Best Associate in Accounting Degrees

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.

*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

An associate degree in accounting is a great introduction to the field and can help prepare students for further education in the subject. Usually, students who enter this field enjoy mathematics and may tend to think more analytically. These students must also be very organized and be able to communicate well with others. Graduates with an associate degree in accounting can continue their education or begin working entry-level jobs related to the field, which can help them gain real-world experience. The curriculum of these programs also provides an overview of business-related subjects, which could potentially qualify students for additional entry-level jobs outside of accounting, such as careers in finance or business administration. Although it depends on the institution, students are commonly taught by educators who have real-world experience in accounting and business and can provide valuable insight into the field for students. For example, many programs have courses taught by Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), entrepreneurs, and other leaders in financial institutions.

There are many associate degree programs in accounting available around the country, so students should begin by deciding what type of degree they need. For example, students who decide that an on-campus program is the right format for them may need to find a program that is located close to their home or workplace. Students should also consider the time to degree completion and the availability of full- and part-time enrollment to find a program that fits within their personal schedule. The specific coursework can also play a role in a student's decision, as students should search for programs that best align with their particular career and educational goals. For those wishing to continue on to earn an advanced degree in the field, they should investigate any available transfer agreements or partnership schools. Although it is discussed below in greater detail, attending an accredited accounting program can also help increase students' job prospects.

Other considerations for choosing an accounting associate program are at the institutional level. For instance, students who have financial needs will likely need to find a program that fits within their budget and/or provides a range of financial aid options. Some schools also provide additional support services that may appeal to students.

Application and Admissions for Accounting Associate Degree Programs

The process for applying to associate degree programs in accounting varies by school. Students also usually need to know what type of student they are, as requirements vary. For instance, there are additional language proficiency requirements required for international students, and non-degree seeking students typically submit fewer documents with their application than a degree-seeking student. Traditional first-time students usually need to have at least a high school diploma or GED. A copy of all of a student's transcripts are usually required to be submitted with the appropriate admissions application, as well as any required fee. Most schools require applicants to take the ACT or SAT and have their scores submitted to the institution. While some subject areas at schools have additional admission requirements, associate degree programs in accounting usually do not.

Traditionally, an associate degree in accounting can be completed in 2 years, or 4 semesters, when taken full-time. However, there are some programs that allow students to accelerate this time to degree completion and finish with their associate degree in as few as 18 months. These shorter programs can still require the same amount of credits but allow students to work at their own pace through a stair-step progression. Other factors that affect the time to degree completion include any transfer credit that is approved, the chosen course load each semester, and any breaks in enrollment.

The cost of an associate degree in accounting is also dependent on several different factors that are diverse amongst schools. Depending on the school, there can be a flat rate for tuition per credit hour for undergraduate students, or the rate may vary based on factors such as residency, with in-district residents paying the least amount per credit hour. In addition to tuition, most schools include an array of fees with the total cost of a program. Again, it varies by school, but students could be responsible for paying registration, activity, course supply, and universal fees of differing amounts. Students should always check for any available tuition discounts or other benefits that a school may offer. For instance, several institutions offer tuition discounts for military service members.

Associate degree programs in accounting can range from 60 to 92 credits of coursework. Usually, students are required to take some general education courses in a range of areas, including math, science, and English. Then, students can take more business- and accounting-related courses to finish out their degree. Depending on the program, students could also need to choose a few electives. Some examples of business- and accounting-related courses for these programs include:

• Micro or macroeconomics
• Payroll accounting
• Intermediate accounting
• Business law
• Cost accounting
• Personal income tax
• Auditing
• Managerial accounting

There is a wide range of accounting jobs for introverts and extroverts available. Students can pursue managerial accounting careers, work as an accounting auditor, and more. Salary generally varies by position, and those with an associate degree in accounting will likely need to begin in entry-level positions. Graduates with their associate degree can work their way up in an organization or pursue further education to move into advanced positions in the field. According to PayScale.com, graduates with an associate degree in accounting made a median annual salary of $51,079 as of April 2021. However, salaries are typically dependent on a number of factors, such as employer, location, job title, special skill sets, experience, and more. In general, roles that require more leadership are likely to make a little more money, as well as those who have more work experience.

Begin a Career as a Bookkeeping, Accounting, or Auditing Clerk

While there are some differences between a bookkeeper and accounting clerk, as well as an auditing clerk, in general, these positions require at least a high school diploma or some college education. They typically need some coursework in accounting and learn many of their responsibilities through on-the-job training. Some of these professionals may earn professional certification in the field from groups such as the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. Certification usually requires meeting education or work experience requirements, agreeing to ethical standards, and passing an exam.

These clerks are responsible for helping organize and maintain financial records for an organization. This requires them to utilize specialized software, enter transactions, create reports, and ensure the accuracy of information. As of 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that bookkeepers, accounting, and auditing clerks made a median annual salary of $42,410.

Begin a Career as a Financial Clerk

Financial clerks are usually required to have at least a high school diploma, but some employers prefer those who have some college or a postsecondary degree. They need to have some prior coursework in areas such as economics and business. Financial clerks also need to undergo some on-the-job training, some of which may need to be specialized training for the specific industry they work in.

Financial clerks include a wide range of job titles, such as new accounts clerks, procurement clerks, brokerage clerks, loan interviewers, and more. Specific job duties vary by position, but in general, these clerks help perform a wide range of administrative duties for an organization that usually have to do with finances. They could be responsible for maintaining financial records, determining appropriate charges, helping customers, and performing necessary transactions. Per the BLS, the median annual salary for financial clerks was $41,520 as of 2020.

Professional certifications are available at a number of different levels for professionals working in the field of accounting. For instance, those with an associate degree in the field working as bookkeepers may pursue the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers or the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) certification from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers, both of which require passing an exam. Students who pursue advanced education in the field may go on to earn their Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. This requires passing a 4-part exam from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and participating in continuing education to maintain licensure. There is also a range of available certifications for different positions, such as the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) credential from the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) or the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) credential from the Association of Government Accountants (AGA).

Many colleges and universities that offer accounting associate degree programs are regionally accredited. This level of accreditation indicates a level of academic quality because all of the programs at the school have met general academic standards set by an accrediting body. Accreditation also qualifies students for receiving federal financial aid and can stand out to employers. Schools with accounting associate degree programs can be accredited from organizations such as the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Accounting is one of several fields that can also have additional program-level accreditation. Associate and other degree programs in accounting, as well as other business-related areas, often have program-level accreditation from business-related organizations, such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This can really stand out to employers because it means that programs have met industry-specific academic standards to better prepare students for a career in the field.

As mentioned, graduates with their associate degree in accounting will likely begin their careers in entry-level positions as bookkeepers, financial clerks, accounting clerks, or in other related jobs. Advancement in the field usually comes by earning a bachelor's degree in accounting and gaining relevant work experience in order to become an accountant or auditor. Accountants and auditors have to have at least a bachelor's degree, but some employers may prefer to hire those with a master's degree. Some accountants could be required to earn their CPA or decide to earn the credential to further advance their careers. After gaining work experience as an accountant, some professionals move into more advanced positions as financial managers or top executives in their organization. Other accountants may decide to switch from one type of accounting to another.

Students interested in continuing their education in the field of accounting beyond an associate degree have several different degree options. Usually, these degree programs are available specifically in accounting and provide hands-on training in the field through practicums, internships, research opportunities, and more. Some programs allow students to specialize in a particular area of accounting to better prepare for a desired career. There are also usually some flexible program formats to help accommodate students' schedules. Explore degree options for accounting here.

Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting

Students can most commonly pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting, but Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree programs are also available. Many of these degree programs are offered in on-campus or online formats for flexibility. Some programs allow students to choose from concentrations in areas, such as public accounting, finance, or management accounting to further prepare for a specific career. Most of these degree programs take 2 years to finish for those with an associate degree in accounting, and some programs offer an accelerated path to earning a master's degree in the field.

Master's Degrees in Accounting

At the master's level, students have a range of degree programs to choose from. Students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting, a Master of Accountancy (MAcc), or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting. These degree programs usually focus on helping prepare students for the CPA exam and help meet the education requirements to qualify for the exam. Some programs are available in full- and part-time formats to meet the needs of students who may be working full-time.

Doctoral Degrees in Accounting

Students wanting to earn a doctoral degree can choose from a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting or a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Accounting. Although some programs may be available in online formats, most of these programs are on-campus due to the focus on research. Students typically complete a dissertation and may have additional requirements, such as a practicum or teaching requirements. The curriculum for these programs can usually be individualized to help students focus in a particular area of the field.

Certificate Programs in Accounting

Certificate programs in accounting are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels and can be in a number of different areas, such as financial accounting certificate programs. Many of these certificate programs are offered online for convenience and can be completed in 1 year or less. Students can earn a certificate in the field to help prepare for an advanced accounting degree or add knowledge and skills to a degree outside of accounting. Graduate-level certificates can still help prepare students to take the CPA exam.

It is common for students to need assistance paying for their postsecondary education. As students add up the cost of tuition, fees, living expenses, books, materials, and more, they will likely see the need to pursue various forms of financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a great place to start this process and see what types of federal and state loans students qualify for. The FAFSA can also notify students of any federal and state grants that are available to them. Scholarships from a wide range of organizations are also a great option to help pay for school. These awards do not have to be repaid, but typically vary in amount and have different qualifications for each award. Often, smaller schools that offer associate degree programs in accounting also provide a variety of scholarships to students, including:

• Harper College- Students at Harper College can apply for a range of institutional and donor-sponsored scholarships, in addition to external scholarships. Institutional awards include the Distinguished Trustee Scholarship and the Tuition Relief Program. The Tuition Relief Program awards a one-time $500 scholarship to new students.
• Lackawanna College- Lackawanna College provides a variety of merit- and financial needs-based scholarships to students, including the Academic Achievement Scholarship and the Lackawanna College Family Scholarship.