Gain in-depth information about accounting certificates, identify potential career opportunities, and compare the top schools with our ranking of the best online accounting certificates.
Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D. Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D. Read Full BioAn award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern.
Updated on July 8, 2024 Amelia Buckley Amelia Buckley Read Full BioAmelia Buckley has worked as an editor for BestColleges, focusing on degree resources for prospective students. She holds a BA in global studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Reviewed by Lizzette Matos, CPA Lizzette Matos, CPA Read Full BioLizzette Matos is a certified public accountant. Matos began her career at Ernst & Young, where she audited a diverse set of companies, primarily in consumer products and media and entertainment. She has worked in the private industry as an accou.
Learn more about our editorial process Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D. Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D. Read Full BioAn award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern.
Amelia Buckley Amelia Buckley Read Full BioAmelia Buckley has worked as an editor for BestColleges, focusing on degree resources for prospective students. She holds a BA in global studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Reviewed by Lizzette Matos, CPA Lizzette Matos, CPA Read Full BioLizzette Matos is a certified public accountant. Matos began her career at Ernst & Young, where she audited a diverse set of companies, primarily in consumer products and media and entertainment. She has worked in the private industry as an accou.
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Best Online Certificate Programs in AccountingCertificate programs offer fast, specialized training for learners. An online accounting certificate can launch your career as a bookkeeper, accounting clerk, or financial clerk.
Many top-ranked schools offer online accounting programs. An undergraduate certificate introduces learners to the accounting field and key accounting principles. Certificate programs provide focused accounting training for entry-level roles. After completing a certificate, distance learners can easily transfer into an online accounting degree program.
Earning an accounting certificate at the undergraduate level typically takes one year or less. Most certificate programs range from $1,000-$5,000 for in-state students. In comparison, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the average cost of tuition and fees at a public institution was $21,854 in 2021-22. Our ranking introduces the best online certificate in accounting programs to help prospective students find the right fit for their budget, schedule, and career goals.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $134
Out-of-State | $134
Credits to Graduate: 21 credits
From its campus in New Orleans, Louisiana, Delgado Community College offers affordable online programs. You can enroll in the online accounting certificate program to prepare for careers as an account clerk. The specialized program trains you to report financial information, use accounting software, and assist accountants.
You’ll take classes in payroll, QuickBooks, and business communications to strengthen career-focused skills. After completing the certificate, you can apply the 21 credits toward an associate degree or pursue entry-level roles in accounting or finance.
Average Undergrad Tuition Out-of-state Average Graduate Tuition Not provided Out-of-state Not provided Retention Rate Acceptance Rate Not provided Students Enrolled Institution Type Percent Online Enrollment 76% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. Accreditation Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges More Details #2 Best Online Certificate in Accounting Programs of 2024Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $76
Out-of-State | $268
Credits to Graduate: 14-18 credits
Located in North Carolina, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College extends its college resources, including advising and tutoring services, to distance learners. The public, two-year college also offers multiple accounting certificate programs. You can specialize your program by choosing a focus in government accounting, tax accounting, insurance, or accounting services.
During your program, you’ll take courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, and courses in your focus area. For example, the tax accounting certificate includes classes in individual and business income taxing.
Average Undergrad Tuition Out-of-state Average Graduate Tuition Not provided Out-of-state Not provided Retention Rate Acceptance Rate Not provided Students Enrolled Institution Type Percent Online Enrollment 82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. Accreditation Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges More Details #3 Best Online Certificate in Accounting Programs of 2024Cost per Credit:
In-State | $424
Out-of-State | $424
Credits to Graduate: 27 credits
Kentucky’s Campbellsville University, a private, Christian institution, offers several online certificates. Designed for accounting majors preparing for the CPA exam, the online accounting certificate helps learners meet the requirements to become a certified public accountant.
The program incorporates coursework in auditing and accounting, with a self-paced approach to studying. You’ll complete assignments on your schedule, with support from faculty. You can also customize your degree by choosing nine credits of electives, with options like cost accounting, federal taxation, and accounting information systems.
Average Undergrad Tuition Out-of-state Average Graduate Tuition Out-of-state Retention Rate Acceptance Rate Students Enrolled Institution Type Percent Online Enrollment 70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. Accreditation Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges More Details #4 Best Online Certificate in Accounting Programs of 2024Cost per Credit:
In-State | $186
Out-of-State | $186
Credits to Graduate: 18 credits
A public college in Paducah, Kentucky, West Kentucky Community and Technical College offers affordable tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. You can choose from two accounting certificate programs, including an accounting certificate and a program for accounting recordkeeping specialists.
In the accounting certificate, you’ll study financial accounting and managerial accounting. Then, you can choose 12 credits to customize your degree, with options like personal finance, individual taxation, and financial management. The accounting recordkeeping specialist incorporates business and computing courses.
Average Undergrad Tuition Out-of-state Average Graduate Tuition Not provided Out-of-state Not provided Retention Rate Acceptance Rate Not provided Students Enrolled Institution Type Percent Online Enrollment 49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. Accreditation Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges More Details #5 Best Online Certificate in Accounting Programs of 2024Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $76
Out-of-State | $268
Credits to Graduate: 13 credits
North Carolina’s largest community college offers more than 100 online programs. Wake Technical Community College offers an eLearning Intro course to transition learners to the virtual classroom.
In the online accounting certificate program, you’ll take courses in financial accounting and payroll accounting. The program also incorporates training in accounting software programs and accounting spreadsheets. After completing the program, you’ll qualify for roles in payroll accounting and related fields. Or you can transfer the 13 credits toward an associate degree in accounting.
Average Undergrad Tuition Out-of-state Average Graduate Tuition Not provided Out-of-state Not provided Retention Rate Acceptance Rate Not provided Students Enrolled Institution Type Percent Online Enrollment 77% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. Accreditation Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges More Details #6 Best Online Certificate in Accounting Programs of 2024Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $134
Out-of-State | $134
Credits to Graduate: 24-36 credits
Fletcher Technical Community College offers affordable online programs from its Schriever, Louisiana campus. The accounting technology certificate prepares learners to record and report financial information. You’ll also strengthen bookkeeping skills while studying accounting principles and practices.
Choose from a 24-credit account clerk program or a 36-credit payroll clerk program. You’ll take courses in financial accounting, personal finance, and payroll accounting to strengthen your accounting skills. The program also charges an affordable flat tuition rate regardless of residency status.
Average Undergrad Tuition Out-of-state Average Graduate Tuition Not provided Out-of-state Not provided Retention Rate Acceptance Rate Not provided Students Enrolled Institution Type Percent Online Enrollment 78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. Accreditation Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges More Details #7 Best Online Certificate in Accounting Programs of 2024Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-District | $112
Out-of-District | $128
Out-of-State | $139
Credits to Graduate: 17 credits
Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Washtenaw Community College dates back to 1965. The public college enrolls more than 18,000 students today. In the accounting for business certificate program, you’ll strengthen your accounting and office support skills. You can also apply your 17 accounting credits toward an associate degree.
During the program, you’ll study payroll accounting, spreadsheet software applications, and individual income taxes. The program also covers financial accounting and QuickBooks. With the certificate, you can become a bookkeeper or accounting clerk.
Average Undergrad Tuition Out-of-state Average Graduate Tuition Not provided Out-of-state Not provided Retention Rate Acceptance Rate Not provided Students Enrolled Institution Type Percent Online Enrollment 86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. Accreditation Yes Higher Learning Commission More Details #8 Best Online Certificate in Accounting Programs of 2024Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $234
Out-of-State | $234
Credits to Graduate: 30 credits
A public institution located in Juneau, the University of Alaska Southeast emphasizes job-ready skills in its certificate programs. The accounting certificate program offers intensive training for those interested in accounting jobs. During the program, you’ll study financial accounting, payroll accounting, and managerial accounting. The certificate also incorporates training in spreadsheets, business, and computing.
You’ll leave the program with accounting and finance skills, including the ability to analyze financial statements and maintain accounting records. You’ll also know how to prepare corporate payrolls and manage computer accounting systems.
Average Undergrad Tuition Out-of-state Average Graduate Tuition Out-of-state Retention Rate Acceptance Rate Students Enrolled Institution Type Percent Online Enrollment 70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. Accreditation Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities More Details #9 Best Online Certificate in Accounting Programs of 2024Cost per Credit:
In-County | $135
In-State | $238
Out-of-State | $338
Credits to Graduate: 30 credits
A public college based in Oak Hills, Pennsylvania, Butler County Community College offers multiple online business and information technology career training programs. The accounting skills certificate prepares learners for entry-level roles with coursework in payroll accounting, income taxation, and managerial accounting.
With the certificate, you can work as a bookkeeper, accounting assistant, or in another office role. If you apply your 30 accounting credits toward an associate degree, BC3 has a transfer agreement with Pennsylvania’s public universities to complete your bachelor’s degree.
Average Undergrad Tuition Out-of-state Average Graduate Tuition Not provided Out-of-state Not provided Retention Rate Acceptance Rate Not provided Students Enrolled Institution Type Percent Online Enrollment 33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. Accreditation Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education More Details #10 Best Online Certificate in Accounting Programs of 2024Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-County | $147
In-State | $164
Out-of-State | $229
Credits to Graduate: 34 credits
New Jersey’s Rowan College enrolls students both online and at its suburban Mount Laurel campus. In the accounting certificate online program, you’ll learn how to interpret financial statements, manage the accounting cycle, and use accounting systems.
During the program, you’ll study cost accounting, management principles, and computerized accounting. And you can choose three credits of electives to individualize your certificate. Rowan College also participates in a free tuition program that covers tuition costs if your household income is less than $65,000.
Average Undergrad Tuition Out-of-state Average Graduate Tuition Not provided Out-of-state Not provided Retention Rate Acceptance Rate Not provided Students Enrolled Institution Type Percent Online Enrollment 65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. Accreditation Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education More DetailsTo create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Online accounting certificates provide a focused introduction to accounting. Certificate programs take less time than a degree, making them a good option for students curious about accounting or seeking the fastest route to accounting careers. Unlike a certification or license, certificates train learners in a subject. An accounting certificate introduces learners to the field and fundamental accounting principles.
Unlike degree-granting programs, certificate programs do not include general education requirements. Instead, students only take accounting courses. The format provides focused training for accounting careers. With a certificate, graduates work as accounting clerks or bookkeepers. They also transfer into degree-granting programs.
A certificate introduces college students to an academic discipline. Many certificate programs provide career-focused training. Earning an accounting certificate typically takes around one year. Most programs require 12-30 credits.
Learners in an online certificate in accounting program take classes in a virtual classroom environment. These classes may be offered live or through recorded lectures. Some programs offer self-paced options for students who prefer more flexibility. Distance learning programs incorporate interactive elements, group projects, and hands-on assignments to build accounting skills.
Certificate programs offer a focused course of study without general education requirements. At the undergraduate level, accounting certificates may offer a general accounting concentration or a more focused curriculum emphasizing bookkeeping or small business accounting. After completing a certificate, graduates can enter the workforce or transfer into a degree-granting program. Credits earned at an accredited school will often transfer toward a college degree.
What skills will you need to succeed in an accounting certificate program? Self-motivated, organized students often thrive in online accounting programs. Self-paced and asynchronous programs require discipline to complete program requirements. The accounting field also requires attention to detail and strong numerical skills.