Top 8 Affordable Online Accounting Degree Programs in California

If you're interested in accounting, surely you're also interested in making your education budget stretch as far as possible.

With an online bachelor's degree in accounting, you can do just that! Plus, you don't have to put your life on hold to earn your degree.

There are many great online accounting degree programs in the U.S.

For California residents, there are plenty of California affordable online accounting degrees for you to choose from.

Featured California Affordable Accounting Degrees Online

Keep reading for more details on the best California affordable online accounting degrees available to start in 2024.

1. California Baptist University

California Baptist University offers a 100% online bachelor's degree in accounting that you can complete in as little as 24 months.

The accredited program prepares you for numerous career paths, including taking the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

With asynchronous classes in an accelerated format, you can complete your degree more quickly, which saves you money.

Tuition starts at $520 per credit hour. Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities are available for a more affordable degree.

2. California State University East Bay

At California State University East Bay, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) 100% online.

Accounting is one of several possible concentrations for your online BSBA and qualifies you to sit for the CPA exam.

The program is the first accredited fully online program offered by a public university in the state of California.

Tuition starts at $433 per credit hour for all online students. Generous financial aid is available, including scholarships and grants.

3. DeVry University

DeVry University offers both an accounting degree and a business degree with an accounting specialization 100% online.

Either of these degree programs prepares you for a career in accounting and qualifies you to sit for the CPA exam.

While fully online learning is available, you also have the option of taking some classes at one of DeVry's California campuses.

Tuition starts at $514 per credit hour, with plenty of financial aid available. DeVry also has interest-free payment plans.

4. Golden Gate University

Check out Golden Gate University (GGU) if you're looking for an affordable accounting degree that you can earn 100% online.

GGU's program was created with working adults in mind and features flexible, asynchronous class times and multiple start dates.

The courses in the program satisfy the educational requirements necessary to sit for the CPA exam.

Tuition starts at $462 per credit hour. GGU offers scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to make your degree more affordable.

5. Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles

Mount Saint Mary's is consistently ranked one of the top 15 regional universities in the West and offers an online accounting degree.

The degree program is presented 100% online and leads to a bachelor's degree in accounting that qualifies you to sit for the CPA exam.

Through this program, you also gain hands-on experience that can help you jumpstart your future accounting career.

Tuition for your first year starts at $48,132 with an average financial aid offer of $46,579, ensuring you low out-of-pocket expenses.

6. National University

National University offers a 100% online bachelor's degree in accounting that's aligned with California professional standards.

While this university is 100% online, it is based in San Diego. However, there shouldn't be any need for you to ever step foot on campus.

The program features accelerated 4-week courses that you take one at a time so you can better balance work, life, and school.

Tuition starts at $13,320 per year, but there are plenty of grants and scholarships available to lighten the financial load.

7. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide, affiliated with Touro College in Los Angeles, offers a 100% online bachelor's degree in accounting.

The business administration degree prepares you for corporate accounting as well as qualifying you to sit for the CPA exam.

With flexible, asynchronous classes, you can learn at your own pace and earn your degree when it's convenient for you.

Tuition starts at $400 per credit hour. Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options are available for all qualifying students.

8. University of Phoenix Southern California Campus

The University of Phoenix has a 100% online bachelor's degree in accounting available through its Southern California campus.

However, since all of your classes are online, there shouldn't be any reason for you to ever step foot inside a classroom.

The program features convenient, flexible, asynchronous classes so you can earn your degree on your terms.

Tuition starts at $398 per credit, making this one of the most affordable accounting degrees in California. Financial aid is also available.

Other Online Accounting Degrees Available

Franklin University

Franklin University may not be located in California, but it has one of the most affordable online accounting degree programs in the country.

Classes are 100% online, with flexible 12- and 6-week accelerated formats so you can earn your degree more quickly.

Even better, if you transfer previously earned credits towards your degree, you could complete your degree in as little as 17 months.

Tuition starts at $398 per credit hour. Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options are available for all qualifying students.

Liberty University

Liberty University's online program offers one of the most affordable ways to earn a bachelor's degree.

The bachelor's degree in accounting and data analytics is presented entirely online with flexible, asynchronous classes.

This accredited program is designed to prepare you to sit for the CPA exam in many states, including California.

Tuition starts at $390 per credit hour. Liberty has not raised tuition in nine years. Generous financial aid packages are also available.

Financial Aid Options for Online Accounting Programs

For students with limited income, federal grants are the best option to fund online accounting programs because you don't have to pay them back.

Any other expenses can also be covered by loans — just keep in mind you'll have to start making payments on those when you graduate.

Tips for Making an Online Accounting Degree More Affordable

If your budget's tight, state and federal financial aid is always an option to decrease your out-of-pocket expenses.

Look into scholarships as well. Many employers and trade associations offer scholarships for future accountants to help defray your costs.

Is an Online Accounting Degree Worth the Cost?

Absolutely! As long as you choose an accredited program, you'll be eligible to sit for the CPA exam when you graduate.

Typically you can get an online degree cheaper than an on-campus degree, plus you don't have to put your life on hold.

Start Your Accounting Degree Online Today

Jumpstart your accounting career today with a California affordable online accounting degree.