Top 4 Cheapest Doctorates in Accounting Online

Updated November 22, 2022

By BVS Staff October 2018 The 4 cheapest online doctorates in accounting in the country (based on data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator website), these schools' tuition rates are all below the cost of a standard college education. We have sorted them in descending order of cost, with the least expensive school ...

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The 4 cheapest online doctorates in accounting in the country (based on data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator website), these schools' tuition rates are all below the cost of a standard college education. We have sorted them in descending order of cost, with the least expensive school at #1, according to the hourly, online tuition rate. In cases where only the quarterly or semester rate was available, we have divided that rate by 6 (standard full-time graduate enrollment) and placed them accordingly on the list.

Unfortunately, only a limited number of doctoral in accounting degree programs are available online. Therefore it was not possible to compile a pool of options large enough to justify a multifactorial ranking system in which scoring of colleges and universities would be based on a list of specific considerations.

So instead, we ranked the programs solely according to their affordability. See below for the best cheap doctorates in accounting degrees online, ranked from least to most expensive, according to their per credit hour online rate, along with several useful facts about each program.

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  1. Liberty University
    Location

    Lynchburg, VA

    Tuition

    $8051

    Liberty University has an online doctor of business administration in accounting degree that is a 60 credit hour program including coursework in quantitative research methods and quality management. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the program requires a master's degree accredited by either ACBSP or AACSB. Liberty University offers an online, graduate rate of $605 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

    • Graduation rate: 52%
    • School status: Private
    • Tuition cost: $$
    • Number of programs offered: 700+
    • Location: Lynchburg, Virginia 
    • Admission requirements: A master’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
    • Standardized test scores/requirements: Optional
    • Contact: (800) 424-9595
    • Website
  2. Capella University
    Location

    Minneapolis, MN

    Tuition

    $14365

    Capella University has an online doctor of business administration, accounting specialization degree that is an 82 quarter credit hour program that includes coursework in forensic accounting and financial reporting. With a student to faculty ratio of 22 to 1, the program allows the transfer in of up to 12 credits. Capella University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $4,800 per quarter. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

    • Graduation rate: 42%
    • School status: Private
    • Tuition cost: $$$
    • Number of programs offered: 45+
    • Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota 
    • Admission requirements: A master’s degree from an accredited institution and a GPA of 3.0 or higher
    • Standardized test scores/requirements: Not required
    • Contact: (866) 933-5832
    • Website
  3. George Fox University
    Location

    Newberg, OR

    Tuition

    $13015

    George Fox University has an online doctor of business administration degree that is a 48 credit hour program including coursework in foundations of management and economics. With a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1, the program asks that applicants have five years of professional experience. George Fox University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $900 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

    • Graduation rate: 70.9%
    • School status: Private
    • Tuition cost: $$$
    • Number of programs offered: 80+
    • Location: Newberg, Oregon
    • Admission requirements: Five years of professional experience or full-time faculty appointment, a master’s degree from an accredited institution, a GPA of 3.0 or higher
    • Standardized test scores/requirements: Peregrine test score of 40 or higher
    • Contact: (503) 538-8383
    • Website
  4. Northcentral University
    Location

    San Diego, CA

    Tuition

    $16553

    Northcentral University has an online doctor of business administration in advanced accounting degree that is a 54 credit hour program that includes coursework in managerial accounting and tax strategies. With a student to faculty ratio of 1 to 1, the program can be completed in as little as 39 months. Northcentral University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,074 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.

    • Graduation rate: N/A 
    • School status: Private
    • Tuition cost: $$$$
    • Number of programs offered: 65+
    • Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
    • Admission requirements: A master’s degree in the field from an accredited institution
    • Standardized test scores/requirements: Not required
    • Contact: (866) 776-0331
    • Website

Why should I obtain a doctorate degree in accounting?

Simply put, a doctoral degree in accounting can open up a wide range of career tracks and salaries that may not otherwise be available. If you want to ensure you’re educated at the top level of your field, a doctoral degree is your best option. Holding a higher level of degree may also set you apart from the other accountants looking for work. Additionally, earning a doctorate degree in accounting also means that you may be able to contribute to the research surrounding the field in areas like financial policy.

How long does it take to complete a doctorate degree?

Typically, a doctorate degree in accounting will take between four to seven years to complete. This includes about two to three years of coursework, as well as an additional two to four years for research projects and thesis completion. These programs do require long-term dedication, but for many graduates, the benefits far outweigh the investment into earning this degree.

What type of positions can I hold with a doctorate degree in accounting?

There are a number of positions beyond the typical accountant role that doctorate holders in this field can hold. With this degree, you may be able to work as a CFO, professor, financial manager, financial analyst, or researcher, for example. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial managers earned a median wage of about $134,180 per year as of 2020, while top executives (like CFOs) earned a median salary of $107,680 during the same year.

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Madison Troyer

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Madison Troyer is a writer who covers education topics for Best Value Schools, Graduate School Hub, and Criminal Justice Degree Schools, among others.

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Angelica Leicht

SCHOOLS EDITOR

Angelica Leicht is the schools editor at Best Value Schools who oversees our college rankings, school profiles, and other higher education coverage. She previously served as an education reporter at Kearney Hub, and an editor at the Dallas Observer and Houston Press. Her writing has appeared in Affordable Colleges Online, Bankrate, The Simple Dollar, and elsewhere.

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