13 Cheapest Online Accounting Degrees in Florida from $219 per credit.

13 Cheapest Online Degrees in Accounting in Florida

“Accountancy is the language of business” – legendary investor Warren Buffet. The role of accounting in an organization is to ensure financial control, stability, and accountability. The demand for this role will likely never go away, and companies rely on accountants for much more than continuous tax advice.

 What is Accounting?

The process of accounting involves recording and summarizing financial transactions. It is the method of systematically providing information that describes the financial status of a person, business, or other entity.

Accounting can be used to answer questions such as:

-What funds are available?

-What funds have been spent?

-How much money did you spend on this project?

-How much money did you make from this project?

Accounting is a vast field and can be broadly categorized, as shown below.

Difference Between Accounting and Finance

The terms Accounting and Finance are commonly confused by many people, and creating a clear distinction between these two roles is challenging due to many overlaps between them. Many think that accounting is unprogressive, which is nothing more than data punching, and Finance is future-oriented, which uses data to implement capital and budgeting decision. So it’s time to understand the differences between the two.

 AccountingFinance
DefinitionAccounting comprises  management of the flow of money and financial transactions besides preparing the financial statements.Finance is a broader term involving efficient management of business assets and liabilities and planning for the firm’s future growth.
ScopeIt deals with the current outlook. The field of activity involves formulating financial statements for the current year.It has a futuristic perspective. It involves assessing financial statements or analyzing and planning for future financial dealings.  
Driving FactorTax DrivenPlan Driven
Financial StatementsIt is preparedIt is analysed
PurposeThe purpose is to have a clear picture of the business’s financial health. The purpose is how to add ways and means to increase the firm’s financial position.

<h2>How to start a career in Accounting?</h2>

“Ultimately, it’s not about money; it’s about numbers.” If statements like these kick you, you are welcome to start a career in Accounting. Be prepared to explore the Cheapest Online Degrees from Associate to Master’s level in Accounting in Florida.

 The table below summarizes the various degree options, credits, and duration involved.

ProgramCredits(May Vary)Typical Program LengthAdmission Requirements (Vary by the college)  
 Associate of Science (AS)    60 credits    
2 years  
High school Transcripts  
Bachelor of Science (BS) Bachelor’s Degree    120 credits    
4 years  
High school GPA of 3.25 or higher OR   ACT composite score of 21 or higher  
Master of Science (MS) Master’s Degree    30-60 credits    
1-2 years  
Bachelor’s degree in a related field  

Is an online degree in Accounting Good Fit for Me?

 Accounting is a profession that requires strong math, analytical skills, communication, and organization skills. Accounting graduates have a wide variety of career opportunities.

Some online accounting schools distribute their course material asynchronously, letting students study when it’s most convenient. Some practical requirements, such as internships, may still be required of online students, and distance learners frequently meet these requirements at authorized locations in their local areas.

Accounting majors can also benefit from additional credits for their CPA exam, which gives them an edge when competing for jobs with other candidates who do not have this qualification.

3 Cheapest Online Associates Degree in Accounting in Florida

#1 Herzing University

Program: Associate of Science in Accounting

Tuition: $446 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Financial Aid: Available with 100% of the students receiving the aid.

The 65 credit program will help you apply for entry-level accounting positions, including payables, receivables, bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation. As part of the course, you develop a solid academic foundation in the principles of accounting and computer skills such as accounting software, spreadsheets, and payroll software.

#2 Florida Institute of Technology

Program: AA in Accounting

Tuition: $510 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Financial Assistance: Available with 63% of the students receiving the aid.

The program combines financial and accounting principles to make the students estimate the value of liabilities and equities and how to apply these accounting fundamentals in daily practice. The curriculum also includes liberal arts to help the students develop critical thinking and analytical abilities.

#3 Florida National University

Program: Associate of Science in Accounting

Tuition: $550 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Financial Aid: Available with 87% of the students receiving the aid.

The 60-credit hour program will make you well versed with the general accounting procedures and principles, along with business skills, to help you launch a career as a professional accountant. The coursework incorporates the fundamentals of modern accounting to prepare you for employment as an entry-level accountant, bookkeeper, or accounting clerk.

5 Cheapest Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Accounting in Florida

#1 University of West Florida

Program: BS in Accounting

Tuition: $219 per credit hour(in state)and $648 per credit hour(out of state)

Accreditation & Ranking: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Ranked #9 in top Public universities in Florida.

Financial Aid: Available with 98% of the students receiving the aid.

The degree program is a unique combination of accounting knowledge paired with coursework in management topics. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International – a distinction held by less than 4.7% of business schools worldwide. Students are taught by faculty who have academic qualifications and real-world experience, including many CPA professionals.

#2 Herzing University

Program: BS in Accounting

 Tuition: $446 per credit hour

 Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

 Financial Aid: Available with 100% of the students receiving the aid.

 The 122-credit hour program boasts of small size with experienced and accessible faculty having real-world experience in the field. The course work helps you gain the educational foundation to continue pursuing certification as Certified Management Accountant(CMA) or Certified Public Accountant(CPA).

#3 Florida Institute of Technology

Program: BA in Accounting

Tuition: $510 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Financial Assistance: Available with 63% of the students receiving the aid.

The program incorporates principles and procedures of internal and public auditing, providing a foundation for becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). The course includes career-specific concentration courses, such as Cost Accounting, Auditing, and Compensation and Benefits.

#4 Florida National University

Program: BS in Accounting

Tuition: $550 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Financial Aid: Available with 87% of the students receiving the aid.

The 120-credit hour program is suited for non-traditional learners to learn the fundamentals of modern accounting and economics. The students gain advanced accounting knowledge to start their careers as professional accountants, balancing the books, managing payrolls, and calculating taxes.

#5 Hodges University

Program: BS in Accounting

Tuition: $595 per credit hour

Accreditation Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Financial Assistance:  Available with 84% of the students receiving 

The course aims to broaden the students’ skill sets in business law, financial reporting and analysis, and cost accounting. The faculty teach the program with hands-on, real-life experience in the field. Also, recorded videos are available to the students for a 360-degree insight into accounting.

5 Cheapest Online Masters Degrees in Accounting in Florida

 #1 University of West Florida

Program: Master of Accountancy

Tuition: $385 per credit hour(in state); $1044 per credit hour(out of state)

Accreditation & Ranking: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Ranked #9 in top Public universities in Florida.

Financial Aid: Available with 98% of the students receiving the aid.

The 30-credit-hour program focuses on proving foundational proficiency in advanced work areas of managerial accounting, accounting data analytics, advanced accounting information systems, and commercial law. You will develop strong analytical and presentation abilities as part of all your courses to prepare for a demanding and lucrative career.

 #2 Herzing University

Program: MBA in Accounting & Finance

 Tuition: $536 per credit hour

 Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

 Financial Aid: Available with 100% of the students receiving the aid.

 The program equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge for management positions in various areas of accounting, finance, business administration, sales, marketing, or human recourses. No GMAT or GRE score is required for the program. The solution-based curriculum with real-world examples gives you an upper hand in strategic decisions.

 #3 Saint Leo University

Program: Master of Accounting

Tuition: $780 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Financial Aid: Available with 98% of the students receiving the aid.

The coursework encourages the students to expand their professional competency and work towards higher standards of excellence. The degree helps you earn the required 150 hours for the eligibility criteria to sit for CPA or CMA exams.

#4 Hodges University

Program: MS in Accounting

Tuition: $830 per credit hour

Accreditation Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Financial Assistance:  Available with 84% of the students receiving 

The program aims to provide in-depth knowledge of all the aspects of accounting and finance critical to modern businesses. The coursework is designed to prepare you for auditing and consulting jobs and corporate C-suite careers like CFO.

#5 Florida Institute of Technology

Program: MBA in Accounting

Tuition$896 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Financial Assistance: Available with 63% of the students receiving the aid.

In this program, you will learn how to interpret and apply current issues in the development and practice of managerial accounting. The curriculum is designed to make you an expert in interpreting and applying current issues in the development and training of managerial accounting. Students also fulfill the requirements to take the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam or other accounting industry credentials.

What can I do with a Degree in Accounting?

Accounting is a broad field opens the gate for different career opportunities. Accounting professionals can work in the public sector, such as for the government or for a non-profit organization or in private sector for companies of all sizes, from small mom-and-pop shops to multinational corporations.

The diagram below illustrates the numerous career avenues open with a degree in Accounting.

 

 What Salary to expect with a Degree in Accounting?

As per BLS, the median Salary for an accountant is $77,250. The employment opportunities for auditors and accountants are expected to grow at 6%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. The pay scale significantly improves when you are a CPA-certified professional.

The salary structure of various job roles is mentioned in a tabular manner below.

Job DescriptionMedian Salary
Auditor$58,304
Managerial Accountant$62,172  
Financial Analyst$84,992
Forensic Accountant  $87,585
Information and Technology Accountant  $95,789
Corporate Controller  $204,153
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)  $420,300

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed & Salary.com

 Is it worthwhile to pursue a degree in Accounting?

Accounting is a profession that provides an opportunity for both personal and professional growth. Accounting  has been around for centuries and will continue to evolve with the times. If you are someone who enjoys playing with data and numbers, then earning an accounting degree is undoubtedly a good option.

 

Leave a Reply

Back To Top