One of the most important choices you’ll ever have to make is where to put your time, energy, and money for the next few years. And if you want to work in accounting, you’ve already made a great choice. Every industry needs good accountants, and there is always a high demand for them. The next step, and maybe the most important one, is to choose the right degree program.
The online bachelor’s degree has become not only an option but also the best choice for motivated, modern students in the digital age. It gives you the most freedom, lets you go to world-class schools from anywhere in the world, and leads directly to a good job. But if you search for “online bachelor’s in accounting” on Google, you’ll find a ton of options, all of which say they’re the best. How do you get through the noise?
That’s where I come in. As a writer who has spent years studying the world of higher education, I’ve done a lot of the work for you. This isn’t just a list of things you found on the internet. This is a carefully put-together guide to the best online bachelor’s degree programs in accounting that are available right now. We’ll talk about what makes these programs unique, who they are best for, and how you can use your chosen degree program to create the future you want.
Why Should You Trust This List? How We Ranked the Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Programs
Before we show you the best choices, it’s important that you know how strict the standards were for judging each degree program. To trust someone, they need to be open and honest. My goal is to give you the information you need to make a smart choice. Every program on this list is great in the following six important areas:
1. Accreditation of the Gold Standard
This is not up for discussion. Accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the most important thing. Less than 6% of business schools around the world get this honor. AACSB accreditation is the highest standard in business education. It means that your online bachelor’s degree in accounting will be respected by employers, graduate schools, and state accountancy boards for CPA licensure. All of the programs listed here are offered by business schools that have been accredited by the AACSB.
2. Expertise and experience in the real world of the faculty
The quality of online education depends on the teachers. I’ve looked beyond academic credentials to find programs where the teachers are not only PhDs but also experienced accountants, like former Big Four partners, CFOs, forensic accountants, and business owners. This mix of theoretical knowledge and real-world experience is what makes a good degree program into a great one.
3. Flexible programs and a student-centered format
The main reason people choose an online bachelor’s program is that it is flexible. I’ve put programs that really get what online learners need at the top of my list. This includes asynchronous courses (which let you learn on your own time), multiple start dates each year, easy credit transfer policies, and the option to switch between full-time and part-time study.
4. Strong student support and career services
A lot of online students are afraid that they are just a number on a screen. The best programs fight this with great support systems. There are academic advisors who work with you all the time, tech support that is available 24/7, online tutoring, and, most importantly, a fully integrated career services department that gives online students the same help with their resumes, interviews, and networking as students who are on campus.
5. Affordability and Return on Investment (ROI)
You shouldn’t have to pay off a lot of debt for the rest of your life just because you went to a good school. I looked at the total estimated cost of each degree program, taking into account tuition, fees, and the availability of financial aid. I also looked at the school’s reputation and the success of its graduates, as reported by sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, to figure out the program’s return on investment (ROI). The Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.
6. Technology and the Alumni Network
A learning management system (LMS) that works smoothly and is easy to use is necessary for a good online experience. A strong alumni network is one of the best things a university can offer. I’ve picked schools with large, active alumni networks from all over the world that can help you get your first job and make connections that will last a lifetime.
The Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Accounting for 2025
Now that we’ve talked about how we do things, let’s look at the online accounting programs that are the best of the best.
1. The Elite Public Ivy Experience, Online at UMass Amherst Isenberg School of Management
Best For: Students who want a prestigious brand name and a challenging, all-encompassing curriculum without moving.
The Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is always ranked as one of the best public business schools in the country. For years, only students in New England could get to its prestigious reputation. Today, its online bachelor’s degree in accounting gives students all over the world the same high-quality education.
Program Overview: Isenberg offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree with a major in Accounting. This is not a watered-down version of the degree and curriculum that on-campus students get. It is the same degree and curriculum taught by the same well-known faculty. The program is meant to give you a deep, technical understanding of accounting principles as well as the general business skills you need to be a leader.
Why It Made the List: UMass Amherst is a “public ivy,” which means it offers an Ivy League-quality education at a public school price. It has been accredited by the AACSB for a long time, and its faculty are experts in both research and practice. Employers all over the country, especially in major financial centers, pay a lot of attention to the Isenberg name on a resume. The curriculum is strong and gets students ready for the CPA exam very well.
Standout Courses: In addition to the usual intermediate and advanced accounting classes, Isenberg students can choose from a number of specialized electives, such as Advanced Financial Statement Analysis, International Accounting, and Federal Taxation of Business Entities. This lets you make your own educational path.
Flexibility & Format: The program is completely online and mostly asynchronous, which gives you the most freedom. You can take one to five classes each semester, which lets you set the pace of your degree program.
Estimated Cost: Since tuition is charged by the credit, the cost is easy to figure out. This option isn’t the cheapest on the list, but its return on investment (ROI) is probably one of the highest because of the brand’s reputation. To see the most up-to-date rates, go to the UMass Amherst Isenberg Online BBA page.
Ideal Candidate: A self-starter who wants the challenge and prestige of a top-30 business school and is planning to get a CPA license and a high-paying job in corporate finance or public accounting.
2. Penn State World Campus: The Global Powerhouse for Working Professionals
Best For: Adults who work and need a program that is flexible, respected, and very helpful from a university with a big global presence.
People all over the world respect the name Penn State. Its online arm, the Penn State World Campus, has been a leader in distance learning for decades. One of the most well-known and well-respected online bachelor’s degree programs in accounting in the country is this one.
Program Overview: The Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the World Campus is a full 120-credit program that is made just for online students. The Smeal College of Business at Penn State and other top-ranked business schools in the Penn State system worked together to create the curriculum. This guarantees a consistently high-quality education.
Why It Made the List: Penn State is known for being very helpful to online students. Students can get help with their careers, tech issues, and more from dedicated advisors from the time they enroll until they graduate. With over 700,000 members, the university’s alumni network is one of the largest and most active in the world. It’s a great way to meet people. The program’s curriculum is always being updated to include the most recent developments in technology and data analysis in the field of accounting.
Standout Courses: The curriculum includes a one-of-a-kind Accounting Information Systems course that lets students work with modern accounting tools in real life. Students can also work toward an 18-credit accounting certificate, which can help them become eligible for the CPA exam in many states.
Flexibility & Format: The program is delivered asynchronously, so students can do their work whenever it’s best for them. People say that the World Campus platform is very easy to use and understand.
Estimated Cost: Penn State World Campus has a flat tuition rate per credit, which is competitive for a university of its size. You can read more about the costs of tuition on the [Penn State World Campus Accounting B.S. page].].
Ideal Candidate: A working professional, military member, or someone who wants to change careers and values the strong brand recognition of a Big Ten university. They also want a structured, supportive environment to finish their online bachelor’ss degree.
3. University of Florida Warrington College of Business: One of the Top 5 Public Universities for Quality and Rigor
Best For: Students who want the hardest online classes and the prestige of being at a top-5 U.S. public university.
In American higher education, the University of Florida (UF) is a giant. UF Online’s online programs are always rated as some of the best in the country. The Warrington College of Business’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSAC) is probably the most academically demanding online bachelor’s degree in accounting you can find.
Program Overview: This is not a “lite” version of a degree you can get on campus. This is a tough, technical degree program that aims to make top-notch accountants. Getting in is very hard, and the classes are very hard. The program is made for students who want to go on to UF’s combined master’s program to meet the 150-hour CPA requirement.
Why It Made the List: UF is hard to beat when it comes to academic quality and prestige. If you graduate from Warrington with an accounting degree, you’ll be one of the best job candidates. The professors are well-known researchers and practitioners. If you can meet the high academic standards, the return on investment is huge. UF Online is also one of the best values among top-ranked national universities because its tuition is so low.
Standout Courses: The curriculum includes unique and challenging courses like Business Processes and Accounting Information Systems and Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting, giving students a level of knowledge that is hard to find at the undergraduate level.
Flexibility and Format: The coursework is online, but the program isn’t as flexible as others. It has a more traditional semester-based structure and is meant for students who can spend a lot of time studying. It’s a place with a lot of challenges and rewards.
Estimated Cost: UF Online is known for being affordable, and Florida residents can get a very low tuition rate. Even though out-of-state tuition is higher, it is still a great deal. Visit the UF Online Accounting page to see the most up-to-date rates.
Ideal Candidate: The highly disciplined, academically gifted student with a top-tier GPA who is 100% committed to a fast-track career towards becoming a CPA and is motivated by academic rigor and institutional prestige.
4. Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business: Customization and Innovation on a Large Scale
Best For: Students who want to get a degree from one of the most cutting-edge colleges in the country that can be tailored to their needs.
U.S. News & World Report has named Arizona State University (ASU) the most innovative school in the U.S. This philosophy has been present in its online offerings for almost ten years, according to News & World Report. The W. P. Carey School of Business offers a highly regarded and very flexible online bachelor’s degree in accounting.g.
Program Overview: ASU has a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accountancy that makes use of the school’s size and technological expertise. The W. P. Carey School is highly ranked and AACSB-accredited. Its online programs are made to be almost exactly like the ones that are taught on campus.
Why It Made the List: Innovation and customization are what set ASU apart from other schools. The online platform is very modern and has a lot of digital resources and adaptive learning tools. Also, ASU’s structure makes it easy to add minors or certificates. For example, a student could get a certificate in data analytics or international business along with their accounting major. ASU also has a one-of-a-kind partnership with Starbucks and Uber that pays for the full cost of tuition for eligible employees. This makes it the best choice for people who work.
Standout Courses: The curriculum focuses on the future of accounting, with a lot of emphasis on data analytics and information systems. Uses of Accounting Information II and other courses that focus on data-driven decision-making get students ready for the modern business world.
Flexibility & Format: ASU has multiple start dates throughout the year (every 7.5 weeks), so you can start your degree program whenever you want. The asynchronous format is great for students whose schedules aren’t always the same.
Estimated Cost: ASU’s online tuition is reasonable, and many students can get it for free thanks to the school’s many partnerships with businesses. For more information, go to the ASU Online Accountancy, BS page.
Ideal Candidate: The tech-savvy student, the working professional at a partner company, or anyone who wants to personalize their online bachelor’ss degree by adding specialized credentials in a dynamic, innovative learning environment.
Useful Advice for Doing Well in Your Online Accounting Program
Getting into a top online bachelor’s degree program is just the first step. The habits and strategies you use from the start will determine how well you do. Here are some useful, doable tips to help you do well.
The Daily Grind: How to Plan Your Study Day for Success
Block Out Time on Your Calendar: Don’t just “find time to study.” Make an appointment for it. Just like you would for a work meeting, set aside specific times on your calendar for “Intermediate Accounting” or “Tax Law Research.” Keep this time safe at all costs. Tip: Set up “Study Block” events that happen every week in a digital calendar like Google Calendar and get reminders.
Use the Pomodoro Technique: The human brain isn’t built for studying for four hours straight. Work for 25 minutes straight, then take a 5-minute break. After four “pomodoros,” take a break for 15 to 30 minutes. This keeps people from getting burned out and helps them remember things. Helpful Hint: Use a basic browser extension or a timer in the kitchen. Don’t use your phone because it can be distracting.
Make a “Third Space”: You have your home and your job. Set up a “third space” just for your studies. You don’t need a separate room; a clean desk, good lighting, and all your materials in a specific corner of a room will do. Your brain will switch to study mode as soon as you walk into this room.
The “Virtual Water Cooler”: How to Make Connections Online
Be a Discussion Board. All-Star: Don’t just do the bare minimum. Interact with the posts of your classmates. Think about what you want to ask. Give useful advice. Your professors will notice this, and your classmates will see you as a leader and a useful contact.
Make a Virtual Study Group: Get in touch with two or three people in your core accounting classes and suggest that you all meet once a week on Zoom or Google Meet. You can look over hard ideas, quiz each other before tests, and make sure you do what you say you will do.
Use LinkedIn from the start: Add your professors and classmates as connections on LinkedIn. When you connect, send a message that is unique to you. Tip: Look for alumni from your degree program who work at companies you like. Ask them for a “virtual coffee chat” that lasts 15 minutes to learn more about their career path. Most people are happy to help someone from their school.
Using Career Services from the Start to Move from Student to Professional
The career services office at your school is not just for seniors. Get in touch with them right away.
- Semester 1: Resume Review: Ask them to help you make your resume stand out by focusing on your new academic interests.
- Semester 2: Mock Interviews: Work on your interviewing skills, especially for interviews that take place over the internet. This is a skill in and of itself.
- Semester 3 and Beyond: Looking for an Internship: Career services has connections and job boards just for students. The best thing you can do to make sure you get a job offer after graduation is to do an internship that is related to your field, even if it’s online. Read our guide to [Landing a High-Paying Accounting Internship] to learn more.
What to Do Next: How to Apply and Get Ready
Do you feel inspired? Here’s how to go from making a choice to doing something.
Making Your Application Stand Out
A strong application is very important for these top-notch online bachelor’s programs.
Write a Strong Personal Statement: This is your chance to share your story. Why do you want to be an accountant? Why this particular degree program? Make a link between your past experiences (work, life, etc.) and your future goals. Be real and clear.
Get Strong Letters of Recommendation: Ask professors or bosses who know you well and can talk about your work ethic, discipline, and potential. Give them plenty of time (at least a month) and send them your resume and personal statement so they can write a better letter.
Fill in the Blanks: If you have a low GPA from a previous college attempt or a long break from school, write an optional essay about it. Talk about what happened and how you’ve changed and are now ready to do well in school.
Money for Online Students in the Form of Scholarships and Grants
Don’t let the cost get in the way. Most types of financial aid are available to students who take classes online.
- Fill out the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the first step to getting federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.
- Look for Scholarships: Use scholarship search engines like Scholly or Fastweb, and ask the financial aid office at your school if they have any scholarships for online or adult learners. In our article “The Ultimate Scholarship Guide for Online Students,” we list the best choices.
Choosing the Right Path for Your Future in Accounting
There is no one “best” label for an “Online Bachelor’s Degree Program.” The best program is the one that fits your career goals, how you learn, your budget, and your life right now. One student might do best at the University of Florida because of its strict rules, while another might do best at ASU because of its creative freedom.
This guide is a good place to start. Go deeper into the two or three programs that speak to you the most. Go to their online information sessions. Talk to an admissions counselor. You are setting yourself up for a successful and satisfying career in the fast-paced field of accounting by taking the time now to make a smart, well-researched choice. Your future is here.
