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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ), accountants and auditors earned a median wage of $ 73,560 as of May 2020. Accountants enjoy tractability and job security system in many different industries .
This foliate highlights the five most low-cost on-line report degrees for 2022, offering an excellent starting point for prospective accounting students. Readers can besides find information about degree expectations, career paths, and tips for choosing the right program .
What Is Accounting?
The concept of tracking commercial enterprise transactions dates back to 2,000-3,300 B.C., as evidenced by excavate clay tablets from the menstruation. The Industrial Revolution saw the exploitation of mod professional account organizations. Emerging technologies continue pushing this field into the future.
In 2020, the BLS reported 1,392,200 accountant and hearer positions in the United States, projecting employment in the field to grow by 7 % from 2020-2030. This keeps pace with the national average growth projection for all occupations .
As of 2020, the largest accounting industries included accounting, tax formulation, bookkeeping, and payroll services ; finance and insurance ; government ; and management of companies and enterprises .
Accountants maintain fiscal records for organizations and individuals. They oversee tax planning and ensure their clients stand by to all necessary regulations. Accountants should have excellent analytic, communication, and mathematics skills, plus a hard eye for detail. With a bachelor ‘s in report, students can hone these skills and qualify for diverse roles in the field .
A knight bachelor ‘s often meets the minimal educational prerequisite for entry-level jobs in accounting. Some organizations offer advancement opportunities to bachelor ‘s graduates. Others require extra education beyond an undergraduate degree .
Why Get an Affordable Online Accounting Degree?
Online accounting degrees prepare students to enter a growing job market. Accounting professionals enjoy ample choices when it comes to placement, commercial enterprise size, and diligence .
Aspiring accountants should consider their career goals before committing to an on-line account degree. prospective students may consider whether a course of study emphasizes CPA set or offers scheme concentrations. A common entry-level job prerequisite, a bachelor ‘s in account paves the way to success in the field .
The account airfield tends to pay above-average salaries, but students however want low-cost degree options. Benefits of pursuing an low-cost on-line account program include :
- Advanced Education: Many employers want their accountants to hold CPA credentials. Specifics vary by location, but most states require CPAs to complete more than the typical 120 college credits of a bachelor’s degree, making further education a necessity for aspiring CPAs.
- Faster Return on Investment: Affordable degrees allow graduates to earn back the money they spent on tuition more quickly. Whether paying off loans or avoiding them all together, earning an affordable degree can help to minimize debt.
- Quality: Online degrees typically carry the same level of prestige as their on-campus equivalents. An affordable degree can build a solid accounting foundation and qualify graduates for good job opportunities.
What to Expect From Bachelor’s in Accounting Online Programs
account programs emphasize foundational cognition in accounting hypothesis and rehearse, tax law, auditing, fiscal communication, and ethics. much geared toward aspiring CPAs and early certified account professionals, accounting degrees offer hardheaded, career-focused course of study .
A typical knight bachelor ‘s academic degree entails about 120 credits, including general department of education coursework. major courses comprise 30-50 credits. broadly, a bachelor ‘s degree takes four years to complete. Timelines differ depending on students ‘ academic backgrounds and how many courses they take each semester. low-cost tuition typically costs $ 300- $ 500 per credit hour, though rates vary among programs .
Admission Requirements
entrance fee requirements for on-line accounting degrees vary. Most programs require a gamey educate diploma or GED security, and some count for high school GPA minimums in the 2.0-3.0 compass .
early programs require students to complete general education college courses before applying. Students may need to maintain a minimal GPA to qualify for the accounting major. Some schools require ACT or SAT scores .
Applicants should besides consider how their academician background fits with course of study requirements. Some on-line account programs require transfer credits, such as those earned through an associate accounting academic degree or a certificate in account. Others offer all necessity coursework through on-line study. Common prerequisites include accounting I and II, introduction to business, and economics .
prospective students can use the Common App to submit one application to multiple schools, streamlining the process .
Degree and Concentration Options
several types of programs offer on-line account degrees. Degree-seekers should consider which type of job they want to pursue when choosing a program type. Common options include :
Bachelor of Science in Accounting: The BS in accounting provides in-depth cognition of fiscal analysis, tax preparation, and auditing. Graduates can concentrate in areas like forensic account. related career paths include populace accounting, fraud examen, external and internal audit, and managerial account .
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting: The BBA provides a cosmopolitan business effect in addition to account cognition. Coursework includes economics, occupation jurisprudence, and statistics. Like the BS, the BBA opens the door to respective accounting careers. With a more general business background, graduates may find more flexibility and advancement opportunities .
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration: The BABA prepares students for leadership positions, adding a broad arts vehemence. Aspiring accountants hoping to qualify for managerial positions might select this degree for a occupation core that includes courses in international business and operations management .
Popular Accounting Courses
A typical on-line account degree course of study requires a core set of accounting courses that explore foundational account principles like fiscal analysis, report, and tax cognition. many programs allow students to explore their areas of interest through electives .
Some schools require learners to complete a hands-on capstone project at the end of their program. Required courses in accounting often include :
- Intermediate Accounting: This course builds on accounting principles. Topics cover foundational subjects like financial statement preparation, income concepts and value measurement, balance sheet and reporting standards, and statement analysis. Most programs require intermediate accounting I and II.
- Federal Taxation: Federal taxation covers U.S. tax laws and the Internal Revenue Code, familiarizing students with forms and documents, income determination concepts, tax liability standards for individuals and organizations, and decision-making relating to taxation.
- Auditing: This requirement for accounting majors teaches financial compliance, electronic data processing auditing, and strategies for communicating audit results to employers. The course also prepares students to use auditing software and design auditing systems for their organizations, including testing strategies.
- Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting: Sometimes offered as an elective, this course covers accounting theories and procedures specific to state and local government, colleges and universities, healthcare facilities, and other nonprofit entities. Topics include the use of special funds, tax requirements, financial statements and reporting, and budgets.
- Accounting Ethics: This course covers ethical decision-making in accounting issues. The subject matter considers concepts from political, societal, and technological points of view. Coursework explores legal, diversity, and other environmental factors.
How Much Do Online Accounting Bachelor’s Programs Cost?
The recent “ great reshuffle ” has seen big groups of professionals making career changes, fueling plenty of opportunities for aspiring account professionals. But when comparing online accounting programs, which criteria should individuals consider ?
Like any consumer, the understanding student should assess each program ‘s benefits. Costs for accounting degrees range from $ 38,496- $ 60,593. School size, program duration, career resources, accreditation condition, and use success rates all affect program monetary value .
Learners can pursue tuition reimbursement and early fiscal aid to reduce the cost of an report program. Keep in mind that because higher education is an investment in career development, the cheapest on-line account academic degree is not always the most prudent option .
Depending on predilection, students may choose to attend class part or wax clock. Online report programs much allow students to customize their course schedules, encouraging work-life balance. accelerate programs position learners to complete their studies in a shorter time frame .
prospective learners should besides consider whether a school holds accreditation. only regionally and nationally accredit schools are eligible for federal fiscal aid. Tuition-free on-line report degrees are besides possible thanks to Title IV fund .
Making Affordable Accounting Degrees Even Cheaper
Students looking for low-cost on-line account degrees can benefit from many cost-saving tactics. Delivery style and school size often contribute to lower tutelage rates. The surveil list offers respective measures students can take to make their account degrees more low-cost .
Online vs. Traditional Delivery
many institutions charge lower tuition rates for on-line degrees, sometimes matching in-state rates for out-of-state distance learners. Online education eliminates expenses related to living on campus or commutation. Students can continue to work while pursuing their degrees and even gain accounting experience in the action .
Financial Aid Opportunities
report students can importantly lower the overall price of their studies by pursuing fiscal help opportunities like scholarships, grants, and loans. By filling out a FAFSA, degree-seekers open the door to work-study opportunities, low-interest loans, and need-based aid. master associations, nonprofit organization organizations, and local anesthetic government agencies frequently offer eruditeness opportunities .
Institutional Prestige
An institution ‘s reputation can play an authoritative part in the school-selection process, but esteemed programs frequently cost more. Aspiring accountants should consider whether their career goals necessitate degrees from esteemed schools. Those hoping to pursue executive roles in bombastic, competitive environments may garner a better return on their investment from more esteemed institutions .
Book Rentals
Students can often avoid buying expensive textbooks and materials outright. on-line booksellers like Amazon offer casebook rental programs that allow learners to borrow books at abject rates. E-books and library resources besides help reduce the cost of materials .
Credit Loading
When a school charges tutelage by the semester rather than per credit, degree-seekers can pack their schedules with extra coursework. This method accelerates the pace of a course of study, reducing overall tuition costs and allowing enrollees to graduate more promptly. Before taking this route, students should consider whether their schedules allow for the increased workload .
Will Getting My Accounting Bachelor’s Degree Pay Off?
An accounting knight bachelor ‘s academic degree can improve employment options, qualifying graduates for careers across multiple occupations and industries. The BLS cites a median annual engage of $ 73,560 for accountants .
The BLS projects jobs for account professionals to grow by 7 % from 2020-2030, on pace with the national average growth projection for all U.S. workers .
account occupations that require a four-year degree include budget analyst, cost calculator, fiscal analyst, and tax examiner. Four-year account graduates can besides pursue careers in forensic report. forensic accountants collaborate with law enforcement to investigate embezzlement and tax fraud cases .
To compute a degree ‘s retort on investment ( ROI ), first estimate earnings before subtracting program costs. other than tutelage, education expenses include books, supplies, accommodations, and loan refund fees. Subtract these expenses from earnings to estimate a degree ‘s ROI .
account programs with higher scholar placement ratios deliver ROI more quickly than those with lower use rates. While it could take years to realize ROI, inquiry suggests that heightened global demand for accountants will continue for the foreseeable future .
Jobs for Bachelor’s in Accounting Graduates
Accounting degree-holders qualify for occupations in many sour environments. Graduates can pursue careers as public accountants, auditors, tax experts, or personal fiscal advisors .
According to the BLS, accountants and auditors made a median annual wage of $ 73,560 as of 2020. personal fiscal advisors earned a median income of $ 89,330. accounting skills are foundational for business careers. Professionals much advance to high-paying managerial roles. chief executives, for example, earned a median wage of $ 107,680 as of 2020 .
Accountants can expand their career opportunities by earning an account master ‘s degree or pursue industry credentials like CPA or certified management accountant .
Employed by organizations, government bodies, and individuals, tax accountants cook and file tax documents for their clients. They analyze fiscal documents and help clients to improve their asset management. A tax accountant must hold a bachelor ‘s degree at minimal, though many employers prefer a maestro ‘s degree and CPA credentials .
Required Education: Bachelor ‘s degree
Average Annual Salary (April 2022): $ 57,950
beginning : Payscale
Personal Financial Advisor
Working directly with individuals as freelance accountants or members of a larger firm, personal fiscal advisors help clients organize their fiscal assets. They make recommendations to help clients meet their fiscal goals for retirement and college savings. personal fiscal advisors besides facilitate estate plan .
Required Education: Bachelor ‘s degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): +5 %
Median Annual Salary: $ 89,330
source : BLS
typically employed in industries like politics, educational services, and professional, scientific, and technical foul services, budget analysts organize their clients ‘ finances. They analyze expenses and income, working with managers to develop appropriate budgets for their organizations. Budget analysts besides monitor organizations ‘ cash flow and make recommendations for budget cuts .
Required Education: Bachelor ‘s academic degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): +5 %
Median Annual Salary: $ 78,970
source : BLS
Internal auditors monitor their organizations ‘ fiscal activities and operations in nonindulgent detail, watching for inconsistencies and misapply of funds. These professionals check for deceitful activities, suggest likely cost-saving measures, and ensure that their companies adhere to fiscal regulations and adequate controls. inner auditors can seek professional credentials like certified inner auditor or documentation in risk management assurance .
Required Education: Bachelor ‘s degree
Average Annual Salary (April 2022): $ 60,410
source : Payscale
Top Executive
responsible for their organizations ‘ overall strategies, top executives work with managers to set goals, enact plans, and oversee major projects. These professionals monitor fiscal operations, sometimes reporting to a board of directors. Accountants matter to in executive management can pursue master’s-level education such as a master of business administration .
Required Education: Bachelor ‘s degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): +8 %
Median Annual Salary: $ 107,680
reservoir : BLS
Choosing the Right Affordable Accounting Online Program
Affordability is a major factor in the search for an on-line account degree, but students should besides account for accreditation, broadcast frame-up, and university resources .
Candidates should ensure every prospective educate ‘s accreditation condition. Regional and national accreditation assess schools as a whole. Programmatic accreditation applies to particular programs. CPA licensure requires a academic degree from a regionally accredit institution. many passkey ‘s programs do not recognize credits earned through unaccredited programs .
Aspiring account professionals should besides consider whether they want to pursue specializations such as forensic account. Some students prefer on-line accounting degrees that feed immediately into master’s-level studies .
For many prospective students, university resources and adulterous opportunities are authoritative elements in the decision-making process. distance should consider how programs include on-line students in school culture. The handiness of on-line clubs, events, and professional organization chapters may appeal to some learners as well .
Students can besides inquire about resources like career centers, tutoring departments, and library services .
Why You Should Get Your Bachelor’s in Accounting Online
on-line education becomes more democratic each year as schools recognize the rising requirement for distance learn, which can make higher education cheaper and more accessible. Online degree options can help future accountants dive right into their studies, even as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic persevere.
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Online coursework requires the lapp focus and attention as in-person classes. Students should consider their self-motivation and time management skills before committing to an on-line program. Some learners prefer the energy of on-campus activities, while others excel completing their studies from home .
Degree-seekers with jobs, caretaking responsibilities, or fiscal restraints may peculiarly benefit from the flexibility of on-line department of education .
2022’s Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees
Choosing an low-cost knight bachelor ‘s in accountancy can take time and attempt. This ranking simplifies the process, highlighting five of the top programs .
Our ranking methodology looks at affordability, academician cogency, and a school ‘s reputation. Learn more about individual program requirements and our methodology on this page .
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Santa Fe College
localization
Gainesville, FL
tutelage
$ 11764Graduation Rate
59%
View School Profile
Located in Gainesville Florida, SF was established as a community college in 1965. The school now enrolls about 18,000 students in certificate, companion, and bachelor ‘s programs in high-demand fields. The school continues a tradition of handiness and affordability.
BS in Accounting
The BS in accounting offers a degree completion course of study. The on-line course of study enrolls students with an AA or AS in a professional or technical major. An consort degree fulfills lower-division coursework. Students dispatch 60 credits of promote accounting educate in the bachelor ‘s program. They learn skills like auditing, managerial accounting, and advanced spreadsheet analysis. All students explore management principles. Students gain feel during an internship. Participants complete most of this program on-line. They complete exams on campus or at an approved test center. Learners taking 12 credits per term complete the degree in five semesters. Students can take longer if desired.
SF’s Affordability
The school offers abject tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. The course of study ‘s hybrid format saves students money on full-time adjustment and transportation system. Enrollees can use federal grants, federal loans, and scholarships to pay for their education.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $126/credit, in-state; $428/credit, out-of-state
- Required Credits: 60 credits
- Program Length: 5 terms
- Delivery Format: Hybrid (online and on campus)
- Admissions
- Process: Applicants must possess an AA or AS and complete prerequisite coursework in subjects such as financial and managerial accounting.
- GPA: 2.5
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Thomas Edison State University
placement
Trenton, NJView School Profile
TESU is one of the nation ‘s oldest colleges for nontraditional learners. The New Jersey school offers many online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students enjoy low-cost tuition and a generous credit transfer policy.
BSBA in Accounting
The BSBA in accounting provides a business basis and accounting specialization. The degree requires 120 credits. general education credits cover assorted subjects. The commercial enterprise major besides explores business law, finance principles, and market. The accountancy specialization develops auditing and cost account skills. Students learn about union income tax, fiscal argument analysis, and accounting data systems. Enrollees demonstrate their cognition in a business administration capstone. Degree-seekers can finish the degree fast by transferring improving to 90 credits. Students can use the BSBA ‘s credits to pursue the certified public accountant certificate. This on-line program requires no on-campus visits.
TESU’s Affordability
TESU offers low-cost tutelage for all. Nonresidents pay competitive tuition. The program ‘s fully on-line course of study saves students money on housing and fare. TESU ‘s generous credit transmit policy allows students to save on time and tutelage. TESU offers comprehensive fiscal aid that includes federal loans and institutional scholarships.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $399/credit, in-state; $519/credit, out-of-state
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online asynchronous
- Admissions
- Process: Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Transfer students submit transcripts for review.
- GPA: 2.0
- Cost: $50 application fee
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western Governors University
localization
Salt Lake City, UTGraduation Rate
21%
View School Profile
WGU is an on-line college built for students who work. The college offers undergraduate and alumnus degrees in fields such as IT and clientele. Students can earn a bachelor ‘s degree at WGU that costs army for the liberation of rwanda less than the national median.
BSBA in Accounting
The BSBA in accounting provides the foremost step toward CPA authentication. The amply on-line course of study requires 41 courses. The business core explores quantitative analysis for clientele and fiscal skills for managers. Students develop expertness in auditing, tax income, and cost and managerial account. Learners with an associate academic degree may need to complete only 30 courses. During a finishing touch, participants apply concepts learned in a business simulation. WGU specializes in competency-based department of education. This allows students to complete each course arsenic fast as they master the lessons learned. WGU reports that about 70 % of enrollees finish the BSBA within 41 months.
WGU’s Affordability
about 45 % of WGU ‘s undergraduate complete a degree without taking out a scholar loanword. Students can take any number of courses for one flat-rate tuition per six-month term. This can save a batch on tuition. Students besides have access to federal aid and WGU scholarships.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Tuition: $3,575 per six-month term
- Required Credits: 41 courses
- Program Length: 4 years or fewer
- Delivery Format: 100% online asynchronous
- Admissions
- Process: Applicants need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Transfer students submit all school transcripts for a credit evaluation.
- Cost: $65 application fee
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Southern Utah University
placement
Cedar City, UT
tutelage
$ 14879Graduation Rate
50%
View School Profile
SUU enrolls 12,000 students in 140 undergraduate and graduate programs. The school offers career-focused learn and hands-on experience. Enrollees enjoy minor classes that promote personalized learn.
Bachelor in Accounting
The bachelor in account prepares enrollees for the CPA examination. Students complete the 120-credit degree entirely on-line. Enrollees learn how to prepare and analyze accounting data. They receive advanced aim in audit, fiscal account, and management/cost report. All students learn management and finance principles. SUU notes that about 100 % of the program ‘s graduates find employment properly after gradation. The program boasts a CPA examination happen rate above the national median. Students can complete a master ’ second in accountancy with an extra 30 credits.
SUU’s Affordability
SUU offers low-cost tuition rates for all. Students can help pay for tuition with loans, grants, and scholarships. amply on-line programs can save students money on accommodation, department of transportation, and childcare.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Tuition: $300/credit
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online asynchronous
- Admissions
- Process: Applicants must complete five pre-business foundation courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- GPA: 2.5
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT
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Liberty University
placement
Lynchburg, VAGraduation Rate
47%
View School Profile
Located in Virginia, LU is a christian college offering 450 on-line programs. LU enrolls more than 100,000 students. Enrollees pay low-cost tutelage and enjoy a generous credit transplant policy.
BS in Accounting
Students learn theoretical principles and industry best practices in the BS in accountancy. The 120-credit degree offers a amply on-line course of study. Students begin planning for certifications such as certify public accountant. The course of study requires general education credits, which students can fulfill with prior college coursework. Enrollees complete three foundational courses in the platform. Advanced coursework explores tax, corporate finance, and operations management. Participants besides learn how to perform audits and managerial account. Degree-seekers can transfer up to 90 credits into this course of study. Students complete the BS in report in an average of 3.5 years.
LU’s Affordability
All students pay the same low-cost tutelage regardless of where they live. LU provides free electronic textbooks for all undergraduate courses, which can save students at least $ 800 a year. military personnel receive steep tuition discounts.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Tuition: $390/credit, full-time; $455/credit, part-time
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 3.5-4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online asynchronous
- Admissions
- Process: Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and submit school transcripts
- GPA: 2.0
- Cost: $50
Questions About Accounting Programs
What should I major in to become an accountant?
Aspiring accountants often pursue BS degrees in account. other options include a BBA or a BABA with a concentration in accountancy .
Can I get an accounting degree online?
Yes. Like their in-person counterparts, on-line report degrees offer specialization options and CPA cooking.
What can I do with a degree in accounting?
Accounting degree-holders can pursue careers in personal fiscal propose, auditing, tax accountancy, government account, and more. many circus tent executives have backgrounds in report, making this a great start point for those hoping to advance to management .
How much does it cost to get an accounting degree online?
Costs vary, but students can find many options for low-cost on-line accountancy degrees. generally speaking, the cheapest programs fall in the range of $ 300- $ 500 per accredit .
Is earning a degree in accounting online worth anything?
An on-line accounting degree carries the lapp weight as its on-campus equivalent. In fact, many schools run identical course of study in both formats and feature the same faculty members .
