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The Best Online Associate's Degrees in Accounting

Accounting
The Best Online Associate's Degrees in Accounting
Rank School Location
1 Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, New Hampshire
2 Northwest Nazarene University Nampa, Idaho
3 New England College Henniker, New Hampshire
4 Post University Waterbury, Connecticut
5 Central Penn College Summerdale, Pennsylvania
6 Davenport University Grand Rapids, Michigan
7 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, Ohio
8 Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia
9 Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida
10 The College of Westchester White Plains, New York

We have done the research and found the best online Associate's degrees in Accounting in the U.S.

About this ranking:

This ranking is designed for students to find the best online Associate's degree in Accounting.

We formulated this list using data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the academic influence of the school's faculty and alumni in professional and scholarly publications.

For more information on our methodology for accounting associate degrees, such as the criteria we use and the weights they're given, see our ranking methodology.

An online Associate's degree in Accounting is usually around 60 to 65 credits. Accounting programs cover a wide range of accounting, finance, and business classes, depending on any specialization. Students typically complete an associate accounting degree in two years time. They will take general education courses as well as electives.

Accounting graduates will learn generally accepted accounting principles, including:

  • business accounting cycle
  • accounting processes
  • accounting software
  • financial transactions
  • financial statements
  • financial records
  • accounts receivable
  • tax preparation
  • federal taxation

Accounting majors will learn accounting practices such as how to prepare financial statements, managerial accounting, how to keep financial records, cost accounting, business law, financial management, how to use accounting systems, and other important accounting principles.

The Best Online Associate's Degrees in Accounting

Ranking Methodology

This ranking was created using Successful Student's ranking algorithm. This algorithm uses the following data points to calculate a school's ranking placement:

  • Acceptance rate
  • Graduation rate
  • Cost of undergraduate tuition
  • Percentage of first time undergraduates awarded aid
  • Percentage of students who are fully online
  • Academic influence
1.

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is one of the largest universities offering online programs in the U.S.

SNHU offers a large amount of undergrad and graduate programs online, including the online Associates Degree Accounting.

The online Associate degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University is a great introductory program to the world of Accounting. Learn solid accounting principles and general accounting practices. This associate degree program helps develop accounting procedures and business skills to allow students to proceed to a bachelor's program with ease.

Credit Requirements:

To graduate from this associate in Accounting, you will need to earn a total of 60 credits. You will be able to transfer up to 45 credits toward your associate degree.

Associate degree in Accounting courses include:

  • managerial accounting
  • financial accounting
  • federal taxation
  • intermediate accounting
  • business information systems

Enrollment Options:

Southern New Hampshire University offers its associates degree accounting online. Each course comes in a blended format. You will get access to live lectures along with academic content.

Admission Requirements and Transfers:

To gain admission into this accounting online program, you will need to complete a free undergraduate application online. After sending in your transcripts, you will get a response within 6 to 8 weeks.

Tuition and Fees:

The cost of each course is $960. This works out to be around $320 per credit hour. Due to the program being two years long, you can expect tuition to cost $9,600 per year.

Accreditation:

SNHU is a private, non-profit university, with accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

2.

Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, Idaho

Northwest Nazarene University

Northwest Nazarene University offers a detailed online Associate degree in Accounting.

This associate degree in Accounting program covers all the basics of accounting and covers a wide range of topics for accounting students. This includes in-depth coursework in accounting principles and in:

  • auditing
  • business
  • management
  • project management
  • economics

Associate degree enrollment options:

This associate in accounting program is hosted exclusively on the university's learning platform. When accepted, you will gain access to this learning platform. Here, you can:

  • watch lectures
  • participate in discussions
  • complete activities and assessments

Admissions:

To get accepted to this associate degree in accounting, you must have completed high school with an average GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. If you have any college credits, attach this to your online application.

Tuition and Fees:

The university also has a few discounts and scholarships available for students in need. To get an accurate view of how much it will cost to complete this program, feel free to get a quote from their admissions office.

3.

New England College

Henniker, New Hampshire

New England College

New England College offers the online AS in Accounting degree.

The online Associate in Accounting degree from New England College is perfect for students wanting to get started in Accounting school. This accounting education is for entry-level students that wish to learn the fundamentals of accounting and finance.

This online associate in Accounting transitions well into a bachelor's degree.

Courses for this accounting associate include:

  • Managerial Accounting
  • Financial Accounting
  • Leadership Across Borders and Cultures

Enrollment Options:

The AS in Accounting is taken fully online. Students are granted access to the university's online learning platform. Here, you can watch lectures and participate in activities and assessments. Tests are also conducted this way, making them perfect for students who need flexibility.

Admissions:

There are no formal requirements to enter this online accounting associate degree, except for a high school diploma. However, any previous college experience can help your chances of getting accepted.

Tuition and Fees:

Undergraduate online programs cost around $10,500 per year. This is billed per credit hour at a rate of $375.

4.

Post University

Waterbury, Connecticut

Post University

Post University offers the online AS in Accounting degree.

The online Associate of Science in Accounting from Post University is designed for entry-level students wishing to begin their education in Accounting.

Courses include:

  • Managerial Accounting
  • Business Law
  • Income Tax

Enrollment Options:

This program is taken completely online. This accounting associate degree is flexible, making it the perfect program for those who want to study part-time.

Admissions:

There are no formal requirements for accounting students to gain admission to the program, except a high school diploma. However, if you have experience, add it to your online application. The university responds quite quickly, with most applicants receiving feedback in just a few weeks.

Tuition and Fees:

The program is charged per credit hour. For associate degrees at Post University, this rate is $599 per credit hour.

5.

Central Penn College

Summerdale, Pennsylvania

Central Penn College

Central Penn College offers an online Associate of Science in Accounting degree.

Credit Requirements:

There are 12 classes included in the associate accounting degree. These range from:

  • accounting
  • finance
  • microeconomics
  • income tax
  • data management applications
  • business law
  • cost accounting

This gives you a broad understanding of the entire field of accounting.

Enrollment Options:

When enrolled, you will gain access to their learning platform. You can watch online lectures and take part in activities and assessments.

Admissions and Transfers:

To qualify for this associate in Accounting degree, you will need to have completed high school with an average GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. You can apply online, attaching both your CV and high school transcript.

Tuition and Fees:

Central Penn College has some of the most impressive scholarship options. The university awards an average of $2 million in scholarships every year. To get an accurate view of what it will cost to study with them, feel free to contact their admissions office.

Accreditation is granted by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6.

Davenport University

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Davenport University offers the online ABA in Accounting degree.

Davenport University

Davenport University offers a wide range of online accounting degrees. This includes their online Associate of Business Administration in Accounting Degree.

It is taken through their Global Campus. Students are taught by professors who work in accounting firms in management positions. Students learn accounting theories and business principles. Students can provide assistance to families and individuals with their tax filings through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Credit Requirements:

There are 64 credits needed to complete this program. While much of the associate degree is already structured, you can choose a few optional modules as well. These cover broader business topics such as marketing and economics.

Enrollment Options:

This associate in Accounting is completely online. This means that you will gain access to an online learning platform where you can watch lectures and submit assessments for grading.

Admissions and Transfers:

There are no formal prerequisites for entering this accounting program besides having completed your high school qualifications. If you have any prior experience or college credits, be sure to attach them with your online application.

Tuition and Fees:

Davenport University offers quite a few discounts and scholarships for deserving students. While the exact tuition fees are not widely published, you can get a quote directly from their admissions office.

Accreditation:

The associate in Accounting degree offered by Davenport University is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

7.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Cincinnati, Ohio

University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati offers the online Associate of Applied Business in Accounting Technology degree.

This associate degree allows students to learn applied accounting principles. Applied accounting is when students use accounting in business applications directly. Students learn to actually do business accounting by applying their knowledge to hands-on business scenarios.

Credit Requirements:

The online program requires you to complete a total of 60 credits. While you will be able to transfer university credits that you have earned elsewhere, these will all go through the admissions office.

Enrollment Options:

The associate degree in accounting is completely online. The university will give you access to a learning platform where you can watch lectures and complete online tasks.

Admissions:

While there are no formal prerequisites for this associate degree (except a high school diploma), you should attach any university credits or experience you have when you submit your application. There is also a non-refundable $50 application fee.

Tuition and Fees:

When it comes to tuition, there are two payment options available. You can either pay for the entire semester or pay per credit hour. The total cost per credit hour is around $303, while the total cost for a semester is $3,439.

8.

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University

Liberty University offers the online AA in Accounting degree.

Liberty University offers a completely online Associate of Arts in Accounting degree. This program is designed to give students an introduction to the field. The program consists of 60 credit hours, with an average duration of 18 months. There are four optional modules that you can add to your program. These include:

  • Financial Principles
  • Managerial Principles
  • Business Law
  • Principles of Marketing

Enrollment Options:

The program from Liberty University is completely online. Admission allows you to access a learning platform where you can watch lectures and complete online tasks.

Admissions and Transfers:

In order to gain access to the program from Liberty University, you will need to apply online and submit your latest transcripts if you have any transfer credits. If you have any existing college credits, submit them along with your CV.

Tuition and Fees:

Liberty University is a nonprofit, private institution that offers competitive tuition rates. Depending on whether you wish to go full-time or part-time, you can expect to pay $390 to $455 per hour, respectively.

Accreditation:

This online associate's degree from Liberty University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

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9.

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Keiser University Fort Lauderdale

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale offers the online AA in Accounting degree.

The Associate of Arts in Accounting Degree from Keiser University is for entry-level students that wish to pursue a career in accounting. This program covers the basics of accounting while allowing you to specialize and further your studies with a bachelor's degree.

Credit Requirements:

The associate's degree in accounting contains 60 credit hours. These programs range from intro to accounting all the way to business management and economics. This gives accounting students a well-rounded view of the entire field.

Enrollment Options:

The program from Keiser University is completely online. This means that you will be given access to their learning platform where you can attend lectures and view academic content.

Admissions and Transfers:

To gain admission into this program, you are going to have to complete an online application. Here, you can upload your CV along with any supporting documents you may need. Once your application is submitted, you can expect a response in 6 to 8 weeks.

Tuition and Fees:

The tuition costs of this program can vary depending on where you stay and your specific financial situation. For more information including financial aid, contact the admissions office.

Accreditation:

This program got its accreditation through Keiser University. In addition to this, the credits you earn during the program can transfer into a bachelor's program at the university as well. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

10.

The College of Westchester

White Plains, New York

The College of Westchester

The College of Westchester offers a wide range of online programs.

This includes the online Associate of Applied Science in Accounting for Business degree. This program is designed for entry-level students and working professionals that want to begin an education in Accounting and have career advancement.

Credit Requirements:

The associate accounting degree consists of 60 credits and covers a wide range of topics. These topics include:

  • business
  • management
  • accounting
  • finances
  • law

Classes in the accounting field include:

  • cost accounting
  • federal income taxation
  • practical applications in accounting

You can also choose a few electives such as economics or marketing.

Enrollment Options:

This accounting program is completely online. This means that you will gain access to the university's online learning platform. Here, you can watch lectures and complete online activities. Tests and assessments are also conducted online, making the entire learning experience simple and easy.

Admissions:

There are no formal prerequisites to gain admission to the associate degree in accounting. However, if you have any tertiary experience, you should add it to your online application. The turnaround time is quick, with most students getting an official response within a few weeks.

Tuition and Fees:

The College of Westchester offers a few different payment options to make the program more accessible for students. This includes an option to pay for an entire semester or per credit hour. There are also a few scholarships available. You should contact the admissions office to get an accurate quote of how much the program will cost and about financial aid.

Accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

What is an online Associate's degree in Accounting?

Accountants and Certified Public Accountants are needed in every kind of organization that handles money and deals in finance. This includes:

  • for-profit businesses
  • non-profits
  • government- from federal to local agencies

For example, the FBI employs many accountants in Forensic Accounting.

The field of accounting covers a wide range of business and financial topics. This means that as an accountant, there are several different accounting subjects in which students can specialize.

What are some Accounting jobs for entry level employment?

Associate's in Accounting programs may prepare graduates for entry level jobs. Some entry level employment accounting jobs can include, but are not limited to these positions:

  • Bookkeeping
  • Financial clerks
  • Auditing clerks
  • Business Accounting
  • Economics
  • Forensic Accounting

Accounting firms often may require a minimum of a bachelor's to work in accounting careers. Accounting graduates who wish to become accounting professionals may want to get more than an associate's accounting degree online. Accounting jobs are available across the nation.

An online Associate's in Accounting is a good first step in the academic journey to becoming an Accountant. There are many great Associate's programs that students can take online if they do not prefer to be on

What are the types on online Associate degree programs in Accounting?

Online accounting program options include many different kinds of degrees. There are standalone online accounting degrees. There are applied science degree options. Applied science means that students apply what they've learned in the accounting courses to mimic accounting professionals and their duties within accounting jobs.

Associate in Accounting programs are sometimes specializations within Business Administration degrees, and taken at business schools. Business administration degrees with a specialization in accounting online teach the same accounting principles as online accounting programs.

These include learning financial accounting, the aspects of an accounting cycle, and other generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Business administration degrees with Accounting specializations teach aspects of business with the online accounting degree.

An associate degree in accounting online may allow students to transition into higher education and learn intermediate accounting at the bachelor's level. There are online accounting programs available at the bachelor's level as well.

An associate degree in accounting online may allow students to transition into higher education and learn intermediate accounting at the bachelor's level. There are online accounting programs available at the bachelor's level as well.

How long are online Associate's degrees in Accounting?

An associate's can be completed in just two years. The bachelor's should take an additional two years to complete (which also requires 60 hours). So students who have completed their Associate's degree in Accounting (60 hours), and finished their Bachelor's degree in Accounting (60 credit hours), will have 120 credit hours total in four years.

Certified Public Accountants often need 30 more credit hours above the 120 that is typically in a bachelor's program – totaling 150. The additional 30 credit hours can be taken within a master's program. Getting the full master's degree isn't required, however, to become a licensed CPA. But once an accounting student has attained the requisite 150 credit hours, the state will require licensing (check with your state to learn licensing requirements and next steps).

What do Accountants do?

In an accounting career you will:

  • prepare financial statements
  • maintain accounting records
  • perform managerial accounting
  • financial accounting
  • cost accounting
  • manage business and accounting information
  • use critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills

How much do Accountants make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Accountants make a median annual salary of $77,250 in the accounting field. The growth of Accounting jobs is as fast as the average of all other occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Clerk positions are entry level jobs.

Financial clerks make a median annual salary of $44,760 per year.

Auditing clerks make a median annual salary of $45,560 per year.

Prospective students can decide on which program to pursue based on which accounting jobs to aspire to attain.

Which online Accounting Associate degree is best?

If you're looking for an online associate's in accounting, there are quite a few different options available. The different programs cover a wide range of topics such as:

  • bookkeeping
  • standards
  • ethics
  • business accounting
  • financial statements
  • income tax preparation

These online associate degree programs may help you enter a bachelor's degree program. In our ranking, the online Associate of Science in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University is the best online program. But online students seeking an associate's in Accounting should do their own research and determine which degree is best.

Find Accredited Colleges Offering an Associate's degree in Accounting Program Online

It's important for prospective students to seek an accredited school when researching the right associate degree in accounting programs. Regionally accredited colleges are generally regarded as higher prestige, but given that these are all associate degree in accounting programs online, nationally accredited programs are also good.

It can be difficult to find the right school. Successful Student is here to guide students with school information, rankings, and resources to choose the right academic program. This college degree can lead you to many job opportunities in the future.

How do I become a Certified Public Accountant?

To become a certified personal accountant (CPA), graduates will need to seek more than an associate degree in accounting. You will need a bachelor's degree in accounting along with 30 extra credit hours.

The bachelor's degree is commonly 120 credit hours. The additional 30 credit hours makes the total credit hours to be 150 credit hours total (a full master's degree isn't required). Check with your state to learn certification requirements to become a licensed CPA.

Do you have any questions or want to learn more about the different available programs? Feel free to contact us today.

Financial Aid for online Associate in Accounting degree

Our Financial Aid Guide for Online College Students provides vital information about the various types of financial assistance such as Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Grants, Lifetime Learning Credit, the American Opportunity Tax Credit, Parent Plus Loans, Grad Plus Loans, and more.

Financial Aid Guide for Online College Students

Is an Associate in Accounting worth it?

An associate Accounting degree is worth it. Accounting jobs are always in demand and there are a variety of job opportunities within the field. The returns on investments for entry level accounting jobs are:

Financial clerks: $2,188,154 over 40 years (age 25 -65) at 1% earning increase per year.

Auditing clerks: $2,227,263 over 40 years (age 25 -65) at 1% earning increase per year.

More resources:

College data sources:

  1. Southern New Hampshire University
  2. Northwest Nazarene University
  3. New England College
  4. Post University
  5. Central Penn College
  6. Davenport University
  7. University of Cincinnati
  8. Liberty University
  9. Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale
  10. The College of Westchester