The 20 Best Online Associate’s in Accounting Degree Programs

Money makes the world go ’round. With a degree in accounting, your skills will keep the wheels turning.

Accountants are the engineers who maintain the financial lifeblood of every organization, and are essential to businesses, governments, and nonprofits of every kind and size. Gone are the days when accounting meant simply balancing ledgers and crunching numbers. Forbes describes the modern accountant as a playing a key role in “financial planning, analysis, forecasting, internal controls and decision support.” Today’s accounting professionals are not only math wizards, but also experts with knowledge of complex software, tax codes, and business strategy. As such, professionals with an online associate’s in accounting are highly in-demand and highly compensated.

The ManPower Group reports that, for 4 years running, companies list “accounting and finance” among the 10 most difficult roles to fill. This high demand for well-trained accounting professionals means lucrative salaries for those with top skills. The latest data from Payscale shows that the average salary with an Associate’s in Accounting is between $40,000 to $55,000. That’s a very lucrative pay grade for this level of degree, and payment for senior positions in large cities or with bigger companies can be as high as $65,000 with an associate’s in accounting. Even more importantly, the average employee with an associate’s in accounting report themselves“extremely satisfied” with their positions. Jobs available to those holding an associate’s degree in accounting include Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accounting Assistant, Billing Clerk, Bookkeeper, or Payroll Clerk. With field experience, such positions can also lead to a role in management.

If you’re ready to embark on this lucrative career, an online associate’s in accounting is the place to start. You can pursue your studies while maintaining your current employment or family commitments, and gain a degree quickly. Credits earned in an associate’s program can later be applied towards an online bachelor’s degree in accounting at the same institution or another school.

Our ranking of the 20 Best Online Associate’s in Accounting has the top schools ranked on the issue that matters most to today’s students: value. You want the best bang for your buck, a school where you can earn a respected degree without breaking the bank. To that end, we’ve sorted through the hundreds of online schools that offer an associate’s in accounting to find those with the most affordable tuition and high-quality academics, and weighted them equally on Affordability and Academic Quality, as measured by the metrics listed below.

Methodology:

• Affordability:
• Tuition (1/2): Average cost for out-of-state tuition (where applicable) per credit hour.
• Financial Aid (1/2): Percentage of full-time, first-time undergraduates awarded financial aid at any level.
• Academic Quality:

• Student Retention (1/4): Full-time retention rate for first year undergraduate students.
• Class Size (1/4): Average undergraduate student to faculty ratio.
• Investment in Distance Education (1/4): Percent of students enrolled exclusively in distance education courses.
• Graduation Rate (1/4): Percentage of students completing program requirements and graduating on time.

1. Albany Technical College

Located in Albany, Georgia, Albany Technical College (Albany Tech) is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, and serves a seven-county area in southwest Georgia with educational programs. The school dates back to 1961, when it was founded as the Monroe Area Vocational-Technical School, with a total enrollment of 175 students, and became a full college in 2000. Today, Albany Tech serves a total of 4,812 students, of which aproximately 2,500 are enrolled on a part-time basis and in seminars, continuing education courses, teleconferences and customized business training. The college confers Technical Certificates of Credit, Diplomas and Associate degrees, and popular areas of study include Business and Marketing, Mechanic and Repair Technologies, and Law Enforcement. Albany Tech is a diverse and accessible school, extending an open admissions policy, dedicated to offering highly affordable tuition, and awarding credit for life experiences.

Albany Technical College awards an online associate’s degree in accounting with a winning combination of affordable tuition and quality academics. The school’s Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting covers professional, technical and academic content, with a special focus on the latent accounting software. The degree requires the completion of 102 credit hours, including 63 credits in core courses and 9 in electives. Classes specific to accounting include Personal Finance, Individual Tax Accounting, Legal Environment of Business, Document Production, Introduction to Computers, and Business Tax Accounting. Accounting electives allow students to focus in on areas like Leadership, Marketing, or Business Regulations and Compliance. Albany Tech boasts impressive stats on affordability and academic quality. Tuition is the second-lowest in our entire ranking of 20 Best Online Associate’s in Accounting, at an incredibly affordable $89 per credit, and a full 95% of full-time first-time students receive financial aid. The school’s student to faculty ratio and graduation rate are also strong, at 13 to one and 39% respectively, making Albany Tech our #1 choice for Best Online Associate’s in Accounting.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $89
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 95%
• Retention Rate: 52%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Distance Education Students: 33%
• Graduation Rate: 39%

2. North Arkansas College

Founded in 1974, North Arkansas College (“Northark”) is a public, two-year college which has three campuses in Harrison, Arkansas and one in Berryville, Arkansas. The college serves six counties in northern Arkansas. The school has been recognized as one of the most affordable community colleges in the nation, with tuition priced as low as $68 per credit hour for residents of the immediate area (Boone County), and $92 per credit hour for residents of Arkansas. The school has a total enrollment of 1,889, and the most popular academic programs are in the field of Allied Health, as well as various career-focused technical programs such as Education in Information Technology. Northark’s position amid the Ozark Mountains and proximity to Buffalo River and Buffalo national park afford students ample outdoor recreational and research opportunities, such as monitoring water and soil quality.

North Arkansas College offers an affordable and high quality online associate’s degree in Business Administration with an Accounting Emphasis. This applied program emphasizes modern accounting practices and how they fit into the business landscape, and business ethics are stressed throughout. The program consists of four five-class semesters, with all classes consisting of three credits. In each semester, students may select between two or more choices for at least one of their classes, allowing them to customize their plan of study. The program concludes with either an internship or a capstone project. Class topics include Legal Environment of Business, Introduction to Finance, and Principles of Macroeconomics. A good student retention rate and low student to faculty ratio make this a high quality academic program, and tuition is very affordable, with a cost of just $163 per credit hour for out-of-state students. A full 97% of students also receive academic aid.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $163
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 97%
• Retention Rate: 61%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Distance Education Students: 13%
• Graduation Rate: 29%

3. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), is a Roman Catholic, liberal arts college which was founded in 1840. The school is located in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, between the Wabash River and the border of Illinois. It is the oldest Catholic college in Indiana, and its founder, French nun, Mother Theodore Guerin, was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, becoming Indiana’s first saint. The college was originally an academy for young women, and began granting bachelor’s degrees in 1899, expanding its offerings as career options for women grew. The school voted to become coeducational in 2015. Today, SMWC confers associate and bachelor’s degrees in more than 30 subjects and serves a total of 1,577 students. SMWC’s most notable and distinctive programs include a highlyanked School of Nursing, specialized graduate programs in art therapy and music therapy, the Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies (which incorporates A stable of 50 horses on campus), and pre-veterinarian, pre-law, pre-medicine, and pre-dentistry programs. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school 22nd in Regional Universities Midwest, as well as 12th in Best Value Schools, recognizing its affordable tuition and strong academics.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College awards a respected online Associate’s in Accounting which represents an exceptional value in online education. The program incorporates the school’s traditional liberal arts core, providing a solid foundation in general studies, complemented by accounting-specific coursework. A total of 51 credit hours is required for the accounting major. Eight online accounting classes are required, while three may be selected from a list of online accounting course options. Class topics include Principles of Accounting, Business Law, Managerial Communications, Business Finance, and Microeconomics. Tuition is priced at $496 per credit, an affordable price point for a school of SMWC’s caliber, and a full 97% of students receive financial aid. SMWC has a remarkably high retention rate of 71%, an, with a student to faculty ratio of just 7 to one, the smallest average class size included in our ranking of 20 Best Online Associate’s in Accounting.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $496
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 97%
• Retention Rate: 71%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
• Distance Education Students: 42%
• Graduation Rate: 45%

4. University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a public research university which is located in in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is a a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university, and the flagship campus of the University of Alaska System. UAF was founded in 1917 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, and opened for classes in 1922 with a student body of six served by six faculty members. By 1925, the school had grown to a full university, and assumed its current name in 1975. Today, UAF serves 10,490 students and is comprised of UAF has nine academic schools and colleges. UAF has a heavy focus on research, particularly in the natural sciences, operating UAF is home to seven major research units. Situated only 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the campus is home to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, and is especially well-suited for arctic research, such as climate studies. UAF is widely recognized for its research contributions and leadership in the fields of arctic biology, arctic engineering, geophysics, supercomputing and Native Studies. U.S. News and World Report ranks UAF 207th in National Universities and 113rd in Top Public Schools.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks confers a respected online associate’s in accounting which incorporates both general business studies and focused accounting skills. U.S. News and World Report ranks UAF 290th in Business Programs. The school’s comprehensive online associate’s program develops hands-on skills in financial record keeping, preparation of financial and tax statements, bookkeeping and payroll accounting. The program requires a total of 60 credits, including a capstone course, and covers topics like Income Tax, Microcomputer Accounting, Payroll Accounting, and Fundamentals of Supervision. Students completing this online associate’s in accounting will have satisfied the requirements for the Accounting Technician certificate and the Bookkeeping occupational endorsement, and may also apply for these additional credentials. UAF offers an affordable out of state tuition of $192, and has a high retention rate of 75%. Students at this large school enjoy individual attention; the university’s incredibly low student to faculty ratio of 9 to one ranks second place among all schools surveyed for our listing of 20 Best Online Master’s in Accounting.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $192
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 85%
• Retention Rate: 75%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Distance Education Students: 28%
• Graduation Rate: 25%

5. Liberty University

Liberty University is a nonprofit, private evangelical Christian university which is located in Lynchburg, West Virginia. Liberty was by the televangelist and activist, Reverend Jerry Falwell in 1971, and is the largest Christian university in the world, with a massive student body of 110,000. Of these, the vast majority are enrolled fully online, and Liberty is widely recognized for its expansive and high-quality distance education programs. The university offers a wide range of majors and programs as well, awarding a total of 290 bachelors, 315 masters, and 32 doctoral degrees. The vast 7,000-acre campus is one of the ten biggest campuses in the country, and is equipped with 30 student dormitories, appointed with private bathrooms and kitchens. On-campus students enjoy access to amble opportunities for recreation, with archery and paintball ranges, a motocross facility, artificial ski slope, and biking and hiking trails. Liberty is noted for its academic offerings in the fields of criminal justice, nursing, and engineering, and the Carnegie Foundation classifies the school as a “research university of moderate research activity.” U.S. News and World Report ranks the school 231st in National Universities.

Liberty University awards a flexible and fully online Associate’s Degree in Accounting. Classes are just 8 weeks long, and up to 75% of required credits can be transferred in. The program is designed to deliver skills in areas such as financial, managerial, and governmental accounting, and develops proficiency in computer applications and business communication. A total of 60 credits are required for graduation, and coursework covers such topics as Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Business Law, and Principles of Marketing. Liberty has a high rate of student retention, ranking second among all schools surveyed for our listing of 20 Best Online Master’s in Accounting with a rate of 83%. The school also has a high graduation rate of 51%. Tuition is very affordable at $390 per credit, and no less than 97% of students receive financial aid.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $390
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 97%
• Retention Rate: 83%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Distance Education Students: 80%
• Graduation Rate: 51%

6. Champlain College

Champlain College is a private college located in Burlington, Vermont, with additional campuses in Dublin, Ireland and Montréal, Canada. The school dates back to 1878, when it was established as the Burlington Business School, with the aim of preparing young men for “the business cares and responsibilities of life.” The school became coeducational in 1884, changing its name to Queen City Business College, and began expanding its offerings to include subjects like engineering and social service in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, Champlain offers degrees in more than 80 majors and has a student body of over 2,000 full-time undergraduate students. All students have access to advanced campus resources like modern computer labs, 3D animation and game production labs, multimedia classrooms and editing suites, a digital photography lab and darkroom, a vast art studio space, and digital media center. U.S. News and world Report gives the school high marks, awarding it 91st in Regional Universities North, 56th in Best Value Schools, and 2nd in Most Innovative Schools.

Champlain College offers a respected and flexible online associate’s in accounting. The degree is designed to equip students with real-world skills in skills including accounting, business/tax law, financial intelligence and risk analysis, as well as soft skills like critical thinking and communication. Champlain has a generous transfer credit policy which allows students to transfer in up to 45 credits, with the potential to earn further credit for professional experience and training. Most online accounting courses are just 7 weeks long, and include online accounting courses, professional courses and general education courses. Accounting classes include such course topics as Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Business Law, and Cost Accounting. The program was recently ranked among the nation’s Best Online Associate’s n Accounting by AffordableCollegesOnline. Champlain has a remarkably high rate of graduation, ranking second among all schools surveyed for our listing of 20 Best Online Master’s in Accounting, and classes sizes are small, with a student to faculty ratio of 16 to one. An incredible 99% of students receive financial aid, and the school’s retention rate is also high at 82%.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $649
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 99%
• Retention Rate: 82%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Distance Education Students: 51%
• Graduation Rate: 62%

7. Atlanta Technical College

Atlanta Technical College (“Atlanta Tech”) is a technical college which operates two campuses in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a member of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and serves Fulton and Clayton counties. The school was first launched in 1945 as the Smith-Hughes Vocational School, an d moved to its present location in 1964, becoming the Atlanta Area Technical School. Atlanta Tech took on its current name and joined the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education in 1997, and today awards associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit. The college has a total enrollment of 4,099, and many students are working adults seeking to advance existing careers through professionally-focused studies in such areas as nursing and accounting.

Atlanta Technical College awards a highly affordable and fully online associate’s in accounting.
The course of study consists of 67 credit hours, with 15 in general education and 52 in the accounting program, distributed over a minimum of 5 semesters. Students may also select 9 credits in free electives and 6 credits in accountingelated electives, personalizing their course of study. Classes include such accounting topics as Computerized Accounting, Spreadsheet Applications, Financial Accounting, Payroll Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Individual Tax Accounting. The program concludes with a Capstone Course. Tuition is remarkably affordable, priced at only $163 per credit, and no less than 94% of students receive financial aid. Classes are taught by industry professionals, and are small enough to afford individual attention, with a student to faculty ratio of 15 to one.

• Cost Per Credit Hour: $163
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 94%
• Retention Rate: 55%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Distance Education Students: 13%
• Graduation Rate: 39%

8. Davenport University

Davenport University is a private, not-for-profit institute which has a main campus located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and multiple additional campuses throughout the state. Davenport dates back to 1866, when it was established in the wake of the Civil War by a Union army veteran. Originally called Grand Rapids Business College, the school had an initial graduating class of just 16 students. Today, Davenport serves a total of 5,950 undergraduates and 1,817 postgraduates, yet maintains an incredibly low student to faculty ratio of 12 to one, with an average class size of only 16. The university awards 50 different associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, with popular areas of study including business, technology, and health fields. at the levels, as well as diplomas and certifications. The school is ranked 122nd in Regional Universities Midwest by U.S. News and World Report, and 192nd in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

Davenport awards a flexible online associate’s degree in accounting. This associate of business administration program is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with hands-on skill development, and teaches students to develop and maintain accounting records, prepare financial statements and apply accounting information to strategic business decisions. The course of study comprises 64 credits: 21 in general education, 22 in business foundations, and another 21 in online accounting coursework. Classes within the majors include Federal Taxation, Payroll & State Tax, Cost Accounting, and Accounting Foundations. Davenport gives students academic credit for qualifying job experience, military training, life experience, and competency testing. Close to half of Davenport students, 41%, are enrolled exclusively in distance education, indicating a strong institutional investment in online learning, and the graduation rate is high at 41%. Class sizes are very small thanks to a student to faculty ratio of just 12 to one, and a full 97% of Davenport students receive financial aid.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $633
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 97%
• Retention Rate: 69%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Distance Education Students: 41%
• Graduation Rate: 41%

9. Wayne Community College

Wayne Community College is a community college which is located in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The college was originally founded as the Goldsboro Industrial Education Center back in 1958. The institute delivered evening classes exclusively on a part-time basis until 1962, when it began offering full-time classes in automotive mechanics, electronics, drafting, and practical nursing to a student body of only 47. The school changed its name to Wayne Community College in 1967, and today, Wayne enrolls over 14,000 curriculum and extension students in 100 degree, diploma, certificate and continuing education programs. Wayne prides itself on flexible distance education and affordable tuition, and has been recognized as one of the Best Online Colleges in the nation for 2017 by The Community for Accredited Online Schools, one of the Best Online Colleges in North Carolina by Affordable Colleges Online.

Wayne Community College awards an online associate’s degree in accounting. The curriculum covers four semesters, and includes required general education and accounting courses, along with both professional electives and economics electives. Classes include Quantitative Literacy, Spreadsheets, Accounting Software Applications, Business Law, Individual Income Taxes, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics. The college supports distance learners through such services as online tutoring, and generously awards academic credits for prior college learning, field experience, job and military training, and through demonstrated attitude by examination. Wayne has a high student retention rate of 63%, along with a remarkably low student to faculty ratio of only 11 to one, the fourth-lowest of any school surveyed for our ranking of the 20 Best Online Associate’s in Accounting.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $285
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 93%
• Retention Rate: 63%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Distance Education Students: 22%
• Graduation Rate: 38%

10. Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) is a private, not-for-profit research university located in Melbourne, Florida. FIT got its start in 1958 as the Brevard Engineering College, a training center for employees of the aerospace program at the Kennedy Space Center. Since then, FIT has grown to become a comprehensive doctoral university serving a total of 8,939 students, but continues to excel in aviation and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects. The school has an advanced aviation and aerospace program, augmented by its located close to Orlando Melbourne Airport, the Florida Tech Research Park, and Kennedy Space Center. Roughly half the student body is enrolled in the school’s highly respected Engineering program. FIT administers several highly active research centers, including the Institute for Marine Research, Institute for Research on Global Climate Change, and the Institute for Materials Science & Nanotechnology. With its reputation for rigorous academics and high-demand STEM disciplines, FIT graduates tend to go on to earn lucrative salaries. PayScale ranks FIT 118th in Return on Investment, Barron’s has designated it a “best buy,” and U.S. News and World Report ranks it 151st in National Universities.

The Florida Institute of Technology awards a respected and comprehensive online associate’s in accounting. The curriculum incorporates both general business aptitude and specific instruction in the theory and practice of financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, accounting information systems and tax. A total of 64 credits are required for graduation, and include both humanities, math, and business classes in addition to specific courses in accounting. Classes within the major include Principles of Accounting, Cost Accounting, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Principles of Management. FIT’s tuition of $510 is very reasonable for a university of its caliber, and fully 96% of students receive financial aid. The university’s impressive retention rate of 83% is the second-highest in our entire ranking of 20 Best Online Associate’s in Accounting, and its graduation rate of 58% is also among the highest ranked here. Class sizes are very small, thanks to a low student to faculty ratio of 13 to one.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $510
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 96%
• Retention Rate: 83%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Distance Education Students: 7%
• Graduation Rate: 58%

11. Herkimer County Community College

Herkimer County Community College is a community college located in Herkimer, New York. The school dates back to 1966, and serves a student body of 3,328. Herkimer awards in associate degrees and certificates in several dozen disciplines, including Information Technology, Business Management, Physical Therapy, and Journalism. Through a partnership with Cazenovia College, Herkimer also offers a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security and another in Inclusive Early Childhood. The school’s distance learning program covers a total of 20 degrees and 3 certificates, with over 150 online courses in all. Herkimer has been recognized as one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges by the Aspen Institute and ranked 8th in Best Community College in New York State by Schools.com.

Herkimer County Community College awards an affordable and fully online associate’s in accounting. The program prepares students to apply fundamental accounting skills, such as collecting and analyzing financial data, designing and maintaining accounting systems, conducting audits, and preparing budgets, financial statements and tax returns. Students are required to complete a total of 64 credits over the course of four semesters in order to graduate, and the curriculum incorporates both general education, business and accounting coursework. Class topics include Business Organization and Management, Business Law, Income Tax, Money & Banking, Macroeconomics, Cost Accounting, and Corporate Finance. Tuition for the online associate of accounting degree at Herkimer is very affordable at a cost of $233, and 89% of students receive financial aid. Class sizes are relatively small, thanks to a student to faculty ratio of 16 to one. Online students at Herkimer have access to the same comprehensive support services as their on-campus peers, including advisement, tutoring, disabilities services, library services, and technical support.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $233
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 89%
• Retention Rate: 58%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Distance Education Students: 22%
• Graduation Rate: 35%

12. Herzing University

Herzing University is a private, not-for-profit, university which is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and operates 10 additional campuses throughout the United States, as well as an extensive distance learning program. Herzing got its start as a computer training institute in 1965, and was the first post-secondary institution focused on preparing students for careers in the computer industry. Nowadays, Herzing has a total enrollment of over 6,000, and awards Certificate, Diploma, Associate, Bachelor and Master’s degrees in professional and technical disciplines, including nursing, information technology, legal studies, business management and healthcare. The student body is diverse, and class sizes are small. Many students are employed full-time, and choose to attend classes online or in a blended on-campus/online format. Recognizing the unique needs of adult learners, Herzing offers extensive support services, affordable tuition, flexible class formats, and accelerated degree programs. The university is ranked 94th by U.S. News & World Report in Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs.

Herzing University offers an accelerated online associate’s in accounting which is both affordable and poersonal. The program takes a hands-on approach to applying accounting theory and techniques to real-world scenarios, so students are equipped with real-world, workplaceelevant skills such as creating budgets, managing investments, analyzing financial data, and conducting audits. The curriculum consists of 65 credits, and incorporates core courses, business courses, and education in computer skills related to accounting such as computerized accounting software, spreadsheets, and payroll systems. The entire program takes just 20 months, on average, to complete, and all students must complete an accounting internship or research project. Courses within the accounting major include Introduction to Business, The Digital Firm and Business Communications, Business Law, Taxation, Payroll Accounting, Computerized Accounting, and Project Management. A stunning 100% of Herzing students receive financial aid, making this university the number one on this metric of any school surveyed for our ranking of 20 Best Online Associate’s in Accounting. Roughly half the student body, 47%, is enrolled exclusively in distance learning programs, indicating a high institutional investment in online education. This commitment is reflected in the many support services to which online students have access, such as remote tutoring, library services, and advising. Student also benefit from the personal attention afforded by a remarkably low student to faculty ratio of just 13 to one.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $340
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Retention Rate: 100%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Distance Education Students: 47%
• Graduation Rate: 73%

13. Baker College

Baker College is a private, not-for-profit college which is located in Flint, Michigan, and operates 9 additional campuses throughout the state, plus another in Reading, Pennsylvania. The school was originally established in 1911 as Baker Business University, and merged with Muskegon College in 1965. Today, Baker is a career college, delivering over 150 professionally-focused degrees in areas like transportation technology, teaching, nursing, management, and healthcare, both on its 14 campuses and its extensive distance education department. With a total enrollment of 23,000 students, Baker is Michigan’s largest nonprofit, independent college. The Baker team has been the only two-time winners of the National Student Cyber Defense competition, and the school’s Culinary Institute of Michigan has been granted Exemplary Status accreditation through the American Culinary Federation (ACF).

Baker College offers an affordable and accessible online associate’s in accounting. The program is designed to prepare students to analyze, compare, and interpret financial data, and includes training in critical thinking and communication as well as hands-on accounting skills. All online accounting classes are taught by professional accountants, and class sizes are small, with a student to faculty ratio of 16 to one. The degree requires the completion of 60 credit hours, with 15 in general education, 24 business requirements and 21 in the accounting major. Classes within the major include Accounting Applications, Individual Taxation, Cost Accounting, Computerized Accounting, and Payroll Accounting, followed by a Work Experience requirement, an on-site experiential learning component. Tuition is very affordable, at a price of just $250 per credit, and a full 96% of students receive financial aid.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $250
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 96%
• Retention Rate: 49%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Distance Education Students: 27%
• Graduation Rate: 15%

14. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo (UT) is a public research university which operates multiple campuses in the city of Toledo, Ohio. UT was originally established in 1872 as the Toledo University of Arts and Trades, closing shortly thereafter and reopening in 1884 as the Toledo Manual Training School. During the 1800s, the institute evolved from a vocational school into a university. Today, UT’s urban campuses have more than 100 buildings and a combined area of over 1,400 acres, and include an advanced medical center, a museum-based center for visual arts, and a Health Sciences campus. The school also operates multiple research centers, including cutting-edge polymer, solar energy, and water ecology centers, and is known for academic strength in the fields of science, engineering, and medicine. The university offers more than 250 diverse academic programs and has a student body of over 20,000, making it the sixth largest university in the state. U.S. News and World Report ranks UT 231st in National Universities.

The University of Toledo awards a cutting-edge, online associate degree in accounting technology. The program is designed to immerse students in the quantitative language of business, preparing them to handle increasingly complex concepts and accounting principles through facility with modern accounting software. A total of 63-64 credits are required for graduation, with some science and humanities electives complementing a technology and business focused core curriculum. Courses within the online accounting technology major include Fundamentals of Taxation, Legal Environment of Business, Managing Diversity in the Workplace, and Accounting Software. No capstone project or internship is required, and up to 45 of the required degree credits may be transferred in from previous coursework. Online students have access to support services such as an individual Success Coach, advisers, eTutoring, IT Help Desk, and eLibrary. This online associate’s in accounting is offered at a relatively affordable rate for an institution of UT’s caliber, costing $335 per credit. Students have a high rate of satisfaction, as indicated by UT’s high student retention rate of 74%, and the school’s graduation rate is also high at 43%.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $335
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 96%
• Retention Rate: 74%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
• Distance Education Students: 9%
• Graduation Rate: 43%

15. New England College

New England College (NEC) is a private, not-for-profit institute located just outside of Concord, New Hampshire, in the town of Henniker. which was founded in 1946. The college was founded in 1946 with the goal of offering high-quality education to returning WWII veterans pursuing civilian studies on the GI Bill. Today, NEC retains a commitment to serving veterans, and is designated as a Top Military-Friendly School. The college offers a total of 37 bachelor’s, 12 master’s, and one doctoral degree program, with a total enrollment of 2,700. The school has also ramped up its efforts to diversify in recent year; Time magazine ranked NEC among the top 25 colleges in the nation which have diversified their student body the most since 1990. In addition to student diversity and serving military students, hands-on learning is a core value at NEC, and students engage in experiential learning through community projects and research. U.S. News and World Report ranks NEC 146th in Regional Universities North and 107th in Best Online Bachelor’s Program.

New England College offers a high-quality online associate’s in accounting degree. The program is intended to develop students’ fundamental professional and analytical skills in the field of accounting, building knowledge in central topics such as taxation, financial reporting and cost accounting, and the different accounting practices used in management roles and product manufacturing. The course of study covers both a 28 credits in general education requirement in the liberal arts, 245 in online accounting major classes, and 8 credits in electives, for a total of 60 required credits. Class titles include Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Management Accounting, and Financial Reporting. Students with existing college credit can transfer up to 30 approved credits toward their online associate’s degree, potentially reducing their time and cost. Tuition is priced at $405 per credit, and some 95% of students receive financial aid. With over half of NEC students enrolled exclusively in online classes, at 52%, the school is heavily invested in distance learning. The school’s innovative and engaging online learning format features mediaich content, including informative video lectures, podcasts, interactive exercises, chat rooms, virtual study groups and discussion boards.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $405
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 95%
• Retention Rate: 60%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Distance Education Students: 52%
• Graduation Rate: 38%

16. Surry Community College

Surry Community College (“Surry”) is a two-year, comprehensive community college located in Dobson, North Carolina, which provides educational services to Surry and Yadkin Counties. Surry was established in 1964, and is focused on providing vocational and industryelevant higher education, as well as providing educational services to business and industry partners.
Surry offers thirty-six areas of study, and awards associate degrees, diplomas and certificates, and has an open-door admissions policy. The school also serves more than 18,000 students in over 1,500 classes through its Corporate and Continuing Education division. The majority of students, 64%, are enrolled on a part-time basis, and Surry prioritizes flexible schedules and convenience, operating several satellite locations throughout Surry and Yadkin Counties. Surry has been recognized as a Military Friendly School and designated 7th in the state of North Carolina by Best Online Colleges for 2016.

Surry offers an affordable and comprehensive online associate’s in accounting. In this convenient associate’s degree program, students learn to assemble and analyze, process, and communicate data related to financial operations through studies in accounting principles, theories, and practice, business law, finance, management, and economics. Students also have the opportunity to practice hands-on skills in communications, computer applications, and financial analysis. A total of 67 credits are required for graduation, and classes include Spreadsheets, Accounting Software Applications, Federal Income Tax, Principles of Managerial Accounting, Business Communications, and Cost Accounting. A high rate of student retention, 70%, indicates that students are satisfied at Surry, and class sizes are small, thanks to a low student to faculty ratio of 14 to one. Tuition is also affordable at $298 per out-of-state credit.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $268
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 73%
• Retention Rate: 70%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Distance Education Students: 21%
• Graduation Rate: 36%

17. Northcentral Technical College

Northcentral Technical College (“Northcentral”) is a public college which is located in Wausa, Wisconsin. The college began as Wausau Industrial School in 1912. It was renamed Wausau Vocational School in 1936, Wausau Technical Institute in 1961, North Central Technical Institute (NCTI) in 1967. It began occupying its new facility in 1969. It was renamed Northcentral Technical College in 1988.
The institution based in Wisconsin has a total enrollment of 4,384. Northcentral’s motto, “real life, real learning” speaks to an institutional commitment to real-world results. Over 93% of students find employment in their chosen field within 6 months of graduation. Graduates command an average starting salary of about $35,000, an outstanding return on investment for a technical school. Students can choose from over 185 technical diplomas, certificates and associate’s degrees in career-focused areas such as healthcare services and marketing. Northcentral has an open admissions policy, requiring only a high school diploma or GED for enrollment, and offers credit for life experiences.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $209
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 76%
• Retention Rate: 59%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Distance Education Students: 42%
• Graduation Rate: 33%

18. Post University

Post University is a private university which is located in Waterbury, Connecticut, with three satellite locations in other parts of the state. The school got its start as in 1890 as Matoon Shorthand School, providing training in typing, bookkeeping, and business writing. The school changed its name to Post College in 1897, when it was acquired by Harry C. Post, and became a full university in 2004, adding expanded liberal arts programs and graduate-level courses. Posdt has a student body of 7,317, and offers over 25 certificate, undergraduate and graduate programs, with a notably high number of customizable degree concentrations. Business Administration and Management is overwhelmingly the most popular choice of major, followed by Accounting and Criminal Justice. U.S. News and World Report ranks Post 146th in Regional Universities North and 165th in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

Post University delivers a respected online associate’s degree in accounting through The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business. The curriculum is designed to provide the knowledge and practice required to equip students to perform essential accounting functions, including entry-level bookkeeping and accounting, analyzing and interpreting accounting information, and preparing financial statements. In order to graduate, students must complete a total of 60 credits: 27in general education, 30 credits in the online accounting major, and 3 credits in the College to Career core, designed to prepare students for workplace success. The curriculum includes the opportunity to select a total of 9 credits in electives both within and outside of the accounting discipline. Classes include Principles of Management, Principles of Finance, Managerial Accounting, Macroeconomics, and Spreadsheet & General Ledger Applications. With some 89% of Post students enrolled exclusively in online classes, the school is heavily invested in delivering high-quality online education. The school offers a highly interactive learning environment, which emphasizes group discussions and instructor feedback. Tuition costs $570 per credit, and a high percentage of students- some 97%- receive financial aid.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $570
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 97%
• Retention Rate: 38%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Distance Education Students: 89%
• Graduation Rate: 39%

19. Lenoir Community College

Lenoir Community College (LCC) is a community college which is based in the town of Kinston, in Lenoir County, North Carolina, and operates satellite institutions based in Greene and Jones Counties. LCC is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, and is one of the oldest schools in the System. The college dates back to 1958, when it was launched as the Lenoir County Industrial Educational Center in order to provide vocational and technical education to the surrounding communities. Today, Lenoir awards undergraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates, and provides continuing education, both on campus and online. The school serves about 3,500 curriculum students and 12,500 extension students annually through programs in business, industry, public services, health sciences.

Lenoir Community College offers an affordable and high quality online associate’s in accounting degree. The curriculum is comprehensive and broad, covering accounting principles, theories, practice, and ethics. Students in the program gain knowledge in business law, finance, management, and economics, and practice skills in communications, computer applications, financial analysis, and critical thinking. The degree requires the completion of 15 hours in general education, 50 hours in the online accounting major, and one additional hour in a Student Success seminar, for a total of 66 credits. Classes cover a broad range of topics, including Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting, Personal Finance, Business Law, Payroll Accounting, and Accounting Software Applications. Students may choose to pursue up to six of their required major credits through Work Based Learning, gaining real-world experience through professional practice. Tuition is affordable at $268 per credit, and class sizes are small, with a student to faculty ratio of 15 to one.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $268
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 84%
• Retention Rate: 55%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Distance Education Students: 37%
• Graduation Rate: 16%

20. Chemeketa Community College

Chemeketa Community College (“Chemeketa”) is a community college which is located in Hayesville, an unincorporated community found outside of Salem, Oregon, and which operates
additional locations in McMinnville, Dallas, Brooks, and Woodburn. The school offers education services to a 2,600 square mile district which includes areas in the Oregon counties of Marion, Polk, Yamhill, and Linn. The college was originally funded by the the Salem School District in 1952 as the Salem Technical-Vocational School, with the goal of providing job in training for the unemployed in the fields of Nursing and Electronics. The school has a large student body of 29,820, and offers degrees and certificates in more than 40 professional and technical programs, with popular offerings in the disciplines of nursing, fire science, and electronics. In addition to its main and extension campuses, Chemeketa operates a Center for Business and Industry in downtown Salem, with classes and programs benefiting local businesses. The college also administers the Northwest Wine Studies Center in Eola, the first such program in the state of Oregon. This innovative program includes a working vineyard, and offers studies in winemaking and vineyard management.

Chemeketa Community College awards an incredibly affordable online associate’s degree in accounting. This low-priced degree program provides thorough instruction in computerized accounting systems, preparing and analyzing financial reports, and in communication in a business environment. Students also gain critical thinking skills, and learn to make decision based on the framework, assumptions, principals, constraints and ethics of the accounting discipline. Courses include Income Tax, Financial Management, Government and Non-Profit Accounting, Payroll, and Computerized Accounting. With a tuition of just $80 per credit, Chemeketa is by far the most affordable of any school surveyed for our ranking of the 20 Best Online Associate’s in Accounting. Many students- a total of 79%- receive further assistance through financial aid as well.

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• Cost Per Credit Hour: $80
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 79%
• Retention Rate: 57%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
• Distance Education Students: 17%
• Graduation Rate: 16%