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Students conducting a college search for affordable online bachelor's programs will find a number of degree options in accounting, including the rankings list right above. Some colleges offer programs that lead to a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts specifically in accounting, while other schools offer degrees in business administration with a concentration in accounting. At some schools, enrollees can also choose specializations, such as taxation or forensic accounting. These programs are designed to be completed in four years of full-time study, but students may choose to enroll part-time instead. With convenient and affordable online options available, students can choose the program that best fits their interests, career goals, schedule, and budget.

Accounting degrees train students to help individuals and organizations meet their financial and bookkeeping needs. Students may graduate with a solid understanding of mathematical and business concepts, as well as how to apply these in a variety of settings. Prospective students can often specialize in areas such as taxation or managerial accounting, and those enrolled at the bachelor's level can choose between various degree options.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for accountants and auditors is constant, with for the role each year. The BLS also shared that a bachelor's degree qualifies graduates for most entry-level positions in this field. Some degree programs are also explicitly designed to prepare students to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). This certification equips accountants to offer a range of tax return and financial services.

In our 2026 ranking above, annual in-state tuition for the most affordable online accounting degrees runs from ~$3,100 to ~$7,400, with several schools offering especially low prices for residents. Out-of-state tuition varies much more widely, ranging from ~$5,200 to ~$21,400. However, there are a few colleges that charge the same rate regardless of residency (including Clayton State, Georgia Southwestern State, UT Permian Basin, the University of the Cumberlands, the University of the Potomac, and Southern Utah University).

Students may find that earning a degree online can lower the overall cost. Some schools charge in-state tuition rates for distance learners regardless of residency. There are also some campus-related fees that online students often do not have to pay, including housing and transportation.

Accounting students who plan to become CPAs should also consider the expense of taking additional courses, as well as the various fees associated with taking the CPA exam. These costs vary by state, but the total application, examination, and registration fees can range from $1,150-$1,350.

Online students are eligible for financial aid, just like students attending on-campus schools. There are federal, state, private, and school-sponsored scholarships and grants, which don't have to be paid back, as well as work-study programs. Some online accounting students may need to accept student loans, but they should consider all loan offers with care. Federal student loans are usually preferred because they offer more favorable repayment plans and usually have lower interest rates.

Certain students may also be eligible for other types of aid. For example, active duty military or veterans may be entitled to tuition assistance and GI Bill benefits, and members or employees of a school's partner organization may be awarded tuition discounts. Accounting majors can check with the financial aid office at their school to see if they qualify for any financial aid programs.

Most students begin the financial aid process by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The personal financial information on this form is used to determine how much aid a student may be eligible for. When the applications have been evaluated, the schools will provide an offer to the students that details the type and amount of financial aid they can receive. In many cases, it will be a combination of the different types of funding available.

Accounting students interested in funding their higher education can apply for grants and scholarships that cover tuition or living costs, as well as work-study programs that help students pay for college expenses through part-time employment. While students may also apply for loans, they should first consider funding sources that don't need to be paid back.

The first step to applying for funding involves filling out the FAFSA, a form that many government organizations and schools use to determine how much financial assistance an individual qualifies for. While the FAFSA is the most direct way to apply for grants and scholarships, certain noncitizens and undocumented students are not eligible to fill out this form. In general, students should contact the financial aid departments of their prospective schools to learn about the funding opportunities they are eligible for. 

They may also consider applying for the following grants and scholarships designed specifically for accounting students: 

Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting Scholarships

Several of these scholarships ranging from are available for women majoring in accounting at all degree levels.

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program

Named for two members of ACFE killed in a terrorist attack in Pakistan while representing their Texas firm in Karachi, this fund offers scholarships ranging from .

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs

Every year, the AICPA awards 25 scholarships, ranging from , to students enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate accounting degree program. These scholarships are open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who demonstrate financial need, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and plan to become CPAs once they graduate.

Jane M. Klausman (JMK) Women in Business Scholarship

The JMK scholarship of is open to female students who demonstrate leadership potential and are pursuing a degree in business. Applicants must be enrolled in at least the second year of undergraduate study and may apply all the way up to the final year of a master's program.

Want to learn more about financial aid? Explore our funding guide for online students. 

The admissions criteria for online and in-person bachelor's programs are fairly consistent from one college to the next. Applicants must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Other requirements often include a minimum 2.0 high school GPA and favorable scores on common college entrance exams, such as the ACT or SAT. For those enrolling in a degree-completion program, a cumulative 2.5 or higher GPA for completed college-level courses may be required.

When prospective students submit an application to enroll in an online accounting degree program, they may be asked for some of the following items:

• An application fee ranging from $30-$90
• Official transcripts from all previous schools attended
• Test scores from ACT, SAT, or other standardized tests
• Letters of recommendation from former teachers, coaches, supervisors, or clergy who know the applicant well
• A personal essay highlighting the applicant's experiences and goals
• A list of extracurricular activities, including team sports, clubs and organizations, jobs, and volunteer activities

A bachelor's degree in accounting is designed to give students a strong foundation in financial accounting principles and prepare them for a wide range of careers in business. Students who earn a bachelor's in accounting often go on to become CPAs and pursue roles in public accounting as auditors, work for government or nonprofit organizations, maintain financial records for private companies, or take on individual clients. An accounting degree can also lead to roles in finance, including budget analysts, financial consultants, finance managers, or financial analysts.

• Cost Accounting: Cost accounting involves understanding how much it costs to run a business, create a product, or provide a service, and using total costs to guide operations. Courses cover how to use accounting data to determine pricing, inform business decisions, make long-term plans, predict financial outcomes, and create data-driven company policies.
• Government and Nonprofit Accounting: This class covers the basics of fund accounting for non-profit organizations and public agencies. Students learn how to manage donor and public funds, which typically have strict requirements for use. They also learn how to prepare financial statements, document funding use, analyze financial data, and adhere to reporting requirements for non-profit organizations.
• Managerial Accounting: Managerial accounting refers to the process of gathering relevant financial data and using it to manage a business effectively. Students learn about the different reports and data points managers need to inform business decisions. Practical skills gained from this class include capital budgeting and preparing financial statements, cash budgets, and performance evaluations.
• Microeconomics: In this course, students explore how individuals and organizations make decisions about using and distributing resources. Specifically, they learn how people within organizations share information, assign value to goods and services, and collectively work toward the efficient production and exchange of resources. Some common topics include supply and demand, market equilibrium, monopolies, and labor economics.
• Tax Accounting: Sometimes called income tax or federal tax accounting, this course gives an overview of income tax laws. Students learn how to prepare taxes for individuals, including determining gross income and itemized deductions. They also learn how to research specific tax laws related to individual circumstances. Some courses may cover how tax laws can impact business decisions.

Accreditation is an important quality to look for when selecting a college. Accounting students must be enrolled in an accredited institution and/or program to qualify for federal financial aid, and in many states, it is a requirement to obtain licensure. Additionally, students who intend to transfer schools or apply to a master's program may only be accepted if their previous college credits were earned through accredited programs.

Accreditation means that a school's academic programs, faculty, research programs, and student services meet educational standards for quality. Schools can also earn programmatic accreditation for individual degree programs. For accounting programs, the primary accrediting agency is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (), although some business programs may be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (). Students can access databases of recognized schools, programs, and accrediting agencies on the and the websites.

Whether an online bachelor's degree in accounting will be worth it is ultimately up to each individual, and depends in part on a student's personal circumstances, financial situation, and other responsibilities. There is a significant upfront investment in time and money that may or may not result in a satisfying and lucrative career. 

It's worth examining the pros and cons of this degree, along with the advantages of earning it online.

Potential Benefits

• Accountants are typically paid well, earning median yearly wages of compared to the average of all U.S. jobs ($49,500).
• A bachelor's degree in accounting can qualify you for entry-level positions in a variety of areas, including auditing, bookkeeping, and financial investigation.
• Learning online affords you greater flexibility. Working independently around family or other commitments can be easier when you are in control of your schedule and course load.
• Job growth is likely to remain at 5% over the next decade, according to data from the BLS, and that's faster than the U.S. average of just 3%.

Potential Drawbacks

• Day-to-day work as an accountant can be tedious with intervals that bring on high anxiety, such as tax season and end-of-year accounting. According to , accountants have reported low job satisfaction.
• Online learning may decrease opportunities for networking, which can be an essential part of the job search after graduation.

After earning a bachelor's in accounting, graduates who would like to qualify for higher-paying positions or job opportunities that require licensure might consider becoming CPAs. To become a CPA, which indicates greater competency in the field, students must complete 150 college credits and pass the four-part . Although a master's degree is not required, many aspiring CPAs obtain an advanced degree in order to earn the additional credits needed. A few states will accept years of work experience in lieu of some college coursework. Students should check with their state's Board of Accountancy for a detailed list of licensure requirements.

In addition to preparing graduates to pass the CPA exam, a master's degree in accounting offers other benefits. Their advanced training may qualify them for more competitive, specialized roles in the field, such as in auditing or taxation. This expertise could mean higher salaries and greater job security.