Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global economy has been marked by volatility and soaring inflation. This uncertainty has made cheap online accounting degree programs all the more valuable. Fortunately, cost-conscious accounting students have many quality options to choose from. The cheapest online accounting degrees charge $250-$500 per credit.
Your educational return on investment (ROI) is the difference between what you'll pay out of pocket for your degree and what you anticipate earning once you graduate. Precise ROIs vary and depend on a given program's specific costs.
The cheapest online accounting degrees have unusually strong ROI profiles. They cover the same material as more expensive programs and qualify graduates for the same high-paying career paths.
Potential learners can find even more savings by seeking out a program with an accelerated learning format. Accelerated online accounting degrees help students qualify for lucrative accounting careers more quickly.
This degree guide explains the distinctive features of cheap accounting degrees and the benefits they offer. It also includes a ranked list of the year's best online accounting degrees from an affordability standpoint.
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Featured Online Accounting Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Top Affordable Accounting Programs
#1 Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees
Touro University Worldwide
- Los Alamitos, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can enroll in the top-ranked online bachelor of business administration program at Touro University Worldwide. At the private institution, located in Los Alamitos, California, undergraduates enroll in on-campus and online programs. The online learning format helps busy students balance school with other responsibilities, like work.
The online bachelor's program uses a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes foundational and advanced accounting skills. Faculty mentors and academic advisors help undergraduates design a customized degree based on their interests and career goals. The school supports distance learners with financial aid counseling, online tutoring, and career services.
Thanks to the school's accreditation, distance learners can submit the FAFSA and use financial aid like the Pell Grant to pay for their degree. In addition to federal aid, distance learners can use scholarships and state grants to pay for school.
Touro University Worldwide at a Glance:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 5
Online Bachelor's Programs: 4
Number of Online Students: 1,903
Student Graduation Rate: 100%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can pursue the University of Louisville's on-campus programs or enroll online. With 29 online programs, the school educates learners based in Kentucky and throughout the country. The flexible online BSBA in accounting offers affordable tuition rates and allows students to work while earning their accounting degree.
While enrolled in the bachelor's program, undergraduate learners complete core courses, general education requirements, and upper-division classes. Degree-seekers apply knowledge gained from coursework, including specialized electives, to complete hands-on experiences such as internships. Faculty advisors and career counselors help undergraduates and alumni locate job placements in their field.
The institution holds accreditation, which means enrollees can submit the FAFSA and determine whether they qualify for federal financial aid. Prospective students can contact the program for more information about admission requirements and start dates.
University of Louisville Facts:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 62
Online Bachelor's Programs: 9
Number of Online Students: 2,624
Admission Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Average Per-Credit Cost: $553
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online
With a main campus in Salt Lake City, Utah, Western Governors University provides 65 program options for students to pursue. The private institution delivers academic bachelor's programs at its campus and in a flexible online format. Undergraduate students enrolled online can earn an accounting degree from the school.
Enrollees pursuing the online BSBA in accounting benefit from scheduling flexibility. General education requirements help students develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Specialized electives allow degree-seekers to customize the curriculum, and experiential learning components provide practical skills. Undergraduates consult with faculty mentors and academic advisors to select courses based on their professional goals.
Learners pursuing their master's degree online benefit from the institution's affordable tuition rates and can apply for institutional funding. Students enrolled in the school's 120-credit bachelor's programs pay an average tuition rate of $3,478 per semester. Financial aid counselors help students explore funding options.
Western Governors University Facts:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 30
Online Bachelor's Programs: 30
Transfer Credits Allowed: Yes
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
136,139
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida Atlantic University's online BBA in accounting is one of the best online accounting degrees. Degree-seekers can enroll in top-ranked programs from the school. The school's 29 online programs include 11 options for bachelor's students.
Learners who need flexible scheduling options can pursue the online accounting program. Online learning is ideal for learners with busy schedules. During the program, learners participate in virtual classroom discussions with peers. Undergraduate degree-seekers typically graduate in four years, unless enrolled part time.
Online learners at the school pay affordable tuition rates. Degree-seekers with financial need can submit the FAFSA to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Financial aid counselors help students understand funding options, such as scholarships and grants.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees
Colorado State University
- Aurora, CO
- 4 years
- Online
Undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers can pursue Colorado State University's programs online or in person. In addition to educating students at its campus, the public institution enrolls students in 39 online programs. The school's offerings include a bachelor's in accounting that helps degree-seekers qualify for accounting careers.
Enrollees with personal or professional obligations often benefit from the online accounting program's flexible scheduling options. The accounting program takes place in a virtual classroom environment, allowing learners to practice technology skills. The online program features opportunities to connect with peers and faculty members. Undergraduates typically require four years to earn the 120-credit bachelor's degree if enrolled full time. Incoming students with transfer credits can earn their degree in less time.
The institution holds accreditation, which means degree-seekers with financial need to qualify for federal grants and loans. Learners at the school pay an average of $408 per credit for bachelor's programs, which generally require about 120 credits. Financial aid counseling can help students explore options for reducing out-of-pocket expenses, including work-study programs, scholarships, and grants.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees
Santa Fe College
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online
Santa Fe College enrolls online students in its top-ranked BS in accounting program. The public institution offers online and on-campus bachelor's programs from its main campus in Gainesville, Florida. The school's online programs use a flexible learning format that helps learners balance school with other responsibilities.
The online bachelor's program draws on a rigorous curriculum to build advanced accounting knowledge and skills. Students work with faculty mentors and academic advisors to customize their degree through electives and minors. Services like online tutoring, financial aid advising, and career counseling also help distance learners reach their goals.
Thanks to the institution's accreditation, online students can qualify for federal financial aid programs like the Pell Grant. In addition to federal aid, distance learners can use scholarships and state grants to pay for school.
Santa Fe College at a Glance:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 9
Online Bachelor's Programs: 9
Number of Online Students: 5,704
Graduation Percentage: 59%
Offers Transfer Credits: No
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees
University of Minnesota Crookston
- Crookston, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Minnesota Crookston is a public institution. The school's catalog of 19 online programs provides options for students interested in many fields. In the bachelor of science in accounting program, distance learners can earn their bachelor's degree online.
While completing core coursework, degree-seekers in the accounting program gain transferable skills they can apply to a variety of professional roles. While completing upper-division coursework, learners develop transferable critical thinking and analytical skills. Degree-seekers enrolled full time typically need four years to graduate from the 120-credit bachelor's program.
To help learners succeed academically and professionally, the school provides a variety of support services, such as academic advising and career counseling. Enrollees at the accredited institution can receive federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant.
University of Minnesota Crookston Numbers:
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Total Programs: 39
Total Bachelor's Programs: 35
Online Bachelor's Programs: 15
Accepts Transfer Credits: No
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, the University of Alabama at Birmingham's academic offerings include in-person and online programs. Degree-seekers can choose from the school's 171 program options, with 17 programs available online. Online enrollees can enroll in the online BS in accounting program from the institution.
The accounting program requires degree-seekers to earn at least 120 credits. Students pursuing the online bachelor's degree take general education courses, along with core and upper-division major classes. Specialized electives allow learners to customize the program based on their goals and interests. Students can participate in internships to bolster their resume and impress prospective employers.
Enrollees with financial need can apply for federal aid, including grants and loans. The school charges an average per-credit tuition rate of $488 for its 120-credit bachelor's programs. According to the school, 95% of undergraduates receive financial aid. For details about application deadlines and requirements, prospective applicants can contact an admissions advisor.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, Liberty University is based in Virginia. The institution offers online and in-person programs. The school's 161 online programs include 30 options for bachelor's degree-seekers. The online bachelor's in accounting program prepares graduates for entry-level roles in accounting.
Graduation requirements include at least 120 credits. Students in the bachelor's program complete general education requirements, which foster transferable skills they can apply to field-specific classes. The program features electives, allowing learners to tailor the curriculum to their professional goals. Online students can gain hands-on experience by completing internships with local employers.
Enrollees with financial need can apply for federal aid, including grants and loans. Students in the school's online programs pay an average of $750 per credit. According to the school, 99% of undergraduates receive financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact an admissions advisor for details about application deadlines and requirements.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees
Central Methodist University
- Fayette, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduates of Central Methodist University's online bachelor's in accounting program can pursue a variety of positions in accounting. Based in Fayette, Missouri, the school offers academic programs. Students can choose from 30 online programs, including 21 online bachelor's programs.
With various scheduling options, the accounting program provides flexibility for online learners. The online program's various scheduling options often benefit working professionals. The program's online format allows learners to view lectures and participate in discussions virtually. Most undergraduate degree-seekers can graduate from a bachelor's program in four years of full-time study.
Affordable tuition rates and institutional funding make pursuing higher education easier for many learners. Degree-seekers with financial need can fund their education through federal grants and loans. Financial aid counselors help students locate and apply for scholarships, grants, and loans.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
What Factors Into an Accounting Bachelor's Affordability?
Tuition is the biggest factor that impacts an academic program's affordability. However, other considerations impact the cost of a degree, sometimes significantly. Examples include learning format, enrollment status, and the availability of financial aid.
Each of these elements can affect a program's net cost, which represents the actual out-of-pocket amount a student pays to attend college. Net cost is the ultimate determinant of a degree's affordability.
With that in mind, consider these specific cost-related factors:
― Tuition
Colleges use multiple models to calculate tuition rates. Many schools quote tuition on a per-credit basis. Others charge flat rates based on part-time or full-time enrollment status. They then apply the resultant rate to an entire semester or academic year.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) the average tuition rates for the 2020-2021 academic year are as follows:
$9,375
Public four-year institutions (in state)
$27,091
Public four-year institutions (out of state)
$32,825
Private four-year institutions
By definition, "affordable" degrees charge tuition rates that fall below these averages.
― Enrollment Status
Enrollment status can have a significant impact on your ability to manage costs as you go. You can mitigate the financial sting of your degree if you study part time while working. It will take you longer to graduate, but you can also pace and manage your budgeting needs more easily.
Importantly, tuition models that charge on a per-credit basis tend to optimize these benefits. If you pay a flat per-semester or per-year rate, you may not generate the same savings or advantages. Consider this carefully as you evaluate the cheapest online accounting degrees that support your career goals.
― Location
If you attend a public institution, consider whether you will be enrolling as an in-state or out-of-state student, as rates differ. Luckily, many states subscribe to tuition reciprocity agreements. These compacts extend in-state tuition rates to residents of neighboring states.
The cheapest online accounting degree programs can also help learners avoid several major expenses. By studying online, you will not have to physically relocate or pay room and board at college rates.
Hybrid programs that combine online and campus-based learning represent another option. They preserve elements of the traditional campus experience while enhancing flexibility. However, hybrid learning carries additional costs, such as expenses related to commuting and parking.
― Delivery Format
Colleges deliver programs in three main formats: in person (campus-based), 100% online, and hybrid models that blend in-person and online learning. For multiple reasons, online programs are generally the least expensive.
First, online learning eliminates many major expenses, including relocation, room and board, transportation to campus, and parking. Furthermore, it offers students increased scheduling flexibility. This allows many learners to work while they study and avoid losing income.
One downside of online learning relates to networking. In general, online programs offer fewer in-person networking opportunities, which can lead to jobs after graduation. As you research the cheapest online accounting degree programs, evaluate both their advantages and trade-offs.
― Financial Aid
The availability of financial aid can have a major impact on net cost. For example, consider a private school that charges relatively high tuition rates but offers generous and easily accessible financial aid options. That financial aid may make attending the private school cheaper than attending a public school, which many prospective students would assume is the more affordable option.
Major forms of financial aid include scholarships, fellowships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans. Scholarships, fellowships, and grants will reduce your net costs and do not have to be repaid. Work-study programs, which allow students to work for reduced tuition, are another option.
Federal and private loans can help you meet tuition costs, but they create debt and don't affect the net price of attendance. It is best to use them as a final resort.
How Can You Pay for a Degree in Accounting?
Scholarships are the most desirable form of student financial aid because they do not need to be repaid. Most scholarships are either merit-based or need-based.
Merit-based awards consider factors like scholastic achievement, community activism, and academic potential. Need-based scholarships primarily address the gap between your expected education costs and your current ability to meet them.
The following subsection profiles several scholarships for accounting students. It is not a complete list but instead represents an overview of the hundreds of available scholarships.
Scholarships for Accounting Students
American Women's Society of Certified Public Accountants (AWSCPA) Scholarship Award
- Requirements: Offered through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AWSCPA Scholarship Award recognizes exceptional women students studying accounting or an accounting-related subject. Recipients can apply the award toward qualified education expenses, including tuition, required fees, housing, or study materials.
- Award: $5,000
Apply Here
Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship
- Requirements: Students qualify for this scholarship via full-time enrollment status in the upper years of an undergraduate accounting program. Graduate students also qualify. Applicants must demonstrate a personal commitment to working in the public sector upon graduation.
- Award: $10,000
Apply Here
AICPA Foundation Two-Year Transfer Scholarship Award
- Requirements: This AICPA award is for students transferring from two-year to four-year institutions to earn their accounting degrees. The AICPA evaluates applicants based on their academic achievement, leadership qualities, and career potential.
- Award: $5,000
Apply Here
Making Cheap Accounting Degrees Even Cheaper
Beyond pursuing the cheapest online accounting degree that matches your career goals, you can further cut educational costs with other strategies. The more you save during college, the better your financial situation will be once you graduate.
With that in mind, consider these five ways to save even more while you earn your accounting degree:
-
Rent Your Books
Books represent a major expense for college students. You can cut these costs by renting your books through campus-based or external services. As an alternative, consider buying used books and then reselling them once your class is done.
-
Maximize Your Aid
All too often, students who need help meeting their schooling costs jump straight to loans. Instead, thoroughly research merit- and need-based scholarships, grant programs, and work-study programs. Also, investigate school-specific forms of aid, such as credit waivers for qualified students. Start your research early to maximize the available opportunities and use loans only to cover the remaining gaps.
-
Overload on Credits
This strategy applies at schools that calculate tuition on a per-semester or per-year basis, rather than per credit. If you study full time, you can overload your schedule and still pay the flat rate. This essentially allows you to take "free" courses. It can also help you graduate faster, which carries additional cost benefits.
-
Leverage Your Student Status
You can get many discounts from merchants simply by showing your student ID card. The exact discounts available depend on your location, but they generally include both on-campus and off-campus businesses. Multiple online aggregator sites publish information about widely available student discounts. You can also inquire about local offers at your student union or financial aid office.
-
Use Tax Credits
You can claim valuable tax credits on qualified education expenses. Tax credits represent an amount of money you can deduct directly from the income taxes you owe for the year. Through the American Opportunity Tax Credit program, you can claim up to $2,500 in annual tax savings.
Will Getting Your Accounting Degree Pay Off?
As of November 2023, Payscale reports that professionals with a bachelor's degree in accounting earn average base salaries of $82,000 per year.
To estimate your ROI for a particular program, begin by researching how much it will cost to earn your degree. Then, compare that amount against your earning potential by researching entry-level salaries for accounting professionals in your area. Payscale and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) are two excellent research tools.
You can also qualify for valuable certifications with a bachelor's degree in accounting. These include certified public accountant (CPA) and certified management accountant (CMA).
Earning CPA or CMA credentials involves an additional investment of time and money, but it can pay off. According to Payscale, CPAs earned an average salary of $96,000 per year and CMAs earned $100,000 per year as of November 2023.
Questions About Accounting Degrees Online
How can I save money getting an accounting degree?
In addition to specifically seeking programs with low tuition rates, you can reduce your educational costs by studying online and/or part time. Both of these options make it easier for you to work while you study, and the money you earn through employment will ease your financial burdens.
Is an accounting degree worth it?
As of November 2023, Payscale reported that professionals with a bachelor's degree in accounting earned an average of $82,000 per year. From an earnings standpoint, experts widely consider a four-year accounting degree to offer some of the best long-term returns on investment.
What jobs can I get with an accounting degree?
Graduates may work as accountants, accounts payable clerks, or accounting associates. Students can work with an advisor to explore career options.
What is the difference between accounting and bookkeeping?
Bookkeepers maintain their employers' daily financial records. Accountants use their specialized education and experience to interpret these records. They may also monitor loans and code financial documents.
Page last reviewed Nov. 15, 2023.
An independent third party has reviewed the introductory matter only, not the ranked programs. Raquel Arevalo is not affiliated with the schools in the ranking.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ACO Rankings Team.
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