An online degree in accounting offers a flexible yet comprehensive educational pathway tailored to the financial industry. We've highlighted several programs you should consider if you're searching for a school in Kansas.
For inclusion on our list, a school must a offer a fully online accounting program at the bachelor's level, have a primary campus location in Kansas, 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).
List Of Accredited Online Accounting Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition | Median Earnings | AACSB Accredited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Hays State University | $44,024 | No | |||
| Wichita State University | 2,588 | $18,226 | $63,799 | Yes | |
| Southwestern College - KS | 476 | $36,650 | $59,327 | No | |
| Emporia State University | 230 | $14,918 | $59,183 | Yes | |
| Central Christian College of Kansas | 207 | $20,650 | N/A | No | |
| Ottawa University Online | 172 | $12,153 | N/A | No | |
| University of Saint Mary | 36 | $32,540 | N/A | No |
2025 Most Popular Online Accounting Degrees in Kansas
Fort Hays State University Fort Hays State University Fort Hays State University Fort Hays State University
- Online Enrollment: 3,775
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $15,870
- Median Earnings: $44,024
Online degree: Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
Why we like them: FHSU has a significant online enrollment, with 3,775 undergraduate students engaging in online studies, placing it among the top 11% of institutions for this metric. The program requires 120 credit hours for graduation and includes a 27-credit business core and a 30-credit accounting major core. Courses include Cost Accounting, Auditing, and Tax Procedures, and electives like Fraud Examination and Governmental Accounting. There are no mandatory in-person requirements, allowing for complete flexibility.
Wichita State University Wichita State University Wichita State University Wichita State University
- Online Enrollment: 2,588
- Salary Score: B
- Annual Tuition: $18,226
- Median Earnings: $63,799
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Why we like them: Wichita State University is a popular choice with over 2,500 online students, positioning it among the top 18% of schools for largest distance enrollments. WSU accounting graduates report median earnings of $63,799, placing it in the top 47% compared to graduates from similar accounting programs. This accounting degree is housed within the AACSB-accredited Barton School of Business. The curriculum includes business fundamentals, progressing into specialized courses necessary for the CPA exam. Unique to the program is the option to minor in Information Systems, enhancing technological proficiency.
Southwestern College - KS Southwestern College - KS Southwestern College - KS Southwestern College - KS
- Online Enrollment: 476
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $36,650
- Median Earnings: $59,327
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Why we like them: Southwestern College stands out for an exceptional student-faculty ratio of 9:1 which places the college in the top 12% for this metric. The degree requires 124 total credit hours, allowing up to 94 transfer credits. You'll take a variety of courses in personal and corporate income tax, managerial accounting, and ethics. The program also prepares you thoroughly for the CPA exam through applied learning experiences like financial and scenario analyses. This online program is ideal if you're looking to become a corporate accountant, CPA, or internal auditor.
Emporia State University Emporia State University Emporia State University Emporia State University
- Online Enrollment: 230
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $14,918
- Median Earnings: $59,183
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Business - Accounting
Why we like them: ESU has an online enrollment of 230 students and this bachelor's program has AACSB accreditation. Opportunities for internships offer practical experience, supported by a 100% successful career outcome rate post-graduation. The program is flexible, catering to aspirations in public, corporate, and private accounting sectors, as well as government and education, thereby providing a credible and comprehensive pathway to a stable career in accounting.
Central Christian College of Kansas Central Christian College of Kansas Central Christian College of Kansas Central Christian College of Kansas
- Online Enrollment: 207
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $20,650
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree: Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting
Why we like them: Central Christian College has an online enrollment of a little over 200 students. The program focuses on building a comprehensive understanding of key business areas such as finance, marketing, economics, and business law. It emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership, integrating Christian principles into business practices. Each course lasts six weeks, enabling you to focus intensively on one subject area at a time, while a generous transfer policy of up to 90 credits allows you to accelerate your degree completion.
Ottawa University Online Ottawa University Online Ottawa University Online Ottawa University Online
- Online Enrollment: 172
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $12,153
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree: Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
Why we like them: This degree is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of accounting beyond basic financial operations, incorporating economic and business ethics into the curriculum. The program features concentrations in Actuarial Science, Economics, Finance, and Leadership & Management, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the ACBSP. Additionally, the Bachelor's / Master's concurrent degree program offers an accelerated pathway to earning both undergraduate and master's degrees in accounting within five years, ensuring you are well-prepared for various financial careers.
University of Saint Mary University of Saint Mary University of Saint Mary University of Saint Mary
- Online Enrollment: 36
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $32,540
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Why we like them: We recognize the substantial average financial aid package of over $23,000 that students receive between federal grants and scholarships. The institution also ensures a conducive learning atmosphere with a student-faculty ratio that facilitates personal attention and support for its students. Accredited by the IACBE, the program covers advanced accounting, auditing, taxation, and data analysis. An integral part of the program is the CPA and MBA track, seamlessly integrated to advance students' aspirations beyond the undergraduate level. The degree also includes an internship requirement, offering crucial real-world experience.
Overview of Online Accounting Degrees in Kansas
From cities like Wichita and Overland Park to smaller rural towns, accountants in Kansas are critical to the financial operations of businesses and organizations across the state, ensuring compliance with regulations, maintaining accurate records, and delivering valuable financial insights. Accountants support key industries such as agriculture, aviation, healthcare, and manufacturing, which are essential to the state's economy.
How To Become an Accountant: Education Requirements in Kansas
Aspiring accountants in Kansas will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related business degree with an accounting focus. These bachelor's degrees will most likely consist of 120 credit hours and combine general education with specialized accounting courses. These programs, often offered as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), cover essential topics like auditing, corporate taxation, financial management, and cost accounting. Accelerated tracks may allow students to graduate in two to three years instead of the traditional four to five.
Many programs also include capstone projects or internships, providing hands-on experience that is sometimes required in person. Specializations like Forensic Accounting, Finance, or Taxation help students tailor their education to career goals, preparing them for success in Kansas’s diverse economy, which includes robust opportunities in agriculture technology and aviation manufacturing.
Interested in pursuing a similar degree? Compare our lists of the best online finance degrees or the best online business degrees.
Earning a CPA Credential: Kansas Requirements
Many accountants choose to go beyond a bachelor's degree and earn a credential as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Pursuing the CPA path will help your career prospects and likely lead to a higher salary, but you'll need to obtain work experience and complete additional coursework. For licensure in Kansas, CPA candidates must:
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Complete 150 credit hours at an accredited institution. A master’s degree in accounting is a practical way to meet the additional requirement since bachelor's programs usually require 120 hours.
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Complete one year of relevant work experience under the guidance of a licensed CPA. Please note that candidates can take the CPA exam before finishing their work requirement, but they will not earn a license until work hours are fulfilled.
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Pass the CPA exam in Kansas, achieving a minimum score of 75. This computer-based exam evaluates expertise in multiple areas of accounting. The 16-hour test is split into four sections and consists of multiple-choice questions and tasked-based simulations that represent real accounting scenarios you'll likely encounter on the job.
FAQs About Accounting in Kansas
How Do I Become an Accountant in Kansas?
You'll need to complete at least a bachelor's degree if you want to become an accountant in Kansas. Earning a CPA credential requires additional coursework, work experience, and passing a difficult exam. We encourage you to review all information on licensure, education, and more from the Kansas Board of Accountancy.
How Much Do Accountants Make in Kansas?
Accountants and auditors residing in Kansas earn a mean annual wage of $79,840, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are almost 14,000 people enrolled in these occupations throughout the state.
How Hard is the CPA Exam in Kansas?
If you're taking the CPA exam in Kansas or any other state, it will likely be a difficult experience. Regardless of the jurdisction, candidates have reported a challenging experience