Best Online Accounting Degrees in Tennessee
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If you're searching for an online degree in accounting from a Tennessee college, you'll find some great options offering flexibility while also preparing you for a competitive job market within the state. We've selected online programs that you should consider along with important steps to becoming an accountant.
For inclusion on our list, a school must have a primary campus located in Tennessee, offer a fully online bachelor's degree in accounting, 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 Tennessee
| Rank | School | AACSB Accredited | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Memphis | 3,461 | 85% | $16,890 | $65,542 | Yes |
| South College | 2,902 | 69% | $12,525 | N/A | No |
| King University | 483 | 100% | $9,150 | N/A | No |
| Lee University | 396 | 87% | $14,400 | $80,730 | No |
Online degree:
Why we like them: With 3,461 students pursuing their studies remotely, the university is among the top 13% in terms of online student population, exemplifying its appeal to distance learners. Furthermore, the overall school's high recommendation rate of 84% further reflects alumni satisfaction, based on student reviews submitted on our site. Accredited by AACSB, the program is part of the Fogelman College of Business & Economics. The curriculum covers taxation, auditing, and important topics you'll encounter on the CPA exam.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of the University of Memphis are broadly positive, driven by strong faculty support, flexible scheduling, and practical opportunities, but recurring operational issues temper enthusiasm. Many reviewers praise caring professors, approachable advisers, hands-on learning, internships, research access, and career-building connections, especially for those balancing work or needing online and multi-campus options. Several also highlight campus beauty, diversity, safety on campus, and an active community. The clearest complaints center on high tuition, weak advising consistency, poor administrative communication, limited career guidance in some areas, outdated labs, parking hassles, and concerns about crime or the neighborhoods surrounding campus.
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: 3,461 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $9,336
- Out-of-State Tuition: $16,890
- AACSB Accredited: Yes
- Median Earnings: $65,542
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: South College has an impressive online enrollment of 2,902 students, placing it among the top 16% with the highest online student population, corroborating the institution's appeal and accessibility to distance learners. Students receive an attractive average financial aid package over $13,000 from various grants or other scholarship sources. The School of Business and Technology is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Courses cover foundational business topics and specialized accounting skills, preparing students for careers in corporate finance, small business, and accounting firms.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of South College are sharply divided, though positive feedback centers on convenience, support, and class structure. Satisfied reviewers praise smaller classes, approachable instructors, helpful advisors, flexible online formats, and schedules that fit full-time work. Some also value self-paced coursework, accelerated pathways, and practical faculty attention. Negative reviews focus on disorganization, inconsistent communication, and policies that feel punitive or misleading. Several describe rising balances, high tuition, weak job-placement support, unavailable staff, frequent faculty turnover, and sudden policy changes. The strongest complaints say expectations shift between instructors, online learning can feel passive, and some feel underprepared or set up to fail.
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: 2,902 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $12,525
- Out-of-State Tuition: $12,525
- AACSB Accredited: No
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 42%
- Retention Rate: 52%
- Institution Type: For-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: We recognize King's low student-faculty ratio of 11:1, placing it within the top 23% of schools in this metric. Additionally, students have given the overall school a strong rating of 4.69 out of 5, based on over 60 student reviews on our website.The program includes 64 major credits with each course running for either 5 or 15 weeks. Students can graduate within 16 months through the acceptance of up to 76 transfer credits. Moreover, the coursework covers critical areas such as advanced accounting, business law, and communication.
1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees
I have only wonderful things to say regarding King University. I completed the Business Management degree and learned a great deal. The professors are always there for you and willing to help. The work load was very balanced, I personally, was able to... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviewers describe King University as highly supportive, flexible, and especially well suited for working adults, parents, transfer learners, and those returning to school after time away. Many praise responsive professors, helpful advisors, and success coaches who simplify enrollment, financial aid, and course planning. The accelerated five-week format is frequently seen as efficient because it lets learners focus on one course at a time, though a few say the pace can hinder retention and delay meaningful feedback. Students also value small classes, practical assignments tied to workplace communication, affordable tuition, transferable credits, and a respectful faith-based environment that is not seen as overbearing.
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: 483 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $10,500
- Out-of-State Tuition: $9,150
- AACSB Accredited: No
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: Lee University (LU) has an online enrollment just under 400 students, and the university emphasizes personalized attention with a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. The program incorporates a balanced curriculum, including courses in general education, core accounting principles, managerial accounting, and specialized electives. This curriculum is designed to equip you with a thorough understanding of essential accounting topics, such as federal income tax, auditing, and government accounting. LU provides a clear path toward licensure qualification, aligning its courses with industry standards.
1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees
Lee University is an excellent school. It is an environment where you are encouraged to grow as a person, discover your purpose in life, consistently find ways to use your degree and experience to serve others, develop a global understanding of the world,... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Lee University are largely favorable, with students most often praising attentive professors, a caring campus culture, and the advantages of a small, relationship-driven environment. Many say faculty are accessible, flexible, and personally invested in helping them succeed, while several also highlight affordability, manageable scheduling for working adults, and strong career preparation. Students frequently mention personal growth, faith-centered community, and meaningful campus involvement. Criticisms are more targeted: some describe limited diversity, uneven academic quality, weak resources outside select areas, scheduling issues, long commutes, and concerns about higher-level administration, fairness, and institutional priorities.
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: 396 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $15,150
- Out-of-State Tuition: $14,400
- AACSB Accredited: No
- Median Earnings: $80,730
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Overview of Online Accounting Degrees in Tennessee
Accounting in Tennessee is a vital and growing field, supporting the financial health of businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations statewide. Accountants play a crucial role in maintaining accurate financial records, preparing tax returns, conducting audits, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Regardless of if you're looking for work in urban centers like Nashville or Memphis or smaller cites throughout the region, accountants in Tennessee have a range of options across diverse industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
How To Become an Accountant in Tennessee
The first step toward an accounting career is often earning a bachelor's degree in accounting or similar business degree with an accounting focus. When selecting a program in Tennessee, it’s essential to choose one that is accredited and affordable to ensure a quality education with strong value. A bachelor's degree generally requires around 120 credits and typically takes four years to complete, although some accelerated options allow for graduation in as little as two to three years. These programs integrate general education with focused coursework in accounting, business, and finance, covering critical topics such as auditing, corporate taxation, budgeting, and financial management.
You might choose to pursue specializations, such as forensic accounting, which involves investigating financial fraud, or management accounting, focused on budgeting and financial planning within organizations. Other in-demand specializations include tax accounting and auditing, offering unique paths for those interested in advancing their skills.
Paying for college shouldn't hold you back. Explore our list of the most affordable online accounting degrees.
How To Become a CPA in Tennessee
Tennessee is one of 55 jurisdictions one can apply for a license and practice as a Certified Public Account (CPA). This is an excellent career path to consider if you're seeking higher earnings within the field. CPA candidates must do the following before earning their license:
- Complete 150 hours of university-level coursework. Since a bachelor's degree typically covers 120 credits, students should consider an online master's degree in accounting.
- Satisfy the work experience requirement. You'll need to complete one year of accounting work.
- Pass the Tennessee CPA exam. You'll need to earn a score of 75 on a scale of 0-99 to pass this computer-based exam.
- Pass the ethics exam.
You should should review Tennessee's requirements from the for more information on testing.
FAQs About Accounting in Tennessee
How Much Do Accountants Make in Tennessee?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports accountants and auditors earning an annual median wage of in Tennessee.
How Many Accountants are in Tennessee?
BLS data reports over 26,000 people actively employed as accountants in the state.
How Hard is the CPA Exam in Tennessee?
Most candidates have said the CPA exam is hard, but this applies to every state. You'll need to be comfortable using a computer to take the test and be prepared to tackle multiple choice questions and tasked-based assessments, which are structured to mimic real accounting scenarios. The exam is split into four sections and takes 16 hours to complete.
Student Reviews of Online Accounting Programs
I love the flexibility of online learning, it fits in well with my busy schedule being a mom of four, running my own small business and running a local mayoral campaign. I can honestly say the things I’ve learned in the classroom have fit seemlessly into my everyday life. The one down side I would say is the constant calls. They like to check in every week even after being told you’d rather not chat. I like to call when I need help, the rather pestering calls only cause an added stress.
Review Date: 6/24/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
happy overall. gre5at opportunities. especially in busineds. great city. no issyes. always fun. great environment. housing is good. food and dining halls are good. the sports teams are good. great hockey team. professors are helpful and kind. great friends
Review Date: 4/1/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I graduated as a non-traditional student, and although the journey was not easy, it was absolutely possible and incredibly rewarding. The professors in the Business Department truly take pride in their students’ education and prepare students for success.
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Overall my experience at University of south Florida was very Positive. I loved the campus and the location being in Tampa so nice. my professors and peers were all so helpful which made learning so much easier. i highly recommend get your degree at this university.
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The school offers a variety of courses hence easy to get admission and has a large population of people from all over the state creating a perfect interaction environment. It has required facilities and technology for modern learning and its strategic location .
Review Date: 5/6/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
From the moment I stepped on campus at St. John Fisher, I was welcomed with open arms and became a part of the Fisher family. The curriculum challenged me in many different ways, preparing me for graduate school and life as a professional. In the end, I wouldnt trade anything for my time at St. John Fisher because of the lifelong relationships I built there and how the school allowed me to grow into the person I am today.
Review Date: 6/3/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
University of Central Florida (UCF) stands for opportunity. There are numerous resources provided at this institution to help students succeed. From classes to the service learning, career counseling, and even business laughing tips. UCF provides the skills to aid students to start their career with Career Service Center or even jumpstart their own business with the Blackstone LaunchPad. There's a diverse population here and everyone has a voice. I learned about the world from the perspective of... Read More
Review Date: 4/11/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Mary Washington is a small Liberal Arts school that provides a well rounded education in various of disciplines required as general educations, which will help students with a variety of career paths versus a specific career path. Mary Washington provides a greater access to professors as wells as encouraging critical thinking. Being a Liberal Arts school, we prep undergraduates for better communication and writing skills for the business-professional world.
Review Date: 3/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The accounting program at Ole Miss is great and the professors are there to propel your future. There are many firms (including the Big 4) that come down to Ole Miss to recruit for their companies and the classes set you up to succeed should you land a job with one of the firms. While the curriculum is rigorous, it sets you above and beyond some of your peers from other programs and gives you both the technical and personal capabilities to take your degree anywhere you want.
Review Date: 2/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Monmouth University is a great university in New Jersey. The classes are small and interactive, which creates great connections with professors and students. As you continue to get into your major classes it is more likely the same students will be in your classes and this makes it easier to form study groups and to help teach each other and learn from each other.
Review Date: 3/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
In WGU a student will get out of the program only as much as they put in. I can work at my pace and achieve great things.
Review Date: 6/18/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I had a positive experience at UTRGV. The Accounting and Finance program provided a solid foundation that helped me transition smoothly into my career. The faculty members were generally supportive, and the campus environment was welcoming
I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a practical and comprehensive business education."
Review Date: 4/23/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Saint Josephs College was a great life experience for me, I was able to meet lifelong friends in the small campus environment. I think a smaller campus is a great opportunity to get a great education as the classroom sizes were small, you knew all of your professors and they knew who you were. It was like a great big family.
Review Date: 12/5/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes