Quick Overview
- An accounting degree can take 2 to 6 years, depending on the level:
- Associate’s (2 years)
- Bachelor’s (4 years)
- Master’s (1–2 years)
- Doctoral (3-6 years)
- Accelerated programs may shorten this to:
- 11 months (Associate’s)
- 3 years (Bachelor’s)
- 1 year (Master’s)
- Factors like enrollment status, learning mode, and combined programs affect duration.
Program overview
An accounting degree focuses on financial analysis and reporting. Through the program, students get the necessary training for the recording, analyzing, and reporting of financial information for different audiences. Core courses typically cover topics such as financial reporting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and so on.
You can pursue a degree in the field at various levels, namely, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. However, a bachelor’s is the ideal entry-level qualification. Students can also choose to pursue one of the following specializations or concentration tracks within an accounting bachelor’s degree:
- Auditing
- Financial Accounting
- Forensic Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Taxation
- Internal Financial Reporting
- External Financial Reporting
How long does it take?
How long it takes a student to complete their bachelor’s accounting degree depends on factors such as:
- Mode of learning – online asynchronous or on-campus
- Pace of learning – number of credits taken in a semester, credits covered in summer semesters, and so on.
- Enrollment status – full-time students complete the program faster than part-time students
| Degree level | Standard duration | Credit required | Accelerated option |
| Associate’s | 2 years | 60-70 credits | 11 months |
| Bachelor’s | 4 years | 120 credits | 3 years or less |
| Master’s | 1-2 years | 30-60 credits | 1 year |
| Doctoral | 3-6 years | 84 credits on average | N/A |
| Combined (Bachelors + Master’s) | 6 years (4+2) | 150 + credits | 5 years |
Core courses
The accounting program generally features courses covering a wide range of topics, including everything from business management to financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, and so on. Core courses of an accounting degree include:
- Financial Accounting
- Cost Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Accounting Information Systems
What factors affect how long it takes to complete an accounting degree?
How long it takes a student to complete their accounting degree depends on the following factors:
- Enrollment status – Whether a student is enrolled full-time or part-time
- Study pace – Credit load + summer semester
- Mode of learning – Online asynchronous vs on-campus or online synchronous
- Combined programs – Bachelor’s + master’s combined – total 5 years
Enrollment status
Enrollment status refers to whether a student is enrolled in a program full-time or part-time. Part-time students will naturally take longer to complete the program, whereas full-time students will be able to complete it in the set time frame or earlier.
Study pace
The study pace refers to how many credit hours a student takes per semester. The more credits a student covers in a semester, the faster they can complete the program. Additionally, students can take summer semesters to further accelerate their learning pace.
Mode of learning
Online students enrolled in asynchronous programs can take more courses at a time than on-campus students or students enrolled in synchronous programs. Thus, they can complete their degrees at an accelerated pace.
Combined bachelor’s and master’s program
Students pursuing a combined bachelor’s and master’s program can complete both degrees in 4+1 years, a total of 5 years or less, depending on the student’s learning pace. Typically, completing the two programs would take a total of 6 years, 4 for the bachelor’s and 2 for the master’s.
What can you do with an accounting degree?
Here are some potential career paths that accounting degree graduates can pursue alongside their job outlook. Keep in mind that the earning potential of a graduate is
| Job title | Average annual salary | Job outlook (2030) |
| Auditor | $81,680 | 5% |
| General Accountant | $81,680 | 5% |
| Forensic Accountant | $85,177 | 20% |
| Compliance Officer | $78,420 | 3% |
| Account Manager | $65,816 | 5% |
Accounting degree bachelor’s – ROI statistics
Calculating the Return on Investment (ROI) on a program is not easy. While all college degrees are an investment in one’s future, some pay off quicker and better than others. Though calculating the ROI of any program is not easy or a straightforward process, a general idea can help you decide which program is worth investing in and meets your future goals better.
- Average cost of an accounting degree:
- Average starting salary for an accounting degree holder: $54,749 – nationwide average
- States with high entry-level salaries for entry-level accounting roles, as sourced from Zip Recruiter (updated on 16th September 2025):
- Washington: $62,008
- District of Columbia: $61,868
- New York: $59,897
ROI using the nationwide average salary:
- If you choose to study at:
- Public in-state colleges: 741%
- Public out-of-state colleges: 148%
- Private colleges: 143%
High-salary states ROI
Return on Investment can be higher for those who work in states offering a higher-than-national-average starting salary.
Washington
- Public in-state colleges: 839%
- Public out-of-state colleges: 168%
- Private colleges: 161%
District of Columbia
- Public in-state colleges: 837%
- Public out-of-state colleges: 167%
- Private colleges: 161%
New York
- Public in-state colleges: 810%
- Public out-of-state colleges: 162%
- Private colleges: 156%
Finance degree vs accounting degree – Side-by-side comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison of an accounting degree vs a finance degree.
| Categories | Accounting | Finance |
| Level | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, CPA pathway | Bachelor’s, Master’s (MBA/Finance), CFA pathway |
| Focus | Financial reporting, auditing, tax, compliance, and managerial accounting | Investments, financial analysis, markets, corporate finance, risk management |
| Best for | Students seeking structured, stable career paths with clear certifications (CPA, CMA) | Students aiming for roles in banking, investment, consulting, or corporate finance |
| Cost |
|
Similar rates – varies by school – business-focused ones may be costlier |
| Duration | Typically 4 years (Bachelor’s), plus 1–2 years if pursuing CPA requirements | Typically 4 years (Bachelor’s), plus 2 years for MBA or CFA prep |
| Career outcomes |
|
|
| Avg. salary | Starting: $54,749
Mid-career: $70K–$90K |
Starting: $60K–$65K
Mid-career: $90K–$120K |
| Practical training | Internships at firms, CPA exam requirements, tax/audit practicums | Internships in banks, investment firms, corporate finance, and CFA/series licenses |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top undergraduate accounting programs in the US?
Here are the top 5 accounting colleges in the US alongside their tuition information. While these are the programs that are highly ranked, many other renowned institutes across the United States offer high-quality education. Visit our top accounting colleges by state to find highly ranked institutes in each state alongside their tuition information for the academic year 2025-2026, as updated in September 2025.
Top 5 Colleges for a Bachelor’s Accounting Degree |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | College/University | Private/ in-state resident tuition | Non-state resident tuition |
| 1 | The University of Texas at Austin | $6,788 | $25,553 |
| 2 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $18,046-$23,426 | $38,398-$46,498 |
| 3 | Brigham Young University | $6,888 (Latter-day Saint students) | $13,776 (non-Latter-day Saint students) |
| 4 | Indiana University – Bloomington | $12,142 | $42,294 |
| 5 | University of Pennsylvania | $63,204 | $63,204 |
How long is an accounting degree + CPA?
A bachelor’s accounting degree + a Certified Professional Accountant certification can take about 5 years if pursued full-time. Graduates with a CPA certification can benefit from the following:
- Global recognition
- Enhanced career prospects
- Higher earning potential – Certified Public Accountants generally earn more than non-certified accountants.
- Wider skill set
- Access to specialized roles in multiple fields such as risk and compliance, IT accounting, and personal financial advising.
Is an accounting degree very hard?
An accounting degree is not generally categorized as a hard major. However, the field is not without its challenges. Aspiring professionals who want to climb up the corporate ladder, increase earning potential, and take advantage of a wider range of opportunities must pursue certifications. The certifications and rigorous exams they need to take can prove challenging for many.
What is a 2-year accounting degree called?
A 2-year accounting degree is called an associate’s degree, typically an AS in accounting. It is offered by community colleges and some 4-year colleges, and universities across the United States. The program is designed to prepare students for a bachelor’s degree in accounting and for limited associate or entry-level positions.
Do accountants make 7 figures?
While it is completely possible for many accountants to earn a 6-figure salary by mid-career, it is highly unlikely that all will be able to make 7-figures. However, some who reach top executive level positions, such as a Chief Financial Officer, can potentially make 7-figures per annum.