Top 7 Affordable Online Accounting Degree Programs in Illinois

With technological advancements and globalization, the accounting field has grown rapidly, and the demand for skilled and knowledgeable accountants has increased.

Earning a bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited institution gives individuals an advantage in learning these skills and obtaining lucrative finance jobs.

The following is a ranking of Illinois affordable online accounting degree programs with reasonable pricing for aspiring students to help them find the perfect one to fit their needs.

Featured Affordable Accounting Degrees Online

This list features Illinois affordable online accounting degrees for individuals seeking low-cost options for getting an education.

1. Western Illinois University

An online bachelor's degree in accounting is available at Western Illinois University in Macomb. It is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

This program boasts high pass rates on the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, and 94% of students are employed within three months of their graduation.

The tuition is $326.70 per credit hour, and military personnel pay a discounted rate of $250 per credit.

2. Southern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University in Carbondale provides students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting through distance education.

It delivers flexible coursework taught by expert faculty, and graduates are regularly recruited by the Big Four accounting firms when it comes time for employment.

A total of 120 credits are needed to complete this AACSB-accredited program, which costs $321.25 per credit hour plus applicable fees for residents and non-residents.

3. McKendree University

Known for offering some of the best online programs, McKendree University in Lebanon has a bachelor's degree in accounting, providing much-needed flexibility for adult learners.

The curriculum includes classes such as business ethics and taxation of individuals. It prepares students for the CPA exam and jobs working in managerial accounting or personal finance.

Tuition is $410 per credit hour plus mandatory fees; eligible military students pay just $250 per credit.

4. Rasmussen University

With various programs available through distance learning, Rasmussen University is an excellent choice for working professionals seeking Illinois affordable online accounting degrees.

Students can finish their bachelor's degree in accounting within 18 months when transferring in the allowable number of credits. It puts graduates in positions for careers as cost accountants and financial analysts.

It costs $295 per credit hour, and active-duty military students pay a reduced tuition rate of $167 per credit.

5. DeVry University

DeVry University has a campus in Naperville and offers a bachelor's degree in accounting accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

It can be completed in four years when following a standard schedule or in less than three years with their accelerated option.

The cost is $514 per credit, and military students pay just $250. Several financial assistance options, including scholarships and grants, are available to help cover tuition expenses.

6. Illinois College

Illinois College in Jacksonville delivers an online bachelor's degree in accounting through the flexibility and convenience of asynchronous learning for busy adult students.

Key topics covered in the curriculum include concepts of auditing and risk assessment. It requires 120 total credit hours to graduate and offers an accelerated track where students can complete the program within 15 months.

The tuition for their undergraduate degrees is $375 per credit hour plus applicable fees.

7. Dominican University

Dominican University in River Forest provides an online bachelor's degree in accounting through the Brennan School of Business. It is accredited by the AACSB.

Required coursework covers essential subjects such as corporate finance and cost accounting. Students interested in the CPA exam can take classes to prepare, such as auditing and advanced financial reporting.

The program costs $889 per credit, and several business scholarships and multiple financial aid options are available to help defray tuition fees.

Other Affordable Online Accounting Degrees for Illinois Residents

The following describes nationwide colleges with online accounting degrees available to residents of Illinois.

Southern New Hampshire University

Earning an affordable Bachelor of Science degree in accounting is possible at Southern New Hampshire University, where students gain business-specific skills that prepare them for success.

It is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and offers forensic accounting and fraud examination concentrations.

This bachelor's degree prepares students for the CPA exam and can be earned by completing 120 credits for $330 per credit.

Colorado State University Global

Students can enroll in an online Bachelor of Science degree in accounting at Colorado State University Global that prepares them for the Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst exams.

Core courses include topics like auditing and information systems for accounting. Students learn principles and practices that set them up for working as financial risk specialists and budget analysts.

Tuition is $350 per credit, and this program requires 120 credits for graduation.

Purdue Global

Purdue Global in Indiana provides a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting through online education that is accredited by the ACBSP.

Concentrations include tax accountancy or auditing and forensic accountancy, and it offers an accelerated CPA track option.

Coursework covers subjects such as business law and microeconomics.

The cost per credit is $371 plus applicable fees, and 180 total credits are needed to graduate. This program takes about four years to complete.

Financial Aid Options for Online Accounting Programs

Online college students enrolling in a bachelor's degree in accounting program typically have access to the same financial aid options as on-campus students, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

Individuals must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to qualify for financial aid for Illinois affordable online accounting degrees.

The information provided on the FAFSA determines if the applicant qualifies for various forms of financial assistance through federal, state, or institutional aid.

Tips for Making an Online Accounting Degree Affordable

Tips for making an online accounting degree more affordable can depend on the individual's financial circumstances and academic objectives.

To help lower college expenses, adult learners can explore financial assistance through scholarships and grants. Many federal and private student loans also help defray the costs of getting a degree.

Other avenues to research include transferring the allowable number of credits to decrease the time it takes to finish it. Individuals can also look into work-study positions and employer reimbursement programs, which can aid in paying for tuition.

Is an Online Accounting Degree Worth the Cost?

Gaining an education through one of the many available Illinois affordable online accounting degrees can be worth the cost for those seeking the flexibility and convenience of distance learning at an accredited school.

These programs help students gain essential accounting skills and business knowledge needed to pursue rewarding and profitable careers as bookkeepers, financial analysts, and more.

Becoming an accountant and succeeding in the field takes dedication and hard work, leading to job stability and the potential for high-earning salaries, making it worthwhile to obtain an online accounting degree.

Start Your Accounting Degree Online Today

This list of accredited schools offers bachelor's programs through flexible remote education, where individuals can easily enroll in one of these Illinois affordable online accounting degrees and begin a prosperous financial career today.