10 Easiest Online Accounting Degree Programs 2027

Accounting skills are in demand across nearly every industry, from small businesses and nonprofits to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies. If you already work in bookkeeping, payroll, or finance, a bachelor's degree in accounting can help you move into higher-level roles. Finding the time to earn one, though, is often the hardest part.

Many accredited schools now offer accounting degrees designed around working adults. These programs share a lot in common with the easiest online degrees in other fields, from self-paced coursework to generous credit for prior learning. Below, you'll find 10 online accounting programs that make it easier to finish, along with guidance on cost, timelines, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) requirements, and career prospects.

What Makes an Online Accounting Degree "Easier" To Earn?

Accounting coursework is detailed, but it's also highly structured, which makes it well suited to online and self-paced learning. There are no labs, clinical hours, or required internships in most programs, so you can complete nearly everything on your own schedule. If you already handle financial records at work, competency-based formats let you prove what you know and move ahead quickly, and many self-paced accounting degrees let you speed through familiar material.

Credit policies make an equally big difference. Schools that accept 90 or more transfer credits can turn an associate degree into a two-year head start, and exams like CLEP and DSST can knock out general education and introductory business requirements for a fraction of the usual cost. Short terms of seven or eight weeks, frequent start dates, and fully asynchronous courses round out the features that help you finish faster.

Easiest Online Accounting Degree Programs

The schools below offer online bachelor's degrees in accounting, or business degrees with an accounting concentration, built for flexibility. Each program combines recognized accreditation with formats that fit around a full-time job.

1. Western Governors University

Competency-based learning is the standout feature of the BS in Accounting at Western Governors University (WGU). You'll take assessments when you're ready rather than on a fixed schedule, and flat-rate tuition for each six-month term means finishing more courses per term lowers your total cost. Terms begin on the first of every month, so you can start almost immediately after you're admitted.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and includes three embedded certificates in accounting, strategic thinking and innovation, and leadership. WGU reports that most graduates finish within two years. If you plan to pursue the CPA, WGU's Master of Accounting is designed to help you reach the 150 credit hours most states require.

2. Colorado State University Global

At Colorado State University Global (CSU Global), you'll find 12 start dates a year and eight-week courses that are fully asynchronous, with no set class times. Up to 90 credits can transfer into the 120-credit BS in Accounting, including credit for military service and career experience.

The ACBSP-accredited program is also endorsed by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), and it prepares graduates for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. CSU Global charges the same tuition regardless of where you live and guarantees your rate won't increase while you're enrolled, which makes budgeting straightforward from your first course to your last.

3. Liberty University

Liberty University lets you transfer up to 75% of your degree total into its online BS in Accounting, which can dramatically shorten your remaining coursework. Most courses run eight weeks, there are no set login times, and the program doesn't require on-campus intensives.

The 120-credit program holds ACBSP accreditation, and Liberty is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Liberty is upfront that you may need about 30 additional credit hours to qualify for the CPA exam in many states, and it suggests adding certificates or a minor to help close that gap.

4. Champlain College

Champlain College in Vermont delivers its online BS in Accounting in seven-week terms, and you can take one to three courses at a time depending on your schedule. Students who transfer in a typical 40 credits finish in about two years on average, and up to 90 transfer credits can apply, including credit for work experience, professional training, and military service.

The college holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Champlain notes that the program covers 120 of the 150 credit hours needed for CPA eligibility, and it meets the requirement to sit for the CPA exam in Vermont. If you live elsewhere, check your state board's rules before enrolling.

5. Franklin University

More than 90% of Franklin University's undergraduates bring in transfer credit, and the Ohio school accepts up to 94 semester hours toward a bachelor's degree. That makes its online BS in Accounting a natural fit if you've already completed an associate degree or a significant amount of college coursework.

Franklin's BS in Accounting appears on the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) list for both general business and specialized accounting accreditation. The university offers rolling start dates throughout the year, and its courses are designed for working adults who need to balance school with full-time jobs.

6. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has a long history of serving working adults and military students around the world. Its online BS in Accounting accepts up to 90 transfer credits, and UMGC's credit options include exams, industry certifications, and military training.

The program carries an IMA Endorsement of Excellence, and the curriculum prepares you for credentials beyond the CPA, including the CMA, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exams. Multiple start dates throughout the year mean you won't have to wait long to begin.

7. Southern New Hampshire University

As one of the largest online universities in the country, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers its BS in Accounting through ACBSP-accredited business programs. You can transfer up to 90 credits, and courses run in eight-week terms with frequent start dates throughout the year.

SNHU maintains transfer pathways with community colleges across the country, which can make moving an associate degree in accounting into the bachelor's program more predictable. The program covers financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting, giving you a broad foundation whether you're aiming for public accounting or a corporate finance role.

8. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) offers accounting through its ACBSP-accredited Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), with concentrations in Accounting or Accounting/CPA. Because it's a business administration degree with an accounting focus, you'll complete a broader business core alongside your accounting coursework.

TESU is one of the most credit-by-exam-friendly schools in the country, accepting CLEP, DSST, and its own TECEP exams. You can transfer up to 90 credits, and new semesters begin every month. If you know the material from years on the job, testing out of courses can save both time and money.

9. Excelsior University

Excelsior University accepts up to 113 transfer credits toward its 120-credit BS in Business, which includes an Accounting concentration. That makes it one of the most transfer-friendly options available, especially if you've already completed most of a degree elsewhere.

Courses are asynchronous and start every eight weeks, and Excelsior awards credit for exams, professional and military training, and industry certifications. The business programs are IACBE-accredited. Keep in mind that this is a business degree with an accounting focus, so review your state's CPA coursework requirements carefully.

10. Capella University

Capella University, a for-profit online school, offers a BS in Business with an Accounting specialization through FlexPath, its self-directed learning format. You'll pay one fee per 12-week session and can complete as many courses as you're able to during that time, setting your own deadlines along the way.

The ACBSP-accredited program works well if you want maximum control over your pace. Capella reports that its fastest FlexPath business students finish in about 14 months. Transfer credits and credit for prior learning need to be applied before you begin FlexPath coursework, so plan your transcript evaluation early.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Pacing options and credit policies carry the most weight for this list, since they have the greatest effect on how quickly you can finish.

Higher-ranked programs remove unnecessary obstacles while preparing graduates for professional accounting careers. The main criteria include:

• Accreditation: Every school holds institutional accreditation, with preference given to programs accredited by ACBSP or IACBE.
• Program requirements: Competency-based assessments, high transfer limits, and credit for exams or professional experience help a program rank higher.
• Online availability: Each degree can be completed fully online, and asynchronous or self-paced formats are favored.
• Student outcomes: Time to completion, graduation data, and preparation for credentials like the CPA and CMA help show a program's value.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Long Does it Take to Earn an Accounting Degree Online?

An online bachelor's degree in accounting typically requires 120 credits and about four years of full-time study if you're starting from scratch. Accelerated formats can shorten that considerably. Taking courses year-round in seven- or eight-week terms often brings the timeline down to about three years, and some of the fastest online accounting degrees can be completed even sooner with transfer credit.

Students with an associate degree usually have the shortest path. With 60 or more credits already applied, you could finish in about two years of part-time study or less with a full-time load, and there are several two-year accelerated accounting bachelor's degrees built for this kind of transfer student. Competency-based programs like WGU's can move even faster if you already have accounting experience.

Are Online Accounting Degrees Easier Than On-Campus Programs?

The coursework in an accredited online accounting program matches what you'd take on campus, including financial accounting, auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and accounting information systems. Business accreditors review online and campus programs by the same standards, so the content itself isn't easier.

What online programs offer is convenience. You can study after work, on weekends, or during slow seasons, and many programs let you start within a few weeks of applying. The trade-off is that you'll need to manage your time carefully, especially during demanding courses like intermediate accounting and tax. Staying on a steady schedule and reaching out to instructors early can make challenging topics far more manageable.

How Much Does an Online Accounting Degree Cost?

Total tuition for an online bachelor's degree in accounting generally falls between about $15,000 and $60,000. Public universities and flat-rate competency-based programs are usually the most affordable, while private nonprofit and for-profit schools tend to cost more.

The number of credits you still need is the biggest factor in your final price. Transferring community college coursework, testing out of general education requirements, and choosing a flat-rate program you can move through quickly all help keep tuition down. If you're planning to pursue the CPA, also budget for the additional 30 credits most states require, along with exam review courses and licensing fees.

Financial Aid for Online Accounting Degrees

Students in accredited online accounting programs can access the same financial aid as campus students. Combining federal aid with employer and military benefits can cover a significant share of the cost.

• Federal grants and loans: Begin by filing the FAFSA, since the FAFSA covers online college at accredited schools. Eligible undergraduates may receive Pell Grants, which don't need to be repaid, and online colleges that accept Pell Grants often extend them to part-time students. Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans can help cover the remaining balance.
• Employer tuition assistance: Accounting firms, banks, and corporate finance departments frequently help employees pay for accounting degrees and CPA preparation. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement for bachelor's degrees, though most set annual caps and may require you to stay with the company for a period after graduation.
• Accounting scholarships: Professional organizations, state CPA societies, and accounting associations award scholarships to accounting majors. Many universities also offer institutional scholarships for transfer students and working adults. Applying broadly increases your chances of reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
• Military benefits: Active-duty service members can use Tuition Assistance at many online colleges that accept military tuition assistance. Veterans and eligible family members can also apply benefits at online colleges that accept the GI Bill, and schools like UMGC and CSU Global award credit for military training.

How To Choose the Right Online Accounting Degree

A flexible format is a great start, but you'll also want a program that supports your long-term career plans. Compare schools using these factors:

• CPA eligibility: Check your state board's education requirements, including total credit hours and specific accounting and business coursework. Some programs are designed with CPA eligibility in mind, while others focus more broadly on business.
• Business accreditation: Look for ACBSP, IACBE, or AACSB accreditation. Programmatic accreditation signals quality to employers and can matter for graduate admission.
• Standalone major or concentration: Decide whether you want a dedicated accounting degree or a business degree with an accounting concentration. A standalone major typically includes more upper-level accounting courses.
• Credit policies: Find out how many transfer credits a school accepts and whether it awards credit for exams, certifications, or work experience. A generous policy can cut your time and cost substantially.
• Graduate pathways: If you need extra credits for the CPA, look for schools that offer a bridge into a master's in accounting. Some programs let you apply graduate courses toward both degrees.

Career Outlook With an Online Accounting Degree

A bachelor's degree in accounting is the standard entry point for careers in public accounting, corporate finance, auditing, and government. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors earn a median annual wage of $83,680, and employment is projected to grow 5% through 2035. The BLS expects about 115,300 openings each year, many from workers retiring or moving into other roles.

With experience, an accounting degree can also lead to senior leadership positions. Financial managers earn a median annual wage of $166,570, with employment projected to grow 10% through 2035. Many controllers, finance directors, and CFOs start their careers as staff accountants before moving into management.

FAQs About the Easiest Online Accounting Degree Programs

Accounting students often have questions about licensing, credentials, and how their degree fits their goals. Here are answers to several common ones.

Can You Become a CPA With an Online Accounting Degree?

Yes, as long as your degree comes from an accredited school and meets your state board's coursework requirements. Most states require 150 credit hours for CPA licensure, which is 30 more than a standard bachelor's degree. Many students close that gap with a master's in accounting, graduate certificates, or additional undergraduate coursework.

What's the Difference Between a CPA and a CMA?

A CPA is licensed by a state board and can perform audits, sign tax returns as a licensed professional, and work in public accounting. A CMA focuses on corporate finance, budgeting, and strategic planning within organizations. The CMA is administered by the IMA, and its education requirement is a bachelor's degree rather than 150 credit hours.

Should You Choose an Accounting Major or a Business Degree With an Accounting Concentration?

A standalone accounting major usually includes more advanced coursework in auditing, taxation, and financial reporting, which can make CPA eligibility easier to reach. A business degree with an accounting concentration offers broader exposure to management, marketing, and operations. If the CPA is your goal, a dedicated accounting major is often the more direct route.

Is Accounting Harder Than Other Business Majors?

Accounting is often considered one of the more demanding business majors because it requires precision and a firm grasp of rules and standards. That said, it relies more on logic and organization than advanced math, with most programs requiring only college algebra and statistics. Students who enjoy structured problem-solving tend to do well.

Can CLEP Exams Count Toward an Online Accounting Degree?

Many schools accept CLEP exams for general education and introductory courses like financial accounting, principles of management, and macroeconomics. Each exam typically earns three or more credits for far less than the cost of a course. Comparing colleges that accept the most CLEP credits can help you find a school that maximizes those savings.

Discover Online Accounting Degrees

The right online accounting program can help you build valuable financial skills while you keep working. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about transfer credits, CPA preparation, and start dates.