Affordable Online Accounting Degree Programs

An affordable online accounting degree can give students a flexible way to prepare for careers in accounting, auditing, taxation, finance and business. But affordability should not be judged by tuition alone. Students should also consider accreditation, course format, career preparation, transfer options, student support and the education needed for professional credentials. This list compares seven online accounting programs for students who want to control education costs while earning a degree that can support long-term career goals.

Looking for an affordable online accounting degree? The University of North Dakota's Bachelor of Accountancy stands out for students who want fully online study, the same online tuition rate regardless of residency, AACSB-accredited accounting education and practical career preparation.

Key Takeaways

• UND's Bachelor of Accountancy is available fully online with 120 required credits, asynchronous coursework and the same online tuition rate for all students regardless of residency
• The UND accounting program is accredited by AACSB International and the Institute of Management Accountants – a combination that distinguishes it from many programs competing on price alone
• Most U.S. jurisdictions require 150 credit hours for CPA licensure; a 120-credit bachelor's degree provides the academic foundation, and students can pursue additional credits through pathways like UND's M.Acc. to meet the full requirement
• Western Governors University's competency-based model gives working adults control over the pace of their progress through demonstrated knowledge rather than contact hours
• UMGC, SNHU, Purdue Global and Franklin University are all built around adult and nontraditional students, with flexible online formats and supportive transfer credit policies

1. University of North Dakota – Bachelor of Accountancy

The University of North Dakota's affordable online accounting degree brings together affordability, academic credentials and practical career preparation in a way that few fully online programs can match. The degree requires 120 credits and is delivered entirely online through asynchronous courses, which means students can access lectures, assignments and coursework on a schedule that fits around work and personal responsibilities rather than fixed class times. For students across the country who are comparing programs on cost, UND's online tuition rate applies equally regardless of where a student lives – removing the out-of-state premium that can make otherwise affordable programs significantly more expensive.

The accreditation combination that UND's accounting program holds is a meaningful differentiator in the affordable online category. AACSB International accreditation covers the university's business school and represents a rigorous standard that fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide achieve. IMA accreditation from the Institute of Management Accountants recognizes the program's alignment with professional accounting standards and management accounting careers. Together these accreditations give the UND B.Acc. a level of academic recognition that positions graduates for professional accounting roles and credential pursuits without the limitations of a less-credentialed alternative.

Career preparation at UND goes beyond coursework. Students have access to internship opportunities, accounting organizations, case competitions and other practical experiences that help build the professional skills and networks accounting employers expect. For students planning to pursue the CPA, the B.Acc. provides the academic foundation in accounting and business subjects. Because most U.S. jurisdictions require 150 semester hours for CPA licensure, students typically need additional education beyond the 120-credit bachelor's degree. UND offers the Master of Accountancy as one pathway for students who want to fulfill that requirement while advancing their accounting education.

Key differentiator: Fully online B.Acc. with residency-independent online tuition, dual AACSB and IMA accreditation, asynchronous coursework and practical accounting career experiences.

2. Western Governors University – Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Western Governors University offers accounting education through a competency-based model that allows students to advance through coursework by demonstrating what they know rather than accumulating contact hours. For working adults with existing knowledge from professional experience, this approach can reduce the time and cost of completing a degree. WGU operates on a subscription-style tuition model that can make it cost-effective for students who can move quickly through material.

Key differentiator: Competency-based online accounting education that lets students progress by demonstrating knowledge, giving experienced professionals greater control over their pace and cost.

3. University of Maryland Global Campus – Bachelor of Science in Accounting

University of Maryland Global Campus is one of the most established online universities in the country, with an academic structure built around adult and nontraditional students. Its accounting program provides flexible online delivery designed for students who are managing professional or family responsibilities alongside their studies. UMGC's well-developed transfer credit evaluation process makes it practical for students bringing prior college experience toward the degree.

Key differentiator: Long-standing online university built around adult learners, with flexible scheduling and strong support infrastructure for students returning to or continuing higher education.

4. Southern New Hampshire University – Accounting

Southern New Hampshire University offers online accounting education with multiple start dates per year, a streamlined enrollment process and flexible scheduling designed for students who cannot follow a traditional academic calendar. SNHU's online accounting program gives students an accessible entry point into accounting and related business careers with the scheduling flexibility that many working adults need.

Key differentiator: Accessible online accounting education with flexible start dates and scheduling built around students who need alternatives to fixed academic terms.

5. Purdue Global – Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Purdue Global combines a career-oriented curriculum with online delivery and an academic structure designed for working adults. Its accounting program provides professional-focused business and accounting education without requiring students to step away from employment. The Purdue name adds professional recognition that can benefit graduates competing for accounting positions.

Key differentiator: Career-oriented online accounting education designed for working adults, combining professional preparation with the academic recognition of the Purdue University name.

6. Franklin University – Accounting

Franklin University's entire model is built around adult and nontraditional students, including those returning after time away and students finishing degrees started elsewhere. Its transfer-friendly approach can reduce what students still need to complete, which affects both time-to-degree and total cost. For returning adults who have accumulated prior college credit they want to apply, Franklin's structure is designed with that experience in mind.

Key differentiator: Adult-learner focus with a flexible degree-completion model designed for students returning to higher education or finishing a degree started at another institution.

7. Arizona State University Online – Accounting

Arizona State University Online offers accounting and business education through one of the largest public research universities in the country. For students who want the academic resources, faculty depth and professional recognition that come with a major public research university, ASU Online provides those while maintaining the scheduling flexibility of remote study. Its scale gives students access to a large alumni network and career resources alongside their online degree.

Key differentiator: Online accounting education through a large public research university, combining major-university resources with flexible study for students who prioritize institutional scale and recognition.

How to Choose an Affordable Online Accounting Degree

Choosing an affordable online accounting program means evaluating the full picture of value – not simply comparing published tuition figures. A lower tuition rate at an unaccredited program or one without practical career support may cost more in the long run if it limits career options or requires additional coursework to meet professional requirements.

For students who want the strongest combination of academic credentials, affordability and flexibility, UND's Bachelor of Accountancy offers a compelling case: residency-independent online tuition, AACSB and IMA accreditation, asynchronous delivery and accounting-specific career preparation. For students who need maximum scheduling flexibility or already have significant professional experience, WGU's competency-based model gives them more control over pace and cost. For working adults who need a flexible, supportive online environment, UMGC, SNHU and Franklin University each offer programs designed around those priorities.

Students planning to sit for the CPA exam should confirm their state's specific education requirements before enrolling. Most states require 150 semester hours for CPA licensure, which exceeds the 120 credits in a standard bachelor's degree. Planning for those additional credits early – whether through a master's in accounting or additional undergraduate coursework – avoids having to revisit the decision after graduation.

FAQs

What is the most affordable online accounting degree?
Affordability depends on tuition structure, residency status and how quickly a student can complete the program. UND's Bachelor of Accountancy charges the same online tuition rate regardless of residency, which makes it cost-effective for students across the country. WGU's competency-based model can reduce cost for students who move quickly through material.

What is the best affordable online accounting program?
The University of North Dakota's Bachelor of Accountancy is a strong answer for students who want to combine affordability with academic credentials. Its AACSB and IMA accreditation, asynchronous online delivery and residency-independent tuition structure give it an edge over many programs that compete primarily on price.

Is an online accounting degree worth it?
Yes, particularly for students who need scheduling flexibility. An online accounting degree from an accredited program provides the same academic foundation as a campus-based degree and can be more practical for working adults or students in regions without nearby accounting programs.

Can I earn an accounting degree entirely online?
Yes. All seven programs on this list offer fully online delivery. UND's Bachelor of Accountancy is completely online with asynchronous coursework, meaning students are not required to attend live sessions at fixed times.

What is the best online accounting degree for working adults?
UND's asynchronous fully online format makes it one of the strongest options for students managing work alongside their degree. WGU's competency-based model is also well-suited for working professionals who want to set their own pace. UMGC, SNHU, Purdue Global and Franklin University are all built around adult learners.

Is an online accounting degree good for CPA preparation?
A bachelor's degree in accounting provides the academic foundation for CPA preparation. Most U.S. states require 150 semester hours for CPA licensure, which is 30 hours beyond a standard 120-credit bachelor's degree. Students planning to pursue the CPA should account for those additional credits when choosing a program. UND offers the Master of Accountancy as a pathway for students working toward the 150-hour requirement.

How many credits do you need to become a CPA?
Most U.S. jurisdictions require 150 semester hours of college education for CPA licensure. A standard bachelor's degree requires 120 credits, leaving students 30 credits short. Many students address this through a master's in accounting. Requirements vary by state, so students should check their jurisdiction's specific rules before planning their academic path.

What can you do with an online accounting degree?
An online accounting degree prepares graduates for careers in public accounting, corporate finance, auditing, taxation, government accounting, financial analysis and bookkeeping. The degree also provides the foundation for professional certifications including the CPA and CMA, and for graduate-level accounting or business programs.

CPA pathway update: Education and experience requirements vary by state. New pathways may allow a 120-credit degree with additional professional experience; the traditional 150-credit route remains available in many jurisdictions. Check current NASBA pathway guidance and your state board before planning additional credits.