Which Are the Best Accounting Schools in Texas Which Offer Affordable Online Degrees?

by Alex Morgan · February 25, 2023

Looking to become an accountant in Texas? Let’s help you find the best online degrees.

The Lone Star State offers many great career opportunities. One of them is accounting, which is widely considered one of the safest career paths, mainly because of the number of jobs and salaries that this field can offer.

That’s why Texas has some of the top colleges for accounting in the nation. So, if you’ve been searching “accounting schools in Texas near me,” then let’s help you find the few best ones that offer online degrees. But first, let’s understand a few important factors.

Why Choose an Online Accounting Degree in Texas?

An online degree is convenient, saves time, and lets you set the pace of learning. That’s the gist of it. However, there are more reasons why you should choose an online accounting degree in a school in Texas. To pursue and enter the accounting industry in Texas you need to have a deep understanding of the taxation laws, accounting regulations, and policies that change dynamically from time to time. There are requirements for updates on certifications that each state has for accountants to have.

So, even if you plan to secure an online accounting degree from a university, it should be from a local Texas business school near you.

7 Best Online Accounting Schools In Texas

Now that we know some of the basics, let’s dive in and talk about some of the best online accounting schools in Texas. In this list, you’ll find Texas CPA-approved schools that’ll prepare you for their examination. So, let’s get started.

1. West Texas A & M University

West Texas A & M is one of the best institutions in Texas’ A & M university system. Widely known for its accredited stature, the university has outstanding online and on-campus programs. All of which prepare students for an advanced lifestyle in their respective fields.

That’s why it’s the best option you have to dive into the accounting field.

The reason it’s considered one of the best Texas schools for accounting is because of these two programs:

Bachelors of Business Administration: Accounting Specialization (B.B.A)

Masters of Professional Accounting (M.P.A)

The first program is the online BBA degree, which will give you the opportunity to earn accounting qualifications and since it’s from one of the most prestigious universities in the nation, it will require you to spend minimal time away from your career or home life.

Perhaps the most lucrative thing about this degree is the curriculum that is designed so that it can be completed on your own schedule without having to attend classes on campus or work around other people’s schedules. The reason this B.B.A degree in Accounting at West Texas A&M University is great is because it will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform accounting tasks and make sound business decisions.

This remarkable degree will help you develop a strong foundation in accounting fundamentals and computer applications as well as prepare you for a career in public or private sector accounting. What it’ll take is:

Duration Bachelor’s: Four-years

Duration Master’s: Two years

Tuition fee: $8,135 yearly

On the other hand you have the M.P.A. accounting program at West Texas A&M, which is designed for professionals who want to advance their careers in accounting and provide the skills necessary for management-level positions in public and private sector organizations.

The MPA program offers you a unique curriculum that combines business, accounting and law courses with a variety of electives that can meet your interests and career goals. And on top of all of this, you will have the opportunity to work with faculty members who are experts in their fields as well as practicing professionals from diverse backgrounds.

2. The University Of Texas At Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas is a public university that offers a top-ranked accounting program in Dallas, with a variety of degrees available for students to choose from. Situated in the heart of Richardson, it’s widely hailed as one of the top Texas CPA-approved schools.

The University of Texas at Dallas offers two of the most affordable online accounting degree in Texas:

Bachelor of Science in Accounting (B.S)

Master of Science in Accounting/M.S in Accounting Cohort

These programs are designed to offer the same quality education as on-campus programs, but they are flexible enough to meet the needs of working students who cannot attend classes on campus. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree requires 120 credit hours.

While the Masters of Science in Accountancy degree requires 60 credit hours and is intended for those who already have a Bachelor’s degree in another field. The online accounting degree program in Texas is designed for working professionals and can be completed entirely online.

Or a student can complete it through hybrid formats that combine both on-campus and online coursework. The requirement of both these programs include:

Tuition fee: $13,000 for Bachelor’s and for Master’s it’s around $6,000 – $10,000
Duration Bachelor’s: Four years
Duration Master’s: Two years

Both these programs will prepare you properly for the CPA license. Hence, they are two of the best degree options you have in one of the accounting schools in Dallas, Texas. And that’s what makes UTD one of the top colleges for accounting in Texas.

3. The University of Incarnate Word

The University of Incarnate Word is one of the leading universities across Texas. The institution in San Antonio is known for its flexible and accommodating plans—in terms of fees and planning. Not only because of its stature but also because it’s a renowned name among Texas CPA-approved schools.

The reason this university’s online accounting degree program is a great opportunity for those who are looking for a flexible and affordable high-quality educational program as it includes two of the most prolific online programs that you can find today, including:

Bachelor of Business Administration Accounting Concentration (B.B.A)

Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A)

The B.B.A. program is ideal for you if you are not able to take time off from work or who have a family and cannot relocate, as it’s is designed to provide you the opportunity to complete the degree without having to attend all the classes.

Moreover, the bachelor’s accounting program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the key requirements for this degree that you need to know are:

Tuition fee: $29,00 for Bachelor’s and for Masters it’s around $16,000 – $18,000
Duration Bachelor’s: Four years
Duration Master’s: Two years

Other than the bachelor’s, the University’s Master’s is a non-traditional online accounting program that provides a unique opportunity for you, if you’re a working professional to earn your degree. Why is that? Because you can take as little as one class at a time and complete the program in as little as two years.

Thus, this online master’s degree in accountancy is ideal for working professionals who cannot attend classes on campus due to work or personal commitments.

4. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

SAGU is a private university in the United States that offers one of the leading and most affordable online accounting degrees in Texas. Located in Waxahachie, this institution is the best because of its average cost, and student aid programs.

Besides that, it offers flexible on-campus and online programs.

However, the program you’re here for is:

Bachelor of Science in Accounting (B.S.A)

The B.S. in Accounting program at SAGU is designed for students who want to pursue a career as an accountant, auditor, or financial analyst. The curriculum covers all aspects of accounting from auditing and taxation to managerial accounting and financial reporting.

The key things for SAGU’s online/on-campus that you need to know are:

Tuition fee: $19,00-20,000 for Bachelor
Duration Bachelor’s: Four years

The curriculum also includes courses on business law, finance, economics, management information systems, marketing, and other related subjects. With this program, you can be prepared for careers like cost accountants and credit analysts.

The thing about SAGU’s program that should excite you the most is that it’s not only affordable but also widely accredited. That’s why it’s one of the best online accounting schools in Texas that you can pick.

5. Texas Wesleyan University

Texas Wesleyan University is a private, coeducational university located in Fort Worth, Texas. Texas Wesleyan University is ranked among the top 100 universities in the nation for its undergraduate accounting program.

TXW is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and it offers two of the best accounting degrees you can get online, which are:

Bachelor of Business Administration Accounting (B.B.A)

Master of Business Administration Accounting (M.B.A)

And, here’s what you need to know about them:

Tuition fee: $20,00 for Bachelor’s and for Masters it’s around $31,000
Duration Bachelor’s: Four years
Duration Master’s: Two years

The B.B.A in Accounting is a 120-credit hour degree that can be completed in as little as four years and its fashioned to give you a solid foundational understanding of accounting principles and practices, while the MBA in Accounting program provides you with a more advanced understanding of accounting principles and practices.

The MBA in Accounting is a 120-credit hour degree that can be completed in as little as two years if you have an undergraduate degree already under your belt.

6. Franklin University Texas

Franklin University Texas is a great option for online degrees. Its a private, non-profit university that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting.

The university’s online accounting program is designed for those who are interested in earning a B.S. or M.S. in Accounting but do not have the time to attend classes on campus. These programs include:

B.S in Accounting

M.S In Accounting (Financial Operation Focus, or Taxation Focus)

The online program allows students to complete their coursework from anywhere in the world at their own pace, as long as they meet all deadlines set by the university and pass all required exams successfully.

Online students are not required to visit the campus or take any exams there, but they can if they wish to do so at an additional cost.

7. Strayer University-Texas

Strayer University-Texas is another outstanding option for online degrees. Located in Austin, this university offers both masters and bachelors programs online.

Strayer University offers an online accounting program that is designed to be flexible and convenient. The coursework is offered in a variety of formats including: live, self-paced, and hybrid. Including:

B.S in Accounting

M.S in Accounting

Both these programs prepare students for the CPA exam by providing them with the necessary skills to pass all sections of the exam. They also provide students with a broad understanding of accounting concepts so they can adapt to any changes in the industry.

How To Become An Accountant In Texas

Much like in any other state in the U.S., you need proper education to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Texas. This means you’ll have to complete your bachelor’s in an accounting major/concentration.

Whether you do a bachelor’s or master’s is up to you, but you do need the right education from one of the Texas CPA-approved schools. Then, you’ll have to go through a CPA examination after your degree. The examination requires that you have at least 150 hours of academic credit in an accounting degree.

So, to sum it up, you’re going to need:

Earn a bachelor’s or master’s in accounting
150 hours of college credit
Enroll in the CPA examination and pass it
Gain internship experience at a renowned or accredited firm
Specialize in particular fields, such as accounting, audit, forensic accounting, etc.

This is the outline that you should follow moving forward if you want to pursue a good accounting degree.

Now that you’ve got a fair idea of which Texas accounting schools you want to get into, let’s explore the benefits you’ll reap for securing such an online degree.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Accountant in Texas

As mentioned before, you’ll need 150 hours of semester credit from an accredited accounting college, and preferably one of the best Texas schools for accounting. If you’re wondering how much that is, 150 hours of college credit roughly equal 4 years of a college education.

Four years of a bachelor’s degree in accounting in a Texas school, then an additional year of master’s will help you get to that level quite comprehensively. After that, you’ll need to take the CPA examination. That process will take around 3-4 weeks, depending on the time you apply for it.

So, it might take around 5 years or so to become a fully CPA-licensed accountant in Texas.

How Much Money Do Accountants Make In Texas And Employment Rate

Besides being one of the top states that offer a lot of money to accountants, there are plenty of other benefits of a career in accounting in Texas. Here are some facts that should help you understand why:

Out of the 10 highest-paying metropolitan areas for accountants and auditors in the U.S., Texas has two.
According to BLS, the median yearly pay for an accountant in Texas is around $85,000.

According to the same research by BLS, the employment rate in Texas for accountants and auditors is 8.55 per thousand.

Which is the 5th highest, but considering that Texas is the 2nd largest in terms of population, it’s still a lot.
As of this writing, there are around 104k active accountant and auditor jobs in the state.

Which is the third-highest in the United States, and a little above the national average. That’s why it’s one of the best professions to go for in the Lone Star State.

Conclusion

These are some of the top colleges for accounting in Texas. Each of these accounting schools offers something unique, but all of their degrees hold equal weight and quality to get you started with a successful accounting career. Therefore, pick the one that suits your needs the most, and stick to their program to CPA licensed accountant.

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