work experience.
Hiram College Hiram College Hiram College
- Online Enrollment: 68
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $16,800
- Median Earnings: $53,610
Online degree:
Why we like them: Hiram College fosters a supportive educational environment with a low student-to-faculty ratio, which places it in the top 17% of institutions. This ensures personalized attention and robust support, which are key components in nurturing academic success and fostering an engaging learning experience. This program includes 31 hours of core classes, 16 hours of correlative courses, and 9 hours of electives. Students benefit from involvement in professional organizations such as the Ohio Society of CPAs, enhancing industry readiness.
Ohio Dominican University Ohio Dominican University Ohio Dominican University
- Online Enrollment: 42
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $12,450
- Median Earnings: $59,691
Online degree:
Why we like them: This program allows you to double major with Business Administration without additional time, which is a notable advantage. It aligns with Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam requirements, ensuring you're well-prepared for professional certification. The curriculum totals 66 credits, covering essential courses such as Intermediate and Advanced Accounting, Auditing, and Taxation. Unique opportunities include participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, lending real-world experience to theoretical knowledge and strengthening your community connection.
Overview of Online Accounting Degrees in Ohio
An online accounting degree offers a flexible route to a wide range of career opportunities in public, private, and government sectors, allowing graduates in Ohio to pursue roles such as auditors, tax advisors, or financial analysts. Ohio鈥檚 robust business landscape and large metropolitan centers make it an advantageous location for accountants, as demand for financial expertise spans numerous industries. Careers in accounting also provide clear advancement paths to senior roles, including positions like financial manager, controller, or chief financial officer, especially for those who earn certifications such as CPA, CMA, or CIA.
How To Become an Accountant in Ohio
Earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting is a strong foundation for a thriving career in Ohio鈥檚 accounting field. When searching for a program in Ohio, it's important to find one that is accredited and within your budget, ensuring a quality education that鈥檚 also a smart investment. According to U.S. Census data, of Ohio residents over the age of 25 hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree or higher, placing graduates in a competitive job market where additional credentials can offer a significant advantage.
Typically, bachelor鈥檚 programs require around 120 credits and take about four years to complete, although accelerated options may allow you to finish in as little as two to three years. The curriculum blends general education with targeted courses in accounting, business, and finance, covering essential topics like auditing, corporate taxation, budgeting, and financial management. Many online accounting programs offer flexibility, though an in-person internship may be essential to gain practical experience. For those intending to take the CPA exam, an online master鈥檚 degree in accounting is a valuable option, meeting the 150-credit-hour requirement while providing advanced coursework that supports CPA exam readiness and career growth.
Explore our list of the most affordable online accounting degrees to help determine which program fits your budget.
FAQs About Accounting in Ohio
How Much Do Accountants Get Paid in Ohio?
Accountants and auditors residing in Ohio earn a median annual wage of , based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
How Many Accountants are in Ohio?
According to BLS data, there are are over 50,600 accountants living in the state.
How Do I Become a CPA in Ohio?
Many accountants consider the benefits of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This career path usually leads to a higher salary and improves your chances of getting hired. Ohio accountants should do the following:
- Review the information provided by the . Ohio is one of 55 jurisdictions you can apply for a license to practice as a CPA in the state.
- Complete 150 hours of university coursework, exceeding the typical bachelor's degree requirement of 120 hours.
- Complete at least 2,000 hours of work experience, roughly equivalent to one year in the field.
- Pass the Ohio CPA exam. You'll need a passing score of at least a 75 on a scale of 0-99.
How Hard is the Ohio CPA Exam?
Passing the CPA Exam in Ohio shouldn't be any more difficult than if you were to take the test in a different state, but many candidates report a challenging experience.
You should be prepared for a mix of multiple choice questions and tasked-based assessments on this exam. The computer-based test is split between four parts. There are three Core sections 鈥� Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG) 鈥� and one Discipline section of your choice: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Control (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). If you don't pass one of the sections, you have the option to retake it throughout the year.
Student Reviews of Online Accounting Programs
I love the self-paced program offered at Capella. Working at my own pace has allowed me to get more of my schooling complete (while working full time) than I ever thought possible. However, I wish that the instructors were more engaged; most of the time when I have a question about an assignment, I am directed to speak with a tutor. What is the point of having an instructor for a class if they are not instructing?
Review Date: 11/29/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
All in all, great experience. Many of the Accounting courses are extremely challenging, and I feel I learned a ton. My student mentor was involved, helpful, encouraging, and understanding. Some of the course mentors left something to be desired, but when I mentioned one in particular to my student mentor, the school ended up changing the course mentor for the whole class. Satisfied graduate here. Likely to return for my MBA.
Review Date: 6/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I thoroughly enjoyed the course content provided by this school. The quality of the instruction was excellent. The instructors were very communicative, responsive, and helpful. Having attended California Baptist University after attending a public community college, I was very pleased with the quality of instruction being offered by California Baptist University, exceeding the quality of the public community college immensely.
Review Date: 8/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
At pennfoster Collge the instructors and and student care are always eager to help whenever I call or email with a question, I highly recommend Pennfoster to anyone specially to busy parents with Kids and work! Also very cheap compared to the other college look how much you $$$ in the semester!!
Review Date: 7/23/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This is a fantastic program for students who enjoy working on their own and accelerating as desired. I received my Associates at a brick & mortar school and was chomping at the bit because the pace was incredibly slow. After working all day, it is hard to sit in a classroom and actually learn. The pass/fail is fine if you understand that in order to pass, it's actually a B average. A potential employer could care less what grade you passed college with! These courses are difficult and challenging... Read More
Review Date: 4/23/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I love Post. Everyone here is super nice, professors are super helpful, and I learned a lot in my classes. I'm kind of sad to graduate, I never want to leave!! These past 4 years have been the best of my life. Post has helped me become a better person with better values, and that's a fact.
Review Date: 2/21/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Santa Clara continues to amaze me. Its values, its rigor, its faculty, the Jesuit influence, the high tech Silicon Valley, the weather, the opportunity to explore and the care of the whole person (Cura Personalis) makes this a place you don't want to leave after four (fast) years.
Review Date: 6/17/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Wayne State University was a great college to attend. I greatly enjoyed being in the heart of downtown Detroit, a city that is booming and has a lot to offer. Also, Mike Illitch just donated 40+ million into the business school which will be awesome!
Review Date: 3/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really enjoyed my education at Auburn University. I admired all of my professors and had a great time with my peers.
Review Date: 7/22/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I treated college as a trade school. How much does it cost per year, how many years will it take, what future careers will be available with said degree, what is my expected return on investment? My thoughts on college is that most students use this as an opportunity to learn about life and being an adult. Don't use college for that. Far too expensive. Simply travel, work and live away from home for that type of lesson. College is a means to an end. Get in, get out. Pay your dues, learn your skills,... Read More
Review Date: 7/20/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes