Best Accounting Certificates Online 2024

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $330 (Undergraduate); $637 (Graduate)
Out-of-State | $330 (Undergraduate); $637 (Graduate)

Credits to Graduate: 18

SNHU's online accounting certificate program has separate tracks for undergraduates and graduates, with each certificate including the same number of credits. The undergraduate certificate covers foundational aspects of accounting, like cost accounting and federal taxation, while the graduate certificate dives into more advanced topics, like auditing and complex financial reporting.

SNHU delivers all courses for its accounting certificates asynchronously. Because the certificates share coursework with SNHU's accounting associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, students can stack certificates and degrees to save time and money.

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Cost per Course:
In-State | $3,000
Out-of-State | $3,000

Credits to Graduate: 9-18

The UA accounting online graduate certificate is customizable to each student's needs, allowing them to choose up to 18 credits in specialized topics, like auditing, financial statement analysis, and accounting ethics. Learners without credits in financial accounting must take a prerequisite course before beginning the certificate program. They can complete other prerequisites during the program, like federal taxation and managerial accounting.

The school offers the certificate six times yearly, allowing enrollees to begin their studies when it fits their schedule.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $103
Out-of-State | $290

Credits to Graduate: 21

LSC's level one accounting certificate prepares students for entry-level accounting roles, like bookkeepers or accounting assistants. The 21-credit program features computerized accounting, human relations, individual income tax, and business computer applications. 

Learners can complete the program at one of seven LSC campuses in Texas or through LSC-Online. A first-year experience course offers tips and strategies to help online students succeed in their programs.

Earned credits are transferable to LSC's associate of applied science in accounting.

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $368
Out-of-State | $911

Credits to Graduate: 24

The online undergraduate accounting certificate from UAB is a bridge program for students interested in continuing with master's degrees or switching majors. The certificate includes eight courses covering taxation, cost accounting, financial accounting, and accounting principles. 

UAB Online features a virtual tutoring lab and career center to support learners throughout their studies. Each applicant must submit official transcripts from every school they've attended and pay a $40 application fee with their application.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $318
Out-of-State | $499

Credits to Graduate: 18

Students pursuing UMGC's accounting foundations undergraduate certificate can enroll without prerequisites to develop a foundational understanding of accounting principles and complete the program in one year or less. In addition to two required accounting courses, learners choose four courses to complete the certificate. Options include statistics, academic writing, data literacy foundations, and business and management.

All classes for this certificate are available online, and a few options are offered in a hybrid format to meet each student's learning needs.  

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $160
Out-of-State | $336

Credits to Graduate: 18

GCC offers its accounting certificate entirely online, and students can complete the program in one year. The program teaches basic accounting skills to prepare enrollees for payroll specialist and office manager careers. Key courses include computerized accounting, applied business mathematics, and accounting principles.

Learners can transfer their credits to GCC's business management associate degree upon completion of the certificate. Some applicants may need to complete math or English courses alongside the accounting curriculum, depending on their transcript review.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $419
Out-of-State | $545

Credits to Graduate: 18

Offered by the School of Business and Management, TESU's undergraduate accounting certificate includes six online courses, with financial, managerial, and intermediate accounting part of the required core. Students can then choose from advanced accounting, cost accounting, and federal income taxation to round out the program.

TESU allows nine transfer credits to reduce the potential time and cost commitment. The university requires each applicant to have a high school diploma or equivalent and be 20 or older. Candidates who are at least 16 and able to meet the school's self-direction criteria may also qualify. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $83
Out-of-State | $223

Credits to Graduate: 45

Students can complete San Jac's level two accounting certificate online or in person at one of three campuses. The three-term program transfers into San Jac's accounting associate of applied science, but graduates should feel prepared to enter the accounting field after completion. 

Notable courses include payroll and business tax accounting, business law, managerial accounting, and technical writing for accountants. San Jac also requires a three-credit field experience for students to gain on-the-job accounting experience. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $170
Out-of-State | $210

Credits to Graduate: 25

Future accountants seeking employment as soon as possible can pursue NCMC's online accounting certificate, which they can complete in just two semesters. The program covers key industry topics like payroll accounting, credit and finance, business communications, and spreadsheet applications. The certificate is also transferable to an associate or bachelor's degree in accounting.

NCMC offers its online classes asynchronously via the Brightspace Learning Management System, enhancing students' flexibility. A first-time applicant must submit high school transcripts or a GED certificate with their online application. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $234
Out-of-State | $234

Credits to Graduate: 30

UAF's accounting technician certificate prepares students to pursue employment in accounting. Students can gain skills in payroll accounting, bookkeeping, and using accounting software. Near the end of the curriculum, each enrollee completes a three-credit capstone course testing their ability to close books, calculate payroll, post transactions, and prepare financial statements. 

Through UAF Online, learners can study and complete assignments on their schedule while meeting weekly deadlines. UAF Online requires students to submit official transcripts with their applications and meet with academic advisors before each semester.