Choosing an online accounting degree program can be a significant decision for individuals looking to pursue a career in accounting. Besides considering factors such as curriculum, accreditation, and flexibility, the cost of the program is often one of the most important factors for prospective students to take into account.
While some programs can be costly, there are plenty of affordable accounting degree programs that offer a high-quality education at a fraction of the cost. There are also several ways to minimize your financial burden and make your degree more attainable.
To help you start your new career without breaking the bank, here are the cheapest online accounting degree programs, as well as a few tips for reducing your education expenses.
How Much Do Online Accounting Degree Programs Cost?
The tuition fees for online accounting degree programs can vary significantly depending on several factors, which we’ll cover below. However, understanding the average costs will give you a baseline to assess the savings potential.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data, the average tuition and fees for undergraduate students in public four-year institutions for the 2020-2021 academic year were $9,400 for in-state students. On the other hand, the average tuition and fees for private nonprofit four-year institutions were $37,600. These figures give us an idea of the potential savings when considering online accounting degree programs.
With these costs in mind, here are some of the biggest factors impacting your tuition costs.
School selection
One of the most significant factors influencing the cost of an online accounting degree program is the school you choose to attend. Public schools are generally more affordable compared to private institutions. According to the data from the NCES, public school tuition is nearly $30,000 less on average than private school tuition.
Public institutions receive public funding, allowing them to offer education at a lower cost. Private schools, on the other hand, rely more on tuition revenue and endowments, leading to higher costs for students.
When searching for the cheapest online accounting degree programs, consider exploring public universities and colleges that offer online programs. These institutions often provide quality education at a lower cost, making them a more cost-effective choice for many students.
Residency
For public schools, residency can significantly impact the cost of an online accounting degree program. In-state students generally pay much lower tuition fees compared to out-of-state students. According to the Education Data Initiative, out-of-state students at four-year public institutions pay an average of $26,382 in annual tuition, compared to the $9,212 that in-state students pay for the same degree.
However, it is important to note that some schools charge all online students the same rate, regardless of residency. As such, when researching potential programs, check whether the institution distinguishes between in-state and out-of-state students for online programs.
If minimizing your costs is your biggest priority, finding an online program that offers lower tuition for in-state students is the best way to go.
Course load
The number of courses you take each semester can also influence the cost of your online accounting degree program. Some schools charge full-time students less than part-time students. Typically, full-time students take more credits per semester, reducing the overall time required to complete the degree and potentially saving money.
In some cases, you may also be able to enroll in additional courses to earn your degree more quickly, saving money in the long run. However, only do this if you can keep up with the course load.
Before deciding on the number of courses to take, carefully consider your schedule, work commitments, and personal circumstances to find the balance between affordability and a manageable workload.
Financial aid
Financial aid is vital in making higher education more accessible and affordable. To determine your eligibility for financial aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA considers your financial situation and determines the amount of aid you may receive, including grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans. You’ll need to fill out this application every year to keep receiving aid, so mark it on your calendar.
In addition to federal aid, there are specific scholarships available for accounting students that can greatly offset your costs. Some examples include the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Scholarships for Minority Accounting Students and the Accountemps Student Scholarship. These scholarships can provide financial assistance and help reduce the overall cost of your online accounting degree. You can also check with your school for scholarship opportunities, including scholarships specific to your program.
Prior learning assessment
Another possible way to reduce the cost of your online accounting degree program is through prior learning assessments (PLA). PLAs allow you to earn academic credit for the knowledge and skills acquired through work experience, military training, or other non-traditional educational settings. This can be a great way to earn credit for professionals interested in returning to school after some time in the workforce.
By successfully completing a PLA assessment, you can waive certain courses or receive credits toward your degree program, which can significantly reduce the time and money required to complete your accounting degree.
Most schools have a cap on the amount of credit you can earn this way, so be sure to check with your institution for more information.
Our Research
This list features some of the country’s cheapest online accounting degree programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the cheapest online accounting degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The 50 Cheapest Online Accounting Degree Programs
