Top 29 Accredited Online Accounting College Degree Programs

Why Should I Pursue an Accounting Degree?

AOC top accredited online accounting college degree programs AOC

Aspiring accountants: we’ve done the math for you by determining the top accredited online accounting college degree programs. Now, all you need to do is choose one of the online accounting programs, and you’ll be on your way to one of the most in-demand professions.
At the heart of any successful business is a reliable accountant, and knowing the ins-and-outs of a company’s finances pays. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors earn an average salary of $70,500. The top 10% of earners took home an average annual salary of $122,840 in 2018. Even better, accountants enjoy a high level of upward mobility, according to U.S. News & World Report. This means accounting online degree programs accredited can open doors to countless possibilities.

What Careers Does an Accounting Degree Lead To?

According to the BLS, accountants held 1.4 million jobs in 2018. As a public accountant, you might work for a large accounting firm:

Featured Programs

preparing financial statements
helping corporations prepare financial records for their investors
advising them on tax matters

As a private or management accountant, you’d work within an organization. You would prepare financial statements that helps determine budgets and strategies.
Government accountants keep track of governmental agencies’ expenditures. They also audit private corporations and citizens. This ensures they adhere to government standards and taxation laws. Forensic accountants investigate financial crimes, providing key insight for prosecutors at trial. These accounting programs will help you get on the path for these careers.

Why Earn an Online Accredited Accounting Degree?

Successful careers in business demand quality education. Work experience is also valuable. Online degree programs let you add both to your resume at the same time, all while bringing home a paycheck. You don’t have to be a math whizz to understand that two (a degree plus years of experience) is more than one. An accounting degree online may lead you to the career path you want! Online education is as valued as on-campus education.

What Is the Best Online Accounting Programs?

Accredited Online Colleges uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. Each accounting program is scored individually. It’s then compared to all other universities offering that degree to determine the final score you see by each ranking. Accredited Online Colleges considers:

affordability
student-to-faculty ratio
number of programs offered on-campus and online

To learn more about ranking online education, visit our methodology page.

Check out these best online accounting schools!

1. Penn State

Pennsylvania State University World Campus

Business-minded students learn the value of networking early on. Enroll at Pennsylvania State University, and you’ll be joining a network of more than 692,000 alumni. This institution has the largest alumni association in the world. Penn State also at No. 8 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. This list takes into account a university’s graduation rates for online students. It also takes into account the quality of its faculty and support services.
Through Penn State World Campus, you can earn a BS in Accounting online. This is one of the few online programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Penn State’s Bachelor’s in Accounting program prepares graduates to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. It requires 120 credit hours. Students can work with an advisor to tailor their course of study to their specific goals.

Take courses from this online accredited accounting degree such as:

financial accounting
managerial and cost accounting
governmental and not-for-profit accounting
tax accounting
financial statement analysis

Learn more about one of the best online colleges for accounting here.

2. Washington State University

Washington State University Global Campus allows students from around the world to earn online degrees from this respected university. The Cougars not only live across the globe, but they like to explore it too. WSU offers more than 500 study abroad programs on all seven continents.
As an online accounting major in the Carson College of Business, you’ll get to take advantage of WSU’s strong global presence. This Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration requires a six-credit international experience. Students fulfill this requirement by:

studying abroad
interning internationally
completing a course focused on global business practices

WSU’s 120-credit-hour BBA with a major in Accounting is one of only seven programs in the Pacific Northwest accredited by the AACSB. The curriculum for one of the best online accounting programs includes 18 credits of core business classes.

Learn more about one of the best online accounting degrees here.

3. American Public University

American Public University has one of the top online degrees. APU has a mission to provide U.S. service members with the flexibility they need to continue their education. Today, 80% of its students are active-duty military and veterans. These students have reduced tuition rates and can transfer credits for their military experience. Military or civilian, 72% of students graduate without incurring debt from credits earned at APU.
APU offers aspiring accountants an online BS in Accounting. Accredited by the AACSB, this accounting program requires 120 credit hours. Courses are in an eight-week format, with new courses beginning each month. Students cover topics with accounting courses like:

law for accountants
governmental and not-for-profit accounting
introduction to payroll

As an APU accounting student, your capstone experience will allow you to put what you’ve learned into practice. The research project addresses an auditing or accounting issue by using real-world examples.

Learn more about accredited accounting schools online at American Public University System here.

4. Liberty University

LU is a faith-based institution of higher education. Liberty University employs a mission to train “Champions for Christ” in its academic programs. This university is also committed to making a college degree affordable. Liberty’s undergraduate tuition rates have been frozen for the past four years. Additionally, electronic textbooks are free at Liberty. Students save up to $2,000 each year.
Liberty’s BS in Accounting is an online degree program delivered in eight-week courses. On average, students take three and a half years to complete this AACSB-accredited program. Helping to speed up students’ academic journey is Liberty’s generous transfer credit policy. Here, you can transfer in up to 75% of the degree’s required 120 credit hours.
In addition to accounting classes, Liberty’s students take coursework in business topics like:

corporate law
operations management
strategic marketing

All classes are taught by professors with professional experience, providing key on-the-job insight.

Learn more about online accounting degree accredited university here.

5. Temple University

Today, Temple University’s reputation for academic excellence extends nationwide. Temple started as a night school. This helped Philadelphians advance their education after the workday ended. Temple’s AACSB-accredited Fox School of Business offers a fully online Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting.
Success in business often requires excellent people skills. At Temple, you’ll have the flexibility to earn your degree online. You’ll also have opportunities to form key relationships with your fellow accountants-to-be. Students partake in weekly, real-time virtual discussions with peers and professors. Most coursework is through an asynchronous format.
Temple offers a traditional 15-week semester format. It also offers accelerated seven-week sessions in the fall and spring and six-week sessions in the summer. This means students can earn their bachelor’s in as little as three years.

Learn more about accredited online colleges for accounting here.

6. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is located on a picturesque campus just outside of Omaha, NE. They serve 9,000 students. Bellevue’s online programs provide global access to this close-knit community.
Bellevue delivers its Bachelor of Science in Accounting both online and on-campus. This accredited online accounting program is an excellent option for students who foresee a master’s degree in their future. It is 127 credit hours. As an accounting major, you can get a head start on a Master of Science in Accounting. You can take up to 12 graduate-level credits from this online accounting degree program.

Accounting courses include:

financial accounting
managerial accounting
business ethics

Bellevue’s Bachelor’s in Accounting is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). The curriculum is divided into:

36 general education
72 major
19 elective credit hours

You also have the option to pursue an accountancy internship. You can specialize in Business Finance or Tax Accountancy. A requirement for all Bellevue undergraduates is the Kirkpatrick Signature Series. These courses focus on American values and the importance of active citizenship.

Learn more about accredited online accounting degrees here.

7. Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology calls Florida’s “Space Coast” home. Florida Tech is situated in Melbourne, under an hour away from Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. It was founded to educate students interested in planetary science and space exploration. Today, the university’s strong academic reputation stretches far beyond to include all STEM fields. You can join ranks with astronauts and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.
Florida Tech offers an online BA in Accounting accredited by the IACBE. This accounting degree program prepares graduates for the CPA or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams.
As a Florida Tech student, you’ll undertake a 121-credit-hour curriculum covering topics like:

auditing
individual federal income taxes
accounting information systems
accounting principles
financial management

You can access your coursework at any time and from anywhere. Your professor will set deadlines for weekly assignments and discussions.

Learn more about this bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida Institute of Technology here.

8. Colorado State University

At Colorado State University Global, graduates get a 4:1 return on their investment. In other words, they get $4 in salary and benefits for every dollar spent on a CSU Global degree. Future accountants need to like math, and that’s some easy math to appreciate!
Here, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Accounting entirely online. This accounting degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). You’ll complete 120 credit hours to graduate. Up to 90 of these can be transferred in from another four-year institution.
CSU Global’s curriculum includes 51 core accounting credit hours, covering subjects like:

business intelligence in taxation
auditing
forensic accounting
accounting principles

Students have the option to complete a three-credit practicum to gain hands-on experience in a business setting.

Learn more about online accounting programs at Colorado State University here.

9. National University

Founded by a veteran U.S. Navy captain, National University helps U.S. service members advance their education. As a Yellow Ribbon School, National allows veterans to earn a degree at little to no cost. Additionally, active service members and their families receive reduced tuition. This military-focused private institution has several locations on bases and its main campus in San Diego.
NU’s online Bachelor of Science in Accountancy is a great option for students who plan to earn a Master of Business Administration in the future. The university offers a transition program. This allows undergraduate students who are within six courses of graduating to begin taking MBA classes as electives.
NU’s classes are delivered in four-week units. Students focus on mastering one topic before moving onto the next. The accredited Accounting degree is comprised of 11 online courses, covering material like:

auditing
taxation
accounting ethics
business law
managerial accounting

Learn more about the online accredited accounting degree at National University here.

10. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University is headquartered in Boca Raton, FL. FAU has campuses up and down Florida’s stunning southeast coast. To earn an online Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting at this university, you’ll pay just $201 per credit.
FAU’s College of Business is accredited by AACSB. Its online BBA program uses the same curriculum and instructors as its on-campus counterpart. FAU’s accounting students earn 120 credit hours to graduate, completing:

general education requirements
core business courses
major in Accounting

FAU offers 28 combined bachelor’s-to-master’s programs. This makes it a good option for those interested in graduate-level studies. Its Master of Accounting and Master of Taxation programs are designed to help students fulfill the CPA examination requirements in Florida. This state, along with many others, requires 150 credit hours before students can sit for the exam.

Learn more about the accounting program at Florida Atlantic University here.

11. Southern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University offers the only accredited online program for accountants in Illinois. Both SIU’s program and the College of Business have the stamp-of-approval from the AACSB.
Not only will an SIU education help you fulfill the educational requirements for Illinois’ CPA exam, but it will also teach you what a “Saluki” is (spoiler alert: it’s a dog!). SIU’s Saluki mascot is one the most unique around.
SIU’s Bachelor’s in Accounting is a degree-completion program. Students must enter the accounting degree online with 60 transferable undergraduate credit hours. Its curriculum is comprised of 20 eight-week courses, totaling 60 credit hours. Students choose to take one or two courses at a time, completing their accounting degree in as little as 18 months. This online accounting program is taught by the same faculty members who teach on campus. The tuition rate is the same no matter where students live.

Learn more about the online accounting degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale here.

12. University of South Dakota

At the University of South Dakota, students get all of the benefits of a big institution. They can join an alumni network of more than 70,000, without the fear of getting lost in the crowd. This university has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
USD is accredited by the AACSB. The USD Beacom School of Business offers an online Master of Professional Accountancy to prepare students for the CPA exam. This 30-credit-hour program helps students with undergraduate degrees reach the 150-credit-hour requirement. Many states require this for the exam.
As a USD student, you’ll take 21 credit hours of core, advanced accounting courses. Then, you’ll choose to complete your degree in one of three ways:

by writing a thesis
by undertaking electives
by completing an internship

You also have the option to add a specialization in Accounting Analytics. This will teach you how to use data to make well-informed accounting decisions.

Learn more about the online accounting degree at University of South Dakota here.

13. Auburn University

If you want to switch to an accounting career, then Auburn University can help you reach your goals. Auburn’s online BS in Business Administration – Accountancy is for students seeking a second degree. This accredited accounting degree helps students fulfill the CPA exam’s educational requirements in only five semesters. This is 30 semester hours of study.
Auburn’s online BSBA is AACSB-accredited, and program participants will have a near-identical experience as on-campus students. That’s because each accounting class is recorded. Online learners have the option to either stream the video live or watch at a time that works with their schedules. Auburn’s Master of Accountancy students have an 85% pass rate on the CPA exam. That’s far above the national average, which is typically around 50%.

Learn more about the online accounting degree at Auburn University here.

14. University of Alabama Birmingham

Based in the Magic City, the University of Alabama Birmingham’s online degree programs perform some magic of their own. Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting without setting foot on campus!
UAB’s Bachelor’s in Accounting is provided through the AACSB-accredited Collat School of Business. This online accounting program is ideal for students pursuing a career as a private or management accountant. The Institute of Management Accountants endorsed its curriculum for preparing graduates to succeed on the CMA exam.
This Bachelor’s in Accounting is delivered entirely online. 95% of the business school’s classes are offered both online and on-campus. This means that if you live nearby and want to have some traditional classroom experiences, you’ll have that opportunity. You’ll complete 120 credit hours to graduate. This will be a mix of:

general education requirements
lower- and upper-level business courses
24 credit hours in the Accounting major

Learn more about the online accounting degree at University of Alabama Birmingham here.

15. Old Dominion University

Dream of starting your own business? If so, Old Dominion University might be the school for you. Centered in Norfolk, VA, this university prides itself on its entrepreneurial drive. Its Strome Entrepreneurial Center provides key resources to those who want to start their own companies.
Through ODU Online, students can complete their undergraduate studies. They can earn an Accounting Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. This accounting degree completion program requires that students take at least 30 credit hours through ODU’s Strome College of Business. ODU is accredited by the AACSB. ODU’s accounting coursework is delivered through live, synchronous online courses. It follows a regular academic calendar.
If you’ve completed credits within the Virginia Community College System, then transferring into Old Dominion University is a breeze. You can do it through its Guaranteed Admission Agreement. If you plan on pursuing a Master of Business Administration, ODU can give you a heads start with its MBA Early Entry program.

Learn more about the online accounting degree at Old Dominion University here.

16. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo’s College of Business and Innovation boasts a 90% job-placement rate for its graduates. The process of securing a job is easier for UToledo’s accounting students through its Alan Barry Accounting Lab. To prepare for the CPA or CMA exams, this departmental resource provides:

free materials
tutoring
software

AACSB-accredited, UToledo’s College of Business and Innovation offers an online Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting. Students focus their first two years of study on general education requirements before turning to their upper-division coursework. In addition to gaining a well-rounded understanding of business principles like:

financial management
marketing
manufacturing

Students take at least ten accounting courses.

At UToledo, 85% of business students undertake an internship. This can also be part of your plan of study. Regular job fairs will give you the opportunity to network with more than 100 employers.

Learn more about this bachelor’s degree in accounting at The University of Toledo here.

17. Saint Leo University

Situated outside Tampa, FL, Saint Leo University is the oldest Catholic university in the state. It is guided by its Benedictine tradition. Saint Leo emphasizes personal development in addition to supporting its students’ academic achievements. Saint Leo’s students take a course in personal health and wellness as part of their general education requirements.
Saint Leo’s ACBSP-accredited School of Business offers an online BA in Accounting taught by professors with years of industry experience. Here, students greatly benefit from faculty members’ impressive professional networks. Every summer, faculty members have helped students secure internships with the “Big 4” accounting firms:

Deloitte, Ernst & Young
KPMG
PricewaterhouseCoopers

This bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours, 27 of which are within the major. You’ll undertake accounting courses in:

auditing
accounting information systems
international accounting

You’ll also take core business courses in topics like:

macroeconomics
statistics
business law

Learn more about the online accounting degree at Saint Leo University here.

18. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus has served the U.S. armed forces since 1947. It offers flexible degree programs to students juggling their studies with several competing responsibilities. Today, UMGC’s programs are ideal for any working adult who wants to earn a degree while continuing to take home a paycheck. Here, the median age for U.S.-based undergraduate students is 30.
At UMGC, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in accounting. They will complete 120 credit hours to earn their degree and fulfill the educational requirements for Maryland’s CPA exam. This major requires 36 credits or 12 courses delving into topics like:

fraud and forensic accounting
accounting for government organizations
internal auditing

With more than 140 locations worldwide, UMGC is a great option if you are seeking a hybrid program. This degree can be earned entirely online, but you also have the option to take in-person courses.

Learn more about this online bachelor’s in Accounting at University of Maryland Global Campus here.

19. University of Minnesota Crookston

The University of Minnesota Crookston is one of five campuses that make up the esteemed University of Minnesota System. Students benefit from this public institution’s reputation while getting a personalized education. U of MN Crookston enrolls approximately 1,800 students, half of whom study online.
The U of MN Crookston’s Department of Business is ACBSP-accredited. It also has a valuable partnership with Gleim CPA Review that saves its students time and money. Through this relationship, accounting students can earn credit hours for CPA Exam Preparation courses. Four review courses are available in:

regulation
financial reporting and accounting
auditing and attestation
business environment and concepts

Each consists of three credits.
U of MN Crookston’s online Bachelor of Science in Accounting requires 120 credit hours, 60 of which are in the major. While an internship is not required, it is recommended. Students can earn up to 12 credit hours for this hands-on experience.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Accounting at University of Minnesota Crookston here.

20. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Visit some of the most exciting companies across the country and you are likely to find a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst there. From NASA and Google to Broadway and Fenway Park, UMass’ more than 103,000 alumni work across the globe. What unites them is a degree from this impressive institution, ranked at No. 24 on U.S. News & World’s list of the Top Public Schools. UMass also holds the No. 23 spot on the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
The Isenberg School of Management offers an AACSB-accredited online Master of Science in Accounting. It can be earned in as little as two semesters. This 30-credit program helps students fulfill Massachusetts’ 150-credit-hour requirement for the CPA exam. While students need a bachelor’s degree to apply, that degree does not need to be in accounting.
Enroll in the UMass accounting program and you’ll join the ranks of more than 10,000 accounting alumni.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Accounting at University of Massachusetts Amherst here.

21. Linfield University

Linfield University is one of the oldest private institutions of higher education on the West Coast. It was established in 1858 in McMinnville, OR. With over two decades of experience in online coursework, this college was at the forefront of distance education. You can earn a Bachelor’s in Accounting entirely online. Take advantage of Linfield’s 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio from anywhere in the country.
Linfield’s Accounting degree is comprised of 14 core courses. These cover specific topics in accounting. They give students a broad understanding of business principles through classes in:

economics
organizational behavior
strategic management

Linfield also has an online accounting certificate for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. This requires six four-credit classes and can help graduates make a career switch to accounting.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Accounting at Linfield University here. Find information about financial aid here.

22. University of Connecticut

Enroll at the University of Connecticut, and you’re likely to come down with “Huskymania.” The Huskies are known to dominate in the classroom and on the court. UConn has won 15 national championships in women’s and men’s basketball.
At UConn, you can earn a Master of Science in Accountancy accredited by the AACSB. The United States Distance Learning Association recognized this program for best practices in online education. UConn’s MSA program is delivered in an asynchronous format. Weekly modules dive deeply into one topic at a time. Professors prioritize collaborative learning through discussion boards.
As a UConn accounting student, you’ll undertake ten courses. Eight are accounting electives that you choose from 17 available classes. This allows you to customize your plan of study to your specific professional goals. UConn is one of the top online degrees for accounting.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Accounting at University of Connecticut here.

23. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University was established in 1972 for the express purpose of serving mature adult students. It is based in Trenton, NJ. Today, this public university holds true to that founding mission. With an average student age of 35, it offers more than 30 online undergraduate degree programs.
Accredited by the ACBSP, Thomas Edison’s School of Business and Management offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting. This degree requires 120 credit hours including:

60 general education credits
36 professional business credits
18 accounting credits
6 electives

Thomas Edison’s accounting students can also pursue a CPA & Master’s Track. This program grants students up to six credit hours for passing the CPA exam. These credit hours are then applied to a Master of Science in Management, which focuses on leadership in accounting.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Accounting at Thomas Edison State University here.

24. University of Memphis

Become a University of Memphis Tiger and earn your undergraduate degree from this top accounting program. At UofM Global, there is no distinction between online and on-campus degree programs. Each is taught by the same respected faculty and utilizes the same rigorous curriculum.
UofM’s Fogelman College of Business & Economics is the only business school in Memphis accredited by the AACSB. It offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting.
As a UofM accounting student, you’ll undertake 120 credit hours. In addition to seven core accounting courses, you’ll choose an elective focused on topics like:

advanced financial reporting
accounting ethics
international accounting

Also, you might get a head start on your degree through UofM’s Prior Learning Assessment program. You will gain transfer credits from:

work experience
military training
standardized testing

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Accounting at The University of Memphis Global here. Find information about financial aid here.

25. Western Governor’s University

In the 1990s, a group of U.S. governors came together looking for a way to drive growth in their states. Higher educational attainment leads to higher salaries. So, they established Western Governors University as their solution. WGU is committed to adult learners. It focuses on flexible degree programs designed with working students in mind.
At WGU, students can earn an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting accredited by the ACBSP. This degree program is comprised of 41 courses. The bachelor’s is career-focused through and through. The general education requirements for this bachelor’s degree are chosen with the accounting field in mind.
A majority (i.e. 62%) of WGU’s graduates earn their degrees in just 36 months. You’ll undertake a capstone project that uses case studies to address a real accounting issue at a real organization.

Learn more about this accounting degree here.

26. City University of Seattle

Seattle is ripe with employment opportunities. Every company needs accountants including:

Boeing
Starbucks
Amazon
Microsoft

You’ll have the opportunity to network with alumni by enrolling at City University of Seattle. They are employed at these world-leading businesses.
CityU’s online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration mirrors the innovative drive of Seattle. This online program is one of the first to require a course in artificial intelligence business applications. It is a 180 credit program. The BSBA also offers a specialization in Data Analytics, which is a trending business priority.
As a student at CityU, you’ll take courses in financial accounting. You can also choose to undertake a specialized study to focus on your accounting interest. City also offers a 15-credit online graduate certificate in accounting, preparing graduates to sit for the CPA exam. It also qualifies for credits by the Washington State Board of Accountancy.

Learn more about the accounting degree at City University of Seattle here. Find information about financial aid here.

27. Fort Hays State University

Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University boasts the lowest tuition rates in the Kansas Board of Regents system. Here, undergraduate students pay approximately $218 per online credit hour. Currently, this university ranks at No. 42 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. FHSU was one of the first universities in Kansas to offer an online bachelor’s degree in accounting.
FHSU’s online Bachelor of Business Administration with an Accounting major is a highly customizable, 120-credit-hour program. Students take six core accounting courses. Then, they choose four accounting electives from a list of 12 courses, covering topics like:

advanced tax procedure
accounting ethics
fraud examination

Students also choose two directed electives in business topics like:

financial planning
investments
commercial law

If you live near campus, you might join FHSU’s Accounting Club. This student-led organization plans an annual trip to visit prospective employers in:

Denver
Kansas City
Wichita

Learn more about the accounting degree at Fort Hays State University here.

28. Indiana State University

Indiana State University’s nickname is “The Sycamores.” With a mascot like this, you can expect to gain a solid, sturdy education at ISU. It is based in Terra Haute. ISU is also a university invested in removing the classroom walls to expand learning outside the traditional setting. All of its programs require experiential learning. You can earn a Bachelor of Science in accounting entirely online at this institution. You can also expect to gain practical, hands-on experience as well.
ISU’s online Bachelor’s in Accounting is housed in the Scott College of Business, which is accredited by the AACSB. This degree requires 120 credit hours. Students take seven core accounting courses. They then choose three accounting electives, one of which might be a three-credit internship. Other elective options survey topics like:

fraud examination
business computer systems
accounting research and analysis

Learn more about the accounting degree online at Indiana State University here.

29. Franklin University

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin University’s main priority is to help students finish what they started. This private university maintains a generous transfer policy, of which more than 90% of the student body takes advantage. It is dedicated to adult learners.
Here, you can work with an advisor to determine the best way to use your previous academic work to earn your degree as quickly as possible. Better yet, Franklin’s tuition rate is 66% lower than the national average for private, four-year colleges. And the university grants $13 million in tuition assistance. This includes scholarships specifically awarded to business students. So, reaching the finish line will also be affordable.
Franklin’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting is accredited by the IACBE. It requires 124 semester hours, including:

general education requirements
core business courses
36 hours in the Accounting major

Accounting courses include topics such as:

financial management
accounting principles
accounting research

At Franklin, you’ll learn from professors with on-the-job accounting experience.

Learn more about the online accounting degree at Franklin University here. Find information about financial aid here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is accreditation important for online accounting programs?

Choosing to continue your education at an accredited university or college is a no-brainer. Accreditation guarantees that a school’s educational offerings meet regional or national standards. It gives you the reassurance that you’re learning the right material from quality instructors. Also, that your degree will be well-recognized by employers.

What types of accreditation are there?

There are two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation means that an accrediting body, like has completed an evaluation of a university’s academic offerings. It has found that they meet its standards. An example is the Higher Learning Commission,
Programmatic accreditation means that a school’s program has the stamp of approval from an industry-focused organization. These accrediting agencies confirm that a program’s curriculum covers the core competencies. These are needed to succeed in a profession. Many of the universities on this list have received accreditation for their accounting programs on top of institutional accreditation.
For business schools, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is often considered the “gold standard” of accrediting agencies. Less than 900 institutions around the world have earned this distinction. Also, 190 schools have received separate accreditation for their accounting programs.
Additional accrediting agencies are:

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

These organizations ensure the quality of a business school’s education. Each weighs criteria differently. For example, the AACSB stresses the caliber of a business school’s research. The ACBSP focuses on the quality of the faculty’s teaching abilities.

What is the CPA exam?

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) administers a Uniform CPA Examination used by all states’ Boards of Accountancy. Candidates must pass this four-part test to earn their license to practice. Typically, states require that aspiring accountants pass all four parts of the exam within an 18-month period.
The CPA exam is challenging. According to the AICPA, the national pass-rate for each part of the exam hovers around 50%. An accredited bachelor’s program in accounting will help you prepare for this test. A university’s pass-rate can be a great indicator of a program’s quality.
Passing the CPA exam is a feat worth celebrating. Not only will this boost your resume and open doors to new job opportunities, but it’s likely to result in a higher earning potential. According to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, CPAs make 10-15% more than non-CPAs.

Do I need a degree to take the CPA exam?

Yes, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Each state’s Board of Accountancy has its own regulations for becoming a licensed CPA. However, most states require 150 semester hours of college credit for licensure. These accounting programs should give you an idea of what it takes to earn your degree. Online programs make it easy and convenient to become a licensed CPA.

Do most accountants have a Master’s degree?

Earning a master’s degree is not a requirement for becoming an accountant. However, since most states require 150 credit hours to become a licensed CPA, a master’s degree is common. To earn a bachelor’s degree, you need 120 credit hours. A 30-credit master’s program gets you to the required 150.
Many universities offer convenient pathways for students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s. Students can pursue a graduate-level certificate program to help them prepare for the CPA exam while also completing the additional credit hours.

What other certifications are common for accountants?

If your goal is to become a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), you’ll need to pass an exam administered by the Institute of Management Accountants. To take this test, you need a bachelor’s degree or professional accounting certification and at least two years of work experience.
To become a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), you’ll need to pass a four-part exam administered by the Institute of Internal Auditors. To sit for this test, you must have at least an associate’s degree. If you take the CIA exam while enrolled in an accredited institution, you might be able to receive a discount on the exam fees. However, you won’t become fully certified until you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree and worked for at least 24 months.
Additional specialized certifications exist for professionals working in:

auditing information systems
information technology
business valuation

School Finder