7 Accelerated Online Accounting Degrees in New York 2025

New York City is a major finance hub, so it's no surprise that the metro area employs the highest number of accountants and auditors in the state. These roles usually require some amount of higher education, usually a bachelor's degree. Students with busy lives can choose online accounting degrees.

Accelerated online accounting degrees allow students to finish faster than usual. Keep reading to discover the best accelerated online accounting degrees in New York State.

Accelerated Online Accounting Degree Programs in New York

Accelerated degree programs allow students to finish their degrees more quickly through several strategies, such as accelerated course schedules, summer terms, accepting a high number of transfer credits, and awarding credit for other types of prior learning.

Several colleges and universities in New York offer accelerated online accounting degrees. We've highlighted these fast-paced programs below.

1. Empire State University

Empire State University is an online school in the public State University of New York (SUNY) system. It offers a Bachelor of Science in accounting that includes coursework on:

• accounting information systems
• auditing
• financial accounting
• tax accounting

The university allows students to transfer in up to 93 college credits and also awards credit for prior military or work experience as well as standardized examinations like the Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. Classes are offered in eight- and 15-week formats.

2. Excelsior University

At Excelsior University, students can earn an online Bachelor of Science in business with a concentration in accounting. This program provides a fundamental overview of business administration with elective courses in accounting principles, auditing, cost accounting, and taxation.

Excelsior University is a private online college based in Albany, NY. It accepts up to 113 transfer credits, offers credit for military experience, and runs classes in accelerated eight-week terms.

3. Lehman College

A Bachelor of Science in accounting is available online through Lehman College. The school is located in the Bronx and is part of the public City University of New York (CUNY) system.

This program offers advanced accounting courses that prepare students to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. The university allows students to transfer in up to 90 college credits, and students over 30 can earn credit for prior learning. Courses are offered during the summer terms as well.

4. State University of New York at Plattsburgh

SUNY Plattsburgh offers an online Bachelor of Science in accounting. Students take courses on managerial accounting, financial accounting, and more to prepare them for the CPA exam. A forensic accounting minor is available to those who want to pursue other professional accounting credentials.

The public university accepts up to 84 transfer credits as well as credit from standardized exams. It offers winter and summer terms as well as year-round start dates, so students can begin as soon as they're ready.

5. Touro University

Touro University is a private Jewish university in New York City. It offers online programs, including its Bachelor of Science in business administration with a specialization in accounting. The program includes courses on:

• accounting information systems
• budgeting principles
• financial management
• financial statement analysis

Touro allows students to transfer up to 90 credit hours and also awards credit for military experience and standardized testing. Online degrees are offered in accelerated eight-week terms.

6. University of Mount Saint Vincent

Students at the University of Mount Saint Vincent can earn a Bachelor of Science in accounting online. It offers courses on accounting principles, financial analysis, auditing, and income tax that help students meet the requirements for CPA licensure.

UMSV is a private Catholic university in the Bronx. It offers seven-week terms and multiple start dates each year to help students finish their online learning faster and also accepts up to 90 transfer credits.

7. Utica University

An online Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting is available through Utica University. The private university is based in Utica, NY.

This online learning program tackles topics like auditing, business analytics, information technology, and tax accounting. By transferring in credits, students can finish their degree in as few as two years.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the programs listed above, we focused on:

• Location: All schools are based in New York State.
• Accreditation: Each school is regionally accredited and many programs are accredited by business organizations such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
• Type: We selected four-year public and nonprofit private schools.
• Accelerated options: All programs offer at least one way, if not more, for students to accelerate their online learning.

FAQs About Fast Online Accounting Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about fast online accounting programs.

Are Online Accounting Degrees Respected?

While there was a time when online degrees weren't as respected as on-campus programs, that's not true today. Many students choose to earn their degrees online, as these programs provide far more flexibility than in-person ones.

Online programs will still prepare students for career opportunities in accounting and finance. Many also have the same educational requirements as on-campus programs and offer opportunities for mentoring, internships, and more.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Accounting Degree in New York?

All of the above programs are affordable online accounting degrees, with the maximum tuition price being $510 per credit hour. However, many things can influence how much your degree costs, including:

• whether you're earning a bachelor's or master's degree
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• how many credit hours you need
• the financial aid you receive

All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines eligibility for federal programs, like the Pell Grant, as well as state programs, like the Excelsior Scholarship.

What Types of Specializations Are Available in Online Accounting Programs?

Sometimes, accounting is a specialization within a business degree, but stand-alone accounting majors may offer concentrations of their own. They may include:

• financial planning
• forensic accounting
• managerial accounting
• tax accounting

Choosing a concentration allows you to tailor your degree program to your preferred accounting career. If your program doesn't offer a concentration, you may get a choice of elective courses instead.

Discover Online Bachelor's Degrees and Enroll Today

Whether you want to jump right into work at an accounting firm or prepare yourself for a graduate degree, an accelerated accounting program can help you get there faster. Check out the programs listed on Learn.org and reach out to individual schools to request info about admissions requirements and program offerings.