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Are you ready to discover your college program?
An accounting degree can open the door to steady, well-paying jobs with good upward trajectories. Graduates with this degree can become management analysts, financial advisors, and financial managers, positions that pay around $100,000 per year.
But not everyone has four years of time and tuition money to spare for school, which is where accelerated online accounting programs come in.
Accelerated programs are designed to provide a faster and possibly cheaper pathway to an accounting degree. While traditional programs typically take four years to complete, a fast-track program can take as few as 2-3 years. This route is a great option for self-motivated students who want to break into the field quickly.
Accelerated programs (also called "fast-track," "intensive," or "express" programs) offer a streamlined, focused, comprehensive curriculum on a condensed schedule. They are different from "degree-completion" programs, which are designed for students who already have college credits under their belts and want to wrap them into a degree.
Check out the top accelerated online programs that can help you jumpstart your finance career ASAP.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Summary of Quick Accounting Programs
Jump to a school below using the links in the "School" column.
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 Top Accelerated Online Accounting Degrees 2024
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
4 years
Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Term: In-State | $3,755 Out-of-State | $3,755
Courses to Graduate: 41
WGU's online BS in accounting can prepare you to pursue auditing, accounting, and bookkeeping roles, along with helping you meet certified public accountant requirements. This program requires courses such as finance skills for managers, values-based leadership, and cost and managerial accounting. You can complete this fully online program in three years and access financial aid options such as the WGU Means Business scholarship.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,162
Out-of-state
$7,162
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
150,116
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Top Accelerated Online Accounting Degrees 2024
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Year: In-State | $22,824 Out-of-State | $41,544
Credits to Graduate: 124
You can prepare for professional accounting roles and/or graduate education through Temple's bachelor of business administration in accounting. Courses include auditing, cost accounting, intermediate income, and federal taxes on income. You can also pursue a concentration in data analytics.
The program is available in online and on-campus formats, and you can take an accelerated, three-year curriculum. Full-time students pay less per credit than part-time learners.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,488
Out-of-state
$29,712
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,388
Out-of-state
$23,922
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
35,626
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Top Accelerated Online Accounting Degrees 2024
University of Maine at Presque Isle
Presque Isle, ME
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Semester: In-State | $1,500 Out-of-State | $1,500
Credits to Graduate: 120
UMPI's online BA in accounting can equip you with the skills to solve real-world problems in income, corporate, partnership, or estate and trust taxation. Courses include federal taxation, business analytics, and advanced accounting.
You may complete as many courses as you want during each eight-week term. UMPI charges a flat fee per term, allowing you to save money and graduate more quickly with a higher credit load. You need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 1.75 and prior college credit or work experience for admission.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,350
Out-of-state
$11,760
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,000
Out-of-state
$12,000
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Students Enrolled
1,590
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 Top Accelerated Online Accounting Degrees 2024
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $495 Out-of-State | $495
Credits to Graduate: 120
Lindenwood's BA or BS in accounting is a 100% online program that takes 2-4 years to complete. Courses include managerial accounting, financial statement analysis, and governmental and nonprofit accounting.
You must submit your high school transcripts if you hold fewer than 24 college credits. Transfer students should have minimum GPAs of 2.0, and Lindenwood accepts up to 90 credits from past education. You can enroll in Lindenwood's subscription-based programming for upfront pricing and a flexible degree path.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,540
Out-of-state
$18,540
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,684
Out-of-state
$9,684
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
7,003
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Top Accelerated Online Accounting Degrees 2024
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit: In-State | $434 Out-of-State | $434
Credits to Graduate: 120
You can prepare to become an entrepreneur, corporate leader, or MBA student with EKU's bachelor of business administration in public accounting. Courses include auditing, cost accounting, and intermediate accounting. You may transfer up to 90 credits.
EKU offers accelerated eight-week courses, six start dates per year, and free textbooks to help you save money. You may also qualify for reduced military tuition, free online tutoring, or fast-track opportunities if you have 80 or more credits.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,452
Out-of-state
$19,724
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,900
Out-of-state
$13,500
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
13,984
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Our Ranking Methodology
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.
In 2021-2022, a year of study at a public school cost an average of $9,596 in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Private, nonprofit schools charged an average of $33,691. It doesn't look like degrees are going to get any cheaper, either: Forbes reports that in the past 40 years, the cost of higher education has increased by 180%.
However, there are ways to lower your costs when investing in your future. Choosing an affordable, accelerated online program is one way to save money.
Price Check
Online degree programs can reduce in-person fees as well as the cost of commuting and room and board. Many schools also offer out-of-state-tuition waivers to online students.
What Are the Goals of an Accounting Degree Program?
Accounting majors learn how to create financial documents, review tax filings, and identify accounting improvements to increase efficiency. During an accounting bachelor's degree program, students can often specialize their training by studying topics like auditing procedures, fiscal accounting, forensic accounting, and personal financial planning.
Most accelerated accounting programs also incorporate business courses on topics like organizational behavior, strategic planning, and economics. These classes prepare graduates for careers as management accountants, budget analysts, and management consultants.
Why Get an Accounting Degree?
An accounting degree offers several personal and professional benefits, including specialization options, higher earning potential, and career training.
Career Training
A bachelor's degree in accounting builds the knowledge and skills required for jobs like accountant and auditor.
Specializations
During an accounting degree program, undergraduates can specialize their education through electives and concentrations. Specialization options may include public accounting, internal auditing, and management accounting.
Accelerated Timeline
An accelerated accounting program allows students to expedite graduation and enter the workforce sooner.
Flexibility
Online accounting programs give students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations.
Increased Earning Potential
Professionals with a bachelor's degree earn a median of $30,000 more per year than those with only a high school diploma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
What Are the Requirements for an Accounting Degree?
Prospective accounting majors must meet certain requirements. Most programs require a high school diploma or the equivalent. Colleges often require SAT or ACT scores for first-time, first-year applicants. Transfer students with prior college experience typically must submit college transcripts. Applicants may also need to submit recommendation letters, a resume, and a statement of purpose.
After gaining admission, accounting majors complete coursework in their major along with general education requirements and electives. Some programs require a capstone project and/or internship.
How Much Do Online Accelerated Accounting Programs Cost?
NCES reports that the average cost for one year of room and board, tuition, and fees at a traditional four-year undergraduate program was $30,031 in 2021-2022 — bringing the grand total of a degree to over $120,000.
As an online student in an accelerated program, you can subtract the additional cost of room and board and shave off at least one year of tuition and fees — bringing your average total cost closer to $60,000. Many online programs charge even more affordable tuition rates.
Accountants earn above-average salaries. According to the BLS, accountants earned a median annual salary of $78,000 as of May 2022. Accountants in finance and management organizations typically earn higher salaries.
How long does it take to get an accounting degree?
Earning a bachelor's in accounting typically takes four years for full-time students. Transfer students and those who choose accelerated programs can complete their degrees faster.
Does accounting involve a lot of math?
Accountants use basic math and statistics skills to calculate financial reports and evaluate their accuracy. Typically, an accounting degree does not require advanced mathematics courses.
How fast can you get an accounting degree?
Transfer students with an associate in accounting who choose an accelerated bachelor's program can earn their degree in 1-2 years.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online. Page last reviewed Feb. 7, 2024.
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