Updated on May 3, 2024
Edited by Evelyn Keener
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University HQ is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University Headquarters strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs for an associate in accounting.

Get Matched With Accounting Colleges

Whether you’re looking for a quick way to enter the workforce or something to get you into an internship, an on-campus or online associate degree in accounting is the best place to get started. This is especially true since online education has come to the forefront of higher-level learning. Accounting online students will learn all the basics, from daily journal entries and best practices to accounting ethics and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These fast-track online associate degree or on-campus programs usually take 18 months to two years to complete. If online students attend full-time, after which accounting graduates can apply for a wide variety of entry-level jobs in the accounting field or choose to continue their education at colleges and universities all over the US. While you won’t have access to the highest level of certifications or positions, this associate accounting degree will give you a boost into the entry-level accounting career you’re looking for, even if you only have a high school diploma or GED.

Compare Popular Online Accounting Programs

PROS

    You may be weighing your options about the degree level you’ll soon be choosing. Use the following pros and cons of an online associate in accounting so that you can make the decision that’s best for you. Pros:

  • Less time in school — Typically, an online associate degree in most disciplines will require that you spend only between 18 and 24 months (two years) in school to complete an online associate.
  • Fewer credit hours to complete — You’ll complete between 60 and 90 credit hours, depending on the community college or technical school you choose
  • You’ll gain a sufficient amount of knowledge for a good accounting career — once you graduate, you’ll be ready to work in a business
  • The position you’re interested in may not require a 4-year degree, such as an accounts receivable clerk or other entry-level accounting and auditing clerks — And you can work your way up into a managerial accounting position with experience once you’ve earned your degree
  • Many online associate in accounting degrees are available with financial aid offered no matter where in the country you live, and these programs offer flexible access to online courses so that you can continue to work or care for your family while earning your degree online
  • You don’t have to wait for four years to begin working in your chosen career

CONS

    If you have career aspirations that reach beyond an online associate degree in accounting, such as becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), then you may not be able to satisfy them without earning a higher accounting degree.

  • Certain accountancy careers won’t allow a graduate with an Associate of Arts or Science accounting degree to do the work — CPAs are required to hold, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in accounting
  • Having only an associate degree in accounting may make it hard for you to move into management — If you plan to work as a CFO, you’ll need a master’s degree or higher
  • Completing only an accounting associate degree program means you won’t be able to do some accounting applications — evaluating different issues in accounting requires a more in-depth education
  • Your salary will be limited with an accounting associate degree — If you have a bachelor’s, master’s, or higher, then your annual median salary will be higher
  • You may be chafing at your professional limitations — Holding a bachelor’s degree or higher may give you more options
  • You may not be hired over other competitors — In most new fields, those who have more knowledge (e.g., higher education) may have the first opportunities to do the work, whether for large or small organizations, businesses, firms, or government agencies

Top 25 Best Online Associate in Accounting Programs


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,400
    • Out-of-State: $8,400
  • Net Price: $11,172
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 55%
  • Total Enrollment: 48,668
  • Undergrad Students: 39,206
  • Graduate Students: 9,462
  • Grads Salary: $53,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • American Public University System
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2
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $31,168
    • Out-of-State: $31,168
  • Net Price: $21,755
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,603
  • Undergrad Students: 2,236
  • Graduate Students: 367
  • Grads Salary: $52,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Indiana Wesleyan University
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3

Foothill College

Score: 77.94

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $1,565
    • Out-of-State: $12,320
  • Net Price: $11,013
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 100%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 12,434
  • Undergrad Students: 12,434
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $48,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 25:1
  • Foothill College
4

Northwest Iowa Community College

Score: 77.17

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,110
    • Out-of-State: $7,410
  • Net Price: $12,334
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,811
  • Undergrad Students: 1,811
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $47,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Northwest Iowa Community College
5

Elizabethtown College

Score: 76.59

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $36,842
    • Out-of-State: $36,842
  • Net Price: $26,723
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,021
  • Undergrad Students: 1,737
  • Graduate Students: 284
  • Grads Salary: $46,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Elizabethtown College
6

Herzing University-Minneapolis

Score: 75.69

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,420
    • Out-of-State: $13,420
  • Net Price: $19,527
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 815
  • Undergrad Students: 808
  • Graduate Students: 7
  • Grads Salary: $45,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Herzing University-Minneapolis
7

Cambridge College

Score: 73.93

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $18,072
    • Out-of-State: $18,072
  • Net Price: $21,178
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 100%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,135
  • Undergrad Students: 840
  • Graduate Students: 1,295
  • Grads Salary: $49,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Cambridge College
8
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $23,324
    • Out-of-State: $23,324
  • Net Price: $18,350
  • Acceptance Rate: 99%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,073
  • Undergrad Students: 4,069
  • Graduate Students: 1,004
  • Grads Salary: $50,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Davenport University
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9
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,916
    • Out-of-State: $7,109
  • Net Price: $10,220
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 11,181
  • Undergrad Students: 11,181
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $43,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Fox Valley Technical College
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10

Champlain College

Score: 71.68

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $45,550
    • Out-of-State: $45,550
  • Net Price: $35,133
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,543
  • Undergrad Students: 3,060
  • Graduate Students: 483
  • Grads Salary: $49,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Champlain College
11

Cleary University

Score: 70.58

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $24,842
    • Out-of-State: $24,842
  • Net Price: $27,209
  • Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • Retention Rate: 52%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 891
  • Undergrad Students: 719
  • Graduate Students: 172
  • Grads Salary: $46,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Cleary University
12
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,640
    • Out-of-State: $22,752
  • Net Price: $9,450
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 39%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,607
  • Undergrad Students: 5,636
  • Graduate Students: 971
  • Grads Salary: $46,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • University of Alaska Fairbanks
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13

Northwood Technical College

Score: 69.85

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,524
    • Out-of-State: $6,583
  • Net Price: $9,800
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,677
  • Undergrad Students: 2,677
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 5:1
  • Northwood Technical College
14

Gateway Technical College

Score: 69.42

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,853
    • Out-of-State: $7,046
  • Net Price: $8,274
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,881
  • Undergrad Students: 9,881
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $40,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Gateway Technical College
15

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Score: 69.03

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,724
    • Out-of-State: $6,917
  • Net Price: $10,302
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,364
  • Undergrad Students: 8,364
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $43,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Chippewa Valley Technical College
16

Southeast Technical College

Score: 68.84

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,650
    • Out-of-State: $7,650
  • Net Price: $16,048
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 58%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,453
  • Undergrad Students: 2,453
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $40,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Southeast Technical College
17
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,904
    • Out-of-State: $7,097
  • Net Price: $9,574
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,661
  • Undergrad Students: 10,661
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $39,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
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18
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,566
    • Out-of-State: $21,693
  • Net Price: $15,609
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 30%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,464
  • Undergrad Students: 9,925
  • Graduate Students: 539
  • Grads Salary: $49,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • University of Alaska Anchorage
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19

Central Penn College

Score: 67.78

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $19,404
    • Out-of-State: $19,404
  • Net Price: $13,803
  • Acceptance Rate: 34%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 36%
  • Total Enrollment: 943
  • Undergrad Students: 918
  • Graduate Students: 25
  • Grads Salary: $40,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Central Penn College
20

Moraine Park Technical College

Score: 67.39

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,713
    • Out-of-State: $6,917
  • Net Price: $9,339
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,074
  • Undergrad Students: 3,074
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $38,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Moraine Park Technical College
21

Shoreline Community College

Score: 66.95

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,388
    • Out-of-State: $7,430
  • Net Price: $9,442
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 54%
  • Graduation Rate: 29%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,418
  • Undergrad Students: 4,418
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $49,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Shoreline Community College
22

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Score: 66.71

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,796
    • Out-of-State: $6,989
  • Net Price: $10,027
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 55%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,710
  • Undergrad Students: 2,710
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $35,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
23

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Score: 66.41

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,490
    • Out-of-State: $33,490
  • Net Price: $17,358
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,147
  • Undergrad Students: 815
  • Graduate Students: 332
  • Grads Salary: $38,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
24

Lakeshore Technical College

Score: 66.04

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,649
    • Out-of-State: $6,842
  • Net Price: $9,327
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,154
  • Undergrad Students: 3,154
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $37,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Lakeshore Technical College
25

University of Cincinnati-Clermont College

Score: 66.02

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,554
    • Out-of-State: $13,786
  • Net Price: $9,248
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 22%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,448
  • Undergrad Students: 7,448
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $50,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • University of Cincinnati-Clermont College

Certificate vs. Associate


An online associate degree (Associate of Arts or Associate of Science in Accounting) gives you more material to learn so that you’ll be prepared to move into a four-year program after you complete your online associate accounting degree. With this option, you’ll take general education courses, as well as your core courses for your accounting degree major.

You’ll also be ready to transition into an online or on-campus, four-year accounting students program in business administration, economics, accounting, financial services, management, international business, intermediate accounting, or marketing.

Consider a certificate in accounting online to be more of a workforce credential. In an online certificate accounting program, you’ll be learning new accounting and bookkeeping skills that mean you’ll be able to do that work once hired, but you won't be able to move into any other position in the field.

Types of Associate Degrees Avaialble


When you enroll into a financial accounting degree program in a community college, you want to know what associate degrees you may earn. Some will be associate degrees and others will be certificates, though any of these could be offered online or through a hybrid online accounting program, which includes online and in-person learning.

  • Associate in Business with an Emphasis in Accounting
  • Associate of Scienc in Accounting
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting
  • Associate of Applied Arts & Sciences in Accounting

Admission Requirements for an Accounting Associates


Generally, you must be able to demonstrate a 2.5 GPA with a high school diploma to gain entry to most accounting programs. If your GPA is lower, you should be able to prove the potential for academic success. You may be required to write a short essay, answering three to four essay questions and why you want to enter an online associate accounting degree program.

  • High school diploma or GED transcripts with a 2.5 GPA or above
  • Scores from the ACT or SAT test
  • Possible short essay
Check out our financial aid and FAFSA guide Learn more about accounting scholarships & resources

Associate in Accounting Coursework by Semester


Most online accounting degree curriculum programs provide a well-rounded education by combining a core set of general education courses with specialized classes in the accounting discipline. Depending on your region of the country you are in and the online program you choose, the online classes can vary. Below is a sample plan of a semester by semester curriculum to earn your degree.

Semester 1

  • Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success
  • Introduction to Computers
  • English Composition I
  • Introduction to Business
  • Introduction to Accounting

Semester 2

  • Computerized Accounting
  • English Composition II
  • General Education Elective
  • Principles of Accounting I
  • Principles of Accounting II

Semester 3

  • General Education Elective
  • College Mathematics or College Algebra
  • Business Law or Microeconomics
  • Intermediate Accounting I
  • Intermediate Accounting II

Semester 4

  • Income Tax Preparation or Principles of Managerial Accounting
  • Principles of Public Speaking
  • Personal Finance or Principles of Finance
  • Payroll, Sales and Property Taxes or Payroll Accounting
  • Elective

7 Potential Jobs You Can Get With an Associate Degree in Accounting


Even with only a two-year associate in accounting degree, you can earn a good salary. Your knowledge and job role will be highly valued in any organization, so you will be well-compensated. In some accounting online positions, you may also have the option to perform remote work from home.

Accounting Clerk

Mean annual wage is $39,400. You will work with all ledger accounts (accounts payable/receivable, cash, and others). You will maintain and make needed adjustments to records or logs and verify and reconcile bank statements or department records. You’ll balance entries and make corrections, sort documents, post debits and credits, then verify amounts and codes for accuracy.

Bookkeeping

Mean annual wage is $43,500. You’ll work closely with a company, helping them to make the best economic decisions for their business. You should know QuickBooks or another computerized accounting online program. You’ll also work with Microsoft Excel. You’ll help employees, making salary and benefit changes. You’ll be responsible for creating reports periodically.

Office Manager

Mean annual wage is $48,800. You’re responsible for running an entire office. You’ll need to have excellent problem-solving and communication skills in order to coordinate projects, activities, and employees. You’re responsible for office and/or department operations; you’ll review budgets, maintain databases, and records.

Auditing Clerk

Mean annual wage is $41,600. You’re responsible for ensuring that your employer’s financial matters are well-controlled. You’ll look over all transactions from the different departments and ensure that the financial reporting and other financial transactions have been done right. You’ll also carry out various accounting functions (counting, balancing revenues and expenses, and auditing of the different departments in the company).

Billing Specialist

Mean annual wage is $47,120. A billing specialist plays a crucial role in the financial operations of a company by ensuring accurate and timely invoicing for products or services rendered to clients. Their responsibilities include verifying billing information, resolving discrepancies, and communicating effectively with both internal teams and clients. In addition to managing billing cycles, they also monitor payments, follow up on overdue accounts, and maintain detailed records to track financial transactions. One key aspect of a billing specialist's job is to stay updated on industry regulations and best practices to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Accounting Assistant

National average salary is $45,928. An accounting assistant plays a crucial role in maintaining the financial health of an organization. They often handle tasks such as data entry, preparing reports, and reconciling financial records. Despite their title, these professionals are not limited to just assisting; they contribute significantly to the smooth operation of the accounting department. Their role requires a good understanding of accounting principles and software systems to effectively support the team. By being meticulous in their work, accounting assistants help uphold the integrity of financial data within an organization.

Payroll Assistant

Mean annual wage is $54,690. A payroll assistant is an essential member of any organization's financial team, responsible for ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time. This role involves calculating wages, processing payments, and addressing any payroll-related inquiries from staff members. Additionally, payroll assistants often assist with tax filings and compliance to ensure that the organization adheres to all relevant laws and regulations. They serve as a point of contact for any salary discrepancies or payment issues, fostering trust and transparency within the workplace.

Further Education to Advance Your Career


If you wish to advance in this career, you’ll need to return to school and earn your bachelor’s degree in accounting. This might be easier with an online associate degree in accounting if you work or live far away from a college or university offering the degree you want. After graduation, you’ll be able to work in private companies as a staff accountant. If you want to become a CPA, you will need a bachelor’s degree, at minimum. Look for a bachelor’s accounting program with a CPA track in accounting principles. These are available in traditional and online formats.

You can also choose to obtain a higher level accounting degree than an associate degree in accounting; a bachelors, a masters or even a doctorate in accounting. Graduating with your master’s degree in accounting allows you to specialize in financial accounting, taxation, or auditing. Earning your PhD in accounting allows you to ascend to senior or executive management positions.

Frequently Asked Questions


How long does it take to earn an associate degree in accounting?

Your accounting major will cover four semesters or two academic years before you’re ready to graduate, though some accelerated accounting online programs are available online or in-person to help students graduate even faster.

Will an associate degree in accounting get me a job in the field?

It’s true that most accounting firms are looking for bachelor’s degree holders when they hire for their accounting department. In the same way, larger companies tend to look for those who have graduated from four-year programs when they look to hire new accounting professionals. However, both in these larger organizations and, more often, in smaller companies, there are opportunities for those who have earned an associate degree. In fact, some companies that hire workers for data entry may end up using them to perform certain simple accounting tasks. There are many small roles that are waiting to be filled and, if you have accounting experience, that can qualify you for more responsibility, extended employment, and even promotions if you are a hard worker. With this experience, you can move into more advanced accounting roles and make the most of your career.

What certifications can I get with an associate degree in accounting?

Earning a certification can make it more likely that you will be hired into a position, even with a lower-level degree, such as an associate degree. Though many certifications require that you have at least a bachelor’s degree, such as a certified public accountant (CPA) certificate, there are others that you can pursue with an associate degree. Here is a short list.

  • Bookkeeping Certificate
  • Certified Accounting Technician (CAT)
  • Certified Accounts Payable Associate (CAPA)
  • Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP)
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

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