Best Free Accounting Degrees 2025

Accountants are responsible for the budgets and expenses of companies, so it makes sense that many are also fiscally responsible with their decision-making, especially with high-expense items like college.

Many learners look for free accounting classes and degree programs that can reduce their costs while getting them closer to their educational goals. There are no truly free accredited degree programs, but there are a few tuition-free colleges and free online accounting courses that can help make an online accounting degree more affordable.

Can You Earn an Accounting Degree for Free?

Earning an accredited accounting bachelor's degree will come with costs, even if the school is tuition-free. If you want to earn a degree that will be respected by employers and position you for career advancement through graduate school, you'll need to make sure your degree is accredited. Accreditation status also can impact your eligibility for financial aid programs.

Many accountants take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam, and certain accounting degree programs don't satisfy the requirements for examination. Even if your degree program is tuition-free or affordable, it could still cost you in the long term.

Tuition-free colleges do have costs, despite their name. Students are generally required to pay an examination or quiz fee which adds up throughout your degree program, but they are usually much more affordable than a school with tuition.

Not every accounting job requires a degree, and some free courses and certifications can help you learn accounting concepts and basics that can prepare you for entry-level jobs. Some free online accounting courses will help you understand the following topics:

• cash flow statements
• balance sheets
• liabilities
• debits
• credits

They can help you with the accounting skills needed for a bookkeeping or similar role, such as understanding accounting software (like QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel), accounting principles, and financial statements.

These courses can help you with accounting fundamentals but for a more in-depth understanding of accounting and to train for specializations, you will need to pursue a full accounting degree, usually a bachelor's degree or even a graduate degree, for some roles like:

• tax accountant
• management accountant
• financial advisor
• fraud examiner
• administrative accountant

Top Affordable Online Accounting Degrees

Truly free college degrees often lack the accreditation required to pursue careers or attend graduate school. The better alternative for students on a budget is to find affordable accounting degree programs that can teach them the skills they need, award them an accredited degree, and help them avoid extreme student loan debt.

Many of these programs are self-paced, allowing students to complete them while working and earning real-world experience.

American Public University

American Public University offers both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in accounting degree programs fully online. APU doesn't have transfer credit evaluation fees, application fees, textbook fees, or ebook fees, and doesn't have any entrance exam requirements.

In addition to its low per-credit tuition rate, APU has additional discounts for active military members and veterans. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), but it doesn't satisfy the CPA exam requirements in every state. If you plan to enroll at APU, check your state's requirements first.

University of Alabama, Birmingham

The accounting program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is highly respected by third-party evaluators, like U.S. News and World Report. Its program has routinely been considered among the best online business and accounting programs for both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Additionally, the school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) with a special distinction for its accounting programs. Students are required to earn real-world experience through an internship or work experience.

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

The AACSB accredits the undergraduate and graduate accounting programs offered through the University of Massachusetts Amherst Business School. The graduate program has two unique learning tracks for those who have undergraduate accounting degrees as well as a transition track for those looking to transition to accounting and auditing careers.

This degree program also comes with access to additional resources like the alumni network and academic advisement.

Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus is the online branch of Penn State University. These courses, unlike their on-campus versions, are designed for students to complete at their own pace with flexible scheduling.

The accounting bachelor's degree program teaches accounting principles but also covers the intersections of accounting with other business units that use data analytics and financial analysis, like supply chain management.

Southern New Hampshire University

The online accounting degree at Southern New Hampshire University is generally accepted by individual state CPA examination boards. Adding finance courses to your accounting degree will teach you skills associated with financial reporting that can help you work for a larger company or even run your own small business.

Tips for Making an Accounting Degree Affordable

College costs can often be prohibitive to some students. If you follow the right steps, you can make your education plan more affordable.

Enroll in an Online Degree Program

Online degree programs are usually the most affordable degree programs due to the reduced fees and costs associated with them, like application fees. Additionally, most schools don't charge out-of-state tuition rates for their online programs as they do for on-campus learning.

These online programs often are self-paced and can work with your current employment schedule, allowing you to advance or change your career.

Explore Financial Aid Options

You should fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form regardless of which school you attend. This form will help you establish your eligibility for different forms of financial aid which can help reduce costs. Some federal grants and scholarships can cover nearly all of your tuition or associated costs.

Discover Scholarship Opportunities

Begin exploring your scholarship opportunities once you have filled out your FAFSA forms. Scholarships, unlike loans, won't require repayment. Using free money financial aid programs can help you earn your degree without acquiring debt that can hold you back after graduation.

Consider CLEP Exams

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows students to use experience and knowledge earned through free courses to earn credit hours via testing as opposed to coursework. If you have a good understanding of various accounting principles, testing out of beginner courses can save you money and time.

Take Advantage of Transfer Credits

Transfer credits can help reduce the cost of higher education. Earning your general education or prerequisite courses through a community college or other affordable program before transferring is a common route for many students.

Some schools have a cap on the amount of transfer credits that you're allowed to bring, so you must check the guidelines of the school you plan to transfer to before taking courses that might not transfer.