Accountants help business leaders make complex decisions by providing financial data for a variety of business areas. As more and more accounting functions become automated, businesses look to accountants to provide data analysis and provide critical thinking skills. Earning a bachelor's degree in accounting provides these advanced skills along with instruction in multiple accounting specialties and prepares individuals for careers as accountants, budget analysts, financial managers, and auditors.
Graduates can find work with corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, or start an accounting and tax preparation business. Demand for accountants remains strong with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 10% growth in jobs through 2026. Accountants earned a median annual salary of $70,500 in 2020, with finance and insurance accountants earning $74,140 a year. A doctorate in accounting will also help increase your job prospects. According to Payscale, the average salary for someone with a Bachelor's of Arts in Accounting is $67,000. For someone with a Ph.D. in Accounting, the average salary increases to $95,000. Programs that offer preparation for professional certifications, software certifications, or a path to becoming a Certified Public Accountant can provide graduates with a competitive advantage in the job market.
Featured Online Schools
Ranking Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees
With dozens of options available, finding the best online accounting degrees is no easy feat. After reviewing all of the top programs, we've compiled a list of the top five online accounting bachelor's degrees for 2021.
Our ranked schools offer coursework in an array of accounting specialties. These programs help prepare students for careers in accounting and to take the CPA exam.
Each program on our list holds either national or regional accreditation, which attest to a school's academic rigor. Many programs also receive industry-specific accreditation. Relevant accrediting institutions for this ranking include:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Network of International Business Schools (NIBS)
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees
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Top 25 Online Graduate Certificates in Financial Management Programs
Top 25 Online Master's in Organizational Leadership Programs
