Virginia offers a variety of online accounting degrees for those seeking the flexibility of distance learning. These programs are designed to equip you with the analytical skills necessary for accounting careers or further studies, such as the CPA qualification.
We highlighted several online bachelor's degrees in accounting to consider in your search. For inclusion on our list, a school must a offer a fully online accounting program at the bachelor's level, have a primary campus location in Virginia, and publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). When applicable, we've also highlighted median earnings for each specific program 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | $11,700 | $58,047 | No | ||
| Strayer University | 30,887 | $15,250 | $56,398 | No | |
| ECPI University Online | 6,006 | $18,484 | $46,620 | No | |
| Old Dominion University | 5,998 | $13,170 | $58,920 | Yes | |
| Regent University Online | 3,418 | $10,880 | N/A | No | |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | 1,394 | $35,674 | $61,171 | Yes | |
| American National University | 1,144 | $11,110 | N/A | No | |
| Mary Baldwin University | 443 | $13,800 | N/A | No | |
| Bluefield College | 277 | $11,850 | N/A | No |
2025 Best Online Accounting Degrees in Virginia
Liberty University Liberty University Liberty University
- Online Enrollment: 35,243
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Median Earnings: $58,047
Online degree:
Why we like them: Liberty University is a popular choice for online learning, with an impressive 35,243 individuals enrolled in its online programs, placing it in the top 1% among other institutions. With a military enrollment of 13,760 students, LU is one of the largest schools for military learners, reflecting its status in the top 5% in this area. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the curriculum focuses on financial and managerial accounting, corporate finance, and auditing, emphasizing ethical practices and stewardship from a biblical perspective. While preparing graduates for careers in various sectors such as corporate finance, auditing, and tax accounting, the program also provides the foundational knowledge needed for pursuing CPA licensure, though additional state-specific credits may be necessary.
Strayer University Strayer University Strayer University
- Online Enrollment: 30,887
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $15,250
- Median Earnings: $56,398
Online degree:
Why we like them: With 30,887 students enrolled, Strayer stands among the top 1% of universities for the most online learners. Additionally, its military enrollment of 6,698 positions it in the top 1% for institutions supporting the most military students. This dedication to serving diverse learners is commendable. This program requires completion of 40 courses, each 11 weeks long, offering flexibility for remote learning. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, this program covers financial accounting, auditing, and compliance with both U.S. and international standards. Courses cover intricacies such as tax codes and complex multinational transactions, and you can transfer up to 28 eligible courses to decrease time to degree completion.
ECPI University Online ECPI University Online ECPI University Online
- Online Enrollment: 6,006
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $18,484
- Median Earnings: $46,620
Online degree:
Why we like them: With 6,006 students participating in its online programs, ECPI is positioned within the top 6% of schools, reflecting its strong appeal and accessibility for distance learners. Equally noteworthy is its remarkable military enrollment of 4,191 students, which places it impressively among the top 1% in this specific category. Two distinct tracks are available for the Bachelor of Business Administration: the General Accounting Track, emphasizing personal taxation and auditing; and the Accounting Data Analytics Track, focusing on analytics and auditing tailored to meet corporate demands for data-driven insights. Key courses include Intermediate Accounting I-III, Strategic Planning, Macroeconomics, and Ethics in Business.
Old Dominion University Old Dominion University Old Dominion University
- Online Enrollment: 5,998
- Salary Score: B-
- Annual Tuition: $13,170
- Median Earnings: $58,920
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree:
Why we like them: ODU stands out with a large online enrollment of nearly 6,000 online students, placing it in the impressive top 6% nationwide. Complementing this is ODU's strong recommendation rate of 87%, based on over 100 submitted reviews on our website, indicating a high level of satisfaction among its graduates. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, with at least 30 completed at ODU. Accredited separately by the AACSB International, this distinction assures quality in business education. Courses cover areas such as financial and managerial accounting, as well as international operations.
Regent University Online Regent University Online Regent University Online
- Online Enrollment: 3,418
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $10,880
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree:
Why we like them: Regent enrolls over 3,400 students in its online programs. This positions the school among the top 13% of schools with high online enrollment, demonstrating its significant reach and accessibility to remote learners. Complementing this, the university excels in serving military students, enrolling 1,327 using the GI Bill. Accredited by ACBSP, the program is designed to prepare you for the CPA exam with its comprehensive coursework spanning international business, strategic management, and financial management, all taught from a Christian worldview. Core subjects include auditing, tax preparation, and the ethical practices necessary for the business world.
Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University
- Online Enrollment: 1,394
- Salary Score: B
- Annual Tuition: $35,674
- Median Earnings: $61,171
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree:
Why we like them: VCU stands out with an online enrollment of 1,394 students, placing it in the top 30% for online students. Complementing this is the university's impressive retention rate of 85%, positioning it among the top 14% of institutions. This high retention rate reflects positively on student satisfaction and the quality of educational support provided. The program consists of 120 credits, with requirements adapted based on prior credentials, such as an associate degree. This structure allows you to potentially complete the program with an additional 60 credits. The program prepares you for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination in Virginia, although 150 credit hours of study are advised to optimize employment prospects in public accounting.
American National University American National University American National University
- Online Enrollment: 1,144
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $11,110
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree:
Why we like them: With 1,144 students engaged in online programs, ANU is among the top 34% in terms of online enrollment when compared with other institutions. Complementing this is its impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, which places it just shy of the top tier at the 69th percentile, ensuring a more personalized and focused educational experience for you. The accounting concentration includes courses in taxation, corporate budgeting, and strategic management, ensuring a well-rounded business knowledge. Students can also consider the Experiential Learning track, where students with professional accounting experience can gain course credit, provided they work at least five hours per week related to their studies. This track is available after completing 36 credit hours.
Mary Baldwin University Mary Baldwin University Mary Baldwin University
- Online Enrollment: 443
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $13,800
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree:
Why we like them: Mary Baldwin University stands out with 443 online students and a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, allowing for more personalized attention. The curriculum incorporates real-world exposure through collaborations with regional businesses and provides concentrations in Accounting, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, and Project Management. With practical experiences such as internships, involvement in activities like the Volunteer Tax Assistance program, and completion of original research projects, the program is designed to prepare you for a variety of roles.
Bluefield College Bluefield College Bluefield College
- Online Enrollment: 277
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $11,850
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree:
Why we like them: Bluefield College has one of the smaller online enrollments on our list but still has a sizable distance learning population of 277 students. This business administration program has several concentrations, including Accounting, and incorporates real-world problem-solving skills in a flexible online format with eight-week courses. The program includes core requirements like Accounting Principles and Managerial Accounting and covers tax regulations and financial analysis.
Overview of Online Accounting Degrees in Virginia
Virginia residents interested in accounting careers should first consider obtaining a bachelor's degree in accounting. Approximately over the age of 25 hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree or higher. Typically, accounting bachelor鈥檚 programs require around 120 credit hours, blending general education courses with core accounting subjects. While most students take four to five years to finish the degree, some institutions offer accelerated options that allow for graduation in as little as two to three years. Core coursework often includes subjects like auditing, corporate taxation, cost accounting, and financial management, with opportunities for capstone projects or internships to gain practical experience.
With an accounting degree, graduates have access to diverse career opportunities in public, private, and government accounting, taking on roles as auditors, financial analysts, or tax professionals. Many programs also feature specialized tracks, such as Forensic Accounting, Tax Accounting, and Analytics Accounting, providing students with unique skills to launch their careers.
How to Become an Accountant in Virginia
Although a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field is typically needed, professionals can enhance their career prospects by obtaining certifications, like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. To maintain CPA licensure, individuals must pass Virginia's CPA exam and meet state-specific requirements, including ongoing education. An online master鈥檚 degree in accounting can also be advantageous for those pursuing CPA certification. For detailed information on Virginia's CPA exam requirements, please review the state-specific requirements from the . Additionally, credentials such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) open doors to expanded career paths in areas like auditing, government finance, and corporate accounting.
If you're considering accounting programs with lower tuition, please review our list of the Most Affordable Online Accounting Degrees.
FAQs About Accounting in Virginia
How Much Do Accountants Make in Virginia?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual income for accountants and auditors in Virginia is . The BLS also notes that there are slightly over 50,000 of these professionals currently working in the state, but employment opportunities are projected to grow by over from 2022 - 2032.
How Do I Become a CPA in Virginia?
You should start by reviewing Virginia's CPA exam requirements from the .
Virginia is one of 55 jurisdictions where you can apply for a license to practice as a Certified Public Accountant. This career path may lead to higher earning potential. A bachelor鈥檚 degree alone isn鈥檛 sufficient to sit for the CPA exam; you must complete 150 credit hours of university-level coursework and complete one full year of work experience in the field before earning licensure.
How Much Does the CPA Exam Cost in Virginia?
Virginia residents will need to pay $262.64 and an application fee of $120 to take the CPA exam.
How Hard is the CPA Exam in Virginia?
Many candidates feel that this 16-hour test is quite difficult. The exam is divided into four sections, covering both Core and Discipline components. The Core sections include Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Taxation and Regulation (REG), while candidates choose one Discipline section from Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Control (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP).
Administered as a computer-based test, the exam consists of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations and is offered year-round, allowing candidates to retake sections as needed. If you're looking for sample questions, please review the . Candidates must score 75 or higher on a scale of 0-99.
Student Reviews of Online Accounting Programs
I attended UoP using my G.I.Bill after leaving the military. The classes were easy and I graduated with my B.S. in Accounting with a 3.8 GPA. Financial counselor was helpful. However, no company will take my degree. As of this date, I have still not been able to get a job in my field. This college does not offer job placement as advertised. I am stuck with a useless degree and no job after wasting my G.I. Bill here. I would not recommend this college to anyone.
Review Date: 12/26/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Attending Michigan State University has proven to be the single-most beneficial decision I have made up to this point in my life. The supporting reasons for that statement are both educational and social in nature. Every professor I had truly cared about preparing his or her students for a professional career after college. There were more career tools made available to me than I ever could have dreamed of. Socially, I was able to meet new people and create life-long friendships with a variety of... Read More
Review Date: 8/9/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
SF is a great school that had a good amount of business classes to choose from. I think they have more variety now than when I went to school? The teachers are hit and miss so definitely do some research if you have the ability to select the teacher and class you want. I learned a lot while I was at SF State. The downer is that it is pretty much a commutter college so a lot of people don't stay on campus so campus life isn't as lively as those with a lot of school attendees living nearby. Super super... Read More
Review Date: 10/5/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes