Top 10 Online Accounting Degree Programs

Are you someone who is a very logical thinker with great communication skills? You may want to consider a career in accounting. It involves a lot more that just bean counting – accountants also help their clients make good financial decisions. The first step in preparing for this stable, in demand career is to get the right education. You can complete the requirements for an online accounting program from anywhere you can get an Internet connection. The curriculum is the same as if you attend classes on campus, and you can study on your own schedule.

#1 Western Governors University

Executive Summary

Western Governors University is a private, not-for-profit institution. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Tuition

Tuition at WGU is $2,890.00 per term.

Unique Features

A student’s progress through the program is measured by completing tests, assignments and exams, as opposed to the number of hours he or she spends in class. Each term is six months in length. During each one, students can complete as much of their degree as possible and may graduate sooner than if they had chosen to attend another institution.

#2 Kaplan University

Executive Summary

Kaplan University is a private school operating on a for-profit basis. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition

Bachelor’s degree students pay $371.00 per credit hour. Master’s degree students are charged $441.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

The University offers several start dates per year. Applicants to the online Bachelor’s degree in Accounting program who hold an Associate’s degree can qualify for the Advanced Start Track to complete their program sooner.

Concentrations

Bachelor’s Degree:

Auditing-Forensic Accountancy
Managerial Accountancy
Public Accountancy
Tax Accountancy

Master’s Degree:

Audit
Finance
Government
Tax

#3 Regis University

Executive Summary

Regis University was founded in 1877 and is one of 28 Jesuit universities and colleges in the U.S. The school is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Tuition

Tuition at Regis is $410.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Applicants to the BS in Accounting online program must be high school graduates with a minimum of three years of professional experience.

#4 Colorado Technical University

Executive Summary

CTU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. It is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Tuition

Tuition is $325.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program will learn how to interpret financial statements according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), manage a complete set of accounts for a small-to-moderate-sized business, and distinguish the information to be used in managerial decision-making.

#5 Ashford University

Executive Summary

Ashford University was founded in 1918 as a junior college for women. This private, for-profit institution is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition

Students at Ashford pay $402.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Students in the online Accounting degree program may seek a Certified Management Accountant designation. Courses are taught by faculty members holding graduate-level degrees with real-world experience in their subject areas.

Concentrations

Business Economics
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Information Systems
International Management
Operations Management
Project Management
Public Administration

#6 Capella University

Executive Summary

Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The school is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Tuition

Courses cost $290.00-$350.00 per credit hour, depending on whether they are lower or upper level credits.

Unique Features

Courses are five or 10 weeks in length. This online accounting degree is not meant to prepare students for the CPA exam.

#7 American InterContinental University

Executive Summary

American InterContinental University is a private, for-profit institution. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Tuition

Bachelor of Accounting students pay $302.00 per credit hour, and Master of Accounting students pay $582.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

New terms begin every month. Online BS in Accounting students complete a capstone project as one of the requirements to complete their degree. Masters in Accounting learners take two courses that prepare them for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants licensing exam.

#8 Sullivan University

Executive Summary

Sullivan University is a private, not-for-profit educational institution. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Tuition

Sullivan students pay $292.00 per credit hour, which is one of the cheapest rates for an online accounting degree.

Unique Features

The University operates on a trimester schedule (Fall, Spring, Summer). Students learn complete a capstone business project as one of the requirements for completing their degree.

#9 Strayer University

Executive Summary

Strayer University was established in 1892. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Learning.

Tuition

Bachelor’s degree students pay $591.00 per credit hour. Master’s degree students are charged $775.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

The University offers four start times per year. Part-time undergraduate students can expect to complete their degree in five years or more by taking up to two classes per quarter. An online Master’s in Accounting degree can be completed in three years.

#10 New England College of Business

Executive Summary

The New England College of Business is a private, for-profit institution. It was founded in 1909 as the American Banking Institute and took on its present name in 1998. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tuition

The College charges $1,300.00 per course ($433.00 per credit hour).

Unique Features

The University calendar has six terms per year. Courses are taught by instructors with real-world experience in their area of expertise.