Best Accounting Degrees Online in Minnesota 2025

In general, to become an accounting professional, you need at least a bachelor's degree. These degrees often cover the fundamentals of accounting, including auditing, financial analysis, and financial management.

For students who can't study on campus, online accounting degrees are an excellent alternative. Keep reading to discover the best online accounting degree programs in Minnesota.

Best Online Accounting Degree Programs in Minnesota

There are many accredited and affordable online accounting degrees across the U.S., including several in Minnesota. We've highlighted some of these programs below, all from schools with regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

1. Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University is a public institution in Bemidji, MN. It offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in accounting that addresses subjects like auditing, financial management, income tax, and cost accounting.

The highly-ranked program gives students the option to study full-time or part-time. Additionally, students who qualify for the North Star Promise can have their tuition completely covered at Bemidji State.

2. College of St. Scholastica

At the College of St. Scholastica, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in accounting online. This program includes courses on financial planning, cost accounting, accounting information systems, and more.

CSS is a private Catholic school in Duluth, MN. This program prepares students to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) examinations.

3. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

An online bachelor's in accounting is available at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. The Catholic institution is based in Winona, MN.

This program includes coursework on topics like auditing, cost accounting, and corporate finance. Students will hone their expertise to help drive the financial success of any organization.

4. Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University offers a Bachelor of Science in accounting online. Students cover subjects such as forensic accounting, international business, and risk management.

SMSU, a public university, is located in Marshall, MN. The accounting major explores public, private, and government finances to train students to become skilled accounting professionals. As SMSU is a public university, the North Star Promise can be used here as well.

5. St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University, also known as St. Kate's, is a private Catholic institution in St. Paul, MN. It offers an online accounting degree that tackles topics like:

• business fundamentals
• financial accounting
• income tax
• managerial accounting

This flexible program is taught by industry professionals. Learners graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of accounting.

6. University of Minnesota

Students at the University of Minnesota can earn an online Bachelor of Science in accounting. The program includes courses on accounting systems, auditing, managerial finance, business ethics, and more.

The public University of Minnesota system is based in the St. Paul-Minneapolis metro, but most undergraduate online programs are offered through the Crookston campus. Through this campus, students can take their Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), CMA, or CPA exams. They can use the North Star Promise or other financial aid options to help cover the cost of their degrees.

7. Winona State University

A bachelor's degree completion program in accounting is available online through Winona State University. The public institution is located in Winona, MN, and students can use the North Star Promise here.

This program is meant for learners who have already completed their general education requirements, allowing them to fully focus on their accounting majors. Courses in this online BS include subjects like accounting information systems, auditing, cost accounting, and income tax.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the programs listed above, we focused on the following criteria that ensure we only suggest the best online accounting degrees to you:

• Location: All schools listed are located in Minnesota.
• Accreditation: Each school holds regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
• Type: We selected only four-year public or nonprofit private schools.

What To Expect From an Online Accounting Degree Program

Online degrees are usually offered asynchronously, meaning that while you have due dates for coursework, you can complete that coursework at a time that works best for you. This is often much better for busy students than trying to make it to campus at a set time.

Most bachelor's degrees are 120 credits, which takes about four years to complete. Students usually spend the first two years completing general education requirements and the last two focused on their accounting major.

Admissions Requirements for Online Accounting Programs

Online accounting degree programs require you to be accepted into the college, which may require things like:

• high school transcripts
• a minimal high school GPA
• minimal scores on the ACT or SAT
• personal essays
• letters of recommendation

For a degree completion program, you usually need an associate degree or a certain number of college credits. You can earn these through community or technical colleges, which also usually charge a lower tuition rate.

What Are the Costs of Online Accounting Programs in Minnesota?

The cost of an online accounting degree depends on several factors. The above degrees are all less than $500 per credit hour.

Many factors can contribute to how much your program costs, but none more strongly than the financial aid you receive. Minnesota offers the North Star Promise, which covers tuition costs for eligible undergraduate resident students studying at a public school within the state. To find out if you qualify, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

All programs above come from online colleges that accept financial aid. Many offer their own financial aid options as well.

What Can I Do With an Online Accounting Degree?

There are a variety of roles that you can obtain as an accounting graduate. These include:

• budget analyst
• cost accountant
• financial accountant
• financial analyst
• financial manager
• forensic auditor
• personal financial advisor
• tax accountant

Many online accounting programs have specific required courses but then let you choose from a range of elective accounting courses. This allows you to tailor your program toward your career goals.

Note that some more advanced accounting careers may require a master's degree or licensure, such as CPA, CMA, or CIA credentials.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a CPA?

The steps to becoming a CPA vary by state. However, in all states, to become a CPA, you first need to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting.

Most states require CPAs to have at least 150 college credit hours, but the typical bachelor's degree has 120. Some accounting students fulfill this requirement by earning a master's degree, while others opt to double major. Speak to your advisor to learn what your options are.

Some states also require CPAs to have a certain amount of real-world work experience. Some include internships, but not all, so check your state's requirements.

Finally, students must pass the four-part Uniform CPA Examination offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Students do not have to take all four parts at once but must take them all within an 18-month period.

Find an Online Bachelor's Degree With Accreditation Today

Find the perfect online bachelor's degree today by exploring the accounting degree programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools for more information on their programs.