2025 Most Popular Online Accounting Associate Degrees
The most popular online accounting associate degrees provide skills-based training in financial reporting, payroll, and bookkeeping. To help prospective students understand what an online associate in accounting can lead to, we spoke with a CPA.
Key Takeaway:
- SNHU Online ranks #1 overall, with the highest number of program graduates as well as the best median salary of $53,096 among accounting associate graduates.
Our list ranks schools by the number of graduates who completed their degree, helping you identify programs with strong demand and proven virtual delivery. All schools featured are institutionally accredited. Please view our methodology for more details.
2025 Most Popular Online Accounting Associate Degrees
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 359 | $9,900 | $49,820 | 69% | |
| Ultimate Medical Academy | 95 | $14,250 | N/A | 88% | |
| Purdue Global | 76 | $11,130 | $46,576 | 74% | |
| Fox Valley Technical College | 48 | $6,727 | $42,391 | N/A | |
| Gateway Technical College | 46 | $8,500 | $47,174 | 100% | |
| Bryant & Stratton College Online | 40 | $20,160 | $42,567 | 63% | |
| Liberty University | 36 | $11,700 | $45,969 | 75% | |
| Cuyahoga Community College District | 35 | $8,300 | $52,555 | 75% | |
| Moraine Park Technical College | 33 | $8,500 | $44,345 | N/A | |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | 31 | $7,308 | $41,032 | N/A | |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | 25 | $5,968 | $40,825 | N/A | |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | 23 | $11,318 | $57,028 | 100% | |
| Iowa Central Community College | 22 | $11,115 | $46,073 | 76% | |
| Southeast Technical Institute | 22 | $5,220 | N/A | N/A | |
| Northcentral Technical College | 18 | $6,727 | $41,517 | N/A |
2025 Most Popular Online Accounting Associate Degrees - Program Details
- Graduates: 359
- Annual Tuition: $9,900
- Median Salary: $53,096
- Recommendation: 69%
Why we like them: Ranked first for being the most popular accounting associate program, SNHU Online stands out due to its exceptional number of graduates; with 359 accounting associate degree recipients, you join a peer group that reflects both scale and program accessibility. The accounting curriculum is ACBSP accreditation and directly aligns with the latest Uniform CPA Examination standards, providing a clear advantage for those considering further licensure.
- Graduates: 95
- Annual Tuition: $14,250
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 88%
Why we like them: UMA's online healthcare accounting associate degree is highly specialized for the healthcare sector, integrating essential accounting skills with healthcare-specific competencies, such as medical terminology, reimbursement cycle optimization, healthcare claims processing, and medical law and ethics. Unlike many programs, UMA provides frequent rolling admissions with classes starting every 2-3 weeks.
- Graduates: 76
- Annual Tuition: $11,130
- Median Salary: $39,672
- Recommendation: 74%
Why we like them: Purdue Global's accounting associate program includes a unique three-week, no-cost trial, allowing you to experience coursework before financial commitment. We are also impressed by the expedited degree path; you may earn your associate degree as early as 18 to 24 months, with flexible start dates nearly every month to fit your personal timeline.
- Graduates: 48
- Annual Tuition: $6,727
- Median Salary: $40,628
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: FVTC’s accounting program offers not only an associate degree in accounting fully online but also online pathways for related credentials such as the Accounting Assistant technical diploma, certificates in banking and financial fraud detection, and an online bookkeeping diploma. This ecosystem approach allows you to stack credentials or pivot between accounting, banking, finance, and even fraud detection without changing institutions.
- Graduates: 46
- Annual Tuition: $8,500
- Median Salary: $46,858
- Recommendation: 100%
Why we like them: GTC’s accounting program has a career-centric design that aligns your studies directly with in-demand industry practices. You will gain hands-on experience in accounting technologies commonly required by employers, including extensive work with QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, and professional tax-preparation software.
- Graduates: 40
- Annual Tuition: $20,160
- Median Salary: $38,715
- Recommendation: 63%
Why we like them: The online accounting degree at Bryant & Statton has built-in internship experiences, which connect you directly with industry partners and provide real-world applications. The program’s design integrates preparation for the Microsoft Office Specialist certification in Excel, all of which position you for current workforce demands.
- Graduates: 36
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Median Salary: $35,846
- Recommendation: 75%
Why we like them: Liberty hosts an online accounting associate degree is both ACBSP-accredited — a distinction earned by only 3% of business schools globally — and designed as an accelerated pathway with eight-week classes and generous transfer policies allowing up to 50% of degree credits to come from other institutions.
- Graduates: 35
- Annual Tuition: $8,300
- Median Salary: $46,606
- Recommendation: 75%
Why we like them: What sets Tri-C’s accounting program apart is the embedded certificate structure: as you progress, you automatically earn certificates such as Bookkeeping, Payroll, and Tax Preparation, providing valuable professional credentials even before you complete your associate degree. The program requires no high school diploma or GED for entry, lowering barriers.
- Graduates: 33
- Annual Tuition: $8,500
- Median Salary: $40,220
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: MPTC’s accounting program has multiple pathways for acceleration. We also want to mention that few programs at the associate level allow students to stack high school, work, and technical training experience into a fully online, ranked degree that’s also eligible for seamless transfer to four-year colleges.
- Graduates: 31
- Annual Tuition: $7,308
- Median Salary: $38,277
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: NWTC’s online associate in accounting holds ACBSP accreditation. Notably, NWTC fosters hands-on, career-focused skill development via a required in-person career experience, such as an internship or practicum, even for online students.
- Graduates: 25
- Annual Tuition: $5,968
- Median Salary: $34,414
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: M State's accounting program offers multiple options for tuition-free attendance through grants, scholarships, and sponsorships. The program further stands out with its Zero Textbook Cost initiative, minimizing financial barriers to entry.
- Graduates: 23
- Annual Tuition: $11,318
- Median Salary: $49,894
- Recommendation: 100%
Why we like them: Distinctively, CSTCC’s accounting program integrates intensive cooperative education, giving you two required co-op rotations with access to high-profile employers such as Procter & Gamble, local CPA firms, and a range of nonprofit and small business partners. CSTCC offers an array of specialized certificates, including QuickBooks and Business Component CPA Exam Eligibility, letting you tailor your education for today’s employment market.
- Graduates: 22
- Annual Tuition: $11,115
- Median Salary: $39,166
- Recommendation: 76%
Why we like them: Iowa Central's accounting program integrates a practicum requirement, which provides you with on-the-job training in an accounting-related position before graduation. Combined with the required in-field practicum and Iowa Central’s multi-campus career academy network, this program offers a rare blend of local workforce integration and fully online delivery.
- Graduates: 22
- Annual Tuition: $5,220
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: STI's online accounting degree is accredited by the ACBSP, ensuring high quality. STI also provides a direct bachelor’s degree transfer pathway, including a unique co-enrollment partnership with NSU, helping you seamlessly bridge into a four-year program. The program's most recent report cites a 100% job placement rate, underlining its strong ties to regional employers.
- Graduates: 18
- Annual Tuition: $6,727
- Median Salary: $39,642
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: NTC’s program integrates mandatory preparation for the Bookkeeper Certification prior to graduation, offering concrete professional validation before entering the workforce. NTC allows you to earn substantial transfer credit (as much as 52%) from related technical diplomas like the Accounting Assistant program, ensuring a highly efficient educational journey.
Why Employers Respect Online Accounting Grads: A CPA Shares What Matters Most
CPA
What are typical first jobs for graduates of an online associate in accounting program?
"Most new graduates begin as staff accountants or junior auditors because these positions expose you to every corner of a company’s books, from preparing financial statements to checking internal controls.
Others find their footing as bookkeepers or accounts payable and receivable clerks, work that sharpens attention to detail and teaches the rhythm of daily transactions. During busy seasons, tax preparer and payroll specialist slots often open up and provide practical lessons in regulations and deadlines. Each of these entry points builds technical confidence and shows employers you can handle real responsibility."
Can I start preparing for the CPA exam while earning my associate degree in accounting?
"Pursuing the CPA still matters if you want room to grow. Even when you land that first job without it, the license quickly becomes the ticket to senior assignments and advisory work.
Preparing while you study helps you avoid playing catch-up later. Mapping out the extra credit hours needed for the exam keeps you from scrambling after graduation. Staying focused on advanced courses in auditing, taxation, and business law gives you a smoother path to the four exam sections. A strong GPA and early familiarity with review materials make the test feel manageable rather than overwhelming."
What software skills should I focus on during my associate degree to stand out to employers?
"Software knowledge often separates candidates who get interviews from those who stop at the résumé pile.
Excel comes first because nearly every analysis, forecast, or reconciliation begins in a spreadsheet.
Learning pivot tables, lookup functions, and data validation tools turns raw numbers into insight and shows hiring managers that you can move quickly from data to decisions.
QuickBooks or a similar cloud platform is next since small and midsize firms rely on it for everyday bookkeeping.
Time spent on data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI rounds out your skill set and signals that you can communicate findings to nonaccountants.
Getting comfortable with professional tax software provides an edge in seasonal or specialty roles, while a basic understanding of an enterprise resource planning system like SAP tells large employers that you can adapt to their wider technology stack."
Do employers take online accounting degrees seriously?
"Employers have become far more accepting of online degrees, especially when the program carries proper accreditation. They care most about your ability to explain core accounting concepts and show you can work independently, qualities that online learning develops by nature.
When you arrive at an interview able to talk through case projects, demonstrate software proficiency, and show strong time-management habits, the delivery format of your education fades into the background. Some very traditional firms may still prefer on-campus recruits, yet that bias is shrinking as remote work spreads and the talent pool diversifies."
What kinds of hands-on learning can I expect in an online accounting program?
"The best online programs lean on simulations and case studies to replicate audits or tax prep engagements. These exercises are not just busywork; they force you to apply standards, think through ethical questions, and document findings as you would for a real client.
The best online programs lean on simulations and case studies to replicate audits or tax prep engagements.
Many schools invite practicing professionals to lead virtual workshops where students walk through live scenarios. Capstone projects often ask you to solve complex accounting puzzles, mimicking the end-to-end process of serving a client. Though you will not sit across the table from an auditor, you will have practiced the same steps in a structured, feedback-rich environment."
How can I gain real-world experience while earning my associate in accounting degree online?
"Practical experience takes hustle but is within reach for online students who start early.
Remote internships have become common, and they let you contribute to a firm’s work papers or bookkeeping from your own desk while still completing coursework.
Part-time roles with local businesses or nonprofits help you test your skills on real ledgers and show future employers tangible results.
Volunteering during tax season for community organizations gives you exposure to returns and client interviews.
Building a small freelance bookkeeping service for friends or startup ventures can also prove initiative and create references."
How do I decide between majoring in accounting or business?
"Choosing between an accounting major and a broader business path depends on your appetite for numbers versus breadth.
An accounting degree trains you in the language of financial reporting and positions you for the CPA, which remains a strong differentiator in the job market. That technical depth can serve as a springboard into finance, consulting, or even entrepreneurship once you know how to read and shape the financial health of any venture.
A general business degree offers a panoramic view of marketing, operations, and strategy, which is great if you crave variety or leadership roles that touch every department. The trade-off is that you may need additional coursework to qualify for specialized licenses later.
If you find satisfaction in reconciling accounts or piecing together audit evidence, lean toward accounting. If you get energized by shaping big-picture strategy and leading teams, a wider business curriculum might feel more natural. In either case, talking to professionals and shadowing them for a day can clarify which daily tasks excite you most."
You may also want to explore the next level up: the best online bachelor's in accounting degrees. Or if tuition is your main concern, we also have a list of the most affordable online accounting degrees.
Student Reviews of Online Accounting Programs
The college is good because it has a wide variety class options for all people. If you have to go to class or take them online the options are available. It is hard to get things taken care of though. Never try to call to take care of something because they never answer the phone at student services. It is as if people assume you know what you are doing. If I had not followed through on at least three occasions I would not have submitted all information needed for my financial aid. Each time I was... Read More
Review Date: 10/7/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am glad that when I decided to come back to college the university of Phoenix staff made it easy. The process was easy, I anticipatef it to be difficult that is why I put it off for so many years. They work with your schedule and as long as you put in the hard work and decision you will see positive results. I made the deans list I never imagined that would ever be possible especially with a five year old daughter. I am really glad that I made this important decision to finish what I started if... Read More
Review Date: 8/14/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am glad that when I decided to come back to college the university of Phoenix staff made it easy. The process was easy, I anticipatef it to be difficult that is why I put it off for so many years. They work with your schedule and as long as you put in the hard work and decision you will see positive results. I made the deans list I never imagined that would ever be possible especially with a five year old daughter. I am really glad that I made this important decision to finish what I started if... Read More
Review Date: 8/14/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Instructors help you any way that they can. If you need help you just have to reach out to them and they help you to the best of their ability. I would recommend this college to anyone looking to further their education. I am glad that I chose them.
Review Date: 5/14/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Purdue University has been the most important part of my career path. Purdue has so many great resources to help you on your journey. Purdue wants their students to succeed and they are great in making sure you do. Great professors, advisors, tutors.
Review Date: 2/11/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I love the Healthcare Accounting program at Ultimate Medical Academy. I truly feel like they have honestly cared. And any problems that I have ran into. They have the resources to get help for us as students for pretty much any problem that we come across.
Review Date: 9/12/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I think so far it is a great school! They are all very helpful and want you to succeed in your education. Some of the assignments could use a bit more info but anytime I was stuck I just reached out to one of the many people there to help. I give them a lot of credit on how they put together their online classes.
Review Date: 7/10/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It's fine, its a very easy school, as long as you do your homework you will graduate. I wish there was more variaty of learning. Example, I am a hands on learner, offering some kind of lab would be benefitial for people like me. It helps me understand. I feel like I got more out of the communuity college that I came from than I did on this program, but that is my learning style. Plus it is significantly cheaper.
Review Date: 9/26/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Bryan University based out of Phoenix, has been an awesome experience! Being 100% online was less stressful. Bryan make sure everyone understands everything. And has all their students ready to learn. Bryan teaches GRIT on it's highest level. And I would recommend everyone to them.
Review Date: 11/26/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Hello my name is Jessica Fortune I am an graduate student from AIU. I started AIU in 2021 and I quit giving up on myself. In 2023 I decided to come back and finish to get my degree. I can say that was the best decision I made. Yes it was stressful and hard but I stuck through it, and I'm am so thankful I did. I've learned so many new things and also was able to make the presidents and Dean's list. With fight, determination and you giving up, you too can achieve your goals.
Review Date: 5/14/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
A lot of the online classes that i've taken either lacked the proper instruction for assignments, or the professors made their module listings a bit unorganized, which in turn caused me to miss a few assignments. I cannot say that the experience is entirely bad due to the fact that there is another opportunity to retake classes. Other than this, I can say that I am not fully satisfied. I don't feel like I've learned what I intend on learning for my future career.
Review Date: 8/31/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Purdue Global is great for my busy schedule with online classes. I can work on my homework as needed. The professors really care and are pationete about the classes they teach. The discussion boards really help to make you learn the subjects, as well as assignments.
Review Date: 12/14/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I chose Ultimate Medical Academy to go to college because they offer many things such as student support and the teachers are really active in class participation. They really encourage you when you feel like giving up and that’s what I love about them. Your student advisors check in on you once a week to see how you’re doing and how you’re feeling about takin the classes that you’re taking. Your teachers are there for you when you need them or have any questions about any assignment you’re on. I... Read More
Review Date: 12/20/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Everything was smooth up until my last couple terms. I felt like I could reach out for guidance and/or help and everyone was there to help. Once I was about to graduate I got two professors that didn’t teach you anything and when you asked a question they said “I don’t know, read the book”. My last term I had an instructor that was only there for week one and returned on week 6. While she was out there was no contact info for the new instructor. I tried reaching out for help multiple times and ways... Read More
Review Date: 10/9/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I can honestly say, I have not had one issue with this University, Professors or classes. I am taking classes for Accounting and have been doing so for 1 year, graduating by end of this year. But, going to pursue my Bachelors. The flexibility is amazing!! Please don't decide base off of the bad reviews. Everyone is different. My advisor is ALWAYS available and willing to assist with anything. Call them, ask your questions, visit the campus, ask other students... and most importantly, DO YOUR RESEARCH... Read More
Review Date: 3/22/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I went to Ashford from 2012-2014. I had to take a break do to life, (3 kids and moving). I would say 90 percent of the professors I had where professional and understanding. The cost is a bit high. I am still paying for my last class I had to withdraw from due to a broke computer from a kid. I can't remember my GPA it was above 3.5, I had a 4.0 before we moved. These class are shorter, but require as much time if not more then a traditional class room, which can be a challenge. I plan o n returning... Read More
Review Date: 11/16/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school is a really great school. I've gained so much from being in this school. I am proud to say that I am a IUGRAD!! I worked hard to succeed and with the resources that was offered I was able to do so. Everything was all explanatory. I want to thank everyone that has ever texted and call to keep me informed on how I was doing.
Review Date: 6/9/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I've been at Strayer for about three years. It's ok. Comparing it to the local community college that I also attended, it's about the same, except for the course. I've had some pretty good professors and learned a lot. I've had three success coaches since I started because one was promoted to Dean. The other two still work with me. I cannot speak on financial aid because I use VA benefits. I've never had a problem with it. I think the tuition is way too high. I have three classes to go until I graduate.... Read More
Review Date: 3/10/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I'm so glad I decided to attend CTU. I truly enjoyed my experience. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to get a higher education. The Intellpath program is great. Everyone was willing to help when called upon. The online program suited my needs perfectly. Thank you CTU.
Review Date: 3/2/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really enjoyed all of my classes and my instructors. Everyone was really friendly and very helpful. I never thought I would graduate. I was involved in car accident in 2007 and it left me partially paralyzed. Going to school online made this possible. Thank you for the opportunity.
Review Date: 10/24/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes