The Cheapest Online Accounting Degree Programs of 2026

The cheapest online accounting degree programs clear two bars at once: a confirmed online option, and a published tuition low enough to change the math. Of the 302 accounting programs we analyzed nationwide, 62 carry a confirmed distance-education option, about 21% of the field. This ranking orders the 25 of those with the lowest in-state tuition that still clear an accreditation and completion floor.
Daytona State College is the lowest at $3,072 a year in-state, graduating 43% of its students. In-state tuition across the ranked online programs runs $3,072 to $11,835 a year. Field median pay is $87,660 per BLS, the same benchmark whether the degree was earned online or on campus.
One thing to check before comparing: many online programs bill every student a flat per-credit rate regardless of where they live. That can beat an out-of-state price while losing to a local public's resident rate, so the order below is a starting point rather than your personal price. The cost section works through it.
Key Takeaways on the Best Cheapest Online Accounting Degree Programs
- Daytona State College is the lowest-priced accredited online option here at $3,072/year in-state.
- In-state tuition across the ranked online programs spans $3,072 to $11,835 per year.
- 62 of the 302 accounting programs analyzed offer a confirmed online option, about 21% of the field.
- Even at the low end of price, the ranked online programs graduate 54% of students on average.
- Online here means a confirmed distance-education option in the federal data, not a marketing claim.
- Field median pay is $87,660 (BLS), identical across accredited programs regardless of tuition or delivery format.
We analyzed 302 accredited accounting programs reported to IPEDS, then ranked the 25 online options with the lowest in-state tuition among programs that clear an accreditation and completion floor. No school pays for inclusion.
The 25 Cheapest Online Accounting Degree Programs, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach, FL · online option | Public | $3,072 | 43% | NR | 68.1 |
| 2 | Georgia Southwestern State UniversityAmericus, GA · online option | Public | $4,176 | 41% | 75% | 68.4 |
| 3 | Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA · online option | Public | $4,488 | 55% | 88% | 74.2 |
| 4 | University of South FloridaTampa, FL · online option | Public | $4,559 | 77% | 43% | 92.9 |
| 5 | Fort Hays State UniversityHays, KS · online option | Public | $4,704 | 48% | 90% | 67.4 |
| 6 | Florida International UniversityMiami, FL · online option | Public | $4,721 | 74% | 55% | 90.9 |
| 7 | Louisiana State University-AlexandriaAlexandria, LA · online option | Public | $4,950 | 34% | 92% | 62.9 |
| 8 | Boise State UniversityBoise, ID · online option | Public | $6,119 | 60% | 87% | 76.4 |
| 9 | University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage, AK · online option | Public | $6,192 | 30% | NR | 71.6 |
| 10 | University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock, AR · online option | Public | $6,810 | 42% | 59% | 74.8 |
| 11 | Eastern Connecticut State UniversityWillimantic, CT · online option | Public | $6,998 | 58% | 83% | 76.9 |
| 12 | Southern Arkansas University Main CampusMagnolia, AR · online option | Public | $7,380 | 49% | 75% | 66.9 |
| 13 | Athens State UniversityAthens, AL · online option | Public | $7,680 | NR | NR | 71.4 |
| 14 | University of ArkansasFayetteville, AR · online option | Public | $7,896 | 71% | 74% | 86.0 |
| 15 | University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks, AK · online option | Public | $8,072 | 38% | NR | 62.2 |
| 16 | Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN · online option | Public | $8,948 | 62% | 85% | 78.9 |
| 17 | University of South AlabamaMobile, AL · online option | Public | $8,976 | 53% | 71% | 74.2 |
| 18 | Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale, IL · online option | Public | $9,638 | 62% | 87% | 73.4 |
| 19 | Western Illinois UniversityMacomb, IL · online option | Public | $9,662 | 45% | 71% | 74.3 |
| 20 | University of the CumberlandsWilliamsburg, KY · online option | Nonprofit | $9,875 | 50% | 99% | 63.9 |
| 21 | University of North AlabamaFlorence, AL · online option | Public | $10,200 | 55% | 87% | 69.1 |
| 22 | Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb, IL · online option | Public | $10,232 | 49% | 70% | 80.9 |
| 23 | Walden UniversityMinneapolis, MN · online option | For-profit | $10,542 | NR | NR | 72.0 |
| 24 | Auburn UniversityAuburn, AL · online option | Public | $11,016 | 82% | 46% | 94.6 |
| 25 | University of ArizonaTucson, AZ · online option | Public | $11,835 | 68% | 86% | 85.8 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
The Lowest-Cost Online Accounting Degree Programs, Compared
In-state tuition for the 10 most affordable programs. Shorter bars cost less; the resident rate is what state schools charge in-state students.
Inside the Top Cheapest Online Accounting Degree Programs
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, FL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 43%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $3,072
- Out-of-state
- $11,960
At $3,072 a year in-state, Daytona State College is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 68.1 Hakia Score on a 43% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.1, #1 of 25
- 43% graduation rate
- $3,072 in-state vs $11,960 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Daytona Beach, FL, Daytona State College is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #1 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 68.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 75.1 group average. The program graduates 43% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 82%. The university enrolls 12,820 students overall.
On cost, Daytona State College charges $3,072 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $11,960 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $12,288 in tuition for residents, against $47,840 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,072 at Daytona State College to $11,835 at University of Arizona. The spread makes the program a clearer value for FL residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 29x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Georgia Southwestern State University
Americus, GA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 41%
- Admit rate
- 75%
- In-state
- $4,176
- Out-of-state
- $15,528
At $4,176 a year in-state, Georgia Southwestern State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 68.4 Hakia Score on a 41% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.4, #2 of 25
- 41% graduation rate
- $4,176 in-state vs $15,528 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Americus, GA, Georgia Southwestern State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #2 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 68.4 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.1 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 41% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Georgia Southwestern State University admits 75% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of South Florida, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 82%.
On cost, Georgia Southwestern State University charges $4,176 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $15,528 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $16,704 in tuition for residents, against $62,112 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,072 at Daytona State College to $11,835 at University of Arizona. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 88%
- In-state
- $4,488
- Out-of-state
- $16,200
At $4,488 a year in-state, Georgia Southern University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 74.2 Hakia Score on a 55% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 74.2, #3 of 25
- 55% graduation rate
- $4,488 in-state vs $16,200 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #3 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 74.2 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.1 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 55% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. Georgia Southern University admits 88% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of South Florida, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 82%.
On cost, Georgia Southern University charges $4,488 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $16,200 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $17,952 in tuition for residents, against $64,800 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,072 at Daytona State College to $11,835 at University of Arizona. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 77%
- Admit rate
- 43%
- In-state
- $4,559
- Out-of-state
- $15,473
At $4,559 a year in-state, University of South Florida is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 92.9 Hakia Score on a 77% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 92.9, #4 of 25
- 77% graduation rate
- $4,559 in-state vs $15,473 out-of-state
- Most selective program here
University of South Florida is a public institution in Tampa, FL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #4 of the 25 analyzed here with a 92.9 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 75.1 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 77% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. University of South Florida admits 43% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 82%.
On cost, University of South Florida charges $4,559 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $15,473 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $18,236 in tuition for residents, against $61,892 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,072 at Daytona State College to $11,835 at University of Arizona. The spread makes the program a clearer value for FL residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 48%
- Admit rate
- 90%
- In-state
- $4,704
- Out-of-state
- $16,522
At $4,704 a year in-state, Fort Hays State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 67.4 Hakia Score on a 48% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 67.4, #5 of 25
- 48% graduation rate
- $4,704 in-state vs $16,522 out-of-state
- Online option available
Fort Hays State University is a public institution in Hays, KS. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #5 of the 25 analyzed here with a 67.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.1 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs, 0.7 points behind top-ranked Daytona State College. The program graduates 48% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Fort Hays State University admits 90% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of South Florida, the most selective program on this list.
On cost, Fort Hays State University charges $4,704 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $16,522 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $18,816 in tuition for residents, against $66,088 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,072 at Daytona State College to $11,835 at University of Arizona. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Florida International University
Miami, FL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 74%
- Admit rate
- 55%
- In-state
- $4,721
- Out-of-state
- $16,529
At $4,721 a year in-state, Florida International University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 90.9 Hakia Score on a 74% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 90.9, #6 of 25
- 74% graduation rate
- $4,721 in-state vs $16,529 out-of-state
- Online option available
Florida International University is a public institution in Miami, FL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #6 of the 25 analyzed here with a 90.9 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 75.1 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 74% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. Florida International University admits 55% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of South Florida, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 82%.
On cost, Florida International University charges $4,721 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $16,529 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $18,884 in tuition for residents, against $66,116 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,072 at Daytona State College to $11,835 at University of Arizona. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Alexandria, LA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 34%
- Admit rate
- 92%
- In-state
- $4,950
- Out-of-state
- $5,150
At $4,950 a year in-state, Louisiana State University-Alexandria is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 62.9 Hakia Score on a 34% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 62.9, #7 of 25
- 34% graduation rate
- $4,950 in-state vs $5,150 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Alexandria, LA, Louisiana State University-Alexandria is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #7 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 62.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.1 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs, 5.2 points behind top-ranked Daytona State College. The program graduates 34% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Louisiana State University-Alexandria admits 92% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of South Florida, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 82%.
On cost, Louisiana State University-Alexandria charges $4,950 a year in-state, versus $5,150 for out-of-state students. Over four years that is about $19,800 in tuition for residents, against $20,600 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,072 at Daytona State College to $11,835 at University of Arizona. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Boise State University
Boise, ID · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 60%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $6,119
- Out-of-state
- $24,859
At $6,119 a year in-state, Boise State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 76.4 Hakia Score on a 60% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 76.4, #8 of 25
- 60% graduation rate
- $6,119 in-state vs $24,859 out-of-state
- Online option available
Boise State University is a public institution in Boise, ID. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #8 of the 25 analyzed here with a 76.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 75.1 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 60% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. Boise State University admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of South Florida, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 82%.
On cost, Boise State University charges $6,119 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $24,859 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $24,476 in tuition for residents, against $99,436 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,072 at Daytona State College to $11,835 at University of Arizona. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 30%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $6,192
- Out-of-state
- $19,776
At $6,192 a year in-state, University of Alaska Anchorage is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 71.6 Hakia Score on a 30% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 71.6, #9 of 25
- 30% graduation rate
- $6,192 in-state vs $19,776 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Anchorage, AK, University of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #9 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 71.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.1 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 30% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 82%. The university enrolls 10,493 students overall.
On cost, University of Alaska Anchorage charges $6,192 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $19,776 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $24,768 in tuition for residents, against $79,104 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,072 at Daytona State College to $11,835 at University of Arizona. The spread makes the program a clearer value for AK residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 14x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 42%
- Admit rate
- 59%
- In-state
- $6,810
- Out-of-state
- $19,620
University of Arkansas at Little Rock ranks #10 of the 25 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 74.8 Hakia Score and a 42% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 74.8, #10 of 25
- 42% graduation rate
- $6,810 in-state vs $19,620 out-of-state
- Online option available
University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a public institution in Little Rock, AR. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #10 of the 25 analyzed here with a 74.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.1 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 42% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. University of Arkansas at Little Rock admits 59% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 43% rate at University of South Florida, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 82%.
On cost, University of Arkansas at Little Rock charges $6,810 a year in-state, roughly 2.9x the $19,620 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $27,240 in tuition for residents, against $78,480 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,072 at Daytona State College to $11,835 at University of Arizona. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is genuine selectivity paired with an online option.
What the Cheapest Online Accounting Degree Programs Really Cost
In-state tuition across the ranked online programs runs $3,072 to $11,835 a year. That range is the in-state rate, which is what residents pay at a public school. Online students are often billed differently, on a flat per-credit tuition that applies wherever they live. Where that happens the resident discount disappears, and the cheapest program on this list may not be the cheapest one for you. Add fees and the number of credits required, then compare totals rather than headline rates.
Low Price, Real Accreditation
Price is the sort order on this page, not the entry requirement. Every program ranked is accredited and reports completion data to IPEDS, and anything below a real graduation floor is filtered out before price is considered. That filter earns its keep at the low end of the market, where unaccredited providers compete on tuition alone and leave graduates holding a credential employers and licensing boards do not recognize.
Cheapest Online vs. Best Online
This page sorts on price. To see the strongest online options instead, ranked on graduation rate, selectivity, and outcomes, our best online accounting programs list uses the same pool ordered by Hakia Score. The most affordable accounting programs ranking drops the online filter and includes campus programs, which is where the very lowest in-state prices tend to sit.
Best Bachelor's in Accounting Programs by State
Prefer a state-by-state view? We rank Accounting Programs in 21 states, each grounded in that state's real, accredited programs.
Cheapest Online Accounting Degree Programs: Your Questions, Answered
What is the cheapest online accounting degree?
Daytona State College has the lowest in-state tuition among accredited online options at $3,072 a year, followed by Georgia Southwestern State University and Georgia Southern University. Confirm whether the school charges online students that resident rate or a flat per-credit rate.
Are cheap online accounting degree programs accredited?
The ones ranked here are. Accreditation and a real completion rate are applied as filters before price, so an unaccredited program cannot reach this list by being inexpensive.
Does an online accounting degree cost less than on campus?
Sometimes. A flat per-credit online rate usually beats out-of-state tuition and often loses to a local public's in-state rate. Online study also removes relocation costs and lets many students keep working, which moves the real cost of the degree more than the tuition line does.
Do online accounting degree programs charge the in-state rate?
Not always. Some public schools extend the resident rate to every online student; others charge by residency exactly as they do on campus. Confirm it with the school before comparing two programs on this page.
How the Cheapest Online Accounting Degree Programs Are Scored
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.