10 Most Affordable Online MBA in Accounting Programs 2025

Accountants serve important roles in business operations, from preparing financial statements to conducting data analytics to identifying areas of potential opportunity and risk. Pursuing your Master of Business Administration (MBA) in accounting is an excellent way to earn a higher salary and enjoy greater flexibility in the job market. Keep reading to learn more about accredited business schools offering affordable online MBA in accounting programs.

What Is a Master of Business Administration in Accounting?

An MBA in accounting is a graduate-level degree program that focuses on leadership and business management. Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various industries, with an emphasis on leadership and management positions.

MBA programs often have specializations, like finance, marketing, and information systems. An MBA in accounting online concentrates on financial reporting, capital budgeting, and forensic accounting. Graduates from online MBA accounting programs can become controllers, financial managers, and certified public accountants (CPAs).

How Much Does an Online MBA in Accounting Cost?

Pricing for online Master of Business Administration programs varies greatly depending on your chosen school and your access to financial aid. Tuition rates range from $388 to more than $2,000 per credit hour.

To help keep your education costs low, you can apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, and low-interest-rate loans. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees who are pursuing an advanced education within their industries.

The Best Online MBA in Accounting Programs

The following colleges and universities offer flexible pathways for you to earn an affordable online MBA in accounting.

1. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette)'s College of Business Administration has a 33-credit online MBA program. (Some students may be required to take an additional 15 credit hours of foundation courses, depending on the courses taken in their undergraduate degree program.) Courses include organizational behavior and leadership, advanced financial management, and data analysis.

This online degree program is delivered entirely online and in an accelerated format. Students can enroll in courses every eight weeks and earn their MBA degree in 16 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $388 per credit hour
• Program length: 16 months
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Longwood University

Longwood University is a small public school in Farmville, VA, that has an online MBA program with eight different tracks. The program can be completed in as few as 10 months.

Students who choose the MBA in accounting track take advanced accounting courses like auditing, taxation, financial analysis, and information technology. Coursework includes practical projects and interactive assignments, wherein students learn skills like how to forecast financial performances and evaluate financial data.

• Estimated tuition cost: $450 per credit hour
• Program length: 10 months
• Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

3. University of Southern Indiana

Located in Evansville, IN, the University of Southern Indiana (USI) offers an MBA in accounting program that prepares students to become leaders with an in-depth understanding of accounting information. Accounting courses include financial statement analysis, auditing, and accounting regulation and compliance.

The program consists of 30 credit hours: 21 credit hours of core courses and nine credit hours of specialization courses. All coursework is delivered online, and students can become MBA graduates in one year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $465 per credit hour
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: AACSB

4. Louisiana State University

Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University (LSUS) offers an MBA online program that can be completed in 10 months on a full-time basis. The 30-credit degree program has nine concentration options. Students who enroll in the MBA in accounting online concentration develop strategic management and leadership skills.

LSUS's online program has six start dates throughout the year. Courses are seven weeks long and can be taken at your own pace.

• Estimated tuition cost: $484 per credit hour
• Program length: 10 months
• Accreditation: AACSB

5. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) is a large private school based in Lynchburg, VA. LU's online MBA program is conducted through eight-week online courses. Core courses include strategic marketing management, international business, and managerial finance. Students in this graduate program can choose from one of 25 specializations, including MBAs in accounting and finance.

LU offers financial support through scholarships, corporate tuition assistance programs, and military benefits. You can also apply up to 50% of eligible transfer credits to your degree program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

6. Colorado Christian University

Located in Lakewood, CO, Colorado Christian University (CCU) has a range of online degree programs. Students pursuing an MBA degree at CCU take 13 online courses ?courses are five weeks or seven weeks long. Though most coursework is self-paced, some courses have weekly required assignments.

CCU's MBA in accounting emphasizes the application of financial accounting, economics, and marketing strategies in ethical business environments. Students also develop foundational skills in business administration and technology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $628 per credit hour
• Program length: 18 months
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an online MBA in accounting program that is 30 credits long and costs about $20,000 in total tuition. Students may enroll throughout the year, as there are multiple start dates for the program. All courses are offered 100% online.

As part of SNHU's online degree program, students have access to various support services. Support includes academic advisors, career counselors, and an online community of graduate student peers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

8. Colorado State University

Colorado State University has an extensive distance learning platform known as CSU Global, which offers a flexible online MBA program. CSU Global's MBA program is 30 credits long and can be completed in fewer than two years. Students choose from one of 19 concentrations, including MBAs in accounting and finance.

Core courses in CSU Global's MBA program include data-driven decision making, financial accounting, and managing operations. MBA students who specialize in accounting take courses like advanced income taxation and forensic accounting.

• Estimated tuition cost: $675 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers an AACSB-accredited online MBA program that is ranked number four in the U.S. by Forbes. The program curriculum is 40 to 46 credit hours total, depending on your undergraduate background. Students can earn their MBA in less than two years.

FAU's online MBA program has nine specialization options, including operations management, marketing, and health administration. Accounting students must complete a total of 30 credit hours related to their specialty, like advanced financial reporting and information systems.

• Estimated tuition cost: $800
• Program length: 16 to 23 months
• Accreditation: AACSB

10. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is a large public school that has a 100% online MBA degree program. The curriculum consists of core courses (26 credit hours total) and five to six elective courses (approximately 12 credit hours). Core courses include foundations in accounting, managerial accounting, and strategic management.

Many University of Cincinnati students qualify for financial aid. Financial assistance comes via scholarships, military benefits, and employer tuition reimbursement.

• Estimated tuition cost: $962 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: AACSB

How We Rank Schools

We consider accreditation status, tuition rates, and MBA program reputation when choosing which schools to feature.

• Accreditation: All of our featured schools are accredited institutions. This means schools and their degree programs have been vetted by independent accrediting organizations.
• Affordability: Tuition rates must be $1,000 or less per credit hour.
• Program reputation: An online MBA program's reputation is determined by its accreditation status, program curriculum, experienced faculty, and graduation success rates.

What To Expect From an Online Accounting MBA Program

In an MBA in accounting online program, students learn the fundamentals of business administration like finance, marketing, and business strategy. Students who specialize in accounting take in-depth accounting courses like advanced auditing, taxation, and corporate finance.

It's important to consider your entire education costs when deciding whether to invest in an online MBA degree. Beyond tuition, you will need to factor in expenses like registration and technology fees, support materials, and any equipment costs.

FAQs About Online MBA in Accounting Programs

Below, we address commonly asked questions about online MBA programs, from CPA certifications to admission requirements.

Can I Use an MBA in Accounting To Qualify for the CPA?

Earning your MBA in accounting degree will certainly help you prepare for the Uniform CPA Examination. MBA in accounting courses cover some of the information that is tested on the exam.

However, this exam has specific requirements regarding college semester hours, and not all MBA in accounting programs are designed to qualify their students to sit for the CPA exam. Additionally, each state has its own requirements for CPA certification; if you would like to become a CPA, it's best to research your state requirements.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online MBA in Accounting?

You can earn your online MBA in accounting degree in as few as 10 months or as many as three years. Your timeline will depend on your undergraduate degree major, any applicable graduate-level transfer credits, and your commitment to full-time or part-time status.

Online MBAs are generally flexible in design, and many programs allow you to take as few or as many courses as you can reasonably manage each semester.

What Are the Admission Requirements for These Programs?

To earn your master's degree through an online MBA program, you will need to have earned your bachelor's degree through a regionally accredited institution. Though some schools require prospective students to submit their Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and/or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores, others waive GRE and GMAT scores.

You will likely need to submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation from teachers and employers. Relevant work experience is also very helpful during the admissions process.

Are Online Accounting MBAs Cheaper Than On-Campus Options?

Some online accounting MBAs are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts, while others cost roughly the same. The programs featured on this list represent some of the most affordable accredited programs available online.

If you're looking for additional tuition savings, financial aid is available through grants, scholarships, and loans. Applying for FAFSA is the best way to determine your eligibility for state and federal aid.

Is It Worth Getting an MBA in Accounting?

An MBA in accounting affords you many more career opportunities than simply holding a bachelor's degree in accounting. MBA graduates generally earn higher salaries, hold leadership and managerial positions, and have greater opportunities in the job market. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the estimated median starting salary for MBA graduates is almost twice as high as that for those with bachelor's degrees.

MBA programs are investments in time and money. Ultimately, whether or not this degree pathway is right for you is a highly personal decision.

Discover Online MBA Programs

If you'd like to broaden your business career opportunities, reach out to Learn.org's partner institutions and request info about their online programs. There are many options to support your education goals.