Why This Matters

  • 62% OF ACCOUNTANTS, BOOKKEEPERS, AND AUDITORS HAVE ASSOCIATE DEGREES

    An O*NET survey shows that 41% of accountants had a high school diploma, 21% had some college or trade school certification, and 12% completed a bachelor’s degree program.

  • 61,700 NEW JOBS FOR ACCOUNTANTS

    The job outlook for accountants is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to grow 4% between 2019 and 2029, resulting in 61,700 new jobs.

  • EARN $42,410 WITH AN ACCOUNTING DEGREE

    After earning an associate degree in accounting, you can potentially earn $42,410 for jobs such as an accountant, auditor, and financial manager. Students who have an advanced accounting degree earn $73,560 per year on average.

Our Research

Our list focuses on Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science programs that are offered online or in hybrid formats. An associate degree provides numbers-savvy students with the fundamentals in financial planning, auditing, and ethics that they need to secure an entry-level accounting position in the public or private sector.

This list includes programs offered by regionally accredited schools that ensure the highest quality standard of education. An associate degree prepares students for transfer into a four-year program where they can advance their studies and earn their Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

  • 76 hours to write this article
  • 150 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 198 education programs we compared

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.