Best Accounting Degrees Online in New York 2025

Aspiring accountants and auditors in New York can study through top online accounting degree programs offered by colleges and universities in their state.

New York, especially New York City, is a hub of financial activity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the NYC metro area has the highest concentration of accountants and auditors in the country.

Most of these roles require at least a bachelor's degree. Online accounting degrees can be a great option for students who can't study on campus. Keep reading to discover the best online accounting degrees in New York.

Best Online Accounting Degree Programs in New York

Students can earn online bachelor's degrees in accounting through numerous colleges and universities across the U.S., including many affordable online accounting degrees. Several of these programs are based in New York. Below, we've highlighted the best online accounting degree programs in New York State.

1. College of Mount Saint Vincent

The College of Mount Saint Vincent is a private Catholic school in the Bronx in New York City. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in accounting that includes coursework on:

  • auditing
  • cost accounting
  • financial analysis
  • tax accounting

The curriculum ensures that students graduate able to measure, process, and interpret business accounting information. Business programs through Mount Saint Vincent are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

2. Empire State University

At Empire State University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in accounting online. It explores various topics, such as economics, business law, accounting information systems, and corporate finance.

Empire State University is the online campus of the public State University of New York (SUNY) system. Since it is a public university, eligible New York residents could have their tuition costs fully covered under the state's Excelsior Scholarship.

3. Excelsior University

A Bachelor of Science in business with a concentration in accounting is available through Excelsior University. The private university is based in Albany, NY, but only offers online programs.

Students in this program develop core business administration skills as well as skills in auditing, financial accounting, and tax accounting. The program is designed for busy adult students and is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

4. Hilbert College

Hilbert College offers a Bachelor of Science in accounting online. The program equips students with the real-world skill set to accomplish all that's required of a modern accountant.

The college is based in Hamburg, NY, but caters to students across the world. It was ranked in the top 25% in the nation for return on investment by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce.

5. Lehman College

Lehman College is a member of the public City University of New York (CUNY) system and is based in the Bronx. It offers an online bachelor's degree in accounting that tackles topics such as:

  • accounting information technology
  • auditing
  • business analytics
  • forensic accounting

This program is designed to help prepare students for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. Students can use the Excelsior Scholarship here as well.

6. State University of New York at Plattsburgh

Students at SUNY Plattsburgh can earn a Bachelor of Science in accounting online. This program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and includes courses on financial management, managerial accounting, business law, and more.

SUNY Plattsburgh is located in Plattsburgh, NY. As a public university, students can use the Excelsior Scholarship and other types of financial aid to pay for their higher education.

7. Touro University

An online Bachelor of Science in business administration and management with a concentration in accounting is available through Touro University. The private Jewish university is headquartered in Manhattan, New York City, but its online programs are offered through the California-based Worldwide campus.

The accounting program covers financial statements, cash management, and accounting information systems. The School of Business at Touro University is accredited by the ACBSP.

8. Utica University

Utica University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in accounting. The private institution is located in Utica, NY.

Educational requirements for the accounting major include courses on intermediate accounting, cost management, income tax accounting, and auditing. It offers hands-on learning experiences and prepares students to take the CPA exam.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the programs on this list, our methodology was to look at:

  • Location: All schools are based in or have a campus in New York State.
  • Accreditation: The above schools all hold regional accreditation and many have programmatic accreditation for their business and accounting programs.
  • Type: We chose only four-year public or nonprofit private schools for this list.

What To Expect from Online Accounting Programs

Most online degree programs in accounting are taught through asynchronous classes. This means that while you have due dates, you can complete your coursework at your convenience. For many students, this format works better than studying on campus.

A typical bachelor's degree requires 120 credit hours, which usually takes about for years to complete. You'll spend about two years in general education courses, and another two focused on core and elective courses for your accounting major.

Admissions Requirements for Online Accounting Degree Programs

At many colleges, you simply need to meet the admissions requirements to be accepted into an accounting major. These typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, and may also include:

  • a minimum high school GPA
  • minimum ACT or SAT scores
  • personal essays
  • letters of recommendation

If you're applying to a degree completion program, you'll typically need an associate degree or a sufficient number of transfer credits.

Is an Online Accounting Degree Worth It?

For many students, an online accounting degree is worth it as it leads to in-demand accounting careers with businesses and accounting firms. It can be especially worth it if you pursue low-cost programs.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Accounting Program?

All of the programs above cost less than $550 per credit for in-state residents, and many cost far less than that. The final cost of your degree will depend on several factors, such as:

  • what level of degree you're earning
  • whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
  • if you study full-time or part-time
  • what financial aid you qualify for

All programs listed above come from online colleges that accept financial aid. By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you can find out what aid you're eligible for. Many New York residents qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, which covers all tuition costs for undergraduate students studying at CUNY or SUNY schools.

What Is the Job Outlook for Accounting Graduates?

There are many accounting careers you can pursue with an accounting degree. These include:

  • financial analyst
  • forensic accountant
  • fraud examiner
  • management accountant
  • tax accountant

Note that for career advancement you may be required to obtain a credential or licensure, like the CPA credential, or a master's degree.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for accountants and auditors is expected to increase by 6% nationwide over the next decade.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees With Accreditation Today

Find the perfect online bachelor's degree in accounting by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools today for more information on admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.