An online associate degree in Accounting is a flexible and practical way to begin a career in finance or business management. An associate program usually takes about two years and focuses on the core accounting principles and technical skills you’ll need to start working sooner. It’s designed for individuals who want to enter the workforce quickly, switch careers, or establish a foundation that can later be used toward a bachelor’s degree.
Coursework in an accounting associate program typically includes subjects like financial accounting, managerial accounting, business law, payroll systems, taxation, and computerized accounting software. Students learn how to prepare and analyze financial statements, manage budgets, handle bookkeeping tasks, and utilize modern accounting tools.
Many accredited universities and colleges across the U.S. offer online accounting associate programs, but not all of them deliver the same level of quality or recognition. We compared programs from respected institutions across the country, looking at accreditation, flexibility, cost, student outcomes, and employer reputation.
After reviewing numerous schools, we’ve highlighted the ten best online accounting associate degree programs that stand out for their academic strength and real-world value. Read on to discover the best online accounting associate degrees available today
Top Online Accounting Associate Degrees
1. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Southern New Hampshire University offers a fully online Associate of Science in Accounting program built for flexibility and real-world application. The two-year program covers the basics of financial and managerial accounting, business law, and economics while helping students develop solid analytical and organizational skills.
It’s ideal for those who want to enter the workforce quickly or continue toward a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. With affordable tuition and a career-focused structure, SNHU’s program provides a recognized path for students planning to pursue professional certifications or move into entry-level accounting roles.
2. Franklin University
Franklin University’s online Associate of Science in Accounting is designed with working adults in mind. The program introduces students to core accounting principles, financial reporting, and business management while allowing them to study entirely online at their own pace.
Coursework blends theory with hands-on learning to prepare graduates for positions like bookkeeper, accounting assistant, or payroll clerk. Students can also use the credits earned to transition into Franklin’s bachelor’s programs.
3. University of Cincinnati (UC Online)
UC offers a fully online, two-year Associate of Applied Business in Accounting Technology. Students study financial and managerial accounting, tax preparation, business law, and computerized accounting systems. The curriculum prepares you to enter roles like bookkeeping or accounting clerk, or to transfer into a bachelor’s program later.
The online format is self-paced to balance work and life, and the program welcomes transfer credits from accredited institutions.
4. Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU)
IWU’s online associate degree in accounting takes about 24 months and gives you foundational knowledge of accounting, business law, and spreadsheet tools. The program is structured so that every credit counts toward its bachelor’s accounting degree, making seamless transitions easier.
Students engage with accounting practices, financial reporting, and real-world applications. Because it’s online, it accommodates people working or dealing with life’s scheduling demands, yet still aims to prepare graduates for entry-level accounting jobs or further study.
5. Liberty University
Liberty offers a fully online Associate of Arts in Accounting designed to be flexible and career-focused. You can complete it in as little as a year and a half with no on-campus visits required. The curriculum blends financial and managerial accounting, business law, and general education courses. It’s structured so credits can often transfer into a bachelor’s degree.
The program uses 8-week courses and lets you study without fixed login times, which helps if you work or have other responsibilities.
6. Fox Valley Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College’s accounting program is strongly career-oriented, teaching how to maintain accounts, interpret financial reports, use computerized accounting software, and handle payroll and tax tasks. Their course catalog includes a capstone project where students run a small business’s accounting cycle.
They also have an online component; for example, “QuickBooks Accounting Online” is available remotely. The program mixes practical skills (Excel, software, bookkeeping) with foundational accounting knowledge.
7. Lenoir Community College
Lenoir offers an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting & Finance with a fully online option. The program covers financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, business law, ethics, and the use of accounting software like QuickBooks and Excel.
It’s built to prepare graduates for entry-level accounting and finance roles, or to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program later. The curriculum also emphasizes analytical thinking, communication, and practical business tools to help students succeed in real workplaces.
8. Northcentral Technical College (NTC)
NTC provides a fully online associate degree in accounting that prepares students for roles such as bookkeeper, accounting clerk, payroll accountant, or general business accountant. Core courses include financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, tax, business law, and the use of spreadsheet/ accounting software.
The program is structured to allow smooth transfer into four-year accounting or business programs and includes a mentored business experience in the final semester for practical exposure.
9. Kent State University
Kent State offers a 100% online Associate of Applied Business in Accounting Technology. In about two years, students gain hands-on training in financial reporting, bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll, and accounting systems.
The program is designed for students who want to move directly into entry-level accounting positions or eventually transfer into a bachelor’s program. Because it balances practical skills and theory, graduates leave with a toolkit that many employers recognize and value in real workplaces.
10. Minnesota State College Southeast
At Minnesota State College Southeast, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting either fully online or through hybrid delivery. The curriculum covers tax, auditing, payroll, income statements, and accounting software, along with general education courses in economics, communication, and math.
Students may enroll full-time or part-time and can tailor their schedule to fit work or life demands. The program also supports transfer to four-year universities through its “transfer pathway” option.
Conclusion
Each of these programs offers something beyond just flexibility. They’re built for people who want to study accounting seriously but need a way to do it around work, family, or other commitments.
The best online associate degrees combine accredited coursework, experienced faculty, and practical training using real accounting tools, things employers actually care about. If your goal is to land your first bookkeeping job, build experience toward becoming a CPA, or continue into a bachelor’s degree, these schools give you a clear and credible path to move forward.