Accounting associate degree programs teach attendees the skills they need for entry-level accounting jobs. Compared to on-campus degrees, online associate degree in accounting programs offer additional flexibility and accessibility — online enrollees can often complete coursework on less structured schedules and attend programs across the country.
While upper-level accounting careers, including certified public accountants (CPAs), require at least a bachelor's degree, completing an associate program can help prepare you for entry-level roles in the field. Use this guide to discover top accounting programs, including the admissions process and tuition rates for these schools.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Associate in Accounting Degree Programs
#8 Best Online Accounting Associate Degrees 2024
Fox Valley Technical College
- Appleton, WI
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $205
Out-of-State | $205
Credits to Graduate: 63
FVTC's online accounting associate degree offers excellent flexibility. You can study on a full-time or part-time day or evening schedule and earn your degree entirely online or through hybrid learning. FVTC offers the program at six Wisconsin locations.
The curriculum covers payroll accounting at introductory and advanced levels, along with financial accounting, cost accounting, and business and personal taxation. You also learn about fraud detection and accounting technologies as you build toward a culminating capstone experience.
Alumni enjoy excellent outcomes — the school reports that 95% of 2021-22 graduates found employment within six months.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Accounting Associate Degrees 2024
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma City, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $130
Out-of-State | $371
Credits to Graduate: 60
OSU-OKC's online AAS in accounting takes a skills-focused approach to learning. Technical coursework covers payroll, financial, and managerial accounting, along with computerized accounting systems and popular accounting software. You can supplement this coursework with business courses that place accounting concepts in their broader functional context.
Part of OSU-OKC's mandate is to train students to fill large job vacancies in Oklahoma's 100 critical occupations, which include accountants. To help meet this goal, OSU-OKC offers a convenient and flexible online learning format with a 24/7/365 asynchronous model.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Accounting.com ranks the best accounting degrees using reputable sources such as the U.S. Department of Education. We build our rankings with four main metrics in mind: academics, cost, reputation, and program availability. We also consider subfactors like retention rate, federal aid amounts, and return on investment to help you find the right program for you.
This ranking is from 2024. Learn more about our process by visiting our school rankings methodology page.
What to Expect From an Online Associate Degree in Accounting
Accounting associate degrees teach basic accounting skills, including bookkeeping, payroll preparation, and how to use accounting software. Most programs require 60 credits, typically comprising courses in finance, federal tax, and managerial accounting. Enrollees must also complete general education classes. Full-time students can usually earn an associate degree in two years.
Individuals with prior postsecondary credits may be able to transfer them toward an accounting associate program. Similarly, graduates of associate programs can often transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree. Schools may allow up to 75% of credits to come from other institutions. Each institution maintains its own policies for accepting transfer credits, so research these procedures or schedule an appointment with advisors before applying.
Admissions Process
Every school has its own admission requirements, but many institutions stipulate similar guidelines. Associate degree applicants usually need a high school degree or equivalent. Prospective online enrollees should be proficient in basic technology, including Microsoft Office and email.
Applicants typically submit official transcripts and application fees. Institutions may also request SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes. Unlike with bachelor's in accounting programs, you may not need letters of recommendation, a resume, or a minimum GPA to apply for an online accounting associate degree.
Online Delivery Formats
Schools offer online accounting degrees through 100% online and hybrid delivery modalities. Programs that are 100% online do not require campus attendance, so degree-seekers complete all academic requirements through virtual learning platforms.
Hybrid degrees blend online and classroom-based learning. In some cases, in-person attendance requirements extend only to accounting internships or occasional on-campus learning modules. Other hybrid programs have more extensive physical attendance requirements. Some schools also allow hybrid learners to choose how they balance the two formats.
Online learning offers two course delivery formats: Synchronous online classes require learners to attend virtual classes at set times. Students in synchronous classes can ask instructors questions about course material in real time. This interactivity can be beneficial for complex subjects like accounting.
Asynchronous delivery uses prerecorded lectures or instructional sessions. Students do not log into an online learning platform, instead engaging with coursework when convenient, often turning assignments in on weekly or monthly deadlines. Asynchronous classes maximize scheduling flexibility. They can benefit degree-seekers with busy schedules, jobs, and family obligations.
Tuition
The total tuition cost for an associate degree in accounting program can range from under $3,000 to over $30,000. Tuition varies based on several factors, including school prestige, public or private institution status, and student state residency. Students can compare programs and costs online to find a program that fits their budget.
Online enrollees should account for expenses like an internet connection, a laptop, and required software licenses. Typically, distance learning students can save on costs that in-person learners pay, including parking and campus facility fees.
Students can pursue a variety of financial aid sources to help cover the cost of their degree. These funding options include:
- Scholarships: Students can receive scholarships based on financial need, merit, or demographics. These awards do not require repayment.
- Grants: Government agencies usually provide grants based on financial need. They do not require repayment.
- Loans: Public and private lenders can offer student loans, which typically require repayment with interest.
Accreditation for Online Associate Degrees
Prospective online accounting associate degree enrollees should ensure their school holds institutional accreditation, a designation from accreditation agencies that verifies whether a school meets standards of academic excellence. Employers, professional organizations, and other schools may not accept courses or degrees from nonaccredited institutions.
Programs and departments can also receive programmatic accreditation, an optional designation that affirms how well a program prepares students for careers in the field. Organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International provide programmatic accreditation for accounting.
You should also investigate if online programs have valid state authorization in your jurisdiction. Each state maintains their own requirements for higher education institutions, so some jurisdictions may not recognize degrees from schools in other states. Enrolling in a program without authorization can cause problems if you plan to pursue a bachelor's degree or CPA designation later in their careers, so investigate these laws before applying.
How Does an Online Program Differ From an On-Campus Program?
Schools offer online, in-person, and hybrid accounting associate degrees. These programs usually provide similar courses across delivery models. However, the accessibility and flexibility of online programs means factors like tuition cost, graduation timeline, and class size can vary.
Comparing Online and On-Campus Associate in Accounting Degrees
| Factor |
Online Program |
On-Campus Program |
| Cost |
Some schools charge in-state and out-of-state enrollees the same tuition rate for online courses. Online course prices may vary from on-campus programs. |
Public schools typically determine tuition rates based on student state residency. Private institutions usually charge all learners the same rate. |
| Class Size |
Some online programs may include courses with large enrollments, while others maintain small class sizes. |
To maximize classroom spaces, some in-person programs may run introductory classes with large enrollments, while more advanced courses may be smaller. |
| Program Length |
Online programs usually take two years of full-time study, requiring 12-15 credits per semester for two years. Some programs offer accelerated or part-time study options. |
On-campus programs usually take two years of full-time study, requiring 12-15 credits per semester for two years. Some programs offer accelerated or part-time study options. |
| Schedule |
In asynchronous classes, students can finish coursework at their own pace throughout the semester. |
Classes occur at predetermined times throughout the week. |
Sources: Point University, Herkimer County Community College, York County Community College
Because of the added flexibility of asynchronous coursework, students who pursue an online degree can also work while studying or graduate early to start their career faster.
Common Questions About Online Accounting Associate Degrees
How many credit hours is an associate degree in accounting online?
An associate degree in accounting usually takes two years of full-time study and consists of 60 credit hours. In addition to general education classes, students take accounting courses like financial accounting, income taxation, and management principles.
How much does an online accounting associate program cost?
An online accounting associate degree can cost $3,000-$30,000. Tuition depends on many factors, including student state residency, private or public school status, and institutional reputation.
What can you do with an online associate degree in accounting?
Online accounting associate degree graduates can pursue entry-level accounting jobs, including bookkeeper, accounting clerk, and payroll assistant. More advanced jobs typically require credentials like a bachelor's degree or CPA licensure. Graduates who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree may be able to transfer their associate degree credits.
Are online accounting degrees respected?
Yes, potential employers and schools respect online accounting degrees. Most online programs offer identical curricula and degrees as their in-person counterparts. However, students should ensure that their online accounting program holds accreditation and state authorization.
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