Best Online Accounting Degrees in New York
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An online degree in accounting offers a flexible approach to learning reporting, auditing, tax preparation, and other core accounting principles. We've selected several online degrees you should consider if you're interested in accounting in New York.
For inclusion on our list, a school must have a primary campus in New York, offer a fully online accounting program at the bachelor's level, and publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). When applicable, we've also highlighted median earnings for graduates and if the school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team identifies colleges with a primary campus in the featured state that offer an online bachelor's degree in accounting and have publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We rank qualifying schools by online enrollment, which helps highlight colleges with larger distance-learning communities. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
jmcomicÂþ» enrollment data comes from NCES and reflects the most current available figures. We also highlight median earnings for accounting graduates, as available , and note whether a school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Best Online Accounting Degrees in New York
| Rank | School | AACSB Accredited | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior University | 13,983 | 62% | $15,300 | N/A | No |
| Bryant & Stratton College Online | 9,050 | 66% | $20,460 | $56,635 | No |
| SUNY Empire State University | 4,066 | 65% | $8,480 | N/A | No |
| Monroe University | 2,681 | 95% | $42,300 | $59,116 | No |
| Utica University | 845 | 53% | $14,250 | N/A | No |
| SUNY College at Plattsburgh | 575 | 95% | $8,480 | $59,442 | Yes |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute | 359 | 71% | $8,480 | $56,380 | Yes |
Online degree:
Why we like them: Excelsior is one of the most popular online schools in New York, enrolling nearly 14,000 online students. Another advantage is its dedication to military students, enrolling 2,156 students with military affiliation, placing it within the top 5% of schools in this metric. This bachelor's program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. It's designed for maximum flexibility, permitting substantial transfer credits and offering 8-week online courses. Specializations include Finance, General Accounting, and Marketing, providing a wide array of career trajectories. Core subjects offer practical insights into areas like cost accounting, auditing, and corporate taxation.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Excelsior University are sharply divided, with ratings skewing positive overall but concentrated criticism around one recurring pathway. Supporters praise flexible online scheduling, strong transfer-credit policies, acceptance of military training and prior learning, clear degree maps, and coursework that is rigorous, writing-heavy, and compatible with full-time work, parenting, deployment, or frequent travel. Many say responsive advisors and instructors helped them finish long-delayed degrees and unlock promotions, graduate admission, or career changes. Detractors most often cite inconsistent advising, annual and surprise fees, weak direct instruction, and, most notably, long waits, high costs, subjective evaluation, and poor portability tied to the final clinical assessment process.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 13,983 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition: $15,300
- AACSB Accredited: No
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: Bryant & Stratton boasts a high online enrollment of over 9,000 undergraduate students, placing it among the top 3% of schools with the most online students. This is a compelling advantage for you as it indicates robust infrastructure and support for virtual learners. Covering 120 credit hours, the degree can be completed in approximately 32 to 40 months, offering flexibility through both online and on-campus formats. This program emphasizes decision-making, risk management, and a strong foundation in math and finance. The curriculum includes key courses in management, finance, and business law, aligned with career paths in accounting firms or government agencies.
1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees
Absolutely fabulous experience!!! I not only learned about my program, but also gained the skills to head out into the workforce and secure my ideal job!! The student services do not end with graduation, i have had my resume reviewed and polished, and... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Bryant & Stratton College Online are sharply divided, but the overall pattern leans negative because many low-rated accounts cite high tuition, administrative confusion, and inconsistent instructional quality. Dissatisfied reviewers describe being overcharged, pushed into extra terms, denied clear financial answers, or left with nontransferable credits, delayed diplomas, and limited job support. Several also report self-teaching through vague materials, grading errors, slow feedback, and poor communication from advisors. Positive reviewers consistently praise flexibility, responsive instructors, supportive advisors, clear online navigation, and a fast-paced structure that works well for disciplined adults balancing work, family, and school.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 9,050 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $20,760
- Out-of-State Tuition: $20,460
- AACSB Accredited: No
- Median Earnings: $56,635
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 22%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: SUNY Empire State University (SUNY Empire) holds a significant position with over 4,000 online students enrolled at the undergraduate level. Designed for students aspiring to enter various accounting fields, the degree offers core competencies in accounting, general business, alongside liberal arts. The program allows up to 93 transferrable credits, expediting completion for eligible students. While it does not meet the 150-credit requirement for CPA licensure, options exist for pursuing further education with the CPA-qualifying program. Enrolling in 16 credits over two semesters per year can lead to completion in four years, with additional courses available in summer terms.
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe a largely flexible online experience that works especially well for working adults, parents, and transfer learners who need asynchronous coursework, affordable tuition, and generous credit acceptance. Many praise attentive mentors, responsive professors, strong writing-focused academics, and personalized degree planning, noting meaningful support from advising, tutoring, and financial aid. Several say the school helped them balance full-time work and advance professionally. Criticism centers on inconsistency: some reviewers report absent or unhelpful mentors, slow grading, weak instruction that relies heavily on textbooks and self-teaching, technology issues, limited offerings, confusing degree-plan approvals, and poor disability or administrative support.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 4,066 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $8,850
- Out-of-State Tuition: $8,480
- AACSB Accredited: No
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: Monroe College stands out with a substantial online enrollment of 2,681 students, situating it among the top 17% of institutions in terms of online student body size. This reflects its robust online education infrastructure and ability to cater to diverse learning needs. This bachelor's program, accredited by the ACBSP, requires 120 credits, split between 66 major-related and 54 general education credits, completed over eight semesters. The curriculum includes tax law, statistics, and financial principles, among others, complemented by an essential internship for practical experience. The college implements a unique two-class module over 7.5 weeks, allowing you to trial the program before committing to a full semester.
1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees
Monroe College was very repeatable with a variety of students and professors from different parts of life. The college had all the recourse possible to make the journey a smooth one. The professors insure that you are very successful at the end of your... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Monroe University are predominantly positive, driven by strong ratings and consistent praise for accessible professors, supportive staff, and flexible scheduling that fits working adults, online learners, and people balancing family responsibilities. Many reviewers say they felt personally encouraged, with open-door communication, extra help outside class, tutoring, advising, internships, and career-oriented coursework that felt practical and current. Smaller classes and diverse peers also stood out. The main criticisms center on cost, limited scholarships or grants for international learners, some concerns about classroom size and staff ratios, low academic rigor in certain courses, weak outside recognition, and one serious complaint about misleading admissions information.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 2,681 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $20,310
- Out-of-State Tuition: $42,300
- AACSB Accredited: No
- Median Earnings: $59,116
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Institution Type: For-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: Utica has a substantial online enrollment of 845 students, situating it within the more accessible institutions. Despite the fewer online enrollments compared to some peers, the university stands out in other critical areas. Notably, it maintains a commendable student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, placing it among the top institutions that offer a more personalized and interactive educational experiences. The program is ACBSP accredited and with a focus on experiential learning, it covers crucial areas such as cost management, income tax accounting, and corporate finance. The program accommodates a broad range of students, offering transfer credit options up to 90 credits, and stands as both a completer and a full undergraduate program.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Utica University skew mixed-to-negative, driven by many low ratings that cite disorganization, weak administration, and expensive tuition that did not feel justified by the experience. A recurring complaint is a heavy self-teaching model in online or hybrid courses, with vague syllabi, limited feedback, poorly aligned exams, and slow or unhelpful responses from faculty or support offices. Several reviewers also describe refund, registration, billing, and clinical-placement frustrations. Positive reviews highlight small classes, caring professors, strong tutoring, flexible scheduling, hands-on labs, and rigorous preparation that helped some graduates feel career-ready and pass licensing or board exams on the first attempt.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 845 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition: $14,250
- AACSB Accredited: No
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: SUNY Plattsburgh enrolls nearly 600 undergraduate online students, showcasing its capacity to deliver quality education at scale. Accredited by the AACSB, this 120-credit program qualifies you to sit for the New York State CPA exam, with further studies encouraged to meet the 150-credit CPA licensure requirement. With a focus on technical skills like Excel, VBA, and SQL, the program also integrates strong career development support. Online students benefit from asynchronous learning, enabling study on your own schedule. Furthermore, additional certificates and a forensic accounting minor are available.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray SUNY College at Plattsburgh as a generally positive experience shaped by approachable professors, small classes, and strong peer relationships. Many reviewers say faculty are accessible, caring, and invested in helping you succeed, with practical guidance, punctual feedback, and real-world insight. Several also value early hands-on learning, career marketability, and the campus’s affordability and activity options. Criticism centers on uneven program structure: some mention heavy workloads, too many online classes, limited field placements, drifting instruction, and changing requirements that made one cohort feel like a trial group. Networking opportunities with employers were also seen as too limited in some areas.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 575 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $7,070
- Out-of-State Tuition: $8,480
- AACSB Accredited: Yes
- Median Earnings: $59,442
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: SUNY Poly has a smaller but still sizable online enrollment of 359 students, reflecting a significant commitment to accessible online education. SUNY Poly's College of Business is accredited by AACSB International, reflecting a commitment to continuous quality improvement in its programs. The program includes asynchronous courses, including Auditing, Advanced Accounting Problems, and Taxes. In addition to General Education, students need to complete courses in Natural Sciences and an upper-division writing course to fulfill the Liberal Arts/Sciences credit requirement.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray SUNY Polytechnic Institute as highly uneven, with sentiment split between strong praise for flexible online learning and sharp criticism of campus administration and select departments. Positive feedback centers on responsive professors, accessible faculty, fair expectations, affordability, and workloads that fit full-time employment. Several reviewers also value practical skill-building, industry-oriented coursework, and events that help build connections. Negative reviews focus on disorganized advising, poor communication, misplaced records, weak student support, underwhelming library and Wi-Fi resources, limited social life, and promised facilities or career opportunities that did not materialize, leaving some feeling unprepared or misled.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 359 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $7,070
- Out-of-State Tuition: $8,480
- AACSB Accredited: Yes
- Median Earnings: $56,380
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
How To Become an Accountant in New York
Accountants and auditors are crucial to New York's economy, ensuring accurate financial records, conducting audits, and maintaining compliance with complex regulations. New York City, as a global financial hub, offers unparalleled opportunities for accountants in industries like finance, investment banking, real estate, and media. Beyond NYC, cities like Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester provide roles in healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is typically required, and many professionals advance their careers through certifications like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). CPAs, who must pass a rigorous national exam and meet New York's licensing requirements, are highly sought after across diverse industries. Additional credentials, such as the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA), further enhance career prospects, particularly in corporate finance, internal auditing, and specialized sectors unique to New York’s economy.
Concerned about tuition? Compare the programs on our list of the most affordable online accounting degrees.
FAQs About Accounting in New York
How Much Do Accountants Make in New York?
Based on 2023 mean wage estimates reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants and auditors residing in New York earned around . Keep in mind that New York has a higher cost of living than most states.
How Many Accountants Live in New York?
BLS data estimates nearly 120,000 people currently employed as accountants and auditors in New York.
How Do I Become a CPA in New York?
CPA candidates in New York must fulfill several requirements in order to obtain licensure. You'll need to do the following:
- Earn 150 credits of university coursework. Since bachelor's degrees typically require 120 credits, we encourage you to consider a master's degree in accounting for additional credits.
- Complete one full year of supervised work experience in the accounting field.
- Pass the Uniform CPA exam in New York. You must score a 75 on a 0-99 scale.
Please note that while some states require candidates to complete the AICPA professional ethics exam, New York candidates do not need to fulfill this requirement.
How Hard Is the CPA Exam in New York?
The CPA exam is known to be challenging in any state. Test-takers are required to complete a 16-hour assessment split between four sections covering a range of accounting topics. However, if you don't pass a section on your first attempt, you'll have 18 months to retake the specific section until you pass. We encourage students to review the to get a better sense of what to expect on the exam.
Student Reviews of Online Accounting Programs
I will finish the program because I only have 7 months left but buyer be ware. You will fight the administration every step of the way. From onboarding to the program, to making your way through financial aid and a variety of other issues. The left hand of this school does not know what the right hand is doing. Additionally, do NOT trust them to give you all of the information you need. You must be your own advocate and know what you should be receiving from them. I have escalated more inquiries... Read More
Review Date: 7/11/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Central Washington University is a decent school with good professors and a somewhat decent support system in place for those in need of help. They offer assistance for students struggling and give you resources for things like medical care via their clinic on campus. The classes are generally well organized and the resources allow students to succeed. They are generally lgbtq and minority friendly, despite being out in the sticks of Washington state.
Review Date: 12/6/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I absolutely love San Francisco State University. The professors that I have taken are all nice and lectures are engaging. There are lots of clubs and activities for you to join on campus. I make lots of friends during my time in SFSU. I love everything in here.
Review Date: 4/1/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Georgia State University has many positives that make me feel satisfied and happy with the time I spent there. It is a very large and diverse community, with many resources available for students. The downtown style was new for me, but not only did I become used to it, but I actually grew to like it and even miss it today.
Review Date: 2/9/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great commuter school!!! Great professors and peace atmosphere! Has many clubs to be involved community. I would recommend to every student to consider this school. So you just need to be quick in choosing classes as they get booked pretty quick. I enjoyed my time there specially with professor perkins for business law
Review Date: 4/24/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Accounting Program could use some beefing up...a lot of management classes in the accounting program. The instructors that I had in class were wonderful. Most of the online instructors were helpful. Smaller classroom size is nice.
Review Date: 8/7/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
there's no social life but academia is pretty good, i wish they had a football team. I feel like the professors can be so strict there's no room for lenency. the parking sucks too, i feel like don't care about their students. they put money in the dumbest things and it still not social. if they make it more social they can make for revenue
Review Date: 12/5/2025
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
The business college is very good and have a lot of resources. The help you prepare for the real world and give you a lot of opportunties for internships, jobs, and other experiences! Everything is what you make it, so take avantage of all the resources that are presented to you!
Review Date: 4/2/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My school and living on campus was definitely an experience. It is a pretty diverse campus for being on the smaller side since it is private. I enjoyed the three years I was there and all of the people I met. The professors and staff members always were there to help when I needed.
Review Date: 1/14/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The accounting program at Canisius is like no other. The professors and staff really work towards helping their students succeed and find jobs BEFORE they graduate. I was lucky enough to secure a position with a big four public accounting firm exiting my junior year which allowed me to have a job 2.5 years before graduation. I completed their 5 year bachelors and MBA program which allowed me to graduate with my bachelors in 4 years and complete a majority of the MBA requirements in my senior year,... Read More
Review Date: 9/12/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UNH has treated me very well and their business program is the best in New England. The professors are knowledgeable and have real world experience, so they can relate the things we're learning with actual real life situations and applications. The dining halls are superb.
Review Date: 7/21/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Accounting program at the University Louisville prepared me to understand all aspects of the business environment by requiring classes in the different business disciplines. The accounting courses were taught by professionals who had worked in the industry thus were extremely knowledgeable in the subject they were teaching. The staff at the University was engaging and would gladly answer any questions that came up throughout my term at the University.
Review Date: 2/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I overall thought the university is beautiful. My program was very rigorous (it was known as the hardest program in the College of Business). I think the only thing I was very "eh" about is finding the right person to go to answer my questions when it came to signing up for classes. I felt like I would be pointed into all sorts of different directions before I got my answer. Faculty for my College was amazing. I always felt like my professors were always supportive and rooting for me.
Review Date: 2/9/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I'm a first generation college student, so I wasn't aware of University of Georgia or Georgia Tech. The "campus" itself is weird, spread out among downtown Atlanta. Definitely doesn't feel prestigious now and clearly most of the students aren't from the best of their high schools. But I have a decent job now and glad I went here as opposed to a community college.
Review Date: 10/26/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
My four years at Bowie State University (BSU) were transformative. I started as a dedicated freshman football player, which instilled discipline. While earning my Business degree, I founded a computer consulting business, immediately applying classroom concepts (marketing, finance) to real-world operations. Graduating with a degree and a functioning startup, BSU equipped me with crucial skills in academics, athletics, and entrepreneurship.
Review Date: 12/5/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes