The job of an accountant is threefold: to study, take apart, and explain accounting data. This job is done so that the accountant can compile statements showing a client’s financial condition, thereby creating evidence for any financial advice the accountant might give.
Such evidence will be in the form of business transaction details, like receipts, disbursements, and payroll. The tasks require great attention to minutiae, and excellent accountants are in high demand. Job titles include the following: internal auditor; environmental accountant; customer service manager; forensic accountant; bookkeeper; sales associate; managers of accounts payable or receivable; personal financial advisor; auditors; tax preparers; and associate level manager.
The educational degree that most employers desire is a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a similar field, but prospective employees would be wise to earn further certification within the wide range of accounting responsibilities. For instance, many accountants work to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). An increasingly popular route to becoming an accountant is first to earn an associates degree and then transfer to a four-year institution for the bachelor’s degree. An online degree most often means great savings in tuition costs and also in the months and years it takes to earn a degree. Multiple organizations are ready to hire graduates, and these include governmental agencies, manufacturing firms, hospitals, school systems, banks, accounting firms, and many small businesses.
The good news for those who are considering a career in the field of accounting is that the job market for accountants and auditors is likely to increase 6 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. As the economy grows, the need for accountants and auditors will also grow, and the pay is commensurate with the demand. In May 2018, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $70,500. (Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – BLS).
The following schools that offer an associates degree in accounting have all been researched, using the ranking categories shown here. Where there is a tie in points, weight is given for lower tuition cost. Figures come from the schools themselves or from Niche.com.
Hourly Tuition Rate:
- $200 and Under – 5 points
- $300 and Under – 4
- $400 and Under – 3
- $500 and Under – 2
- $600 and Under – 1
Student to Faculty Ratio:
- 10:1 and Under – 5 points
- 15:1 and Under – 4
- 20:1 and Under – 3
- 30:1 and Under – 2
- 50:1 and Under – 1
Median Earnings Six Years After Graduation:
- (The national figure is $33,028.)
- $45,000 and above – 5 points
- $35,000 and above – 4 points
- $30,000 and above – 3 points
- $25,000 and above – 2 points
- $20,000 and above – 1 point
Regional Accreditation: 3 points
#1 – Craven Community College
New Bern, North Carolina
Online AAS in Accounting
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $268
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $28,900
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 18
The motto of Craven Community College is “Enriching Lives. Creating Futures.” Established in 1965 as an extension of Lenoir Community College, the school has a 70 credit hour, online associate of applied science in accounting degree. The curriculum includes the following courses: principles of financial accounting; introduction to computers; quantitative literacy; federal income tax; spreadsheets; writing and inquiry; cost accounting; ethics in accounting; and government and not-for-profit. To apply to Craven Community College’s online AAS in Accounting program, take the placement test if needed and attend the new student orientation.
#2 – Central Maine Community College
Auburn, Maine
AAS Accounting Online
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $94
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $32,100
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 17
Central Maine Community College offers a 100% online associates in applied science accounting degree that comes with access to online tutoring, research help, and advising. The 60 hour program calls for two courses per term with 8 week courses (which may be 16 weeks though degree attainment will be delayed). High school Algebra I is a prerequisite, and the curriculum includes understanding business, college writing, statistics, critical thinking, principles of supervision, psychology in the workplace, and introduction to macroeconomics. The required degree sequence of courses for Central Maine Community College’s online AAS Accounting degree is listed in the course catalog.
#3 – Nicolet Area Technical College
Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Online Accounting AAS
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $146.50
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $29,900
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Points: 17
Established in 1967, Nicolet Area Tech College offers a 100% online Accounting Associates of Applied Science degree that is a 60-credit program. The focus is on project-based work, with emphasis on the accounting cycle, bookkeeping, annual statement analysis, and personal and business tax returns. You will learn essential accounting software such as Microsoft Excel, Word, and QuickBooks Premier. In addition to the standard accounting curriculum, coursework includes business law, oral interpersonal communication, and technical reporting. Nicolet Area Tech College boasts of multiple start dates. Admission to the accounting associates of applied science program requires transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and $30 fee.
#4 – Chemeketa Community College
Salem, Oregon
AAS in Accounting Online
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $115
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $32,000
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 16
“Chemeketa is the low-cost, high-value place to start your career in accounting.” So begins the information webpage for Chemeketa Community College’s associate of applied science online degree in accounting. The college’s certificate programs include tax preparation, payroll, one-year accounting, and qualification to transfer to a four-year institution. The following courses are part of the accounting curriculum: digital literacy; academic composition; computing concepts; Excel for accounting; argument, research, and multimodal composition; and intermediate algebra. There is no application fee to Chemeketa Community College’s online AAS in accounting program, but you must take and pass the placement test and complete first-term academic advising.
#5 – Isothermal Community College
Spindale, North Carolina
Online AAS in Accounting
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $268
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $23,900
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 16
Boldly stated on Isothermal Community College’s website is the slogan, “Isothermal exists to improve life through learning.” The college is named after its location in the thermal belt, an area in the foothills of Western North Carolina, which has markedly milder temperatures than the surrounding region. The school’s online associate of applied science in accounting degree includes the following courses: personal finance; introduction to computers; accounting software applications; spreadsheet; writing and inquiry; quantitative literacy; and statistical methods. To apply to Isothermal Community College’s online AAS in Accounting program, send transcripts and take placement tests if needed.
#6 – Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Cincinnati, Ohio
Online AAS in Accounting
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $327.28
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $31,200
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 16
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College has a 64 credit, online associate of applied science in accounting degree. The program provides a strong pathway to area schools, such as University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, and Northern Kentucky University. Graduates are well prepared in the following areas: preparation of income tax returns; assisting in management decisions about cost-volume-profit analysis and cash flows; analyzing financial data from an annual report; and performing accounting duties related to the preparation of financial statements. The online application for Cincinnati State Technical and Community College’s online AAS in accounting program is quick and easy to complete.
#7 – Great Falls College Montana State University
Great Falls, Montana
Online AAS Accounting
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $229.33
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $31,100
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 15
If you earn an online applied associate in science accounting degree from Great Falls College Montana State University, you can continue at GFC MSU or you can transfer to a partner institution. Curriculum for this 60 credit hour degree includes the following courses: accounting procedures; basic MS office; principles of macroeconomics; contemporary mathematics; introduction to personal communications; principles of managerial accounting; and introduction to statistics. Computer skills are a great component of the accounting program. Great Falls College Montana State University asks for transcripts and a $30 fee to apply to their online AAS in Accounting degree.
#8 – Kaskaskia College
Centralia, Illinois
Online AAS in Accounting
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $136
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $28,000
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 15
“Success Starts Here” is blazoned across the opening page of Kaskaskia College’s website. Low tuition costs and degrees tailored to the needs of the student population prove the logo true. The college’s associate of applied science accounting degree, for example, is a fully online, 60 credit hour program created for the busy, modern student. The curriculum begins with basic courses like principles of accounting and management and moves on to computer application in accounting, legal and social environment of business, and small business management. To apply to Kaskaskia College for their online AAS in Accounting program, submit transcripts and ACT/SAT scores.
#9 – Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Granite Falls, Minnesota
Online AAS Accountant
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $207.38
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $34,700
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 15
From the school’s defining slogan “Learn With Purpose” to the deliberately small class sizes, Minnesota West Community and Technical College is geared toward encouraging students to succeed. The school’s online associate of applied science in accounting degree will prepare you to find employment with a two-year certificate, but you will also be ready to transfer seamlessly to other Minnesota state institutions or anywhere else. The accounting curriculum includes database concepts and applications, spreadsheet concepts and applications, introduction to microcomputers, and intermediate accounting. Application to Minnesota West Community and Technical College for their online AAS Accountant program calls for transcripts and a $20 fee.
#10 – Blue Ridge Community College
Flat Rock, North Carolina
Accounting and Finance AAS Online
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $268
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $25,800
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Points: 15
Blue Ridge Community College has an online accounting and finance associates applied science degree with pathways to the following baccalaureate-degree schools in North Carolina: Fayetteville University; Lees McRae College; and Western Carolina University. The curriculum includes courses in accounting principles, theories and practice, business law, finance, management, and economics. Blue Ridge Community College touts the skills that are earned through their Accounting and Finance AAS online degree, such as financial analysis, critical thinking, communications, computer applications, and training in the application of ethics. Admissions requires transcripts and completion of a pre-placement test.
#11 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Associate Accounting Online
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $390
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $36,700
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 15
Liberty University’s information page for their online associate accounting degree states that accounting is “one of the most prevalent languages in the business world.” The school offers many convincing reasons to study the language of accounting with them. Their program prepares you to complete your eventual bachelor’s degree, while equipping you with introductory knowledge in all areas of accounting. The 60 credit hour program is taught in 8-week courses, which include financial accounting, managerial accounting, business law, and principles of marketing. Admission to Liberty University’s online Associate Accounting program requires transcripts showing a 2.0 GPA.
#12 – Central Penn College
Summerdale, Pennsylvania
Online AS Accounting
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $494
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $35,300
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Points: 15
Established in 1881, Central Penn College offers a 76 credit hour, online associate of science in accounting degree that is taught by professors who are knowledgeable in their fields and have maintained their CPAs. Admissions has a rolling deadline and calls for ACT/SAT scores but no application fee. Transcripts must show at least two units of secondary math, including algebra, and one accounting course. An admission interview is recommended. Central Penn College’s online AS in Accounting degree includes the following courses in the curriculum: nonprofit accounting; data management applications; managerial accounting; cost accounting; income tax; and a job pursuit seminar.
#13 – James A. Rhodes State College
Lima, Ohio
Accounting Online
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $340.38
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $32,300
Student to Faculty Ratio:12 :1
Points: 14
James A. Rhodes State College, founded in 1971, offers a 64 credit hour accounting degree that is 100% online. Students planning to pursue a four-year degree are advised to take MTH 1260, statistics. The curriculum prepares you to effectively utilize tax software while preparing returns. Coursework includes computer applications in the workplace, corporate accounting principles, payroll accounting, public speaking, intermediate income tax, cost accounting, and governmental non-profit accounting. To apply to James A. Rhodes State College for their online Accounting degree, submit transcripts and a $25 fee.
#14 – Massasoit Community College
Brockton, Massachusetts
Online BA – Accounting Option
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $414
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $35,100
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 14
Massasoit Community College was founded in 1966 and named for the great leader of the Wampanoag tribe. The school is proud to offer a 63 credit hour accounting degree that is 85% online. By taking at least 15 credits per semester, you can stay on track to graduate in two years. The curriculum is developed to provide a strong basis in the principles of business administration and the liberal arts. Coursework includes the following: computerized business applications; principles of financial accounting; business communication; taxation; payroll applications–Quickbooks; and cost accounting. Massasoit Community College requires transcripts to apply to their accounting degree program.
#15 – West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown
Morgantown, West Virginia
Online Business Administration Associates Accounting
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $420
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $21,300
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 14
Offering a college education since 1982, West Virginia Junior College has an online associates accounting degree with 24/7 tech support, interactive labs, externships, and career services. The curriculum focuses on the following skills: computer accounting software, laws affecting payrolls, computing wages and salaries; payroll tax returns; timekeeping methods; tax concepts; and business ownership models. To apply, submit transcripts. West Virginia Junior College’s online associates accounting degree teaches you how to manage every aspect of a small business, from office and personnel supervision to employee payroll, and from utilizing sales and customer service techniques to marketing and advertising your business to the public.
#16 – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana
Online AS in Accounting
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $496
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $32,300
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Points: 14
Saint Mary of the Woods College is proud of its core values: learning; leadership; service; and social responsibility. The school’s 33-credit hour online associates of science in accounting degree has a rolling deadline for applications and calls for transcripts and ACT/SAT scores but no fee. An admission interview is recommended. Courses offered in Saint Mary of the Woods’s online AS in accounting degree include managerial communications, business finance, microeconomics, introduction to computerized accounting, auditing theory and practice, statistics, and international business: strategies and policies.
#17 – Community College of Baltimore County
Baltimore, Maryland
AAS in Accounting Online
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $357
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $35,100
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 13
Since 1957 the Community College of Baltimore County has been producing highly qualified graduates. The school’s online associate of applied science in accounting degree is a 60 credit hour program which examines each area of the accounting profession, from corporations to partnerships to sole proprietorships. The semester sequence of courses includes technology and information systems, introduction to business and industry, computerized accounting, introduction to philosophy, business law, tax accounting, and business ethics. Application to Community College of Baltimore County’s online AAS in Accounting program requires taking a placement test, meeting with an advisor, and attending new student orientation.
#18 – Reading Area Community College
Reading, Pennsylvania
Accounting AA Degree Online
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $359
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $30,700
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Points: 13
The Accounting Associates of Arts online degree from Reading Area Community College is a 60 credit hour plan designed to equip you to enter baccalaureate programs in accounting at a junior level. Before graduating and transferring, you should contact the four-year college of your choice to determine its transfer policies. The school’s online accounting associates of arts degree is committed to four key hallmarks: access; opportunity; excellence; and hope. The program competencies will ground you in the ability to prepare financial statements, utilize business principles, apply economic theory, and create integrated financial documents, worksheets, and databases. To apply, send transcripts. There is no fee for applying.
#19 – Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Conway, South Carolina
Accounting AAS degree Online
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $348
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $25,800
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Points: 11
Horry-Georgetown Technical College was founded in 1966 and is still committed to their original purpose: “To prepare people for jobs, sustain a high job-placement rate, and facilitate university transfers.” HGTC’s online accounting associate in applied science degree is a 63 credit hour program. It is advised that you follow the curriculum sequence on the website, and the courses include beginning algebra, technical communication, individual tax preparation, and business statistics. For transfer to a senior institution, specific course recommendations will be made. To apply to Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s online Accounting AAS degree, send transcripts, test scores, and a $30 fee.
#20 – Florida Institute of Technology-Online
Melbourne, Florida
AA in Accounting Online
Website
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $510
Median Earnings 6 Years after Graduation: $46,300
Student to Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Points: 11
Florida Institute of Technology-Online was founded in 1958 to educate professionals who were working on the “Space Coast.” The school is still a leader in many disciplines. Their online associate of arts in accounting degree provides students with business knowledge as well as a liberal arts background. A sample curriculum includes mastering elearning, global business perspectives, introduction to microeconomics (and introduction to macroeconomics), principles of accounting I (and II), composition and rhetoric, and principles of management. To apply to Florida Institute of Technology-Online for their AA in Accounting degree, submit transcripts but no application fee. The program has six starting dates per calendar year.
OCR Staff
February 2020
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