10 Most Affordable Online Accounting Associate Degrees 2025

Accountants provide in-demand services across many sectors. Accountants examine financial records, ensure regulatory compliance, prepare tax returns, and much more. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that there will be 130,800 new accounting jobs each year through 2033.

This article highlights ten online colleges that offer affordable online associate degrees in accounting. We also answer commonly asked questions about accounting programs, from degree costs to financial aid opportunities. If you're ready to launch your accounting career, read on.

What Is an Online Associate Degree in Accounting?

An online accounting associate degree program gives students the fundamental accounting skills and knowledge needed to perform various financial and bookkeeping services to individuals and organizations. Most associate degree programs are around 60 credit hours total.

Online accounting associate degree programs consist of general education courses and core courses. Accounting courses include cost accounting, payroll accounting, and business law.

You can earn different accounting associate degrees online, such as an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). All three degree programs teach the essential accounting principles needed for entry-level jobs.

How Much Does an Online Associate Degree in Accounting Cost?

Associate degrees in accounting online program costs vary according to school, transfer credit policy, and financial aid opportunities. The price for the degree can range from $10,000 to more than $60,000 in total tuition.

In addition to tuition, you must also consider any additional fees like registration, books, and supplies. Online programs help keep additional costs low.

Cheapest Online Accounting Associate Degrees

The following list presents some of the most affordable paths to earn your associate degree in accounting online. All of the following colleges and universities accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

1. State University of New York, Niagara

The State University of New York Niagara (SUNY Niagara) offers an AS in accounting program that provides students with fundamental skills in accounting and business administration. SUNY Niagara's accounting associate degree program is 63 credit hours and typically takes two years to complete.

Courses are conducted entirely online. You will learn from the same faculty that teaches SUNY Niagara's on-campus courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $218 per credit hour (in-state); $436 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and work-study programs are available.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Minnesota State College Southeast

Minnesota State College Southeast's AAS in accounting is a 60-credit, two-year program. Students have the option to enroll in on-campus or online classes, or a hybrid of both.

The program's curriculum consists of 18 credit hours of general education courses and 42 hours of technical courses. These core accounting courses include financial accounting, income tax, and computerized accounting information. Students get hands-on experience with industry software, such as QuickBooks, TurboTax, Access, and Excel.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,305 total tuition
• Financial aid: Students can use grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans to cover costs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Kent State University

Kent State University (Kent State) offers an affordable Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in accounting program. Kent State's degree program is entirely online and prepares students for entry-level jobs in accounting firms and beyond.

The curriculum is 63 credit hours total and includes courses like financial management, cost accounting, and information systems. Full-time students can earn their AAB at Kent State in under two years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,305 total tuition
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. South College

Full-time students enrolled in South College's online AS in accounting program can earn their degree in 21 months. The curriculum covers fundamentals like bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.

If you wish to continue your financial education, South College also offers online programs to earn your bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in accounting and your master's degree in business administration.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,975 per quarter term
• Financial aid: Students can use grants, scholarships, loans, and veterans' benefits to cover tuition costs.
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

5. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati (UC)'s AAS in accounting program is conducted completely online and can be taken at your own pace. You can enroll on a full-time or part-time basis; full-time students earn their degrees in two years.

The program has two start dates per year and welcomes all students who have graduated from high school or earned their General Educational Development (GED) diploma. UC accepts transfer credits from regionally and nationally accredited institutions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $312 per credit hour (in-state); $327 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, and military benefits are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is a mid-sized private school in Marion, IN, that offers a 60-credit AS in accounting program. IWU's associate degree program is delivered entirely online in a synchronous format. Full-time students can earn their AS in 24 months.

IWU's program curriculum consists of 20 courses, such as fundamentals of contemporary business, spreadsheets in accounting, and business taxation. The curriculum prepares students to become accounting clerks, auditing clerks, and bookkeepers after graduation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $325 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, scholarships, veterans' benefits, and employer tuition reimbursement programs are available.
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

7. New England College

Founded in 1946, New England College (NEC) is a nonprofit school located in Henniker, NH, with an online AS in accounting program. In this 60-credit program, students learn about the accounting cycle, applications of tax regulations, and financial reporting standards. The program has multiple start dates per year.

Coursework is delivered 100% online by experienced faculty. The seven-week, four-credit courses help students earn their associate degree at an accelerated pace.

• Estimated tuition cost: $375 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits are available.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a 60-credit AS in accounting program. The program is entirely online and consists of 20 courses. The curriculum includes subjects like financial data and statement maintenance, stakeholder communications, and ethical decision-making.

Online learners can take classes at their own pace and receive 24/7 technical support. To help keep your education costs low, you can apply up to 12 eligible transfer credits to your associate degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $382 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits to cover costs.
• Accreditation: ACBSP

9. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) has a 60-credit AA in accounting degree program that is delivered 100% online. The curriculum consists of 39 general education and foundational credits and 21 accounting courses. The program has multiple start dates throughout the year.

Courses are conducted in eight-week sessions. Students take core accounting courses such as managerial principles, financial accounting, and principles of marketing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarship, grants, loans, military benefits, corporate assistance programs, and discounts for first responders are all available.
• Accreditation: ACBSP

10. Franklin University

Located in Columbus, OH, Franklin University is a mid-sized private school with an online AS in accounting program. Accounting students learn how to monitor financial statements, assess risks and liabilities, and evaluate financial performances. The program is 64 credits total and includes courses like financial accounting and federal income tax.

Franklin University has a generous credit-transfer policy. Students can apply up to 49 transfer credits to their associate degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $398 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students may qualify fo grants, loans, and scholarships.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We rank schools according to their accreditation status, tuition rates, and program reputation.

• Accreditation: All featured colleges and universities are accredited institutions. Some schools' degree programs include additional accreditation from industry organizations, like the ACBSP.
• Affordability: The associate degree programs must cost $500 or less per credit hour.
• Program reputation: An accounting associate degree program's reputation is qualified by its accreditation status, curriculum, graduation rates, and any awards received.

How To Find an Affordable Online Accounting Degree

Accounting degrees vary according to school, program format, and degree level. If you're looking to find an affordable degree program, consider the following:

• Public schools are typically less expensive than private schools, and students who are in-state residents often benefit from lower tuition rates.
• Financial aid opportunities exist at the federal, state, institutional, and private levels. You must apply for FAFSA to determine your eligibility for state and federal aid. You can also take advantage of employer tuition reimbursement programs and special discounts (e.g., reduced tuition for emergency responders).
• Some schools have generous credit-transfer policies. Transferring eligible credits helps keep your tuition costs low. For example, students at Franklin University and Liberty University can transfer up to 77% and 75%, respectively, of their degree total.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Associate in Accounting Degrees

In this section, we answer some frequently asked questions about associate in accounting degrees, from program length to salary earning potential.

Is an Online Accounting Degree Worth It?

An associate degree in accounting is a relatively affordable accounting degree that provides students the skills and knowledge needed to perform in-demand services. Online degree programs offer flexibility and are often less expensive than in-person options. Associate degree programs provide pathways for students to earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Ultimately, whether an online accounting degree is worth it depends on your professional career goals and your capacity to commit the time and effort to earning your degree.

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

Generally, it takes about two years to earn your associate degree in accounting. This applies to both online and on-campus programs. Most associate degree programs are roughly 60 credit hours total.

You can choose to pursue your degree on a part-time basis, in which case it would take longer to earn your degree. If you have eligible transfer credits, you can expedite your degree timeline.

What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Accounting Degree?

You can work in a variety of roles once you've earned your accounting associate degree online. Accounting graduates can work in offices or from home and are employed across government, corporate, and nonprofit industries. Potential accounting jobs include:

• income tax preparer
• payroll accountant
• bookkeeper
• budget analyst
• auditing clerk

How Much Can I Make With an Online Associate Degree in Accounting?

Salaries for those employed in the accounting field vary depending on degree level, prior experience, industry, and region. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for bookkeepers and auditing clerks in 2024 was $49,210 per year, or an average of $23.66 per hour.

Discover Online Accounting Degrees

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