Top Online Accounting Colleges

Methodology

Our accounting rankings showcase the colleges offering the best online undergraduate accounting programs this year. We based our calculations on the quantifiable factors that we believe contribute to the ideal learning experience at the best online colleges: program cost; full-time to part-time faculty ratio; institutional financial aid, acceptance, retention, graduation, default, and job placement rate; and history of accreditation. Learn more

Rank School Undergrad Tuition FT to PT
Faculty Ratio		 Institution
Fin. Aid Rate		 Acceptance Rate Retention Rate Graduation Rate Accred.
Years		 Default
Rate		 Job Place. Rate  
1 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities $46,292 3.39 to 1 59% 47% 90% 70% 99 3% N/A  
2 Washington State University $25,986 5.80 to 1 58% 84% 84% 67% 94 6% N/A  
3 Regis University $58,880 0.32 to 1 89% 76% 82% 62% 90 7% N/A  
4 Saint Joseph's College of Maine $36,480 0.45 to 1 100% 88% 75% 55% 51 3% N/A  
5 Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College $60,250 0.59 to 1 98% 51% 59% 57% 93 10% N/A  
6 Champlain College $69,000 0.47 to 1 84% 85% 76% 62% 40 3% 83%  
7 University of Alabama at Birmingham N/A 12.11 to 1 56% 72% 79% 45% 42 6% N/A  
8 University of Mary $67,500 0.48 to 1 98% 75% 72% 52% 43 4% N/A  
9 California Baptist University $18,309 1.08 to 1 50% 74% 77% 55% 51 8% N/A  
10 Athens State University $18,972 0.63 to 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A 57 6% N/A  

Accounting Colleges

In a broad sense, accounting is the process of keeping financial accounts. Looking at it in more detail, this involves the recording, reporting, summarizing, and analyzing of financial transactions regarding both expenses and income. While it may not sound very exciting at first, number-crunching students are likely find the accounting major a thrilling challenge. Those with this major learn about the financial side of business. Along with courses that address different types of accounting ó such as financial, tax, cost, government, and non-profit ó students will take ones that teach them about business law, auditing, economics, business ethics, and more. While enrolled in these courses at top online colleges, they earn how to analyze financial information, use accounting information systems, create financial statements, and record financial transactions.

While it is not uncommon for top online colleges to offer this major, you should thoroughly research any accounting program before enrolling. First and foremost, you should only consider colleges or universities that are accredited by a nationally or regional accreditation agency. In addition, it's important to look into ones with specialized accreditation. The best online colleges will be accredited by a reputable agency like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). According to the AACSB, more than 650 member institutions hold their accreditation, of which 178 have additional accounting accreditation.

There are a few other things you may want to consider to make sure you enroll in a program that will prepare you for the career that you want. For example, programs that either require or strongly encourage students to obtain an internship will likely provide you will the real-life skills necessary for the job search upon graduation. Also, look into whether or not the program will provide you with preparation for professional designations such as the CPA, CMA, or CIA. These types of designations can help to further qualify you for positions in public accounting, management accounting, and internal auditing.