Explore Online Associates Degree in Accounting programs for 2024. Compare degrees, accelerated courses, careers, & salaries.
An online associates degree in accounting is often an excellent option for those who are looking for an entry-level position in the business world.
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An online accounting degree can help you develop the skills needed to provide office care and financial support for a variety of companies and organizations. Accounting can help you pursue a career path with the opportunity to grow.
Courses for an Associate Degree in Accounting Online
Most full-time students can complete associate degree programs in two years, but as an online learner, you may go at your own pace.
Many community colleges and some universities will offer a two year accounting degree that is transferable for credit toward a bachelor’s degree if you choose to do so. Most associate degree programs in accounting require course work in accounting, business, and general education classes.
Accounting Courses
One likely example of an accounting course requirement is spreadsheet software applications. This class is designed to teach accounting students the fundamentals of Excel, Google Sheets, and other software necessary for accounting-related occupations. These courses can help you learn how to store, organize, and access data so you can easily manipulate information efficiently.
You will of course also take specific accounting related courses, such as ones focusing on accounting principles and producing financial statements.
Business Courses
Business classes can help you navigate the rules and regulations most corporations will need you to understand. Business Law is often one course offered under the accounting umbrella. This course can help you learn the ins and outs of legal issues businesses face every day, including:
- transactions
- taxes
- financial statements
- confidentiality
- dispute resolutions
This information is often essential for people handling money, keeping books, or performing auditing responsibilities.
General Education Courses
General education courses include your English, math, science, and history classes. These courses are usually part of any associate degree programs so often the degree can be transferred into a bachelor’s degree if you choose.
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The general education area will likely have your communication classes. Being a great verbal and nonverbal communicator can help you be successful in an accounting-related field.
Associates in Accounting Degree Salary
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statics, there are a variety of accounting careers available for you to pursue after completing your accounting associate degree. The table below shows some examples of these careers along with their median annual salary.
| Careers | Median Annual Salary |
| Junior Accountant | $57,110 |
| Brokerage Purchase-and-Sale Clerk | $55,270 |
| Legal Assistant | $52,920 |
| Payroll Bookkeeper | $47,020 |
| Purchasing Assistant | $44,740 |
| Financial Operations Clerk | $44,160 |
| Accounting Clerk | $42,410 |
| Auditing Clerk in Healthcare | $41,100 |
| Financial Statements Processor | $39,590 |
| Retail Accounts Receivable Clerk | $37,230 |
Depending on the employer, you may need additional education or work experience to qualify for some of these jobs. There are many other careers that you should explore before deciding on what one is best for your skills and desired final education level and career goals.
Accreditation for an Online Associates Degree in Accounting
If you are interested in continuing your accounting career and becoming certified in your field, you will need to make sure the program you choose has the required accreditation.
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Regional accreditation ensures that your education will meet the standards required for a quality education, but for business programs, you can also look for accreditation from one of these national boards: AACSB, ACBSP, and IACBE.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is a national accreditation agency that makes sure schools offering degrees in accounting meets expectations that will allow graduating accounting students to be knowledgeable and thriving in the business world.
They monitor curriculum content as relevant to degree-level, student-faculty interactions, course structure, instruction efficiency, and accounting standards to make sure that schools provided the best education for each student.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) is a group of experts from around the world that work to ensure the best practices in curriculum and teaching for college-level business programs.
The ACBSP focuses on making sure that the education offered is in the best interest of each student and provides the knowledge needed for students to excel in their chosen careers. Schools with this accreditation need to be able to prove they can keep up with and teach to the growing demands of the business world.
Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) works closely with schools using self-studies and site visits to help schools demonstrate to keep improving their programs. They expect schools to deliver high-quality programs that meet or exceed set expectations that students have to become successful after they have finished the business program.
Financial Aid for an Associates Degree in Accounting Online
The cost of online degrees in accounting will depend on several factors, such as:
- where you live versus the physical location of the school
- what your household income is
- the grants and scholarship offered by your school
- other grants and scholarships for which you apply.
Community colleges local to your area will usually offer the best price per college credit hour and will often have the best scholarship opportunities. Many of these schools have online programs and will help you enroll in these programs.
Many online schools have accredited programs that work great for online learners. These schools might have physical locations in states where their students do not live. In cases like this, they could require you to pay out of state-of-state tuition. Higher tuition can make it more difficult to find all the funding you will need to cover the full cost of your degree.
You may want to look at federal grants and student loans, work reimbursement programs, and other monetary assistance provided by the school where you decide to enroll. There are many online scholarships available that can apply for to help drive down the cost of college.
Can I Get a Job With an Associates Degree in Accounting?
Yes, you can get a job with an Associates degree in Accounting. According to an article published by Forbes, Where are the Jobs: Accounting, there is a high need for accounting related jobs, and the job market in this area is growing.
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Entry-level positions such as accounting assistants, bookkeeping, and auditors are positions of importance. Companies often look for a person with an accounting associate degree to fill these positions.
If you enjoy the accounting field and want to make it your official career, you may be interested in advancing your education and think about pursuing a master’s or even a PhD in accounting online.
How Much Does an Accountant With an Associate’s Degree Make?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a variety of jobs in the entry-level accounting field that pays anywhere from $37,000 to $57,000 per year.
The amount of compensation offered will depend on the profession you accept and how much the company is willing to pay.
What Is the Best Online School for Accounting?
There is no best online school for accounting. You must research programs that appeal to you, and that can work best for your situation. When comparing schools, remember that some accounting degrees may be harder than others due to additional math or statistics requirements.
If the school is accredited, has the program that matches your interests, and the cost meets your budget, you should contact the admissions office for more information.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Accounting Degree?
A two year accounting degree can be completed in two years or less. To reduce the time it takes to finish your degree, you may be able to use transfer credits, AP exams, CLEP exams, or accelerated courses online.
So, how long it takes to get your accounting degree will depend on these factors.
Universities Offering Accounting Associates Degree Programs Online
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer associates degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Sometimes also known as ATC, Albany Technical College was founded in 1961 to provide increased educational and professional opportunities around Albany, Georgia. They now have over 5,000 students, most of them urban residents in their area.
Their Associate’s Degree in Accounting can be fully completed online in just 24 months, assuming full-time enrollment.
- AAS in Accounting
Albany Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in Great Bend, Kansas, Barton Community College was founded in 1965. However, they have recently expanded their services with an all-new online campus meant to serve their long-distance students.
Just like most programs in their Business School, their Accounting program can be completed in person or online. Their classes are all divided into small cohorts to ensure personalized attention.
- AS in Accounting
Barton County Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Champlain College is located in Vermont, where they offer an intimate campus for their on-site classes as well as a well-developed online platform. Their Associate’s Degree in Accounting requires completion of 60 credit hours, which can be done in as little as 24 months.
As it was created for working adults, this program is designed to offer their students 24/7 access to course materials. They provide 3 semesters per year, each one comprised of two terms of seven weeks each.
- AS in Accounting
Champlain College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.
Chemeketa Community College was originally founded in 1969 in the vicinity of Salem, Oregon. Their purpose from the get-go was to provide technical and vocational education for students from Marion, Pol, and Linn counties.
They have recently expanded their portfolio to include a wider array of business degrees. This includes an Associate’s in Accounting that focuses strongly on developing its students’ problem-solving skills.
- AAS in Accounting
Chemeketa Community College is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The City of Columbus, Ohio houses the Columbus State Community College, which has been providing affordable educational opportunities since 1963. This former Technician school has recently expanded its online offerings.
Their Associate’s Degree in accounting, which can be completed in 2 years, offers a thorough training in the profession. It also prepares students specifically for the State’s CPA examination.
- AAS in Accounting
Columbus State Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Located in the State of Michigan, Davenport University has a three-campus system around its state, as well as an online platform for long-distance students. They now offer Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in six different disciplines.
Their ABA degree in accounting provides training in the fundamentals of record-keeping, state taxation law, and training for the local Auditing board.
- ABA in Accounting
Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
FSCJ was originally established in 1966 and offers local and online students a wide array of four-year and two-year programs. They now have more than 52,000 students, most of them pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree.
Their Associate in Science in Accounting Technology is relatively unique due to its focus on providing students with hands-on experience with accounting software and online tools to pursue their profession.
- AS in Accounting Technology
FSCJ is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in the city of Melbourne, Florida, the Florida Institute of Technology is a small research-oriented college with over 6,400 students. They offer an accounting program as an Associate in Arts, which can be completed entirely online in just 18 months.
Enrollment includes all textbooks and materials at their online platform, and they do not charge an application fee.
- AA in Accounting
Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (
This community college is located in Los Altos Hills, on the outskirts of Santa Clara (California). They currently have over 13,000 students across their more than 70 Associate’s programs and 107 different certificates offered.
Their Accounting program is offered as an A.D., and it encompasses 53 units that can be completed in two years or less. It was designed specifically to cover all topics requires by the California Board of Accountancy.
- AA in Accounting
Foothill College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
This college encompasses six different locations serving a wide number of rural communities in Northwestern Georgia. They were founded in 1962 and receive approximately 10,000 new students every year.
Their Accounting program has been designed as an Associate of Applied Science, and as such, it places a strong emphasis on mastery of the different skills required to excel in the profession. A minimum of 64 credit hours is required for graduation.
- AAS in Accounting
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian College based in Marion, Indiana. They date back to 1920 and have grown exponentially over the past few decades. Because of this, they now serve over 13,000 students from 10 different countries.
Their DeVoe School of Business offers an Associate of Science in Accounting, which requires completion of 59 credit hours and offers the possibility of transferring up to 20.
- AS in Accounting
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Ivy Tech Community College was known until very recently as the Indiana Vocational Technical College. It was founded in 1963, and they own multiple satellite campuses around Indiana, in addition to an online platform. They currently serve approximately 200,000 undergraduates.
Their Associate’s Degree in Accounting is mostly taught by local Certified Public Accountants, and it offers a well-balanced curriculum on the legal and math-based aspects of the profession.
- AAS in Accounting
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Lanier Technical College has five different campuses across the state of Georgia, in Gainesville, Cumming, Winder, Dawsonville, and Jackson. They offer a wide variety of vocational and tuition-free degrees.
Their Accounting Program is offered as an Associate’s degree and was designed to be completed in 5 semesters. In-state students are eligible to apply for a Pell Grant.
- AAS in Accounting
Lanier Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in La Grange, North Carolina, Lenoir Community College specializes in weekend and nighttime classes meant to develop the local workforce. Besides, they run some off-campus centers and fully-comprehensive online modules.
Their Associate’s in Accounting and Finance includes coursework in business ethics, taxation law, computer applications, and real estate regulations.
- AAS in Accounting and Finance
Lenoir Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University is a Christian college with over 100,000 students. Most of its students take advantage of its numerous outreach programs and its online campus. This allows long-distance students to pursue one of over 90 different degrees fully online.
Their Associate’s degree in Accounting requires 60 credit hours, which can be usually completed in 18 months.
- AA in Accounting
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Lone Star College System is based in the state of Texas, where they run 7 different community colleges, in addition to an online facility. They were established in 1973 and currently have more than 90,000 students.
Their Associate’s degree in accounting accepts credit transfers for those who hold prior studies as accounting assistants. The full program is designed to take two years.
- AAS in Accounting
Lone Star College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Detroit’s Macomb Community College is one of the oldest community colleges in the state of Michigan. Over the past two decades, they have expanded their catalog to include several Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees through local partnerships.
Their Accounting program encompasses four semesters and a balanced curriculum that explores marketing, entrepreneurship, taxation, and business fundamentals.
- ABA in Accounting
Macomb Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Sometimes known affectionately as “M State,” this community college dates back to 2003. They now have two main campuses and over 6,000 students. Their recent merger with Fergus Falls Community College has allowed them to expand their faculty members and programs offered.
They offer an Associate’s degree in accounting that accepts both new students and graduates of their Accounting Clerk Diploma program.
- AAS in Accounting
Minnesota State Community and Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
New England College is located in Henniker, New Hampshire, where they serve approximately 2,700 students. They date back to 1946 and have recently undergone a major expansion following the inauguration of their online campus.
Their Associate’s degree in Accounting focuses on training its students for the day-to-day operations of a licensed accountant.
- AS in Accounting
New England College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Northeast Community College is a network of vocational colleges across the state of Nebraska. They offer over 130 different programs on four campuses.
Their Accounting program is awarded as an Associate of Applied Science, and therefore includes 60 credit hours and hands-on experience or internships to be completed. The credits can then be transferred into a 4-year program.
- AAS in Accounting
Northeast Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Purdue University is one of the most important universities in Indiana. They are located in the city of Lafayette, and their main campus serves over 43,000 students. They are ranked as one of the best public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Their Associate’s degree in Accounting provides a well-rounded education and can be completed online. It is designed to take two years, at 20 hours per week.
- AAS in Accounting
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Located in Tempe, Arizona, Rio Salado College was founded in 1978 as a way to equalize academic opportunities around Maricopa County. Their Associate in Applied Sciences in Accounting can be completed in two to three years and requires the completion of 65 credit hours.
Students receive a certificate of completion in addition to connections for internships before graduation.
- AAS in Accounting
Rio Salado College is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Located in the city of Shoreline, Washington, this community college serves over 13,000 students (under both full-time and part-time enrolment). The college was founded in 1964 to accommodate the state’s rapidly expanding population.
The college runs under a quarterly system, with one term per season. Their Accounting program requires completion of 90 credits.
- AAAS in Accounting
Shoreline Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
South Texas College is located in the Rio Grande Valley and currently serves over 31,000 students. Their Accounting program is given as part of their Business Administration department. Therefore, it provides simplified transfers among similar majors.
The curriculum includes fundamentals of administration, import and export technology, and revenue tracking.
- AAS in Accounting
South Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The suburban campus of Southern New Hampshire University is located in the city of Manchester. Their campus encompasses 300 acres and is within driving distance to Boston.
Their Associate’s degree in Accounting is provided online and was designed to give its students a solid foundation to become a certified management accountant (CMA).
- AS in Accounting
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
Students enrolled in the accounting associate’s program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College take a multitude of classes to help them learn to work in private business and industry, government agencies, and public accounting firms.
- Associate’s in Accounting
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tidewater Community College is located in South Hampton Roads, a suburban community in Virginia. They were founded in 1968, and their campus now serves 34,000 students. They offer a well-rounded Associate’s degree in accounting, which can be completed in 4 semesters.
Students can choose between a further specialization as an Accounting Specialist or Accounting Technician.
- AAS in Accounting
Tidewater Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Although it may seem out of the way at first glance, the University of Alaska – Fairbanks has built its diversity by accommodating rural and long-distance students.
Their Associate’s in Applied Accounting encompasses fundamentals of financial theory, resource, and expense tracking, and provides thorough training in handling bookkeeping software. It requires 60 credits for graduation.
- AAS in Applied Accounting
UAF is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the Trident Technical College offers a variety of academic programs and a Lottery-funded Tuition Assistance program. This college is proud to offer enhanced opportunities for its graduates, facilitating credit transfer to 4-year colleges.
Their Associate’s program in Accounting can be completed either online or in a traditional classroom.
- AA in Accounting
Trident Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is exclusively devoted to offering two-year degrees at an Associate’s level. They have campuses across the state of Wisconsin, in Ashland, New Richmond, Superior, and Rice Lake.
Their Accounting program has a strong financial focus and includes education on economic theory and risk assessment.
- Associates in Accounting
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is accredited by and is a member of the Higher Learning Commission.
Is an Associates Degree in Accounting Worth It?
Yes, an associates degree in accounting is worth it for many professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% job growth in business and financial occupations for the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations. Common careers in this field include accounts receivable clerk, bookkeeper, purchasing assistant, and junior accountant.
An online accounting associate degree can open doors for your new career. Start looking at schools that offer these programs, checking accreditation, and cost.
Determine which online accounting associates degree is right for you and put in your application. The career you have been looking for may be at your fingertips with an online accounting associate degree, so get started.
