Online Accounting Degrees in Texas

• Author: Rosa Tiemann (B.S. Accounting)
• Expert Reviewer: Deborah Wadsworth (M.S. Accounting)
• Last Updated: November 6th, 2023

Pursuing a career in accounting offers financial stability, competitive salaries, and the flexibility to work across various industries. Online Bachelor of Accounting programs combine the ease of remote learning with a rigorous academic curriculum. Yet, finding the ideal program is no small feat, especially in a state like Texas that boasts a wealth of educational opportunities. To help you navigate this landscape, we’ve curated a list of the six most affordable online accounting degrees in Texas for 2024. While affordability remains crucial, this article also delves into other vital factors such as the credentials of the faculty, the program’s reputation among peers, and the support services available to online students.

Each school on our list has earned accreditation from recognized bodies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Accreditation ensures you’re investing in a quality, credible program.

Why focus on Texas? The state is an economic powerhouse, home to many Fortune 500 companies and emerging sectors. This dynamic business environment offers a fertile ground for career growth in accounting. Opportunities for internships, networking, and employment abound here, making Texas an attractive option for aspiring accountants.

However, keep affordability within your other academic and career aspirations. Besides cost, weigh the curriculum’s comprehensiveness, faculty expertise, availability of financial aid, and the program’s flexibility. We’ve gathered data from reliable sources, including the Common Data Set and program administrators, to aid you in making an informed decision.

So, whether you’re a high school graduate, a working professional eyeing a career switch, or someone aiming to climb the accounting ladder, this guide serves as a comprehensive resource for selecting a program that aligns with your future goals. Let’s dissect these six cost-effective programs, evaluating their educational offerings and how they fit your budget.

Affordable Online Bachelor of Accounting Degrees in Texas

Navigating the complex landscape of online accounting programs is an enormous feat. This guide is your compass, focusing on affordability and quality, flexibility, and career readiness for 2024.

Initial Screening: Our research commenced with an expansive list of 52 online accounting programs in Texas. Rigorous evaluation enabled us to pare down that number, zeroing in on indicators of quality and credibility.

Accreditation Analysis: Every school on our list holds regional accreditation, a fundamental marker of educational quality. Furthermore, we indicate which schools have also earned specialized business accreditation from reputable organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This additional layer of accreditation serves as an added assurance that the program meets high academic and ethical standards.

For-Profit vs. Non-Profit: We operate under the belief that education should emphasize knowledge over profitability. Hence, our list consists solely of Public and Non-Profit institutions, excluding five programs from our initial compilation.

Cost Consideration: The final ranking phase involved evaluating schools based on their reported tuition per credit hour, offering you a tangible metric for financial investment.

From this rigorously vetted list, we spotlight the top 6 online accounting degrees in Texas that most effectively combine affordability with academic quality and convenience for aspiring accountants.

1. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

Boasting AACSB-accreditation, the online Bachelor of Accounting program at the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) equips students with essential financial problem-solving skills aimed at a competitive edge in various accounting sectors.

For UTPB, a smooth admission process awaits you. The program demands a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 and offers rolling admissions for both U.S. and international applicants. The school maintains an acceptance rate of 78%, roughly aligned with state and national averages. Notably, most new entrants into the program are employed, and the average student age hovers at 29. This demonstrates the program’s appeal to working professionals seeking to upgrade their skills or change careers.

UTPB shines in the quality of its faculty; 58% of full-time faculty members hold terminal degrees, surpassing the state average. However, it slightly lags behind the national benchmark. The program requires 120 credits for graduation and incorporates features like formal peer reviews of instructors and continued online instruction education. Online students are particularly drawn to the school for its seamless academic experience, matching the rigor and outcomes of its campus-based equivalent. This program doesn’t cut corners academically while delivering online flexibility.

When it comes to affordability, UTPB leads the pack. Tuition per credit is $219, making it significantly more affordable than the state ($431) and national ($453) averages. For those who need to borrow, the average debt for graduates is slightly above the state average at $21,150, but the proportion of students graduating with debt is only 13%, well below both state and national norms. Veterans can also find value here; the institution is GI Bill certified, although it does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

UTPB’s online Bachelor of Accounting program offers a compelling mix of affordability, reputable faculty, and online learning excellence, making it an attractive option for students nationwide.

2. Texas A&M University Commerce

online Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting

For those set on mastering the language of business, the online Bachelor of Accounting program at Texas A&M University-Commerce equips students with the tools to excel in various industries while preparing them for CPA and CFA exams.

Navigating your way into Texas A&M University Commerce’s accounting program requires a high school diploma or GED. Unlike other institutions, the university doesn’t enforce a minimum high school GPA, focusing instead on the rigor of your secondary school record and class rank. The acceptance rate is 60%, indicating a moderately competitive admissions environment. Applications operate on a rolling deadline for both U.S. and international students, affording flexibility for applicants. With an average student age of 29 and 19% of new entrants employed, the program caters to a diverse demographic, including working professionals.

Academic excellence underscores the program, with 59 full-time instructional faculty members available online. This faculty experiences an average of seven years in online teaching, and most hold terminal degrees. Classes boast an average of 22 students, creating a conducive learning atmosphere. Various assessment methods—from group projects to graded class participation—keep students engaged. While the program has kept pace with the digital era, offering features such as live streaming and web conferencing, it distinctly avoids incorporating campus-based students into its online environment.

With a per-credit tuition rate of $568, Texas A&M University-Commerce ranks as one of the most affordable in the state, though slightly above the national average. Graduates from the program face an average debt of $18,470, lower than both state and national averages. Nearly half (49%) of the graduates in 2021-2022 borrowed to finance their education. The institution is GI Bill certified for military veterans but doesn’t participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Its comprehensive alum tracking provides valuable data for current and prospective students, setting it apart from other institutions.

The program’s diverse student body, reputable faculty, and competitive pricing make it a robust choice for those pursuing a career in accounting.

3. Texas Woman’s University

online Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting

Texas Woman’s University provides a flexible and rigorous online Bachelor of Accounting program for those aspiring to make their mark in accounting. The curriculum, designed by professors with academic and real-world expertise, aims to prepare students for leadership roles, even in male-dominated business environments.

Gaining admission to Texas Woman’s University involves a rolling application process, making it convenient for both U.S. and international students. High school completion is mandatory, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 required. The school maintains an acceptance rate of 95%, contrasting with more selective programs statewide. Prospective students are diverse in age, with an average of 27, and about 41% of new entrants are currently employed. These factors position TWU as suitable for working adults and those juggling various life commitments.

The program boasts 133 full-time instructional faculty members who deliver courses online, a robust number that signifies a strong commitment to online education. Learning extends beyond traditional lectures, incorporating a variety of formats, including group projects and simulations. Students must log in multiple times weekly for course participation, fostering an engaged online community. Course content aligns closely with that offered to campus-based students, promising an equivalent educational experience. The program’s unique focus on empowering women in business sets it apart from other online accounting programs at the state and national levels.

TWU offers tuition at $642 per credit, a rate competitive within Texas but higher than the state average of $234. Despite this, the financial investment yields strong outcomes; the school diligently tracks alums, aiding in job placement and career progression. Texas Woman’s University is also GI Bill certified, offering additional financial aid channels for veterans. Though the institution does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, institutional and federal aid are available. Given that financial aid options are abundant, the proportion of graduates with debt is worth noting, especially compared with other Texas-based programs.

By offering a unique blend of academic rigor, financial flexibility, and a focus on empowering women in the field of business, Texas Woman’s University presents a compelling option for those seeking an online Bachelor of Accounting.

4. Texas A&M University – Central Texas

online Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting

Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers a rigorous Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Tailored for the real-world and CPA exam preparation, the program also allows for micro-credentials in various business specializations.

The application process at Texas A&M University-Central Texas is straightforward and easy to follow. The university maintains a rolling application deadline for both U.S. and international students. Applicants need to meet basic high school completion requirements but will find the university omits minimum high school GPA and standardized test scores from its considerations. The acceptance rate stands at 54%, making the program moderately competitive. The student body offers diversity in age and employment status: 24% are first-time, first-year students, and more than half of new entrants are already employed. This school’s admission requirements align closely with other state institutions, but the moderate acceptance rate gives it an edge for prospective students looking for a balanced opportunity.

The academic structure of the online program stands out for its comprehensive faculty involvement. With an average of 32 full-time and 38 part-time instructional faculty members, many of whom possess terminal degrees, students can expect quality instruction. The program prepares students for the CPA Exam and offers micro-credentials in Business Analytics and cybersecurity, among others. Classes extensively use live streaming, web conferencing, and online chatrooms to facilitate learning. Notably, the program does not include campus-based students in its online courses, meaning online students receive a tailored experience. Compared to other state programs, Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers a more specialized route for distance learners, including micro-credentials.

The tuition per credit at Texas A&M University-Central Texas is $682, closely aligned with the state’s average of $648. Veterans can benefit from in-state tuition and the institution’s GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program participation. Financial aid is robust, with both institutional and federal assistance available. The school actively tracks its alums for debt but does not publicly disclose specific data on average debt or the proportion of graduates with debt. When stacked against other programs in the state and nationally, Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers a competitive financial package, especially valuable for veterans and active service members.

5. Dallas Baptist University

online Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting

Dallas Baptist University offers an online accounting degree in Texas that prepares students for various career opportunities. The program couples rigorous academics with practical experiences to shape competent professionals in accounting and related fields.

Dallas Baptist University has a rolling application deadline, applicable to both U.S. and international students. Prospective students need a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 and must submit standardized test scores. High school completion or a GED is a requirement for admission. The acceptance rate indicates a selective admissions process, which could be a factor to consider. The student body is diverse, with an average student age that aligns closely with national data. Interestingly, the institution welcomes working professionals, as indicated by the number of employed new entrants. DBU maintains stringent academic requirements compared to other Texas institutions, which may signal a quality education.

The program boasts a faculty experienced in online teaching, with the majority holding terminal degrees in their field. The online experience here includes various tools for engagement, such as online chatrooms, webinars, and Zoom conferences. Dallas Baptist University prioritizes the same level of academic quality for online and on-campus students, offering an average class size of 15 to ensure personalized attention. Students can access many courses, including foundational areas in business and nine required upper-level accounting courses. DBU uniquely offers an accelerated 5-year B.B.A. and M.B.A. in Accounting, catering to those interested in fulfilling Texas CPA requirements. In this regard, DBU stands out from other Texas programs for its breadth of academic options.

At $1,127 per credit, tuition at Dallas Baptist University is higher than the state average of $648. While the program demands a significant financial commitment, institutional and federal financial aid options are available. The university is GI Bill certified and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, benefitting military veterans and active service members. Unfortunately, the school did not provide data on the average debt for graduates who borrowed or the proportion of such graduates. Financial aid availability makes DBU a reasonable option despite its higher tuition costs than other state programs.

Dallas Baptist University’s online Bachelor of Accounting program offers rigorous academics, multiple support systems, and a path to CPA credentials. While tuition is higher, the school’s financial aid options and military benefits partially offset the cost, making it a consideration-worthy choice for aspiring accountants.

Conclusion

Choosing an online accounting degree in Texas can feel like navigating a maze of options, but our comprehensive guide aims to streamline your journey. While we applaud the University of Texas Permian Basin and the other Texas schools on this list for their affordable tuition, we recognize that cost is just one piece of the puzzle. The quality of academics, faculty expertise, and many other factors will significantly impact your educational experience and, ultimately, your career trajectory.

Consider what you value most in online education—flexibility, academic rigor, or strong support services—and weigh it against our provided data. Each program featured here has unique advantages and drawbacks, from the application process to the kinds of financial aid available. As you take this crucial step toward your accounting career, remember that the best choice is one that aligns with both your educational goals and life circumstances. Good luck on your educational journey.

View online accounting programs by state: California | Kentucky | Texas

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d17/tables/dt17_304.10.asp
2. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs: https://acbsp.org/page/accreditation-overview
3. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business: https://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/accredited-schools
4. The International Accreditation Council for Business Education: https://iacbe.org