Best Online Associate in Accounting
Updated October 5, 2023
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The accounting field offers a variety of lucrative career options to graduates of online accounting programs.
Students trained in advanced math, business, and economics qualify for their choice of professions, such as accounting and auditing, budget and financial analysis, and sales and commodities trading. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a promising outlook for accountants and auditors from 2016 to 2026, with an employment growth rate of 10% due to a complex tax system, expanding economy, and globalization.
Accountants and auditors earned a median annual wage of $70,500 as of May 2018, with professionals working in finance and insurance among the highest-paid in the field.
For students interested in pursuing entry-level jobs, earning an online associate degree in accounting can lead to junior positions in accounting and finance. With work experience, many who complete an associate degree in accounting online can advance to executive positions. Additionally, earning an accredited online accounting associate degree provides students with a path to a bachelor’s degree, which most jobs in the business and financial sector require.
Many online accounting graduates pursue certification to practice as certified public accountants (CPAs) or chartered financial analysts (CFAs). This enhances their job prospects in the industry.
The Best Online Accounting Programs
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Barton County Community College
Great Bend, KS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Great Bend, Kansas, Barton County Community College supports 41 online associate programs, including an associate in technical accounting specialist. The program prepares students for the demands of the accounting field through foundational and advanced coursework. Learners can pursue further study, such as a bachelor's degree, and apply their college credits toward a four-year institution.
Throughout the program, students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources. Distance learners can further benefit from virtual services such as library access, writing workshops, and other academic tutoring.
Degree-seekers can explore scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities, with the average award package totaling $5,707. According to the school, 96% of enrollees get some form of financial aid and 10% take out student loans.
Barton County Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Great Bend, Kansas
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,368
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $3,008
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#2 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Trinity Valley Community College
Athens, TX - 2 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Athens, Texas, Trinity Valley Community College boasts a highly ranked online associate in accounting, one of the school's 12 online associate degrees. Enrollees benefit from industry-relevant coursework, preparing them for future careers in accounting. Associate graduates can apply their college credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
Enrollees benefit from career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. The college supports its online learning community through online-specific resources, such as virtual library services and academic tutoring.
The college reports that the average student's financial aid award package is $5,818. According to the school, 82% of all enrollees receive financial aid and 20% receive student loans.
Trinity Valley Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Athens, Texas
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $1,170
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $4,500
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#3 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Moraine Park Technical College
Fond du Lac, WI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Distance learners seeking flexible study in accounting should consider Moraine Park Technical College's online associate of applied science in accounting. Degree-seekers prepare for the field's demands through instructive study and industry-relevant coursework. Graduates can transfer their course credits to a four-year college in pursuit of a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
Degree candidates can take advantage of career services, academic advising, and other success-centered resources.
The college reports that the average student's financial aid award package is $4,557. According to the school, 69% of its enrollees receive financial aid and 28% receive loans.
Moraine Park Technical College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,102
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,547
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#4 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Iowa Lakes Community College
Estherville, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Iowa Lakes Community College supports eight online associate programs from its main campus in Estherville. The associate in accounting specialist program prepares students for the demands of the accounting field through foundational and advanced coursework. Learners can also transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year college.
A leader in student success, the college connects students with career services, academic advising, and other resources.
On average, students receive $5,384 in financial aid. Enrollees can explore numerous funding options, with 88% receiving some form of financial aid and 27% opting for student loans.
Iowa Lakes Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Estherville, Iowa
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,856
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $6,208
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#5 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Northcentral Technical College
Wausau, WI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Wausau, Wisconsin, Northcentral Technical College provides online education across 20 associate programs, including its associate in accounting. Enrollees gain foundational and advanced knowledge relevant to the accounting field. Graduates can apply their college credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
Degree candidates can access career services, academic advising, and other success-centered resources.
Online students can expect to receive an average of $4,746 in financial aid. Of its enrollees, the college reports that 70% receive financial aid and 18% receive loans.
Northcentral Technical College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,276
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $4,914
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#6 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Yavapai College
Prescott, AZ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Prescott, Arizona, Yavapai College boasts a highly ranked online associate in accounting, one of the school's nine online associate degrees. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an accounting-specific career. Students seeking further education can apply their accounting credits to a bachelor's degree.
The college prioritizes student success through career services, academic advising, and other resources.
Degree-seekers can expect to receive an average of $5,282 in financial aid. The college reports that 77% of students receive financial aid and 7% receive student loans.
Yavapai College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Prescott, Arizona
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,492
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,080
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#7 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Northeast Community College
Norfolk, NE - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Northeast Community College offers 13 online associate degrees, including an associate of arts in accounting. Enrollees gain foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the accounting field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Accounting students can apply their course credits toward future educational opportunities, such as a bachelor's degree.
Degree-seekers can benefit from career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. Online students can receive further guidance through virtual library services and academic tutoring.
Students seeking to defray degree costs should know that the average enrollee receives $4,456 in financial aid. Approximately 90% of all incoming students receive financial aid, with 21% receiving student loans.
Northeast Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Norfolk, Nebraska
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,970
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $4,170
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#8 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Kennebec Valley Community College
Fairfield, ME - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Students looking for a flexible online associate in accounting should consider Kennebec Valley Community College. Enrollees benefit from a robust course curriculum, preparing them for the demands of the accounting field. Enrollees seeking to advance their accounting studies can apply their course credits toward a bachelor's degree.
A leader in student success, the college connects students with career services, academic advising, and other resources. Online students can further access virtual library services and academic tutoring.
Typically, enrollees receive $5,284 in financial aid awards. Students can expect to receive financial aid or loans, as 83% of enrollees receive aid and 32% get loans.
Kennebec Valley Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Fairfield, Maine
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,820
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,640
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#9 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Southeastern Community College
West Burlington, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for a flexible associate program in accounting? Consider Southeastern Community College's online associate in accounting. Students can build their knowledge of the accounting field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Enrollees looking to advance their studies can apply their associate degree credits toward further undergraduate study.
A leader in student success, the college connects students with career services, academic advising, and other resources. Other institutional resources include virtual library services and academic tutoring.
Students can explore numerous financial aid opportunities, reporting that enrollees receive an average of $5,780 in financial aid. According to the school, 87% of enrollees get aid and 26% receive loans.
Southeastern Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: West Burlington, Iowa
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,520
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,670
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#10 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Southwestern Community College
Sylva, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for a flexible associate program in accounting? Consider Southwestern Community College's online associate of applied science in accounting. Students can build their knowledge of the accounting field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Typically, students can apply their associate degree credits toward future educational endeavors, like a bachelor's degree.
Throughout the program, students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.
According to the college, the average financial aid award totals $6,389. Among enrollees, 77% receive some form of funding.
Southwestern Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Sylva, North Carolina
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,128
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,504
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#11 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Granite Falls, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A leader in online education, Minnesota West Community and Technical College supports 13 online associate programs, including its associate in accounting. The program builds foundational knowledge in accounting, preparing graduates for entry-level careers in the field. Enrollees looking to advance in their studies can apply their associate degree credits toward further undergraduate study.
The college connects students with resources such as academic advising and career resources. Learners can also take advantage of virtual library resources and academic tutoring.
Online learners can access scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities, receiving an average of $5,441 in aid. Of its enrollees, the college reports that 92% receive financial aid and 24% receive loans.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Granite Falls, Minnesota
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,300
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $10,600
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#12 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Champlain College
Burlington, VT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Distance learners seeking flexible study in accounting should consider Champlain College's online associate in accounting. The program prepares students for the demands of the accounting field through foundational and advanced coursework. Students can also transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year college.
During their studies, enrollees can access career services, academic advising, and other resources. As part of an online learning community, distance learners can benefit from virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources.
Degree candidates can explore numerous funding options, with 100% of enrollees receiving some form of financial aid and 53% opting for student loans.
Champlain College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Admission Rate: 85%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $41,728
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $41,728
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#13 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, boasts 12 online associate programs, including its highly ranked associate in accounting. Degree-seekers prepare for the demands of the accounting field through instructive study and industry-relevant coursework. Associate graduates can apply their associate credits toward future educational endeavors, like a bachelor's degree.
Throughout the program, students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources. Learners can also take advantage of virtual library services and academic tutoring.
The institution reports that 99% of all enrollees receive financial aid and 57% receive student loans.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Admission Rate: 51%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $15,417
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $15,417
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#14 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Fergus Falls, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for a flexible associate program in accounting? Consider Minnesota State Community and Technical College's online associate of applied science in accounting. The program builds foundational knowledge in accounting, preparing graduates for entry-level careers in the field. Students seeking further education can apply their accounting credits to a bachelor's degree.
The college connects degree-seekers with resources such as academic advising and career resources. They can also access virtual library services and academic tutoring.
Accounting students can expect to receive an average of $4,649 in financial aid. Around 87% of incoming learners receive financial aid awards and around 33% receive student loans.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,965
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $4,965
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#15 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Southeast Technical Institute
Sioux Falls, SD - 2 years
- Online + Campus
At Southeast Technical Institute, the associate in accounting is one of eight online associate programs. Enrollees prepare for the demands of the accounting field through instructive study and industry-relevant coursework. Upon completion, students can apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
Degree-seekers can access college resources geared toward student success. Distance learners benefit from virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources.
Online learners benefit from significant financial support, receiving an average of $6,287 in financial aid awards. Around 88% of incoming learners receive financial aid and around 74% receive student loans.
Southeast Technical Institute at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,146
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $3,146
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#16 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Riverland Community College
Austin, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Riverland Community College, located in Austin, Minnesota, supports seven online associate programs, including an associate in accounting. Enrollees prepare for the demands of the accounting field through instructive study and industry-relevant coursework. Learners seeking to advance in study can apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees can access numerous college resources such as career services and academic advising. Distance learners can further benefit from virtual services such as library access, writing workshops, and other academic tutoring.
Online learners can access scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities, with the average award package totaling $5,300. Students can explore numerous funding options, with 84% of enrollees receiving some form of financial aid and 21% opting for student loans.
Riverland Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Austin, Minnesota
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,086
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,086
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#17 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Nicolet Area Technical College
Rhinelander, WI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for a flexible associate program in accounting? Consider Nicolet Area Technical College's online associate in accounting. Degree-seekers benefit from a rigorous core curriculum, industry-relevant coursework, and experiential learning opportunities. Typically, students can apply their associate credits toward future educational endeavors, like a bachelor's degree.
Accounting degree-seekers can access comprehensive college resources, including career counseling, academic advising, and financial aid assistance. The online learning community connects students with virtual library resources and academic tutoring.
Online learners can access scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities, receiving an average of $6,437 in aid. Learners can expect to receive financial aid or loans, as 81% of enrollees get aid and 22% take out loans.
Nicolet Area Technical College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,102
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $6,153
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#18 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Kaskaskia College
Centralia, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Kaskaskia College hosts four online associate programs, including an associate in business accounting. Students can build their knowledge of the field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Typically, learners can apply their associate credits toward future educational endeavors, like a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees can benefit from career services, academic advising, and other success-centered resources. The online learning community connects students with virtual library resources and academic tutoring.
Degree-seekers can access scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities, receiving an average of $5,425 in aid. Students can speak with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of aid.
Kaskaskia College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Centralia, Illinois
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,050
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $11,850
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#19 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College boasts a highly ranked online associate in accounting, one of nine online associate degrees. The program builds foundational knowledge in accounting, preparing graduates for entry-level careers in the field. Graduates can apply their course credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees benefit from institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising. Distance learners can receive one-on-one guidance from virtual library services and academic tutoring resources.
The institution reports the average financial aid award as $5,881. The college notes that 68% of all students receive financial aid awards, with 20% receiving loans.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,095
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $6,143
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#20 Best Online Associate in Accounting
Minnesota State College Southeast
Winona, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Minnesota State College Southeast, a public college in Winona, supports 14 online associate programs available to distance learners worldwide. Students pursuing the associate in accounting can build their knowledge of the accounting field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Upon completion, graduates can apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
The college connects accounting students with career services, academic advising, and other success-geared resources. Distance learners can further benefit from virtual services such as library access, writing workshops, and other academic tutoring.
Attendees benefit from financial aid opportunities, receiving an average of $4,518 in awards. The college reports that 82% of students receive financial aid, with 33% taking out student loans.
Minnesota State College Southeast at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Winona, Minnesota
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,020
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,020
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Online Accounting Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
We thank you for your readership and trust.
Featured Online Accounting Programs
The Advantages of an Accounting Education
A bachelor’s degree is the most common entry-level requirement for accounting careers, but an associate degree holder may qualify for junior-level positions, such as a bookkeeper or accounting clerk. Some employers offer associate graduates the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience while obtaining their bachelor’s degrees. Most business and finance accounting jobs favor candidates with bachelor’s degrees, and many prefer those with industry certification, as well, which requires a bachelor’s degree.
Among the highest-paid occupations in accounting, financial analysts with bachelor’s degrees and CFA certification may earn a median wage of $85,660 a year. The median annual salary of accounting clerks, a position requiring a high school diploma or associate degree, is $40,240 — less than half what the average financial analyst makes.
Accounting Degree Career and Salary Information
Upon completing an online associate in accounting degree, you may decide to transfer into a related bachelor’s program. Doing so would likely increase your earning potential, as jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree often pay more. For example, the median annual wage for a bookkeeper stands at $41,846, while that for a senior accountant — a position requiring at least a bachelor’s degree — is $66,467.
The best online associate in accounting programs hold transfer agreements with major state universities, guaranteeing graduates admission into a bachelor’s program.
- Accountants and Auditors
- Accountants prepare financial records and taxes for clients, while auditors examine clients’ finances and taxes for consistency and compliance. Most accountants and auditors hold at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, plus CPA certification. Some enter the field with just an associate degree to gain work experience before advancing their careers.
- Budget Analysts
- Budget analysts provide financial organization services to private and corporate clients by monitoring their spending habits and schedules. Most budget analysts hold at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, though some employers accept extensive work experience in lieu of a degree.
- Financial Analysts
- Financial analysts guide clients toward sensible investment decisions, specializing in understanding the variable risks and results of stocks, bonds, and similar investments. Students who complete an associate degree in accounting can take the next step toward earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. This occupation requires a bachelor’s degree
- Financial Managers
- Financial managers oversee all financial aspects of a business or organization. They strategize to help clients reach financial goals over the long term by managing investments, portfolios, and budgeting concerns. Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree for this position.
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
- These professionals act as brokers for buyers and sellers in financial markets by connecting investors and trading securities and commodities. Employers require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions, but aspiring securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents can gain a comprehensive introduction to the field through an associate accounting degree.
Source: PayScale
Choosing an Online Program
Many students feel anxious to start their careers, but they should take their time when choosing an online associate accounting degree. Prospective students can afford to be extremely selective, as an increasing number of universities offer accredited online accounting associate degrees to meet each learner’s individual needs. Many students face challenges in their research of potential schools and programs, considering factors such as cost, transfer policies, and residency requirements. The points below outline some of the primary benefits of online programs versus their on-campus counterparts.
- Program Cost
- Generally, schools charge less for in-state tuition than they do for out-of-state tuition. As online programs become more popular, many offer set tuition rates for distance learners, regardless of their state of residence. Additionally, many online programs offer accelerated program options, minimizing their per-credit tuition costs.
- Transfer Policies
- For potential transfer students, the best online schools for accounting associate degrees honor credit for previous experience and education. Many programs maintain transfer agreements with partnering schools, seamlessly applying high school/college credits toward an associate degree or bachelor’s bridge program. Transfer students should also factor in accreditation-based transfer policies, as many regionally accredited schools only accept credits from other institutions with regional accreditation.
- School Size and Type
- Students should consider each potential school’s size and type as part of the overall learning environment they envision for themselves during their college experience. For example, private schools tend to offer smaller class sizes and charge higher tuition rates than public universities. Students should consider the size and attributes of each school’s individual online associate accounting degree before choosing one.
- Program Length
- The length of an online associate degree in accounting varies by school. Many schools recommend a course sequence but let students choose whether to pursue their studies part-time or full-time. Especially common among online programs, others offer accelerated completion options, reducing the typical two-year program length.
- On-campus Requirements
- As a nonclinical field, most associate degrees in accounting online do not require intensive on-campus practicums, though some universities may include sporadic campus visits as part of their accounting curriculum. Students planning to complete their degrees fully online should consider whether a program mandates campus visits.
Accreditation for Online Accounting Degrees
Any school offering an online associate accounting degree should hold regional or national accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education (ED), a crucial distinction also upheld by the accounting industry and its employers. The law views either type of accreditation as legitimate, though most schools seek regional accreditation, which requires institutions to demonstrate commitment of the highest order to qualify.
Moreover, many regionally accredited colleges only recognize transfer credits from other schools with regional accreditation.
In addition to institutional accreditation, many schools receive program-specific accreditation for their accounting degrees. For the online accounting associate degree and other business-related programs, a college may maintain programmatic accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, or the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Accreditation demonstrates a school’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence throughout its accounting programs.
A division of the federal government, the ED grants accreditation to qualifying higher education institutions in the U.S. as a measure of quality assurance, in tandem with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), another accrediting oversight entity. The accreditation process ensures a school meets minimum standards for quality, efficiency, and effectiveness and upholds program expectations. Through multiple conglomerate agencies, only ED and CHEA can grant accreditation recognized by the federal government to deserving U.S. and international colleges and universities.
Check the ED or CHEA websites to confirm specific school accreditation.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Accounting?
Many factors impact the completion time of an online associate degree in accounting. Traditionally, associate degrees take two years to complete, though many distance learning programs offer alternative options to help students earn their degree in less time, often anywhere between 12 and 22 months. Generally, a student enrolled full time can expect to complete the degree in less time than a part-time student, provided the school offers students a choice.
The best online schools for accounting associate degrees enable students to enroll in more than one course at a time if they so choose, allowing them to graduate more quickly and save on tuition costs. Likewise, students seeking part-time course loads to accommodate their work schedule or family obligations can complete coursework at their own pace.
A typical online associate accounting degree encompasses 120 credits, often combining a business foundation with fundamental accounting concepts. Many online associate degrees in accounting also recommend that students participate in an internship or field experience, though few curricula require this.
What Can I Do with an Accounting Degree?
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