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Best Online Accounting Programs
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Online accounting programs are gaining traction as students seek flexible paths to career advancement. With earnings potential averaging $63,331 and varying graduation rates, students have a lot to consider when choosing the right program. The options listed here represent a range of outcomes, allowing prospective students to weigh their choices carefully.
What stands out among these programs is how they stack up in terms of earnings, graduation rates, and student debt. For instance, the University of Florida-Online shows strong earning potential at $71,588 with an 81% graduation rate, while other programs like Embry-Riddle show a high earning figure of $84,131 but with a much lower graduation rate of just 21%. This contrast highlights the importance of not just looking at earnings, but also completion rates and debt levels when evaluating these programs.
Take the University of Arkansas Grantham and Western Governors University as examples. Grantham has a net price of $8,370 and a graduation rate of 32%, while Western Governors has a higher net price of $12,548 but a lower graduation rate of 48%. This showcases a tradeoff where Grantham offers lower costs but a lower completion rate, suggesting that students might need to assess their own priorities for financial investment versus program support.
How We Ranked
Online Accounting programs ranked by outcomes, value, and program concentration
Read our full methodology →Key Findings
University of Florida-Online graduates earn an average of $71,588.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has the highest earnings at $84,131 but a low 21% graduation rate.
The average graduation rate across these programs is just 37%.
University of Arkansas Grantham has the lowest net price at $8,370.
Quick Numbers
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
Rank Overview
All ranked schools. Bar length shows earnings relative to the top school.
| # | School | Earnings | Grad Rate | Net Price | Debt | Pell % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL | $72K | 81% | $5K | $15K | 22% |
| #2 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT | $61K | 48% | $13K | $11K | 39% |
| #3 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical … Daytona Beach, FL | $84K | 21% | $19K | $24K | 26% |
| #4 | University of New Hampshir… Manchester, NH | $66K | 22% | $11K | $27K | 32% |
| #5 | University of Arkansas Gra… LIttle Rock, AR | $63K | 32% | $8K | $22K | 72% |
| #6 | Arizona State University D… Scottsdale, AZ | $63K | 29% | — | $20K | 40% |
| #7 | University of Maryland Glo… Adelphi, MD | $65K | 31% | $22K | $21K | 29% |
| #8 | Touro University Worldwide Los Alamitos, CA | $41K | 36% | $19K | $25K | 51% |
| #9 | Northwest University-Cente… Kirkland, WA | $55K | 40% | $36K | $21K | 18% |
| #10 | Los Angeles Pacific Univer… San Dimas, CA | — | 29% | $23K | $19K | 52% |
| #11 | University of the People Pasadena, CA | — | 35% | — | — | 0% |
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With a graduation rate of 81%, the University of Florida-Online demonstrates a strong commitment to student success. The median earnings for graduates reach $71,588 after ten years, which indicates that students leave the program well-prepared for the workforce. This public university is particularly appealing for those looking for a flexible online education that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Pillar breakdown
Western Governors University, a private nonprofit institution, is designed for students who thrive in a flexible learning environment. With over 155,000 students, it has a unique competency-based model that allows learners to progress at their own pace. Although the graduation rate is lower at 48%, the school caters to working adults and those balancing various responsibilities while pursuing their education.
Pillar breakdown
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is focused on aviation and aerospace, attracting students eager to enter these dynamic fields. Despite a graduation rate of only 21%, the university offers impressive median earnings of $84,131 after ten years, suggesting strong outcomes for graduates. This makes it a compelling choice for those passionate about aerospace careers and seeking specialized education.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
The University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online offers a unique opportunity for those seeking to advance their careers through a flexible online format. However, the graduation rate is concerning at only 22%, which may signal challenges in student retention and support. Still, the median earnings of $66,479 after ten years show that graduates can find success in their chosen fields despite the hurdles.
Pillar breakdown
With a median earning of $63,496 after ten years, the University of Arkansas Grantham can be a solid choice for students looking to enter the workforce with a competitive salary. The school has a diverse student body, with 72% of its students receiving Pell Grants, indicating a strong commitment to accessibility for those who may need financial assistance.
Pillar breakdown
Arizona State University's Digital Immersion program attracts a large student population of nearly 54,000, illustrating its appeal in a digital-first education landscape. With a graduation rate of 29%, it's a place where students can immerse themselves in technology-driven learning while preparing for careers in a rapidly changing job market.
Pillar breakdown
At the University of Maryland Global Campus, students benefit from a flexible learning environment that caters to both traditional and non-traditional learners. With a median earning of $65,287 after ten years, graduates can expect solid financial outcomes in a range of career fields, making it a worthwhile consideration for those prioritizing return on investment in their education.
Pillar breakdown
Touro University Worldwide offers a unique, close-knit community for its approximately 454 students. With a graduation rate of 36%, the university prioritizes student support and engagement, which can be especially beneficial for students seeking a more personalized educational experience.
Pillar breakdown
Kirkland, WA · $35,671 net
In the heart of Kirkland, Washington, Northwest University focuses on online and extended education, serving a smaller student body of 405. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention and a close-knit community, which can be particularly beneficial for students who thrive in smaller environments and seek tailored educational experiences.
Pillar breakdown
Located in San Dimas, California, Los Angeles Pacific University offers a unique experience with a student population of 1,483. The school emphasizes accessibility and community, making it an inviting choice for students who desire a supportive environment while pursuing their education.
Pillar breakdown
University of the People, based in Pasadena, California, is distinct for its large enrollment of 22,688 students, making it one of the largest online universities. This school is designed for flexibility, catering to a diverse range of learners, including those balancing work or family commitments while pursuing their education.
Pillar breakdown
When examining the data closely, a clear pattern emerges. The University of Florida-Online outshines others with its impressive graduation rate of 81% and corresponding earnings of $71,588. In contrast, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, despite offering the highest earnings at $84,131, struggles with a graduation rate of only 21%. This indicates that while high earnings are appealing, they may not be as attainable without strong program support leading to completion.
As you sift through these rankings, consider what matters most for your situation. Weigh the cost of each program against potential earnings and graduation rates. For students who prioritize affordability, Grantham's program might be appealing, while those looking for a higher earning potential could lean towards Florida or Embry-Riddle. Each choice carries its own set of tradeoffs related to financial commitment and the likelihood of completing the degree.
Ultimately, this data underscores the importance of choosing a college that aligns with your career goals and financial reality. With the right program, graduates can set the stage for a stable future. Each family faces unique circumstances, so take the time to evaluate how these figures fit into your broader life plans, emphasizing the practical steps toward achieving your aspirations.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Sources & Citations
David Krug
Co-Founder, CollegeRanker
David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.
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