Best Online Accelerated Accounting Degree Programs 2024
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2024Students who want to enter the accounting field as soon as possible should consider an accelerated online accounting degree.
Online accounting programs can prepare graduates for professional roles in accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping, as well as other positions in business and finance. Accounting majors learn the fundamental theories and practices of accounting and explore financial rules and regulations, taxation, risk management, and business ethics.
On this page, we explore various types of accounting degrees you can earn in accelerated online programs. An accelerated accounting program lets students take more credits in less time than they would in a typical program, allowing them to graduate more quickly.
Programs that let students learn more in less time may go by names like “accelerated,” “three-year,” or “one-year,” depending on the degree level. Degree completion programs that let students transfer credits or an associate degree aren’t included in our list of accelerated accounting programs.
This page not only covers bachelor’s programs in accounting, but also all levels of accelerated online accounting degrees, including master’s in accounting programs. Read on to learn more about accelerated online accounting degrees.
Featured Online Accounting Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Quickest Accounting Bachelor’s Degrees
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,488
- Out-of-state$29,712
- In-State$17,388
- Out-of-state$23,922
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled35,626
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Winona, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$38,780
- Out-of-state$38,780
- In-State$10,890
- Out-of-state$10,890
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled4,701
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
The College of Saint Scholastica
- Duluth, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$38,750
- Out-of-state$38,750
- In-State$14,182
- Out-of-state$14,182
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled3,512
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Misericordia University
- Dallas, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,100
- Out-of-state$34,100
- In-State$35,550
- Out-of-state$35,550
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled2,239
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Seton Hill University
- Greensburg, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$38,518
- Out-of-state$38,518
- In-State$15,534
- Out-of-state$15,534
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled2,012
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Illinois College
- Jacksonville, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,752
- Out-of-state$34,752
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled1,097
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment7%
- AccreditationYes
Campbell University
- Buies Creek, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$35,580
- Out-of-state$35,580
- In-State$14,041
- Out-of-state$14,041
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled5,622
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Wisconsin
- Mequon, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,660
- Out-of-state$31,660
- In-State$11,628
- Out-of-state$11,628
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled5,204
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Marian University
- Fond Du Lac, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,660
- Out-of-state$28,660
- In-State$11,286
- Out-of-state$11,286
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled1,445
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Types of Accelerated Accounting Online Degrees
While all accelerated degrees shave time off the program length, they achieve this in different ways. The following sections look at the specifics of each degree type.
Accelerated degree programs in accounting include:
- Associate in Accounting Degree
- Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree
- Master’s in Accounting Degree
- Doctorate in Accounting Degree
Associate Degree in Accounting
An associate in accounting features fundamentals and introductory-level courses that you can build on through professional experience or further study. These programs focus on building the basic skills and knowledge you need, allowing you to experience different areas of the field before choosing a more permanent direction.
Pursuing an accelerated accounting degree online fast-tracks your path to the workforce or into a more advanced program.
Accelerated Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
A bachelor’s in accounting takes a comprehensive look at the field. Graduates have access to most entry-level accounting careers, plus master’s degrees and professional credentials and examinations. These programs typically cover all major facets of accounting and business, and many offer specialization opportunities.
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees in Accounting:
- Bachelor’s in Accounting, Auditing Concentration
- Bachelor’s in Accounting, Managerial Accounting Concentration
- Bachelor’s in Accounting, Public Accountancy Concentration
- Bachelor’s in Accounting, Tax Accountancy Concentration
Accelerated online accounting degrees condense study sessions and offer heavier course loads to decrease the time spent in school. Many programs also offer more flexible schedules for you to accommodate your studies. Along with faster study times, you may have the option to specialize in a niche field, which can improve your chances of employment.
Accelerated Online Master’s in Accounting
A master’s in accounting explores advanced accounting technologies, methods, and practices. In this program, you can develop an in-depth career or research specialization to improve your career and study options.
An accelerated accounting degree at this level gives you the opportunity to quickly access leadership positions and professional credential career accounting requirements.
Accelerated Online Ph.D. in Accounting
Accounting doctorates require a significant amount of time and research. These degrees prepare you for teaching and research roles in colleges and universities or leadership roles in various organizations.
You can fast-track your accounting degree at the doctoral level by condensing the research requirements or by pursuing a course-based program. A practical course-based accounting doctorate like a DBA, for example, typically features shorter completion times. A practical course-based accounting doctorate like a doctor of business (DBA), for example, typically features shorter completion times.
Why Get an Accelerated Accounting Degree Online?
Save Time
Earning an accelerated online accounting degree can save students time. By definition, an accelerated program allows students to complete more credits in a condensed timeline. This can benefit anyone who wants to start working in the field as soon as possible, especially aspiring certified public accountants (CPAs). CPAs must complete 150 credits to qualify for licensure, 30 more than the traditional bachelor’s program requires.Convenience and Flexibility
Online accelerated programs can provide greater convenience and flexibility than most traditional on-campus offerings. Learners often find these programs easier to fit into their busy lives, especially asynchronous online options that let students complete coursework wherever and whenever they want, as long as they meet deadlines.Potentially Save Money
Although cost varies by program and this isn’t always the case, sometimes students can save money by choosing an accelerated online accounting program. A shorter program also means that graduates will land their first job and start making money earlier.
What Are the Requirements for an Accelerated Accounting Degree?
Accelerated accounting programs typically require the same number of credits and classes as traditional ones but let students complete them in a shorter time frame. Specific program requirements vary depending on degree level. Many accelerated programs accept transfer credits from accredited institutions, which can further reduce the time it takes to graduate.
A traditional bachelor’s degree in accounting takes at least four years for full-time students to earn (often longer if they need the 150 credits required to become a CPA), and a master’s degree usually takes two full-time years.
Many schools offer accelerated online programs that let students earn a combined bachelor’s and a master’s degree in accounting in about five years total. Students may also find accelerated stand-alone online bachelor’s in accounting programs that take less than three years to complete or master’s programs that students can graduate from in under one year.
How Much Do Online Accelerated Accounting Programs Cost?
The cost of accelerated online accounting degree programs varies by school, but in some cases, they offer greater affordability than a regularly timed program. If a program charges tuition on a per-term basis, students who graduate more quickly may pay less for the degree.
Factors that can affect price include school type (public or private), level of prestige, and tuition rate (in-state or out-of-state).
Students can offset the cost of an online accelerated accounting program by applying for student loans, scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Ask any prospective programs about their specific financial aid options for accounting students.
Careers With an Accelerated Accounting Degree
Your accounting career options depend on the level of your degree. Undergraduate degrees can lead to business support positions and entry-level accounting roles. Graduate degrees can lead to management and specialized accounting careers.
| Jobs | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Accountants and Auditors | $79,880 |
| Bookkeeping and Accounting Clerks | $47,440 |
| Budget Analysts | $84,940 |
| Cost Estimators | $74,740 |
| Financial Analysts | $99,010 |
| Financial Managers | $156,100 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $99,580 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,870 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors | $58,530 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Online Accounting Programs
The easiest accounting degree to get is typically an associate degree in accounting. An accelerated accounting degree at this level typically takes less than one year to complete and features primarily introductory classes.
Despite being at the graduate level, a master’s degree may also be considered easy for some. Experienced accountants looking to upgrade their skills might find the training accessible. Master’s degree programs typically take less than two years to complete.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed Jan. 4, 2024
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