Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global economy has been marked by volatility and soaring inflation. This uncertainty has made cheap online accounting degree programs all the more valuable. Fortunately, cost-conscious accounting students have many quality options to choose from. The cheapest online accounting degrees charge $250-$500 per credit.
Your educational return on investment (ROI) is the difference between what you'll pay out of pocket for your degree and what you anticipate earning once you graduate. Precise ROIs vary and depend on a given program's specific costs.
The cheapest online accounting degrees have unusually strong ROI profiles. They cover the same material as more expensive programs and qualify graduates for the same high-paying career paths.
Potential learners can find even more savings by seeking out a program with an accelerated learning format. Accelerated online accounting degrees help students qualify for lucrative accounting careers more quickly.
This degree guide explains the distinctive features of cheap accounting degrees and the benefits they offer. It also includes a ranked list of the year's best online accounting degrees from an affordability standpoint.
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Featured Online Accounting Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Top Affordable Accounting Programs
#1 Most Affordable Accounting Degrees Online 2024
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $330
Out-of-State | $330
Credits to Graduate: 120
SNHU offers two online BS in accounting programs. The BS in accounting prepares students to take the CPA exam and begin careers as certified public accountants. Optional internships and embedded certifications can help learners meet industry standards.
The accelerated BS-to-MS can be a cost- and time-saving option that satisfies the 150 credits states required to obtain CPA licensure. This program also offers a concentration in forensic accounting and fraud examination.
The BS in accounting and finance provides a strong foundation in both subjects, preparing you for roles in investment banking, financial analysis, and other finance-oriented careers. SNHU's program features asynchronous classes, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule.
Students Enrolled
145,533
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Most Affordable Accounting Degrees Online 2024
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $219
Out-of-State | $342
Credits to Graduate: 120
UWF's online BSBA in accounting program includes 30 credits of core business classes and 30 credits of accounting courses. Students can also select from one of five electives, including forensic accounting, financial statement analysis, corporate income tax, and commercial law.
This program prepares graduates to work as budget analysts, cost estimators, accountants, and auditors. Graduates are also qualified to sit for the Florida CPA exam. All out-of-state students may apply for a tuition waiver that covers up to 75% of the nonresident fees.
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Most Affordable Accounting Degrees Online 2024
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $263
Out-of-State | $782
Credits to Graduate: 120
FAU's online BBA in accounting program can prepare you for a job as an accountant, loan administrator, financial analyst, or cost department supervisor. Students must earn 60 credits, including pre-business foundation courses, to declare accounting as their major. These foundational courses include financial and managerial accounting, macro and microeconomics, and methods of calculus.
In addition to core business classes, FAU's BBA in accounting program includes accounting-specific courses. Accounting classes include electives in government and nonprofit accounting, business law, or taxation. The program offers asynchronous classes for full flexibility.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Most Affordable Accounting Degrees Online 2024
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $530
Out-of-State | $530
Credits to Graduate: 120
UArizona's online BSBA in accounting program can prepare you for a career in auditing, accounting, financial planning, or corporate finance. The program includes 21 accounting credits and 30 professional core credits. Core courses focus on marketing, finance, management, and economics. The program culminates in a capstone incorporating a financial statement analysis.
Students must apply directly to the Eller College of Management. If you're transferring from an Arizona community college with 12 or more transferable credits, you may be eligible for a $500 scholarship per semester.
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Most Affordable Accounting Degrees Online 2024
University of Minnesota, Crookston
- Crookston, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $442
Out-of-State | $442
Credits to Graduate: 120
UMC's online BS in accounting program prepares graduates to take the CPA, certified management accountant (CMA), and certified internal auditor (CIA) certification exams. Partnering with Gleim CPA Review, they offer four additional online CPA review courses that provide students with 12 credits that can go toward the 150 needed to sit for the CPA exam in most states. All states require 150 credits for licensure.
Additional electives include an internship, income tax preparation, and forensic accounting. Graduates may also pursue roles in financial analysis, banking, finance, and taxation.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Most Affordable Accounting Degrees Online 2024
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 2 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Six-Month Term:
In-State | $3,955
Out-of-State | $3,955
Credits to Graduate: Varies
WGU's online BS in accounting program can prepare you for a career as an accountant, financial advisor, auditor, investment manager, or financial analyst. The program comprises 41 asynchronous courses in accounting, business management, human resources, core business, and general education.
This competency-based program does not require students to earn a certain number of credits to graduate. Instead, your ability to demonstrate mastery in core competencies moves you through your personalized degree plan. You prove this knowledge by completing performance and objective assessments. WGU reports that 70% of their students graduate within 42 months.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
150,116
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#7 Most Affordable Accounting Degrees Online 2024
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $280
Out-of-State | $371
Credits to Graduate: 180
Purdue’s online bachelor of accounting degree program consists of a healthy variety of classes to prepare you for any industry after graduation. Courses include business law, organizational behavior, federal tax, managerial accounting, and finance. You can also choose from a number of concentrations, including auditing and forensic accountancy, public accountancy, managerial accountancy, and tax accountancy.
The program requires students to complete 180 credits to graduate. You can, however, submit any previous accounting experience for potential transfer credits. On average, those who submit their professional, volunteer, or military service experience can earn around 33 credits and save about $11,000 on tuition.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Most Affordable Accounting Degrees Online 2024
Eastern New Mexico University
- Portales, NM
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $298
Out-of-State | $380
Credits to Graduate: 120
ENMU's online BBA in accounting program prepares students for accounting certifications, including CPA, CMA, CIA, and certified government financial manager. The course format is 100% online, with synchronous and asynchronous classes. Synchronous, scheduled classes replicate the on-campus model, while asynchronous courses allow students to complete work for the program at their own pace.
In addition to business foundation and core requirements, students must take one international course and complete 24 credits in accounting. Enrollees are also encouraged to complete an internship offered by the College of Business.
Percent Online Enrollment
82%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Most Affordable Accounting Degrees Online 2024
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: The Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $370
Credits to Graduate: 180
National University’s bachelor of science in accounting program focuses on the foundational aspects of accounting while also giving students an overview of different specialties. Courses cover core principles such as macro and microeconomics as well as more advanced topics, like personal property, product development, and multinational business frameworks.
Students must complete 180 units to graduate. All courses can be taken online and are built with the standard certification tests in mind, such as the CPA, CMA, and CFE exams.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#10 Most Affordable Accounting Degrees Online 2024
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $220
Out-of-State | $220
Credits to Graduate: 120
Cumberlands' online BAS in accounting program includes 66 credits of accounting and business courses, culminating in a global business capstone. These asynchronous courses allow you to complete the program at your own pace. The program readies graduates for roles as accountants, auditors, and financial examiners.
Cumberlands' per credit rate covers all costs, including tuition, fees, books, academic resources, and counseling services. The school also reports that 96% of its students receive financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
What Factors Into an Accounting Bachelor's Affordability?
Tuition is the biggest factor that impacts an academic program's affordability. However, other considerations impact the cost of a degree, sometimes significantly. Examples include learning format, enrollment status, and the availability of financial aid.
Each of these elements can affect a program's net cost, which represents the actual out-of-pocket amount a student pays to attend college. Net cost is the ultimate determinant of a degree's affordability.
With that in mind, consider these specific cost-related factors:
― Tuition
Colleges use multiple models to calculate tuition rates. Many schools quote tuition on a per-credit basis. Others charge flat rates based on part-time or full-time enrollment status. They then apply the resultant rate to an entire semester or academic year.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) the average tuition rates for the 2020-2021 academic year are as follows:
$9,375
Public four-year institutions (in state)
$27,091
Public four-year institutions (out of state)
$32,825
Private four-year institutions
By definition, "affordable" degrees charge tuition rates that fall below these averages.
― Enrollment Status
Enrollment status can have a significant impact on your ability to manage costs as you go. You can mitigate the financial sting of your degree if you study part time while working. It will take you longer to graduate, but you can also pace and manage your budgeting needs more easily.
Importantly, tuition models that charge on a per-credit basis tend to optimize these benefits. If you pay a flat per-semester or per-year rate, you may not generate the same savings or advantages. Consider this carefully as you evaluate the cheapest online accounting degrees that support your career goals.
― Location
If you attend a public institution, consider whether you will be enrolling as an in-state or out-of-state student, as rates differ. Luckily, many states subscribe to tuition reciprocity agreements. These compacts extend in-state tuition rates to residents of neighboring states.
The cheapest online accounting degree programs can also help learners avoid several major expenses. By studying online, you will not have to physically relocate or pay room and board at college rates.
Hybrid programs that combine online and campus-based learning represent another option. They preserve elements of the traditional campus experience while enhancing flexibility. However, hybrid learning carries additional costs, such as expenses related to commuting and parking.
― Delivery Format
Colleges deliver programs in three main formats: in person (campus-based), 100% online, and hybrid models that blend in-person and online learning. For multiple reasons, online programs are generally the least expensive.
First, online learning eliminates many major expenses, including relocation, room and board, transportation to campus, and parking. Furthermore, it offers students increased scheduling flexibility. This allows many learners to work while they study and avoid losing income.
One downside of online learning relates to networking. In general, online programs offer fewer in-person networking opportunities, which can lead to jobs after graduation. As you research the cheapest online accounting degree programs, evaluate both their advantages and trade-offs.
― Financial Aid
The availability of financial aid can have a major impact on net cost. For example, consider a private school that charges relatively high tuition rates but offers generous and easily accessible financial aid options. That financial aid may make attending the private school cheaper than attending a public school, which many prospective students would assume is the more affordable option.
Major forms of financial aid include scholarships, fellowships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans. Scholarships, fellowships, and grants will reduce your net costs and do not have to be repaid. Work-study programs, which allow students to work for reduced tuition, are another option.
Federal and private loans can help you meet tuition costs, but they create debt and don't affect the net price of attendance. It is best to use them as a final resort.
How Can You Pay for a Degree in Accounting?
Scholarships are the most desirable form of student financial aid because they do not need to be repaid. Most scholarships are either merit-based or need-based.
Merit-based awards consider factors like scholastic achievement, community activism, and academic potential. Need-based scholarships primarily address the gap between your expected education costs and your current ability to meet them.
The following subsection profiles several scholarships for accounting students. It is not a complete list but instead represents an overview of the hundreds of available scholarships.
Scholarships for Accounting Students
American Women's Society of Certified Public Accountants (AWSCPA) Scholarship Award
- Requirements: Offered through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AWSCPA Scholarship Award recognizes exceptional women students studying accounting or an accounting-related subject. Recipients can apply the award toward qualified education expenses, including tuition, required fees, housing, or study materials.
- Award: $5,000
Apply Here
Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship
- Requirements: Students qualify for this scholarship via full-time enrollment status in the upper years of an undergraduate accounting program. Graduate students also qualify. Applicants must demonstrate a personal commitment to working in the public sector upon graduation.
- Award: $10,000
Apply Here
AICPA Foundation Two-Year Transfer Scholarship Award
- Requirements: This AICPA award is for students transferring from two-year to four-year institutions to earn their accounting degrees. The AICPA evaluates applicants based on their academic achievement, leadership qualities, and career potential.
- Award: $5,000
Apply Here
Making Cheap Accounting Degrees Even Cheaper
Beyond pursuing the cheapest online accounting degree that matches your career goals, you can further cut educational costs with other strategies. The more you save during college, the better your financial situation will be once you graduate.
With that in mind, consider these five ways to save even more while you earn your accounting degree:
-
Rent Your Books
Books represent a major expense for college students. You can cut these costs by renting your books through campus-based or external services. As an alternative, consider buying used books and then reselling them once your class is done.
-
Maximize Your Aid
All too often, students who need help meeting their schooling costs jump straight to loans. Instead, thoroughly research merit- and need-based scholarships, grant programs, and work-study programs. Also, investigate school-specific forms of aid, such as credit waivers for qualified students. Start your research early to maximize the available opportunities and use loans only to cover the remaining gaps.
-
Overload on Credits
This strategy applies at schools that calculate tuition on a per-semester or per-year basis, rather than per credit. If you study full time, you can overload your schedule and still pay the flat rate. This essentially allows you to take "free" courses. It can also help you graduate faster, which carries additional cost benefits.
-
Leverage Your Student Status
You can get many discounts from merchants simply by showing your student ID card. The exact discounts available depend on your location, but they generally include both on-campus and off-campus businesses. Multiple online aggregator sites publish information about widely available student discounts. You can also inquire about local offers at your student union or financial aid office.
-
Use Tax Credits
You can claim valuable tax credits on qualified education expenses. Tax credits represent an amount of money you can deduct directly from the income taxes you owe for the year. Through the American Opportunity Tax Credit program, you can claim up to $2,500 in annual tax savings.
Will Getting Your Accounting Degree Pay Off?
As of November 2023, Payscale reports that professionals with a bachelor's degree in accounting earn average base salaries of $82,000 per year.
To estimate your ROI for a particular program, begin by researching how much it will cost to earn your degree. Then, compare that amount against your earning potential by researching entry-level salaries for accounting professionals in your area. Payscale and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) are two excellent research tools.
You can also qualify for valuable certifications with a bachelor's degree in accounting. These include certified public accountant (CPA) and certified management accountant (CMA).
Earning CPA or CMA credentials involves an additional investment of time and money, but it can pay off. According to Payscale, CPAs earned an average salary of $96,000 per year and CMAs earned $100,000 per year as of November 2023.
Questions About Affordable Online Accounting Degrees
How can I save money getting an accounting degree?
In addition to specifically seeking programs with low tuition rates, you can reduce your educational costs by studying online and/or part time. Both of these options make it easier for you to work while you study, and the money you earn through employment will ease your financial burdens.
Is an accounting degree worth it?
As of November 2023, Payscale reported that professionals with a bachelor's degree in accounting earned an average of $82,000 per year. From an earnings standpoint, experts widely consider a four-year accounting degree to offer some of the best long-term returns on investment.
What jobs can I get with an accounting degree?
Graduates may work as accountants, accounts payable clerks, or accounting associates. Students can work with an advisor to explore career options.
What is the difference between accounting and bookkeeping?
Bookkeepers maintain their employers' daily financial records. Accountants use their specialized education and experience to interpret these records. They may also monitor loans and code financial documents.
Page last reviewed Nov. 15, 2023.
An independent third party has reviewed the introductory matter only, not the ranked programs. Raquel Arevalo is not affiliated with the schools in the ranking.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ACO Rankings Team.
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