30 Best Online Associate’s in Accounting Degrees [2024 Guide]

Updated on September 20, 2024
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Explore online associates degree in accounting programs. Compare schools and see what you can do with an associates degree in accounting.

If you’re interested in a career in finance, an online accounting degree can open a lot of doors. Not only can it qualify you for a wide-range of jobs, but it can also serve as the first step toward an advanced degree or CPA qualification.

As a bonus, it an online degree program can let you study at your own pace and from your own home, making it easier to get started with your accounting career.

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Schools Offering Associate’s Degree in Accounting Programs Online

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Albany Technical College

Albany Technical College is part of the Technical College System of Georgia. The school aims to prepare individuals to meet dynamic and evolving workforce needs. Their programs can be completed online or on campus.

The school’s Accounting Diploma and Degree programs prepare students for a variety of entry-level positions in Accounting, equipping them with knowledge and skills that are relevant in today’s technology-driven workplaces.

Graduates will be prepared to take on jobs, including income tax preparation, auditing, cost accounting, governmental accounting, and public accounting.

Albany Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

2. Atlanta Technical College

Atlanta Technical College is part of the Technical College System of Georgia. The school envisions transforming the lives of its students, faculty, and staff, thereby making a positive impact on the community.

The school’s associate degree in Accounting is a sequence of courses that prepares students for a variety of careers. Students acquire academic and technical knowledge and skills necessary for job acquisition and career advancement.

The curriculum is composed of 52 hours of program-specific occupational course requirements and 15 hours of general education courses.

Atlanta Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

3. Barton Community College

Barton Community College is a comprehensive community college, established in 1969 in Barton County, Kansas.

Barton Community College Accounting program takes pride in having a supportive classroom environment, with small classes, personalized learning, instructor-led sessions, and hands-on training. This allows students to acquire an excellent understanding of accounting processes and fundamental business principles.

Barton County Community College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.

4. Central Carolina Community College

Central Carolina Community College has campuses in Harnett, Chatham, and Lee counties. It offers courses in Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science.

The College’s accounting program focuses on learning the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Some of the subjects taught in the program include Financial and Managerial Accounting, Payroll and Accounting Software, Income Tax, and Business Law and Ethics.

Central Carolina Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

5. Champlain College

Champlain College was established in 1878 and is located in Burlington, Vermont. It is ranked among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report and named among the top MBA programs by Abound/Colleges of Distinction.

Champlain’s Associate in Accounting program is built around the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Core Competency Framework. It provides students with hands-on experience and equips them with problem-solving and critical thinking techniques in preparation for future success.

Champlain College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.

6. Coastal Pines Technical College

Coastal Pines Technical College is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. The school offers classes fully online, with affordable tuition fees. There are also scholarships and grants offered to help students shoulder school expenses.

The Accounting Programs available include Accounting Degree (can be completed in 6 semesters), Accounting Diploma (can be completed in 3 semesters), and Office Accounting Specialist Certificate (can be completed in 2 semesters).

Coastal Pines Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

7. Columbus State Community College

Columbus State College is the largest provider of online courses in Ohio. With hundreds of courses and dozens of degrees that can be completed fully online, students will surely get access to the programs they want to accomplish.

Online students get the same personalized attention as students get in regular classes. They offer programs in Accounting Associate of Applied Science, which prepare graduates for jobs as accountants and Accounting Concentration Certificate, which prepares students for the CPA examination.

Columbus State Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

8. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University offers programs and degrees that are primarily focused on business, management, and technology. Over 90% of their students take their courses fully online.

They offer a variety of accredited degree programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Management, Public Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, Energy Management, Health Sciences, and Information Systems and Technology.

CTU’s Associate of Science in Accounting degree program equips students to pursue entry-level employment. Upon completing this program, graduates may be able to pursue careers in bookkeeping, auditing, and accounting.

Colorado Technical University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

9. Community College of Allegheny County

The Community College of Allegheny County or CCAC was founded in 1966. Today, it takes pride in being a nationally renowned educational powerhouse offering top-ranked academic programs in its four campuses and 5 learning centers. It is listed among the Best Colleges Nationwide by College Factual.

The school’s accounting programs prepare students for employment in banks, accounting firms, and accounting departments of businesses. These programs are designed to develop entry-level accounting skills for immediate employment or for transfer to a four-year degree in a college or university.

The Community College of Allegheny County is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

10. Davenport University

Davenport University was founded in 1866 and has its main campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The university’s Accounting courses offer a perfect balance between theoretical understanding and hands-on learning opportunities. Foundation courses introduce accounting theory and the business accounting cycle. Students are trained to develop and maintain accounting records, as well as prepare financial statements.

Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

11. Florida State College – Jacksonville

Florida State University at Jacksonville has multiple locations throughout Duval County and Nassau County in the state of Florida.

The school offers an Associate in Science in Accounting Technology degree, which provides students with a solid foundation in all aspects of accounting practices. It encompasses three technical accounting certificates: Accounting Technology Management, Accounting Technology Operations, and Accounting Technology Specialist.

Florida State College at Jacksonville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

12. Florida Tech

Florida Institute of Technology, located in Melbourne, was founded in 1958 with the aim of educating professionals working on the Space Coast.

Florida Tech’s Associate of Arts in Accounting is a combination of accounting principles and liberal arts, providing students with a well-rounded education. In this program, students learn about specialized accounting concepts, like estimating the value of liabilities and equities and applying these accounting principles in daily practice.

Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges.

13. Foothill College

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.

Foothill College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

14. Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers almost 200 academic programs that prepare future professionals to succeed in the modern global workforce.

The school offers Accounting programs on its campuses in Floyd County, Gordon County, and Walker County. Courses can also be completed online. The Associate Degree in Accounting program is a sequence of courses that prepares learners for a number of accounting career paths in today’s modern workplaces.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

15. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian university with a main campus in Marion, Indiana. It also has 15 education centers in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Students in the Associate of Science with a major in Accounting are expected to demonstrate ethical decision-making in the application of fundamental business and accounting principles. Students are equipped with accounting analysis skills, integrated with Christian beliefs as guiding principles for business and personal interactions.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

16. Lanier Technical College

Lanier Technical College is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. The school offers career-technical education programs through traditional and distance learning formats.

The school’s Accounting Associate Degree Program prepares students for a number of careers in business and accounting. This program can be completed on their campuses in Hall, Forsyth, Barrow, and through the online format. For this program, students can avail themselves of the Pell Grant and may be eligible for Institutional and State Financial Aid.

Lanier Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

17. Liberty University

Liberty University is an evangelical l, liberal arts institution with 17 colleges and schools and over 600 programs of study with degrees at the associate, bachelor, masters, and doctoral degree levels.

The university’s Associate Degree in Accounting can be completed in 8-week courses and 100% online. This is an introductory program designed to equip individuals with proficiency in accounting. Graduates may pursue careers as a financial planner, auditor, accountant, budget analyst, among many others.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. Lone Star College

Lone Star College was founded in 1972 with a vision to be a globally recognized model College that helps students achieve exceptional levels of success. It ranks #1 in for Online Student Enrollment in Texas, having the largest number of online students according to the U.S. Department of Education.

The school’s Accounting AAS degree is a two-year program that enables graduates to enter the workforce quickly. This degree will be awarded upon the successful completion of 60 credit hours. Credits earned in the Accounting Certificate Level I program can be applied to this degree.

Lone Star College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

19. Northcentral Technical College

Northcentral Technical College has been making changing lives in central Wisconsin since its founding in 1912.

The Accounting Associate Degree prepares learners to a wide range of essential skills in accounting, which include maintaining accounting systems, analyzing business records, balancing sheets, and preparing financial reports. This degree can be accessed 100% online.

Northcentral Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

20. Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia Community College was established in 1964, with a commitment to deliver world-class education to the region and to create opportunities for teaching and learning.

The school offers an Associate Degree in Accounting, which can be completed online. Courses of study include Auditing, Principles of Accounting, Computerized Accounting, Governmental and Not-for-profit Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, and Taxation.

Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

21. Northwest Iowa Community College

Northwest Iowa Community College is located in Sheldon, Iowa, and was first opened in 1966. It offers 43 programs in vocational, technical, and arts and sciences transfer courses.

Accounting students are expected to work extensively with all aspects of the accounting cycle in preparation for entry-level employment in a variety of accounting and financial settings. The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting can be completed within four semesters.

Northwest Iowa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

22. Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global takes pride in delivering a fully personalized, world-class online education, tailored to the needs of working adults.

The university’s Associate of Applied Science in Accounting program follows a curriculum that emphasizes the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to create solutions to accounting business issues and demands. The course runs in 10-week terms with 20 hours per week.

Purdue Global is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

23. Rio Salado College

Rio Salado College is a community college headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. The school offers associate degree and certificate programs online, on-campus, and hybrid formats.

The Associate in Applied Science in Accounting program is perfect for students who seek to gain skills and knowledge in order to get entry-level opportunities in the field of accounting.

Some of the required courses in the program are Accounting Principles, Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting, Payroll, Income Tax Preparation, Business Communication, and Ethical Issues in Business.

Rio Salado College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

24. Saint Mary of the Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a Roman Catholic liberal arts college in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. Founded in 1840, it is the oldest Catholic college in the state.

They offer Bachelor’s and Associate Degree programs in Accounting, which help prepare students for a future in finance. Courses can either be completed online or on-campus. Students will be taught the core accounting principles, which are relevant to apply on-the-job.

The school also puts a strong emphasis on liberal arts, which they believe will help students adapt to the changing needs of the industry and organization.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

25. South Texas College

South Texas College was founded in 1993. It offers over 120 degrees and certificate, including associate degrees in liberal arts, social science, business, technology, math, science, advanced manufacturing, and allied health fields.

The school offers the Associate Degree of Applied Science in Accounting, which serves as a fundamental stepping stone for entry into the accounting profession. This program is also designed to update and expand the skills of those who are already working in the field.

South Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

26. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University was founded in 1932 and has since grown into a leading institution that offers more than 300 programs to 3,000 on-campus students and over 90,000 online students.

The university’s online Associate Degree in Accounting builds a foundation in accounting and business. It works to equip students with the skills that employers look for. It is great for individuals who want to enter an accounting-related field. This degree also lays the foundation for further study to become a CPA.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

27. Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College has its main campus located in South Hampton Roads, Virginia. It has other campuses in Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. It was established in 1968 and is a part of the Virginia Community College System.

The school offers the Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Degree which teaches students how to use computerized accounting applications and online research tools to help them think critically and create solutions to various accounting issues.

Tidewater Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

28. Tulsa Community College

With an annual enrollment of 23,000 students, Tulsa Community College is considered Oklahoma’s largest community college. The school offers a wide variety of associate degrees and certificate programs that are designed to make students meet their educational goals.

They offer the following Accounting programs: Accounting Assistant Certificate, Associate in Applied Science and Certificate in Accounting Software Application Specialist, Associate in Applied Science and Certificate Accounting Specialist, Income Tax Specialist Certificate, and Payroll Administration Specialist Certificate.

Tulsa Community College is accredited by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission.

29. University of Alaska – Fairbanks

The University of Alaska – Fairbanks, founded in 1917, is a research university in College, Alaska. It is a flagship campus of the University of Alaska system.

The university’s A.A.S. Degree in Accounting has a minimum requirement of 60 credits. This applied accounting program prepares students for entry-level and mid-level accounting jobs. Students will be trained in bookkeeping, payroll accounting, payables and receivables, and financial decision-making.

UAF is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

30. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo is a research university located in Toledo, Ohio. The university also operates a 450-acre Health Science campus, which is home to the University of Toledo Medical Center.

The university offers the Associate of Applied Business – Accounting (AAB) degree to prepare accounting technology students to adapt and manage accounting procedures that continually grow in complexity. Classes are convenient and flexible and can be completed online or on-campus, with night and day classes options.

The University of Toledo is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Associate’s in Accounting Degrees

Accounting is a broad field, and it includes sub-specialties such as forensic accounting and financial auditing. It refers to accountants who provide services to different clients, agencies, businesses, nonprofits, or government organizations.

In addition to public accountants, you can also become a private accountant and work for a corporation. These types of accountants in-house employees. This is also known as working in the private sector.

Certified public accountants (CPAs) are public accountants. Some CPAs start their careers as public accountants before going private in later years.

This is perfectly normal, and a CPA certification isn’t a ball and chain around your ankle that limits you to public accounting work for the rest of your life. It’s just a good-looking qualification on a resume.

If you aren’t sure what type of accounting to specialize in, you might want to start with public accounting. It can give you a good foundation for further study, and it can put you on track to becoming a CPA. You can always change your mind later if you get an offer for work in the private sector.

What Do Accountants Do?

Accountants are responsible for financial records. Depending on their job, they might be in charge of taxes, budgets, audits, invoices, or general financial documents. They’re the people with the calculators.

Many accountants specialize in a particular area of interest. This isn’t required, but if you’re hoping for a long-term accounting career with promotions and salary increases, it can help to have a niche set of skills.

Some accounting jobs will require more than an associate degree. Especially for senior, high-paying positions, you might need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance. It’s also common for companies to require certification as a CPA.

Here are just a few specialties that are available for accountants.

Each of these areas is in high demand and can lead to very satisfying careers.

Associates in Accounting Curriculum

An associate degree in accounting can give you a basic understanding of things like bookkeeping, auditing, and payroll clerking.

It’s designed to prepare you for entry-level jobs with no further education needed, but at the same time, it can give you the building blocks for a more advanced education if you decide to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting.

Here are some of the courses that you can expect to take:

These are just a few courses that can round out your accounting degree program. Another thing to consider is that you can aim for either an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), and each degree track will have different requirements.

Accounting Associates Degree Salary

You can earn a decent salary with an associate’s degree in accounting. It won’t match the salaries of advanced degree holders, but it’ll be more than most high school graduates without any college make.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are a few of the jobs that you can get with an associate’s degree:

These are just the average salaries for these jobs. As with any job, there can be pay variations depending on your level of experience. For example, for accounting assistants, the bottom earners make $25,870 annually, while those with a decade of experience can pull $62,410.

Accounting Professional Organizations

There are many benefits to joining a professional organization for accountants. Not only can they provide educational resources while you’re seeking your degree, but they can also offer things like job matches, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities after you graduate.

Accounting Certifications and Licenses

Your education doesn’t have to end with an associate degree. In fact, if you’re willing to go a step further and obtain your bachelor’s, you can turn your eyes to several other certifications.

There are a few other certifications that you can obtain as an accountant, including certified financial analyst (CFA), certified internal auditor (CIA), and chartered global management accountant (CGMA).

Accreditation

You’ll want to choose an accredited school when looking for online accounting degree programs. Accreditation means that they’ve met objective standards for educational quality, and they’re also eligible for federal financial aid.

The following are regional accreditors, the gold-standard for accreditation.

Proper accreditation for business degree online programs ensures that other educational institutions and employers will recognize your degree.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The biggest source of financial aid for college students is the federal government, starting with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The government offers both grants and loans, and it can be applied to many different degree programs. It can help you with an associate degree in accounting just as much as a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or technology.

Scholarships are another good source of financial aid. For example, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers a wide range of scholarships to current and prospective students, including a Two-Year Transfer Scholarship Award for accounting majors in community college. It’s worth $5,000.

You can also ask for tuition reimbursement from your workplace. Especially if you’re clerking or interning for an accounting firm, they might be willing to offset some of your tuition costs.

FAQs

What Is an AS Degree in Accounting?

There are two options for people seeking an associate degree in accounting:

Both degrees can qualify you for accounting jobs, and they can serve as the foundation for further study if you’d like a more advanced degree or certification.

I Have an Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Now What?

There are many entry-level jobs for people with an associate accounting degree, including clerking, bookkeeping, and acting as an assistant or junior staffer to a more experienced accountant.

You might also decide to go back to school and obtain a bachelor’s, a master’s, or even a doctorate in accounting or finance. This can help open the door for an eventual CPA certification. Consider accelerated programs in accounting if you want to fast-track the completion of your degree.

How Much Does an Accountant with an Associate’s Degree Make?

You can expect to make anywhere from $36,000-50,000 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics) with an associate degree in accounting. Your exact salary will depend on your job, industry, location, skillset, and overall years of experience.

Is an Associates in Accounting Worth It?

Yes, an associates in accounting is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in business and financial occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include accounts payable/receivable clerk, accounting assistant, tax preparer, and junior budget analyst.

Do you want to have an edge over your competitors when applying for entry-level jobs? Are you trying to lay the groundwork for a more advanced degree or certification in the future?

If so, an associate degree in accounting might be just what you need to get started with your career. It can stand alone as a good qualification on your resume, or it can serve as the first step toward a higher-paying job in business or finance. Consider enrolling in an online program for accounting associate degrees. It’s worth it.

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