Online accounting degrees in Pennsylvania are designed to provide knowledge about financial principles, tax regulations, and ethical practices. These programs, offered by various accredited institutions, allow you to study flexibly while maintaining professional commitments. With a focus on core accounting skills, such as auditing, financial analysis, and management accounting, online accounting degrees prepare you for the CPA exam and other certification opportunities.
We evaluate accounting programs offered by institutions with a primary campus in the specified state. We focus on schools providing fully online bachelor's degrees, integrating data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). For further details, please refer to our full methodology.
List Of Accredited Online Accounting Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition | Median Earnings | AACSB Accredited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania State University - World Campus | $15,356 | N/A | Yes | ||
| Pennsylvania Western University | 1,669 | $7,870 | $54,545 | Yes | |
| Temple University | 1,044 | $37,462 | $68,291 | Yes | |
| Peirce College | 762 | $18,000 | $60,552 | No | |
| Central Penn College | 437 | $15,270 | N/A | No | |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | 362 | $18,240 | N/A | No | |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | 344 | $14,615 | $54,465 | Yes | |
| DeSales University | 258 | $17,250 | $62,647 | No | |
| Point Park University | 247 | $38,160 | $61,115 | No | |
| Saint Francis University | 235 | $41,720 | $50,376 | No | |
| Seton Hill University | 172 | $41,414 | $53,898 | No | |
| Wilson College | 145 | $11,400 | N/A | No | |
| Messiah University | 127 | $40,640 | $71,979 | No | |
| Misericordia University | 120 | $76,800 | $49,001 | No | |
| Keystone College | 113 | $14,700 | $47,118 | No | |
| Elizabethtown College | 90 | $15,750 | $66,023 | No | |
| Albright College | 42 | $11,940 | $63,787 | No |
2025 Best Online Accounting Degrees in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University - World Campus Pennsylvania State University - World Campus Pennsylvania State University - World Campus
- Online Enrollment: 8,075
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $15,356
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree:
Why we like them: If you scrutinized online enrollment nationwide, PSU would be part of an elite group, with only 3% of institutions seeing such high numbers, particularly with 8,075 online learners. PSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, delivered entirely online, and accredited by AACSB, which is an elite accreditation held by only the top 5% of business schools worldwide. This program requires the completion of 120 credits, with coursework covering financial, managerial, and cost accounting, as well as auditing and taxation. Designed for flexibility, you can complete the program at your own pace while preparing for the CPA exam and other accounting certifications like CMA, CIA, and CFA.
Pennsylvania Western University Pennsylvania Western University Pennsylvania Western University
- Online Enrollment: 1,669
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $7,870
- Median Earnings: $54,545
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree:
Why we like them: PWU ranks second in popularity, reaching 1,669 online students at just the undergraduate level. This is complemented by a high recommendation rate of 91%, illustrating student satisfaction and a strong endorsement from its learners. PWU's online accounting program equips you with the practical applications of fundamental accounting concepts, emphasizing quantitative, critical thinking, and analytical skills. The program includes a business core focusing on business analytics, enhancing your grasp of the broader business landscape. This 100% online program prepares you for roles like Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or further graduate studies. PWU's program promotes excellence in digital communication, vital for the modern business world.
Temple University Temple University Temple University
- Online Enrollment: 1,044
- Salary Score: B+
- Annual Tuition: $37,462
- Median Earnings: $68,291
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree:
Why we like them: Temple is another popular option, with a significant online enrollment of over 1,000 students. We are also impressed by its 94% recommendation rate based on nearly 200 reviews we've collected. The accounting degree online requires 124 credits and prepares students for careers in various accounting fields, such as public accounting, corporate financial management, and tax accounting. It also prepares you for certifications like the CPA and CMA. The Fox School of Business, where this program is housed, is accredited by the AACSB. We also want to mention that the median earnings for accounting graduates stand at $68,291, placing it comfortably above the majority of institutions, which suggests a solid return on investment for enrollees.
Peirce College Peirce College Peirce College
- Online Enrollment: 762
- Salary Score: B-
- Annual Tuition: $18,000
- Median Earnings: $60,552
Online degree:
Why we like them: Peirce is highly regarded in the realm of online education, with a 100% retention rate despite enrolling hundreds of fully online students. Their superior student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 places Peirce in the top 12%, suggesting a learning environment where personalized attention is valued, enhancing the quality of your online experience. The accounting program at Peirce requires a total of 121 credits. You can efficiently reduce this through the acceptance of up to 90 transfer credits, streamlining your educational journey. The program is offered in both online and hybrid formats, making it versatile. Uniquely, Peirce integrates an employer-recognized certification into the program, adding considerable value to this degree.
Central Penn College Central Penn College Central Penn College
- Online Enrollment: 437
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $15,270
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree:
Why we like them: Central Penn's Bachelor of Science in Accounting gives online students gain hands-on experience through class projects and an internship with local companies, fostering real-world skills. The flexible program options, offered in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats, allow students to tailor their education to fit their schedules on an accelerated term basis. The curriculum covers essential online courses, such as Managerial Accounting, Auditing, International Business, and Microeconomics, prepping graduates for diverse career paths in fields like public accounting and corporate finance.
Pennsylvania College of Technology Pennsylvania College of Technology Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Online Enrollment: 362
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $18,240
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree:
Why we like them: Penn College hosts an online accounting bachelor's that's tailored to equip you with skills in cutting-edge software and forensic accounting with an emphasis on legal accounting practices to secure business systems. Accreditation by the ACBSP ensures a recognized standard of excellence. Interactive virtual labs using tools like QuickBooks and SAS enhance the practical learning experience. Importantly, the program prepares you for certification examinations, such as CPA and CMA, within Pennsylvania.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
- Online Enrollment: 344
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $14,615
- Median Earnings: $54,465
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree:
Why we like them: Slippery Rock offers a Bachelor of Science/Arts in Business Administration with a major in Accounting through an online degree completion program. This program is designed for students who already possess an associate degree in business administration or have completed at least 30 credits from an accredited institution, ensuring competency in mathematics and English writing. The BS/BA in Accounting is accredited by AACSB International, a mark of quality in business education. We also have to mention the school's incredible 93% recommendation rate.
DeSales University DeSales University DeSales University
- Online Enrollment: 258
- Salary Score: B
- Annual Tuition: $17,250
- Median Earnings: $62,647
Online degree:
Why we like them: DSU's Bachelor of Science in Accounting is an accelerated program that requires the completion of 120 credit hours and can start at any time due to its flexible, rolling admissions policy. Accredited by the ACBSP, it offers tracks in Data Analytics and Forensic Accounting, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for emerging roles such as data analysts and forensic accountants. Courses encompass core topics like financial accounting, strategic cost management, and federal income taxation, with tracks featuring specialized subjects such as crime and society.
Point Park University Point Park University Point Park University
- Online Enrollment: 247
- Salary Score: B-
- Annual Tuition: $38,160
- Median Earnings: $61,115
Online degree:
Why we like them: PPU has a favorable student-faculty ratio of 11:1, placing the university among the top 23% for this metric and ensuring that you can expect personalized attention from faculty. The university's strong recommendation rate of 92% is another testament to the overall satisfaction and trust that its programs inspire among online learners. The fully online accounting program equips you with the necessary skills for the CPA exam, focusing on real-world scenarios and incorporating case studies for practical application. Additionally, the program offers the opportunity to earn credits toward an MBA, allowing you to pursue advanced studies efficiently.
Saint Francis University Saint Francis University Saint Francis University
- Online Enrollment: 235
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $41,720
- Median Earnings: $50,376
Online degree:
Why we like them: SFU is another popular choice among online learners, and a noteworthy feature is the 90% recommendation rate, reflecting the positive experiences of current and former students. The online Bachelor of Science in Accounting at SFU's Shields School of Business provides a flexible option available both on-campus and online. The program is delivered through the Division of Professional Studies and accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), ensuring both credibility and curriculum coverage. You can choose between concentrations such as Business Analytics and Entrepreneurship, which enable you to tailor your education to specific career goals.
Seton Hill University Seton Hill University Seton Hill University
- Online Enrollment: 172
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $41,414
- Median Earnings: $53,898
Online degree:
Why we like them: Ranked 11th, Seton Hill excels with a recommendation rate soaring at 93%, you can be assured that this online school is well-regarded by its community, reflecting a high level of trust for those pursuing higher education remotely. The accounting program here is designed for those aiming to excel in various business environments, supplying a curriculum that does not require CPA preparation but offers a separate CPA track for interested students. The program is flexible to fit the schedules of busy learners, featuring accelerated 8-week sessions and a Fast-Forward Bachelor鈥檚 to MBA option, allowing for quicker degree completion.
Wilson College Wilson College Wilson College
- Online Enrollment: 145
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $11,400
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree:
Why we like them: Wilson offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting through a comprehensive online program that spans four years, though this duration may be shortened with transfer credits. The program is accredited by the ACBSP, ensuring rigorous academic standards. The curriculum focuses on accounting areas, such as accounting information systems, tax law, and business communication. It also emphasizes critical competencies like financial communication and strategic advice participation. Internships form a pivotal part of the educational experience, furnishing students with practical exposure and career insights.
Messiah University Messiah University Messiah University
- Online Enrollment: 127
- Salary Score: A-
- Annual Tuition: $40,640
- Median Earnings: $71,979
Online degree:
Why we like them: Messiah's accounting business program boasts remarkable median earnings of $71,979, which positions Messiah in the top 27% nationally, showcasing its long-term financial value. The recommendation rate of 90% illustrates a strong sense of satisfaction among students, reinforcing the university's reputation as a top choice for online learners. Messiah's online Bachelor in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting is a fully accredited program by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the ACBSP.
Misericordia University Misericordia University Misericordia University
- Online Enrollment: 120
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $76,800
- Median Earnings: $49,001
Online degree:
Why we like them: Misericordia's Bachelor of Science in Accounting equips students with skills in communication, critical thinking, and technology, underpinned by a business and liberal arts education. Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the program emphasizes the integration of microcomputers and standard business software into learning. Accounting students are required to complete a six-credit internship, gaining practical experience in partnership with organizations like AIG and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Keystone College Keystone College Keystone College
- Online Enrollment: 113
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $14,700
- Median Earnings: $47,118
Online degree:
Why we like them: Keystone's online Bachelor of Science in Accounting Principles is crafted to meet your professional and technical needs within an 18-month trajectory, assuming transferred credits. The program emphasizes flexibility with courses fully online and no login time constraints. With accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the curriculum ensures rigorous study in accounting, supplemented by 120 total credit hours comprising 30 core, 33 major-specific, and 57 elective credits. The provision to transfer up to 75 credits underscores its inclusive approach to facilitate your path to graduation.
Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown College
- Online Enrollment: 90
- Salary Score: A-
- Annual Tuition: $15,750
- Median Earnings: $66,023
Online degree:
Why we like them: The Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Elizabethtown, part of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, requires 125 credits and integrates key concepts like accounting, management, and digital innovation. This program is renowned for blending business fundamentals with specializations such as Business Ethics and Forensic Accounting, aligning with ACBSP standards. Completing the degree paves the way for diverse career opportunities, including roles as accountant, financial analyst, or auditor, and sets a path toward CPA licensure. Graduates from here with a bachelor's in accounting earn a median salary of $66,023.
Albright College Albright College Albright College
- Online Enrollment: 42
- Salary Score: B
- Annual Tuition: $11,940
- Median Earnings: $63,787
Online degree:
Why we like them: The Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Albright prepares you for various careers in accountancy and related fields. With 31 required course units, each lasting seven-and-a-half weeks, the program offers a rigorous yet flexible schedule. Courses are fully online, ensuring accessibility for remote learners. The curriculum covers a diverse range of topics, including tax law, auditing, and statistics, which are critical for mastering the field. The program emphasizes soft skills, such as critical thinking and effective communication. Notably, graduates are equipped to sit for the CPA exam. Around four years after graduation, they make a median salary of $63,787.
Why Study Accounting in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania offers a dynamic environment for online accounting students. The state is home to several nationally recognized schools that provide flexible online programs tailored for future accountants, such as CPA candidates or those pursuing corporate finance roles.
Studying accounting in Pennsylvania also provides access to local government offices and agencies, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, where students can gain experience in tax administration and public finance. Proximity to industry hubs like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh enhances opportunities for internships, networking, and employment with prominent businesses and organizations.
Pennsylvania's economy, anchored by like manufacturing, energy, and medical science technology creates consistent demand for accounting professionals across diverse niches. Here are some examples:
Manufacturing: Manufacturing accountants oversee cost accounting, track production expenses, and manage inventory valuation. They also assist with financial forecasting and compliance, ensuring companies remain competitive and adhere to industry regulations.
Energy Production: In Pennsylvania鈥檚 energy sector, accountants manage financial planning for renewable energy projects, track energy credits, and oversee compliance with state and federal regulations. They also handle the financial aspects of transitioning to sustainable energy models.
Life Sciences & Medical Technology: Accountants in this industry oversee grant management, R&D budgeting, and compliance with financial regulations related to FDA and other authorities. They play a critical role in financial planning for new technologies and drug development.
There are plenty of high quality online accounting programs to choose from our list of accredited schools above. However, only five online accounting programs on our list hold the prestigious AACSB accreditation, the gold standard in business education. Recognized globally, this accreditation from the Advance Collegiate Schools of Business assures employers of a program's quality and commitment to producing skilled graduates prepared for competitive job markets.
If you're open to exploring more low-cost options beyond Pennsylvania, take a look at our curated list of the most affordable online accounting degrees nationwide.
Accounting Careers in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers abundant career opportunities for accountants and auditors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (), the state employs over 54,000 accounting professionals, with average wages at $83,760. This is well above the national standard for this role. As mentioned above, demand for accountants is particularly strong in sectors such as manufacturing and energy, where expertise in cost accounting and compliance is critical.
Budget analysts and financial examiners are also in demand, supported by Pennsylvania鈥檚 active regulatory environment and focus on economic development. The oversees CPA licensing, ensuring professional standards and quality. CPAs in the state must complete 150 semester hours of education, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and fulfill experience requirements to achieve licensure.
By pursuing an online accounting degree in Pennsylvania, students position themselves for success in a competitive job market while gaining valuable skills applicable to the state鈥檚 thriving industries.
Bottom Line
Pennsylvania's online accounting programs provide a blend of flexibility, affordability, and career readiness, with standout options like Penn State World Campus and Temple University. Five programs hold AACSB accreditation, ensuring a world-class education valued by employers. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in high-demand industries such as manufacturing, energy, and life sciences, with competitive salaries averaging $83,760 annually.
To find the program that fits your needs, scroll back up and explore the rankings. Whether you鈥檙e seeking affordability, strong graduate outcomes, or preparation for CPA licensure, these top-ranked schools are excellent next steps for advancing your career.
Student Reviews of Online Accounting Programs
My favorite part of attending Iona College is the close connection that teachers and students are able to make. Because Iona is small in size it allows class time to be productive and for teachers to provide thorough instruction and lessons. Every professor I have come across at my school is highly successful and their positive and influential attitudes spread throughout campus. Iona College provides a wonderful education as well as a boost of confidence and courage for their students' future.
Review Date: 8/5/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Bentley University is wonderful university that offers a plethora of majors in business, as well as in liberal arts. I have had the opportunity to learn about real-world business matters in class, at events, and at internships. As a freshman at Bentley, I had to take two accounting and finance classes, IT, Career Development Institute, Business Law, and other important classes that are relevant to today's business world. It was a different experience then what is offered at other universities for... Read More
Review Date: 3/31/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The accounting program prepares you for your career and the CPA exam. For the most part, the professors are very knowledgeable about the subjects they teach. Santa Clara has a great recruiting system that includes the Big 4 and smaller firms as well. They really help you out in terms of finding a job to starting your career.
Review Date: 4/21/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really enjoyed attending UOFL. I liked that most of my classes that were involved with my major are in the College of Business, that way I am not running across campus between classes so I am not late. I do wish that UOFL offered business school classes online though. Because I always had to attend class in an actual classroom, I felt it was hard to get an internship or even go ahead and apply for jobs towards the end of my degree because not every company will work around school schedules.
Review Date: 7/22/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Overall, my time at the University of Oregon was beneficial. As with any school, there are pros and cons. I transferred to the U of O after my freshman year at another school. The school doesn't offer the same resources for transfer students as incoming freshmen, and oftentimes I felt rather lost searching for information on my own. I wasn't ever assigned a specific academic advisor, even once I declared a major. Being a liberal arts institution, I was disappointed with the inflexibility of scheduling... Read More
Review Date: 3/31/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
A business degree from Texas A&M set me up for success. In my junior year, Texas A&M organized all the big accounting firms to come to the school to recruit. That led to an internship with EY. That internship led to a one year rotation in EY鈥檚 National Office in New York City my first year with the firm. Those relationships and that skill set are still paying dividends 10 years later.
Review Date: 6/20/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes