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2025 Most Affordable Online Forensic Accounting Degrees

Written by OnlineU Writers • Edited by Bailey Fletcher • Updated 3/11/2025

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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2025 Most Affordable Online Degrees Badge

An affordable online bachelor's in forensic accounting teaches accounting principles with investigative techniques to detect financial fraud. Coursework covers fraud examination, financial reporting, and legal aspects of fraud. Graduates can pursue careers as forensic accountants, fraud examiners, internal auditors, compliance officers, and risk analysts. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Ranked #1 for affordability in forensic accounting is the University of Northwestern Ohio, with tuition at $8,400. 
  • Champlain College stands out with outstanding median graduate earnings of $80,946 for its Bachelor of Science in Economic Crime Investigation, making it one of the top 1% nationally for earnings. 

Our process includes manually verifying tuition rates to determine the most affordable online forensic accounting bachelor's programs. Listed schools are accredited, fully online, and provide clear pricing. Visit our methodology page to learn more. 

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Featured Popular UUÖ±²¥s

All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Rank School Location Annual Tuition
# 1 #1 University of Northwestern Ohio Lima (OH) $8,400
# 2 #2 Southern New Hampshire University Online Manchester (NH) $9,900
# 3 #3 Champlain College Burlington (VT) $10,050
# 4 #4 Purdue Global Indianapolis (IN) $11,130
# 5 #5 Culver-Stockton College Canton (MO) $11,850
# 6 #6 Franklin University Columbus (OH) $11,940
# 7 #7 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide Daytona Beach (FL) $15,090
# 8 #8 DeVry University Multiple Locations $15,420
# 9 #9 Davenport University Grand Rapids (MI) $29,220
#1

University of Northwestern Ohio University of Northwestern Ohio University of Northwestern Ohio

Lima (OH)

, /credit

Why we like them: Taught by experienced CPAs, the Forensic Accounting specialization focuses on embezzlement, bribery, and securities fraud, equipping graduates with the knowledge to sit for the Certified Fraud Examiner’s Exam. UNOH offers three distinct accounting tracks: a general accounting curriculum, a CPA track requiring an additional year of study, and the specialized Forensic Accounting track.

Annual Tuition: $8,400

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $8,400
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Recommend Rate: 100%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergraduate Online: 461 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 34 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: N/A
#1

University of Northwestern Ohio

Lima (OH)
Annual Tuition: $8,400

, /credit

Why we like them: Taught by experienced CPAs, the Forensic Accounting specialization focuses on embezzlement, bribery, and securities fraud, equipping graduates with the knowledge to sit for the Certified Fraud Examiner’s Exam. UNOH offers three distinct accounting tracks: a general accounting curriculum, a CPA track requiring an additional year of study, and the specialized Forensic Accounting track.

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $8,400
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Recommend Rate: 100%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergrad Online: 461 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 34 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: N/A
#2
Manchester (NH)

, /credit

Why we like them: The program requires 40 courses, each lasting 8 weeks, consolidating content relevant to the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. Notably, the program integrates the use of digital tools for investigating fraud and prepares you for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification.

"I have nothing but great things to write about the education I have received here at SNHU. The professors have all been responsive, engaging, and leaders in the field. The flexibility was exactly what I needed to succeed, and SNHU has opened doors to opportunities I hadn't previously considered possible."

Chris, Graduated 2020

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $9,900
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Retention Rate: 62%
  • Recommend Rate: 61%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergraduate Online: 154,212 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 23,595 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 841 enrolled
#2
Manchester (NH)

, /credit

Why we like them: The program requires 40 courses, each lasting 8 weeks, consolidating content relevant to the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. Notably, the program integrates the use of digital tools for investigating fraud and prepares you for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification.

"I have nothing but great things to write about the education I have received here at SNHU. The professors have all been responsive, engaging, and leaders in the field. The flexibility was exactly what I needed to succeed, and SNHU has opened doors to opportunities I hadn't previously considered possible."

Chris, Graduated 2020

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $9,900
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Retention Rate: 62%
  • Recommend Rate: 61%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergrad Online: 154,212 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 23,595 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 841 enrolled
#3

Champlain College Champlain College Champlain College

Burlington (VT)

, /credit

Why we like them: Graduates of this program can anticipate remarkable earning potential with median earnings of $80,946, which situates Champlain among the top 1% nationally for graduate income, a promising prospect for enhancing your financial return on investment. That's the best on our list. The school itself also has the highest graduation rate on our list of 65%. This degree prepares you for certifications like the CFE test and the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists exam.

"Champlain College is an amazing environment for learning. The professors are challenging and make you think outside the box. While I attended multiple colleges, Champlain was by far the hardest and best college experience I had."

Anonymous, Graduated 2013

Annual Tuition: $10,050

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $10,050
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Recommend Rate: 64%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergraduate Online: 1,104 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 442 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 3 enrolled
#3

Champlain College

Burlington (VT)
Annual Tuition: $10,050

, /credit

Why we like them: Graduates of this program can anticipate remarkable earning potential with median earnings of $80,946, which situates Champlain among the top 1% nationally for graduate income, a promising prospect for enhancing your financial return on investment. That's the best on our list. The school itself also has the highest graduation rate on our list of 65%. This degree prepares you for certifications like the CFE test and the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists exam.

"Champlain College is an amazing environment for learning. The professors are challenging and make you think outside the box. While I attended multiple colleges, Champlain was by far the hardest and best college experience I had."

Anonymous, Graduated 2013

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $10,050
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Recommend Rate: 64%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergrad Online: 1,104 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 442 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 3 enrolled
#4
Indianapolis (IN)

, /credit

Why we like them: Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the program supports a path toward professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, and CIA. We are also impressed that Purdue Global offers an introductory three-week trial where students can test the program with no financial obligation.

"Professors are good and care about your advancements. After your first or second term, you will be assigned a new advisor. There are thousands of online students, so your advisor may have a handful to keep tabs on. If you do all your coursework, get your assignments done, and maintain a 2.0 GPA, there really isn’t a need to interact frequently with your advisor. Remember, school is a business, so view your advisor as a manager who oversees your progress."

Christopher, Graduated 2021

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $11,130
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 28%
  • Retention Rate: 17%
  • Recommend Rate: 75%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
  • Undergraduate Online: 31,661 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 12,630 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 289 enrolled
#4
Indianapolis (IN)

, /credit

Why we like them: Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the program supports a path toward professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, and CIA. We are also impressed that Purdue Global offers an introductory three-week trial where students can test the program with no financial obligation.

"Professors are good and care about your advancements. After your first or second term, you will be assigned a new advisor. There are thousands of online students, so your advisor may have a handful to keep tabs on. If you do all your coursework, get your assignments done, and maintain a 2.0 GPA, there really isn’t a need to interact frequently with your advisor. Remember, school is a business, so view your advisor as a manager who oversees your progress."

Christopher, Graduated 2021

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $11,130
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 28%
  • Retention Rate: 17%
  • Recommend Rate: 75%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
  • Undergrad Online: 31,661 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 12,630 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 289 enrolled
#5

Culver-Stockton College Culver-Stockton College Culver-Stockton College

Canton (MO)

, /credit

Why we like them: As part of this bachelor's degree, students start hands-on activities from their first semester, including crime scene investigation, interviewing & interrogation, and mock trials, ensuring they develop practical skills early on. The program culminates in an internship with law enforcement agencies, corrections departments, or social service organizations, providing real-world experience before graduation.

Annual Tuition: $11,850

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $11,850
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Recommend Rate: 100%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergraduate Online: 48 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 116 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 2 enrolled
#5

Culver-Stockton College

Canton (MO)
Annual Tuition: $11,850

, /credit

Why we like them: As part of this bachelor's degree, students start hands-on activities from their first semester, including crime scene investigation, interviewing & interrogation, and mock trials, ensuring they develop practical skills early on. The program culminates in an internship with law enforcement agencies, corrections departments, or social service organizations, providing real-world experience before graduation.

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $11,850
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Recommend Rate: 100%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergrad Online: 48 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 116 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 2 enrolled
#6

Franklin University Franklin University Franklin University

Columbus (OH)

, /credit

Why we like them: This IACBE-accredited program ensures educational quality and aligns with industry standards, focusing on core areas like fraud detection and prevention. It's designed to prepare you for certifications like CFE, CPA, and CIA. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience using real-life simulations and software like Microsoft Visio to strengthen your capabilities in fraud prevention.

Annual Tuition: $11,940

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $11,940
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Retention Rate: 50%
  • Recommend Rate: 68%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergraduate Online: 5,369 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 2,549 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 520 enrolled
#6

Franklin University

Columbus (OH)
Annual Tuition: $11,940

, /credit

Why we like them: This IACBE-accredited program ensures educational quality and aligns with industry standards, focusing on core areas like fraud detection and prevention. It's designed to prepare you for certifications like CFE, CPA, and CIA. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience using real-life simulations and software like Microsoft Visio to strengthen your capabilities in fraud prevention.

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $11,940
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Retention Rate: 50%
  • Recommend Rate: 68%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergrad Online: 5,369 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 2,549 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 520 enrolled
#7

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide

Daytona Beach (FL)

, /credit

Why we like them: Embry-Riddle’s program is one of the first in the nation, making it well-developed and highly respected in the field. Graduates have strong hiring outcomes with employers like the FBI, CIA, NSA, Department of Defense, and Northrop Grumman, with a 90% job placement rate within a year. Perhaps this is due to the FEMA Emergency Management Institute Professional Development Series (PDS) certificate, which is part of the program, an industry-recognized credential.

"I have an academic advisor and a mentor... Overall my courses are pretty informational. The professors really care about what they're teaching, and they make sure that the students are really learning as well."

OB, Graduated 2022

Annual Tuition: $15,090

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $15,090
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 20%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Recommend Rate: 57%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergraduate Online: 8,284 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 3,031 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 247 enrolled
#7

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide

Daytona Beach (FL)
Annual Tuition: $15,090

, /credit

Why we like them: Embry-Riddle’s program is one of the first in the nation, making it well-developed and highly respected in the field. Graduates have strong hiring outcomes with employers like the FBI, CIA, NSA, Department of Defense, and Northrop Grumman, with a 90% job placement rate within a year. Perhaps this is due to the FEMA Emergency Management Institute Professional Development Series (PDS) certificate, which is part of the program, an industry-recognized credential.

"I have an academic advisor and a mentor... Overall my courses are pretty informational. The professors really care about what they're teaching, and they make sure that the students are really learning as well."

OB, Graduated 2022

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $15,090
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 20%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Recommend Rate: 57%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergrad Online: 8,284 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 3,031 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 247 enrolled
#8
Multiple Locations

, /credit

Why we like them: Unlike traditional four-year programs, students can earn their degree in as few as 2 years and 8 months by taking year-round, full-time courses. The program, which mentions forensic accounting as a potential career outcome, includes Becker Professional Education content, a leading CPA exam prep provider, giving students an edge in certification readiness.

"They are regionally accredited, and have intelligent teachers. The school is expensive, but is worth it for me rather than starting all over at a different school that won't take any of my credits from a trade school."

Amy

Annual Tuition: $15,420

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $15,420
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 23%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Recommend Rate: 59%
  • School Type: For Profit
  • Undergraduate Online: 27,814 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 2,932 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 52 enrolled
#8
Multiple Locations
Annual Tuition: $15,420

, /credit

Why we like them: Unlike traditional four-year programs, students can earn their degree in as few as 2 years and 8 months by taking year-round, full-time courses. The program, which mentions forensic accounting as a potential career outcome, includes Becker Professional Education content, a leading CPA exam prep provider, giving students an edge in certification readiness.

"They are regionally accredited, and have intelligent teachers. The school is expensive, but is worth it for me rather than starting all over at a different school that won't take any of my credits from a trade school."

Amy

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $15,420
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 23%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Recommend Rate: 59%
  • School Type: For Profit
  • Undergrad Online: 27,814 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 2,932 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 52 enrolled
#9

Davenport University Davenport University Davenport University

Grand Rapids (MI)

, /credit

Why we like them: This is an IACBE-accredited program designed to prepare you for a career in financial fraud investigation. The curriculum includes real-world learning through internships and job shadowing, and offers preparation for CFE certification, ensuring career readiness in both public accounting and private industry.

"I attended evening classes mostly. The class size was small, which meant a little more work than I would have expected, but it also meant more personal instruction. The staff was very helpful in assisting me select the correct courses to graduate and assisted with job placement after I graduated... Overall, a good college experience!"

Lori

Annual Tuition: $29,220

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $29,220
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Recommend Rate: 60%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergraduate Online: 1,504 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 917 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 90 enrolled
#9

Davenport University

Grand Rapids (MI)
Annual Tuition: $29,220

, /credit

Why we like them: This is an IACBE-accredited program designed to prepare you for a career in financial fraud investigation. The curriculum includes real-world learning through internships and job shadowing, and offers preparation for CFE certification, ensuring career readiness in both public accounting and private industry.

"I attended evening classes mostly. The class size was small, which meant a little more work than I would have expected, but it also meant more personal instruction. The staff was very helpful in assisting me select the correct courses to graduate and assisted with job placement after I graduated... Overall, a good college experience!"

Lori

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $29,220
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Recommend Rate: 60%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
  • Undergrad Online: 1,504 enrolled
  • Graduate Online: 917 enrolled
  • Certificate Online: 90 enrolled

Featured Popular UUÖ±²¥s

Online Forensic Accounting Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In


Student Reviews of Online Forensic Accounting Programs

Faith T., Graduated 2022

Attended: Purdue Global

Purdue Global is the best college I have attended in my college career. It has gave me the most flexibility, and I love how I can do everything online. The professors are the nicest individuals I have met, and the people that have met throughout each class have been very helpful. I recommend attending Purdue Global to anyone!

Review Date: 11/2/2022

Attended: Purdue Global

Overall Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Faith T., Graduated 2022

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