Online Accounting Degrees in Massachusetts

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

Opting for a career in accounting offers a suite of advantages: a resilient job market, competitive salaries, and skill sets in demand across various industries. Online accounting programs heighten the appeal, extending flexibility and convenience to those juggling other commitments or geographic constraints. For residents of Massachusetts, a state distinguished for its robust financial sector and venerable educational institutions, the prospects are even more promising.

However, the escalating burden of tuition costs complicates this otherwise encouraging landscape. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition fees for four-year public universities surged 10% from 2010 to 2021. Adding to this financial strain, more than 43 million Americans have student loan debt. In light of these pressing concerns, the question of affordability takes on greater significance. Financial obstacles should not hinder your career ambitions, life plans, homeownership, or retirement. That’s precisely why we’ve compiled this guide featuring the five most affordable online Bachelor of Accounting programs in Massachusetts for 2024. Our aim is straightforward: to steer you toward making a balanced educational investment where quality education and financial prudence go hand in hand.

Affordable Online Bachelor of Accounting Degrees in Massachusetts

We started with collected data from reputable sources such as the Common Data Set and directly from program administrators. In selecting programs, we considered accreditations from respected organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Accreditation guarantees that your chosen program meets rigorous academic standards, ensuring you get value for your money.

We began with a comprehensive selection of 12 online accounting programs in Massachusetts to arrive at this list. We scrutinized each one, eliminating those that did not meet stringent academic and ethical standards. The list focuses solely on public and non-profit institutions, in line with our belief that education should prioritize knowledge over profitability. Lastly, we analyzed reported tuition rates per credit hour, offering you a tangible metric for cost comparison.

Whether you are a high school graduate, a working adult eyeing a career transition, or someone striving to climb higher on the accounting career ladder, this guide aims to be your definitive resource. We sifted through the data, so you don’t have to. Up next, we’ll delve into the specifics of each program to help you find an educational path that aligns seamlessly with your career aspirations and financial capabilities. Stay tuned as we break down these five cost-effective options for obtaining your online Bachelor of Accounting degree in Massachusetts.

1. Westfield State University
2. The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
3. Nichols College
4. Bay Path University
5. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst

1. Westfield State University

online Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Transforming its students into successful and productive organizational contributors is the focus at Westfield State University. The accounting program covers 75 credits, which include business, non-business, and specialized accounting courses.

Westfield State provides a rolling cycle on the admissions front, offering flexibility for prospective students. Entry requirements for the program consist of a diploma or GED for high school completion, although no minimum high school GPA is specified. A unique feature of this program is its mature student body, with an average age of 31 years. Compared to other Massachusetts schools, the lack of a specific GPA requirement makes this program accessible to various academic backgrounds.

The academic experience at Westfield State University is commendable, particularly regarding faculty qualifications. An impressive 90% of full-time faculty hold terminal degrees, surpassing state and national averages. The coursework comprises a balanced mix of business core, non-business related courses, and specialized accounting courses. The classes also promote real-world applicability, with 58% requiring students to engage in collaborative projects. These features make the learning experience here both rigorous and practical.

The program boasts cost-effectiveness, with a tuition per credit rate of $340. This rate undercuts the state and national averages by 12% and 33%, respectively. The school is GI Bill certified and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, providing financial assistance to veterans. While exact figures on graduate debt are unavailable, the program’s budget-friendliness suggests that the financial burden might be lesser than the state and national averages. Westfield State’s affordability distinguishes it as a financially sensible option among its Massachusetts counterparts in a landscape of rising educational costs.

Westfield State University’s online Bachelor of Accounting program combines affordability with academic rigor, making it a compelling option for prospective students.

2. The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

online Bachelor of Science in Accounting

An AACSB-accredited program, the UMass Dartmouth online Bachelor of Accounting prepares students for roles in public accounting, management accounting, and more. Working professionals enjoy flexibility because instructors teach the majority of courses asynchronously.

Navigating the admissions landscape at UMass Dartmouth is a competitive endeavor with a 91% acceptance rate, notably more selective than the state average. Applicants need a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 for consideration. With rolling admission deadlines for both U.S. and international applicants, the program attracts an older, employed student body; the average student age is 32.

Academically, the program stands out for its faculty credentials. 104 full-time faculty members possess terminal qualifications, surpassing state and national averages. Online students complete 120 credits in courses that range from accounting concepts to auditing processes. While the program offers asynchronous learning for most courses, it doesn’t allow online and on-campus students to collaborate, which could be a drawback for those seeking a blended learning environment.

When it comes to financials, UMass Dartmouth makes a compelling case. At $342 per credit, tuition sits 11% below the state average and offers a 32% advantage compared to the national average. The average debt among 2021-2022 graduates who borrowed is $28,202—higher than the state average but lower than the national mark. The school supports veterans through its GI Bill certification and participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program. 74% of graduates end up with debt, but the institution’s robust alum tracking may offer some peace of mind for future job placement.

In summary, UMass Dartmouth offers a rigorous yet financially accessible online accounting program that might especially appeal to an older, employed demographic. While the faculty credentials are impressive, the lack of student collaboration may be a limiting factor for some.

3. Nichols College

online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting

With a focus on nurturing top-tier leadership skills for career readiness, Nichols College’s online Bachelor of Accounting program aims to equip you with the tools to enter the workforce confident and prepared.

Nichols College has an acceptance rate of 55%, making it more selective than the state average. The institution requires either a high school diploma or a GED for applicants. Unlike other programs, Nichols doesn’t specify a minimum GPA requirement and operates on a rolling admissions policy for both U.S. and international students. The average age of new entrants hovers around 33 years, and 95% of these students are employed. Nichols stands out for its employment rate among new students compared to other Massachusetts-based programs.

The academic experience at Nichols College offers specialized courses, allowing students to earn valuable certifications such as Bloomberg Market Concepts, Quickbooks, and Microsoft Excel. The faculty, a blend of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) with extensive professional experience, guide students through the evolving accounting landscape. Online courses span seven weeks across six sessions per year, creating an accelerated pace for those aiming to complete their degree quickly. Nichols diverges from the state average by having 41% of its faculty with terminal degrees, compared to 68.5%.

At $385 per credit, tuition at Nichols College aligns with the state average but remains 17% more affordable than the national average. Graduates from Nichols College have an average debt of $12,562, dramatically below state ($21,420) and national ($24,000) standards. Only 58% of graduates take on debt, notably lower than the national average of 61%. The school is also GI Bill certified and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, making it a viable option for veterans.

Nichols College’s financial offerings and lower graduate debt make it a compelling option compared to other accounting programs in the state and nationally.

4. Bay Path University

online Bachelor of Science in Business – Accounting

Grounded in industry expertise, Bay Path University’s online Bachelor of Business Accounting program primes you for multifaceted accounting and business evaluation roles. This program marries technical skills with an understanding how financial data permeates various organizational sectors, positioning you as an indispensable asset in any company.

Applying to Bay Path University is straightforward, with a rolling application deadline for both U.S. and international applicants. While the program doesn’t specify minimum high school GPA requirements, applicants should demonstrate a solid academic background. The university’s student body generally includes many employed individuals, setting the stage for a mature learning environment. Compared to peer institutions, Bay Path’s flexibility in the application process stands out as a significant advantage.

Academically, the program is robust, requiring 120 credits for graduation. Courses encompass financial reporting, managerial accounting, and taxation, underlining the program’s comprehensive nature. Although the university does not disclose specific data on faculty qualifications, it emphasizes expert-level instruction from industry professionals. The program allows you to complete your degree online, underscoring its commitment to flexibility and accessibility. The approach at this school stands in stark contrast to the methods of other Massachusetts institutions, where online and on-campus students frequently share the same courses.

Tuition costs for this program are $400 per credit, a rate that is only 5% above the Massachusetts state average but remains 13.25% below the national average. Bay Path University ranks as the second most affordable option on our list of Massachusetts schools. The institution also supports military veterans by offering GI Bill certification and participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Although exact figures for average student debt aren’t available, the program tracks alums, suggesting a commitment to post-graduation outcomes.

Bay Path University’s online Bachelor of Business Accounting is a compelling option for prospective students by offering a balance of affordability, flexibility, and a solid academic structure.

5. UMass-Amherst

online Bachelors in Business Administration – Accounting

Ranked fifth for affordability in Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst sets itself apart with its AACSB-accredited online accounting curriculum. With over a decade of online education expertise, the program’s advisors offer personalized guidance to ensure student success.

Securing a seat in this highly competitive program requires focus. The acceptance rate is 87%, notably above both state and national averages. The university operates on a rolling admissions basis for U.S. and international students. High school diploma or GED are requirements, and though the GPA requirement isn’t stipulated, given the program’s competitive nature, prospective students would do well to exceed standards. The average age of the student body is 33 years, suggesting a mix of career changers and working professionals among new entrants.

UMass Amherst launched its online accounting program in the 2003-2004 academic year, and it has since matured into a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students in accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting. Faculty boasts an average of 11 years of online teaching experience. However, 62% of full-time faculty possess terminal degrees, so the program falls slightly below the state average of 68.5%. While commendable, the teaching experience and credentials leave room for improvement compared to other state programs.

Tuition per credit costs $435, making it more affordable than the national average by 5%. Regarding student loans, graduates walk away with an average debt of $23,495—higher than the state average but lower than the national figure. Notably, only 63% of UMass-Amherst accounting graduates incur debt, which fares well against the national average. Veterans should find value here; the institution is GI Bill certified and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Financial aid is accessible, covering both institutional and federal options.

UMass Amherst’s online Bachelor of Accounting stands out for its affordability, competitive admissions, and mature curriculum. Yet, prospective students should consider that the faculty composition could benefit from further enrichment.

Conclusion

Deciding on an affordable online accounting program in Massachusetts can be enriching but challenging. Each program offers its unique merits. Fitchburg State University impresses with its comprehensive curriculum and notable student support services. Worcester State University, on the other hand, provides a competitive edge with its high faculty credentials. Bridgewater State University stands out for its strong student body engagement, including collaborative projects and simulations. Salem State University offers a highly accessible program, accommodating various student types, from those employed to those actively serving in the military. Lastly, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst distinguishes itself with its highly competitive acceptance rate and a curriculum that prepares students for various financial roles. As you navigate your educational journey, these schools represent cost-effective options and platforms for professional growth and academic achievement. Choose wisely, as the right program can set the stage for a rewarding career in accounting.

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