30 Best Online Accounting Degrees 2026
Updated on:
April 26, 2026
Interested in becoming an accountant? Discover the top online accounting degree programs and learn more about earning an accounting degree and becoming an accountant.
Accountants work in both the public and private sectors, helping individuals and organizations manage their money. To become an accountant, you need an accounting degree.
Accounting degrees are available both in-person and online with accelerated online accounting degree options. Keep reading to discover some of the top online accounting degree programs, including low-cost online accounting degree options.
Top Accounting Degree Programs Online
Many colleges and universities across the United States offer online accounting degrees. We've listed our top picks below in alphabetical order.
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university based in Tempe, Arizona, and is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its W. P. Carey School of Business holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction held by a smaller percentage of business schools worldwide.
ASU offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in accountancy designed for students who want to pursue professional credentials such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA), making it a practical option if you plan to enter public accounting or corporate finance. ASU also offers an online Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics.
2. Auburn University
Auburn University is a public research university based in Auburn, Alabama, and offers online accounting programs through its Harbert College of Business. Undergraduate students can pursue a business degree with an accounting concentration, while graduate students have access to a fully online Master of Accountancy designed to build advanced skills in areas like auditing, taxation, and financial reporting.
Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and its business programs are accredited by the AACSB. The online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) is designed to help you meet CPA exam requirements, making it a strong option if you plan to pursue licensure or advance into leadership roles in accounting.
3. Brenau University
Brenau University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in accounting designed to build both technical accounting knowledge and practical business skills. The program includes coursework aligned with licensure preparation, helping you work toward credentials like the CPA while developing communication and analytical abilities needed in the field.
Based in Gainesville, Georgia, Brenau University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the SACSCOC. For students planning to continue their education, Brenau also offers an online MAcc and a one-year accounting certificate, which can help meet CPA education requirements or deepen specialized knowledge.
4. Colorado State University Global
Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) is accredited by the HLC and serves as the fully online campus of the Colorado State University system. It offers an online BS in accounting that focuses on core accounting principles, financial reporting, and practical business applications to help you contribute in a range of organizational settings.
Based in Colorado, CSU Global is designed for working adults who need flexible, career-focused programs. In addition to the bachelor’s degree, the university offers a Master of Professional Accounting and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an accounting specialization, which can help you build toward advanced roles or meet requirements for CPA licensure.
5. Davenport University
Davenport University is a private nonprofit university based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is accredited by the HLC. Its business programs are accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Davenport offers multiple online accounting pathways, including an Associate of Business Administration (ABA) in accounting and a BBA in accounting, giving you flexible entry points depending on your experience.
The programs focus on practical accounting skills, including financial reporting, taxation, and auditing, with an emphasis on career readiness. For students planning to pursue licensure or leadership roles, Davenport also offers an online MAcc, which can help you meet CPA education requirements and deepen your expertise.
6. Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University is a public university based in Richmond, Kentucky, and offers an online BBA in accounting. The program covers core areas like financial and managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation, helping you build a strong foundation for entry-level accounting roles or graduate study.
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the SACSCOC, and its business programs are accredited by the AACSB. Students who want to continue their education can pursue an online MBA with accounting coursework, which may help prepare for advanced roles or CPA licensure.
7. Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers an online BBA in accounting that covers core topics like financial and managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation. The program is designed to prepare you for a range of accounting-related roles, including positions in public accounting, government, and corporate finance, as well as graduate study.
Based in Boca Raton, Florida, FAU is a public research institution accredited by the SACSCOC. If you have transfer credits, the BBA is a great option for an accelerated online accounting degree in Florida. Students who want to continue their education can pursue an online MBA with a concentration in accounting to deepen their expertise and expand career opportunities.
8. Franklin University
Franklin University is accredited by the HLC and offers a wide range of online accounting programs for different experience levels. Students can choose from associate and bachelor’s degrees in accounting or forensic accounting – it’s one of a handful of schools that offer forensic accounting degrees. Those who want to further their studies can choose from multiple Master of Science (MS) in accounting pathways, including options in taxation, financial operations, and STEM-focused accounting.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin University is known for serving adult learners with flexible, career-focused programs. Many of its graduate options are designed for both accounting and non-accounting backgrounds, making it a practical choice if you are changing careers or working toward CPA eligibility.
9. Kansas State University
Kansas State University is a public institution based in Manhattan, Kansas, and is accredited by the HLC, with its business programs accredited by the AACSB. The school offers an online BS in accounting that builds skills in financial reporting, auditing, and tax.
Students can continue their studies with an online MAcc, which is designed to support CPA exam preparation and advanced accounting roles. The combination of undergraduate and graduate pathways can make it easier to plan a long-term route toward licensure and career advancement.
10. Kean University
Kean University is a public university based in Union, New Jersey, and offers accounting programs that include undergraduate and graduate pathways. Students can pursue a BS in accounting that covers core topics like auditing, taxation, and financial accounting to prepare for entry-level roles or further study.
Kean University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and its business programs are accredited by the AACSB. The university also offers an MS in Accounting, which can help you meet CPA education requirements and move into advanced positions.
11. Maryville University
Maryville University offers an online BS in accounting that focuses on practical skills in financial reporting, auditing, and business decision-making. The program is designed for flexibility, with coursework that can help prepare you for entry-level roles or graduate study in accounting.
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Maryville University is a private nonprofit institution accredited by the HLC. Students can continue their education with an online Master of Science in accounting, which may help meet CPA requirements and support advancement into specialized or leadership roles.
12. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the SACSCOC and offers an online BS in accounting. The curriculum covers key areas such as financial and managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and governmental accounting to build a strong foundation for entry-level roles or further study.
Located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, this public university offers one of the most affordable online accounting degrees in Louisiana. Students may also benefit from internship opportunities with business and industry partners, which can provide practical experience and help build professional connections while completing the degree.
13. Oregon State University
Oregon State University (OSU) is a public research institution based in Corvallis, Oregon, and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Its College of Business holds accreditation from the AACSB. Through OSU Ecampus, the university offers an online BS in accounting designed to build core skills in financial reporting, auditing, and taxation.
The program emphasizes practical business knowledge alongside accounting fundamentals, helping you prepare for roles in public, private, or government accounting. Coursework is delivered in a flexible online format, making it a solid option if you need to balance school with work while working toward CPA eligibility.
14. Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is the online campus of Pennsylvania State University, a public institution based in Pennsylvania. It offers an online BS in accounting that combines core accounting coursework with broader business topics like finance, business law, marketing, and supply chain management.
Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the MSCHE, and its business programs are accredited by the AACSB. Students looking to continue their education can pursue options like an undergraduate certificate in financial planning, a Master of Professional Accounting, or an MBA with an accounting concentration.
15. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers an online BS in accounting that combines core accounting coursework with a liberal arts foundation. The program is designed to help you build technical accounting skills while also developing a broader understanding of business operations and organizational needs.
Located in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, this private Catholic liberal arts college is accredited by the HLC. In addition to the bachelor’s program, online students can pursue an AS in accounting or add an accounting minor, offering flexible options depending on your educational goals. These are some of the most affordable online accounting degrees in Indiana.
16. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and offers a range of online accounting degree options. Students can pursue a BS in accounting with an optional concentration in forensic accounting and fraud examination, or a BS in accounting and finance, depending on their career goals.
Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, SNHU is a private, nonprofit university known for flexible online programs designed for working adults. In addition to bachelor’s degrees, students can choose from an AS in accounting, an MS in accounting, and undergraduate or graduate certificates to build specialized skills or continue their education.
17. Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is a public institution based in Cedar City, Utah, and is accredited by the NWCCU. Its Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business is accredited by the AACSB. The university offers a BS in accounting that builds skills in financial reporting, auditing, and taxation.
Students can continue their education with an MAcc, which is designed to help meet CPA requirements and prepare for advanced roles in the field. The combination of undergraduate and graduate options can make it easier to plan a clear path from entry-level training to professional licensure.
18. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a public research university based in Birmingham, Alabama, and offers an online BS in accounting that covers key areas like financial accounting, auditing, and taxation. The program is designed to prepare you for entry-level roles or continued study in accounting and related fields.
The UAB is accredited by the SACSCOC, and its Collat School of Business is accredited by the AACSB. Students can also pursue a Master of Accounting, which can help meet CPA requirements and support advancement into specialized roles.
19. University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) offers online accounting programs that include both an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in applied accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in accounting. These programs cover core topics like financial accounting, payroll, and business fundamentals, helping you build skills for entry-level roles or further study.
Located in Fairbanks, Alaska, UAF is a public institution accredited by the NWCCU. The range of associate and bachelor’s options can make it easier to start with a shorter program and continue toward a full degree while studying online. While UAF doesn’t offer an online master’s in accounting, it does offer one of the best online MBAs in Alaska.
20. University of Arkansas Little Rock
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is accredited by the HLC and offers an online BBA in accounting. The program focuses on financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law, helping you develop a strong foundation for accounting careers or graduate study.
Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, this public university provides a flexible online format designed for working students. The curriculum can help prepare you for roles in public, corporate, or government accounting, and may also support progress toward CPA eligibility. As a bonus, it’s also one of the most affordable online accounting degrees in Arkansas.
21. University of Maine Presque Isle
The University of Maine Presque Isle (UMPI) is a public university based in Presque Isle, Maine, and is accredited by the NECHE. It’s one of just a handful of self-paced online colleges in the U.S. UMPI offers an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in accounting through its YourPace program, a competency-based format that allows you to progress at your own speed.
The program covers core topics like financial and managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation while offering a flexible structure for working adults. YourPace uses flat-rate tuition per session, which can help you control costs if you move through courses quickly and stay on track toward your degree.
22. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a public institution based in Adelphi, Maryland, and offers an online BS in accounting that focuses on financial accounting, auditing, and tax concepts. The program is designed to build practical skills for roles in corporate, government, and nonprofit settings.
The UMGC is accredited by the MSCHE. Students can also pursue a Master of Science in accounting and financial management, which may help prepare for CPA requirements and advancement into leadership roles.
23. University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers an online BBA in accounting through its Isenberg School of Management. The program emphasizes core accounting principles, business fundamentals, and analytical skills to prepare you for roles in public, corporate, or government accounting.
Located in Amherst, Massachusetts, this public research university is accredited by the NECHE, and its Isenberg School of Management is accredited by the AACSB. Students can continue their education with a Master of Science in accounting, which supports preparation for CPA licensure and advanced career paths.
24. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota system is accredited by the HLC, and its business and accounting programs are accredited by the AACSB. Across its campuses, the university offers online accounting degrees designed to build strong analytical, financial, and managerial skills for careers in public, private, or government accounting.
With campuses across Minnesota, including Crookston and the Twin Cities, the University of Minnesota provides flexible online options for both undergraduate and graduate students. Many programs are structured to help you prepare for certifications such as the CPA, CMA, or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), with pathways that support continued study in areas like taxation or advanced accounting.
25. University of North Carolina Greensboro
The University of North Carolina Greensboro is a public university based in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is accredited by the SACSCOC. Its Bryan School of Business and Economics is accredited by the AACSB. The school offers a BS in accounting that covers financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and business law.
Students can continue their education with an MS in accounting, which is designed to support CPA exam preparation and advanced roles. The combination of undergraduate and graduate options can help you plan a clear path toward licensure and career growth.
26. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is a public institution based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and offers a Bachelor of Accountancy (BAcc) that builds skills in financial accounting, auditing, and tax. The program is designed to prepare you for entry-level roles or continued study in accounting.
The University of North Dakota is accredited by the HLC, and its business programs are accredited by the AACSB. Students can also pursue an MAcc, including an accelerated BAcc to MAcc pathway, which can help meet CPA requirements.
27. University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming offers a BS in accounting that covers core areas like financial accounting, auditing, and taxation. The program is designed to prepare you for careers in public, corporate, or government accounting, as well as graduate study. It's the top affordable online accounting degree in Wyoming.
Located in Laramie, Wyoming, this public university is accredited by the HLC, and its College of Business holds accreditation from the AACSB. Students can continue their education with an MS in accounting, which can support CPA preparation and advancement into specialized roles.
28. Utica University
Utica University is accredited by the MSCHE and offers an online BBA in accounting. The program focuses on financial accounting, auditing, and taxation, helping you build a strong foundation for entry-level roles or graduate study.
Based in Utica, New York, this private nonprofit university provides flexible online options for working adults. Students can also pursue an online Master of Science in accounting, which may help meet CPA education requirements and support advancement into leadership positions.
29. Washington State University Global
Washington State University Global Campus is the online division of Washington State University, a public institution based in Pullman, Washington, and is accredited by the NWCCU. Its Carson College of Business also holds accreditation from the AACSB. The school offers an online BA in accounting that blends accounting fundamentals with broader business and management concepts.
The program covers areas like accounting information systems, financial reporting, and critical thinking, helping you build a well-rounded foundation for accounting roles. Courses are delivered in a seven-week format, allowing you to complete multiple courses within a traditional semester and move through the program at a steady, flexible pace.
30. Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) is a private nonprofit institution based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and offers an online BS in accounting designed for flexibility. The program uses a competency-based model, allowing you to move through coursework at your own pace as you demonstrate mastery of accounting concepts.
WGU is accredited by the NWCCU, and its business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Students can continue with a Master of Accounting, which is designed to support CPA preparation and advancement into higher-level accounting roles.
FAQs About Online Accounting Degrees
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about online degrees and accounting careers.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Degree in Accounting?
The two main entry points to this career are bachelor’s degrees and associate degrees in accounting. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits and take about four years of full-time study to complete. Associate degrees average two years.
How Much Does an Online Degree in Accounting Cost?
The cost of a degree can depend on many factors, including the school, program length, and residency status. On average, a bachelor's degree costs $17,251 per year, while a graduate degree averages $19,749 per year. For those who are not ready to commit to these expenses, there are more affordable ways to get started.
Many learners begin with free or low-cost online courses that cover accounting basics, bookkeeping, and financial principles. You can also explore related skills through options like free tax preparation classes, which helps build practical knowledge in income tax preparation alongside accounting fundamentals. These alternatives provide a budget-friendly way to gain experience, test your interest in the field, and prepare for more advanced education if you decide to pursue a full degree later on.
Can I Become a CPA with an Online Accounting Degree?
You can become a CPA with either an on-campus or online accounting degree. However, requirements vary between states, and some states require additional education beyond a bachelor's degree before you can sit for the CPA exam.
Find Online Accounting Degrees Near You
Students can find online accounting degrees through several excellent colleges and universities. Check out the programs above today to find the perfect fit for you!
To find a program in your state, browse the list below: