Why This Matters
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81,800 NEW JOBS FOR ACCOUNTANTS
The job outlook for accountants is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow 6% between 2021 and 2031.
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EARN $45,560 WITH AN ASSOCIATE IN ACCOUNTING
After earning an associate degree in accounting, you’ll likely earn around $45,560 per year for work as a bookkeeping, accounting, or auditing clerk.
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CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION TO EARN $75,000+
Accountants who complete a bachelor’s program after earning their associate degree earn an average salary of $77,250.
Our Research
This list features some of the best online Associate in Accounting programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. Many of the schools on our list have been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which assesses the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of business-related programs.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. 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 online Associate in Accounting programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The Top 50 Online Associate in Accounting Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
Some similar degrees for those interested in an online accounting program include financial management and business administration. Finance degrees can prepare you for a career as a financial planner or advisor, and business admins often manage accounting offices.
Demand for accountants is growing at an average rate and is expected to keep pace through 2029. While many accountants hold advanced degrees in this field, an associate degree is a great place to start and makes you eligible for an entry-level position.
Typical accreditations to look for when researching online associate in accounting programs include the Higher Learning Commission, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Once you complete your associate degree, you will want to explore professional certifications or licenses. To be eligible to become a Certified Public Accountant, you must typically have completed a certain number of accounting credit hours, have hands-on professional experience, and pass an exam.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in accounting programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Many associate degree programs are available at community colleges and online schools, where students come from a variety of demographic and academic backgrounds. Most programs require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most associate degrees for accounting take two years from start to finish, which includes general education, electives, and financial courses.
Once you decide on an accounting program, figure out what the application procedures and deadlines are. Keep track of all your admissions information and be sure to submit necessary documents on time.
If you need to finance your accounting associate degree program, contact the financial aid department and explore possible scholarships, federal loans, and employer-based tuition reimbursement plans.