At a Glance: BestColleges' Top Online Associate in Accounting Programs
#1: Southwestern Community College— This specialized degree program can be used immediately to enter the workforce.
#2: Vance-Granville Community College— Not only is this program very affordable, but it has high online enrollment numbers, which means you would be in good company.
#3: Fox Valley Technical College— The strong graduation rate for this program puts it at the top of our list.
Do you like math and numbers? Can you see yourself working with financial data or helping people manage their taxes and plan their financial futures?
Then consider earning an associate in accounting. In this two-year program, you'll learn accounting fundamentals, such as cost accounting, tax accounting, computerized accounting, and auditing.
To create our ranking of the best online accounting associate degree programs, we used a complex methodology to evaluate factors such as cost, graduation rate, and overall school reputation. Discover which programs made the cut.
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Best Associate in Accounting Online Degrees of 2025
Is an Online Accounting Associate Degree Right for You?
Pros
According to our 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 95% of online associate degree students and graduates surveyed say they would recommend online education to others.
Compared to bachelor's programs, online associate in accounting programs take just two years to complete, letting you enter the workforce more quickly and save money on tuition.
Once you earn an associate in accounting, you can enroll in a bachelor's in accounting program to become a full-fledged accountant or prepare for more advanced roles.
Cons
While earning your associate in accounting degree, you might find the coursework challenging, especially if you struggle with math and quantitative analysis.
You might get stuck in an entry-level role with little to no room for career growth unless you pursue further education, like a bachelor's in accounting.
Since most high-level accounting careers require at least a bachelor's degree, you'll likely be limited to lower-paying roles with fewer responsibilities and more monotonous or repetitive tasks, such as bookkeeping and data entry.
How to Choose the Best Associate in Accounting Online Program for You
Before you apply, carefully consider the length and cost of your online associate in accounting program. Also, think hard about what jobs you can get with this degree. This will ensure you choose an accounting program that best meets your needs.
Cost of an Accounting Associate Degree
Online
$3,461 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$1,880 Avg. Price After Grants & Scholarships
On-Campus
$3,145 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$1,733 Avg. Price After Grants & Scholarships
Source: NCES PowerStats; latest data is from 2019-2020 and is for associate degrees in all business subjects, including accounting
Business Scholarships: You can reduce the cost of business school, including online accounting associate degree programs, by applying for scholarships designed for business, management, and accounting students.
Scholarships for Community College Students: These awards, which you don't have to repay, can cover some or all of your tuition and fees for your associate in accounting program.
Online Student Scholarships: Search for scholarships designed for students in online programs.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Be sure to fill out the FAFSA each year you're in school to see if you qualify for grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Student Loans: Student loans are a common way to cover the cost of college. Keep in mind that you'll have to repay these over time — with interest.
Associate in Accounting Program Length
Typical # of Credits
60 Credits
Typical Program Length
2 Years
Associate in Accounting Application Requirements
High School or GED Diploma:You'll need a high school or GED diploma to get into a community college or any two-year online associate program in accounting.
Official Transcripts:You must also submit transcripts from all schools you've attended, including high school and any colleges or universities you enrolled in (even if you didn't graduate).
Minimum GPA:Your transcripts should generally show a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0.
Accreditation for Accounting Associate Degrees
As you research online accounting associate degree programs, look for programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
.ACBSP accreditation means the associate in accounting program has fulfilled strict requirements to provide students with a high-quality education and legitimate degrees.
Jobs With an Associate in Accounting Degree
| Job | Avg. Hourly Pay | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting Clerk | $19 (Apr. 2025) | Develops and updates financial records to support an organization's financial operations |
| Accounts Payable Clerk | $19 (Apr. 2025) | Performs daily financial transactions, processes incoming payments, and prepares bills and invoices for an organization |
| Billing Specialist | $20 (Apr. 2025) | Generates invoices and collects payments to ensure an organization maintains accurate billing records |
| Bookkeeper | $20 (Apr. 2025) | Oversees an organization's billing processes by managing patient accounts, creating invoices and claims, and solving billing issues |
| Payroll Assistant | $20 (Feb. 2025) | Reviews time sheets, files documents, and performs data entry tasks to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time |
Source: Payscale
Education Beyond an Accounting Associate Degree
Bachelor's in Accounting: You'll need a bachelor's degree to become a certified public accountant (CPA). An accounting bachelor's can also prepare you for roles like financial analyst, risk analyst, cost accountant, and financial advisor.
Accounting Certifications: Enhance your skills and resume by earning optional certifications. The QuickBooks certification, for example, demonstrates your mastery of a popular accounting software, opening you up to roles like tax preparer and business accounting specialist. You can also earn the CPA, CIA, CMA, and CME certifications, among many others, to find higher-paying accounting opportunities.
Master's in Accounting: A master's in accounting can prepare you for leadership roles such as forensic accountant, accounting manager, compliance risk manager, corporate controller, and director of accounting.
Ask An Expert: Frequently Asked Questions About Online Accounting Associate Degrees
Colin Smith is a certified public accountant and financial reporting consultant with over 16 years of experience advising public and private companies on a range of complex accounting projects. After spending 10+ years in Big 4 firms and working in public accounting, Colin started his own consulting practice. He also runs an accounting blog where he helps students and young professionals navigate their careers and the challenges of passing the CPA exam.
Should you get a bachelor's or an associate in accounting?
It depends on your goals. If you're just looking for an entry-level role and are OK with a limited path to promotion, an associate degree may be just fine. If you're seeking steady career progression and access to the higher income levels in the accounting field, then a bachelor's degree is the way to go.
How fast can you get an associate degree in accounting?
With a full-time workload, you can earn an associate degree in about two years. If you're able to take summer courses, then it may take even less time than that.
Can you become an accountant with an associate degree?
Anything is possible, but not in your first role out of school. At most companies, you'll likely be encouraged or expected to complete your bachelor's degree to open up more paths to promotion.
Is an accounting associate degree considered entry level?
Yes. An associate degree covers a much lower number of accounting courses, so the jobs available to associate degree-holders tend to be less complex entry-level roles.
Is an associate in accounting worth it?
For many people and certain situations, absolutely. For you? It depends on what your alternatives are.
If you know you'll eventually complete your bachelor's degree but just can't commit four-plus consecutive years to education at this moment, getting your associate degree out of the way while starting to earn some money can be a great alternative path toward an eventual bachelor's degree.
