How To Make an Online Accounting Degree More Affordable
Pursuing an online accounting degree can be a significant financial investment, but there are numerous strategies and resources available to make it more affordable. Understanding and leveraging these options can substantially reduce the financial burden and make higher education accessible.
Federal Financial Aid
Students should begin by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can qualify them for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Federal grants such as the Pell Grant offer financial aid that doesn't need to be repaid, making them an excellent option for those who qualify.
Scholarships
Numerous business scholarships are available through universities, private companies, non-profit organizations, and professional accounting bodies. Scholarships are highly competitive but can cover a significant portion of tuition costs.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs as a part of their benefits package. Employees studying in fields relevant to their jobs may receive partial or full tuition coverage, which can substantially offset costs.
GI Bill and Military Aid
Veterans or active military personnel can take advantage of benefits like the GI Bill, which covers tuition and fees for educational programs. There are also additional grants and scholarships available specifically for military members and their families.
State and Institutional Grants
Similar to federal grants, state and institutional grants provide need-based funding that doesn't require repayment. Eligibility and amounts can vary widely, so it's important to research what's available in your state or from the institution itself.
Payment Plans
Many online programs offer flexible payment plans that allow students to spread the cost of tuition over several months or years, making payments more manageable.
By combining these resources, students can significantly reduce the cost of an online accounting degree. To maximize affordability, it's important to research and apply for all applicable options.
List of Online Accounting Degrees
Check out this list of online colleges offering online accounting degrees, including both bachelor's and master's degree options, along with their respective tuition rates and brief descriptions of the programs:
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is known for its career-oriented programs and flexible online learning options designed to accommodate working adults. It offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in accounting and a graduate accounting certificate that focus on managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation.
- bachelor's degree tuition: $398 per credit hour
- graduate certificate tuition: $698 per credit hour
Capella University
Capella University specializes in online education and offers competency-based learning models that allow students to progress at their own pace. It also offers regular guided degree-completion plans. We'll compare the costs of both types of tuition for the BS in accounting.
- BS in accounting FlexPath typical pace: $20,000 total
- BS in accounting FlexPath accelerated pace: $12,500 total
- BS in accounting GuidedPath with average transfer credits: $43,405 total
- BS in accounting GuidedPath with no transfer credits: $70,620 total
Liberty University
Liberty University is a Christian university offering a wide range of online programs tailored to both traditional students and working professionals. It offers several types of online accounting degrees, including the following. All tuition costs are based on being a full-time student.
- Associate of Arts in accounting: $390 per credit hour
- Bachelor of Science in accounting and data analysis: $390 per credit hour
- Master of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting: $565 per credit hour
- Master of Science in accounting: $565 per credit hour
However, if you are in the military, undergraduate tuition is only $250 per credit hour, and graduate tuition is $275.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is one of the fastest-growing universities in the United States, known for its affordability and extensive online program offerings. It offers a bachelor's degree, master's degree, undergraduate certificate, and graduate certificate with multiple concentrations such as auditing, forensic accounting, and taxation.
- bachelor's degree tuition: $330 per credit hour
- master's degree tuition: $637 per credit hour
- undergraduate certificate tuition: $330 per credit hour
- graduate certificate tuition: $637 per credit hour
Colorado State University Global
CSU Global is known for its career-focused education tailored to adults and offers fully online programs with monthly class starts. It offers a BS in accounting and a Master of Professional Accounting designed to align with industry standards and CPA exam requirements.
- bachelor's degree tuition: $375 per credit hour
- master's degree tuition: $675 per credit hour
Walden University
Walden University focuses on professional degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels in fields such as business and management. It has an online BS in business administration (BSBA) with a concentration in accounting that requires 181 quarter credit hours. The tuition is $340 per credit hour; however, the university offers a special scholarship that can reduce your total cost by $18,340.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) is a pioneer in competency-based education, allowing students to advance based on their ability to demonstrate skills and knowledge in their field. Students can work quickly through courses they have confidently mastered while taking more time on the ones they need to. Most students are able to finish their degree in around two years.
WGU offers a BSBA in accounting along with a Master of Accounting degree, all online.
- bachelor's degree tuition: $3,955 per six-month term
- master's degree tuition: $4,755 per six-month term
Post University
Post University offers both online and on-campus educational programs and focuses on providing practical and career-oriented education. It has a BS in accounting and a Master of Science (MS) in accounting.
- bachelor's degree tuition: $629 per credit hour
- master's degree tuition: $689 per credit hour
Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is the online campus of Pennsylvania State University, offering the same high standards as its traditional programs. First, it offers a BS in accounting. The tuition cost varies according to how many credits you have earned and when you decide to start earning your degree. If you are starting in the fall of 2024 as a full-time student, tuition is $7,678 to $8,288 per semester.
You can also earn a Master of Professional Accounting. The cost is $12,325 per semester if you take 12 or more credits as a full-time student.