Best Accounting Degrees Online in Pennsylvania 2025

Accounting career opportunities provide work across all industries, with organizations in both the public and private sectors requiring these professionals. Most accounting careers require at least a bachelor's degree, while others require more advanced degrees or certifications. Learners in Pennsylvania can enroll in top online accounting degree programs to capitalize on the advantages of remote learning while utilizing in-state financial aid programs.

Most low-cost online accounting degrees are offered as either Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or Bachelor of Science in business administration degrees. These degrees will help students meet the education requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams, even if they end up in an out-of-state program.

Top Online Accounting Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

Several low-cost online colleges in Pennsylvania offer accounting degrees. Learners can use these programs to meet a variety of career and educational goals. Students should look into multiple programs to find the one that offers the best specializations for their career aspirations.

1. Seton Hill University

Seton Hill University offers two Bachelor of Science in accounting degrees, a general accounting degree, and a CPA exam-focused pathway. The CPA BS prepares learners for CPA, CIA, and CMA examinations. Students in either degree path can enroll in an accelerated online Bachelor's to MBA program with either a forensic accounting or fraud examination concentration.

2. Keystone College

The Bachelor of Science in accounting principles from Keystone College is fully self-paced, with some learners earning their online degrees in as few as 18 months. Accelerated accounting degrees can qualify for educational requirements for advanced exams and graduate programs, making them a good alternative for learners looking to move quickly through undergraduate school.

3. Pennsylvania State University World Campus

Penn State World Campus offers an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited degree. Students will complete courses on topics such as business ethics, nonprofit accounting, and how to use accounting information systems. All courses at Penn State World Campus are offered through asynchronous, self-paced formats allowing learners to earn their degrees around other obligations.

4. Peirce College

Peirce College offers students an online Bachelor of Science in accounting degree in both a fully online and hybrid option. In addition to accounting courses, learners can combine stackable certifications from companies including Google, IBM, and Cisco. Aspiring accountants can choose between taking self-paced courses or attending optional weekly sessions to interact with classmates and professors.

Top Online Accounting Programs in Other States

Online accounting bachelor's degrees allow learners to earn degrees with different concentrations, regardless of their residency. Students in Pennsylvania can find top-ranking higher education programs nationwide that can help them prepare for a career or get ready to sit for their CPA examination.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers a Bachelor of Science in business administration with an accounting concentration. This accounting degree can lead directly to WGU's online Master of Accountancy program, making it easier to complete the 150 credit hour requirement for the CPA exam.

Learners don't enroll based on credit hours. Instead, WGU courses are offered in six-month sessions, where they can complete as many courses as they choose. Due to this highly flexible degree path, most accounting majors at WGU graduate within 24 months.

Southern New Hampshire University

Learners at Southern New Hampshire University can earn either a Bachelor of Science in accounting or accounting and finance. Both degrees teach skills such as financial analysis, general accounting principles, and auditing skills. These degrees only include 120 credit hours, but students can enroll in the accelerated BS-to-MS pathway to meet the CPA exam prerequisites.

Arizona State University

The Bachelor of Science in accountancy from Arizona State University is one of the top-ranking accounting degree programs in the nation. This AACSB-accredited degree can lead to entry-level careers or serve as part of the accelerated Master of Accountancy and data analytics program. Students will gain critical skills for accounting careers, including decision-making, math for business analytics, and the principles of auditing.

University of Minnesota

The Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Minnesota can prepare aspiring accountants for the CPA, CIA, and CMA examinations. Graduates will be prepared for careers as financial managers and tax accountants, and in fields like cost accounting and financial accounting. Coursework in this degree program can qualify for various state licensure requirements.

University of West Florida

The University of West Florida's AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science in business administration is designed to meet Florida state CPA requirements but can satisfy other states as well. Undergraduates will develop skills related to corporate accounting, business law, and cost accounting. This program includes an internship for students looking to gain real-world experience. Learners who want to continue their education can enroll in an accelerated bachelor's to master's degree.

University of Maryland Global Campus

The Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Maryland Global Campus can lead to CPA, CIA, and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exams. Students will work through case studies using the most up-to-date accounting software. This degree includes major courses, electives, and an accounting capstone to provide a well-rounded education.

Our Selection Criteria

We used a strict methodology focused on three criteria while selecting these programs. The top online accounting programs need to contain several factors to ensure their worth post-graduation.

• Accreditation: We selected only accredited degrees, focusing on programs with AACSB, ACBSP, or similar designations.
• Flexibility: On-campus learning often comes with rigid schedules. We selected programs that allow learners to earn a degree while continuing to work or satisfy other obligations. These programs allow for full-time, part-time, and hybrid enrollment.
• Affordability: We primarily chose accounting schools with low average tuition rates or diverse financial aid offerings.

What To Expect From Online Accounting Programs

There are many common experiences learners should expect from online accounting programs. Students will learn the fundamentals of different types of accounting, to prepare for various career paths. These degree programs involve hands-on, math-based projects.

What Types of Specializations Are Available in Online Accounting Programs?

Accounting career paths require different skills, and learners can choose specializations to prepare for individual paths. Some of the most common ones include tax accounting, managerial accounting, and financial planning.

Online Accounting Degree Admissions Requirements

Admission requirements will vary from school to school, but there are many common factors you can expect. Most schools have a minimum high school or community college GPA requirement, SAT or ACT scores, and essay submission.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Accounting Program?

The average cost of an online accounting degree is between approximately $41,000 and $63,000, based on differing factors. Students can find the lowest average tuition rates at nonprofit, in-state, and public universities. Schools that accept FAFSA or transfer credits also provide ways for learners to reduce their costs.

How Can You Pay for an Online Accounting Degree?

Learners can pay for online accounting degrees in multiple ways. All students should submit their FAFSA yearly to determine their financial need and eligibility for federal grants and loans. Aspiring accountants can also apply for school-provided scholarships and work-study programs to help cover costs. Lastly, undergraduates can apply for federal and private loans to help pay for tuition.

Explore Online Degree Programs With Accreditation Today

Finding an accredited accounting degree is the first step to starting your career. Read our school profiles to learn more about individual programs and their admission requirements. Once you've found the right schools for your goals, reach out and begin your application process today.